So conversations I hear about scouts already looking at travel team kids is not true?
A friend had one of his sons make it to the minor leagues as a pitcher. He did pitch a few MLB games but ran out of time, age wise I guess. I know there several academy’s around here from teaching fundamentals on up and they’re covered up with business.
I think the backlash is that it has become very BIG business, like all things popular. It ends up ending itself.
11 years ago I was impressed being at a tournament and for the first time seeing the caliber of players that were well beyond what we were when I played.
Scouts are looking at travel teams. They aren’t watching some U trip AA tourney in McCalla tho. They are watching 14u and up showcase ball. And I’m not talking a team of local kids going to a PG tourney. There are travel teams and then there are elite showcase teams. Look up Dulin Dodgers. Or Chet Lemons juice. And Viper baseball academy usually has strong teams. These are teams with real deal high school talent.
But you said 11 years ago you were impressed at a travel tourney. I believe that. But now travel at younger ages is so watered down. Travel ball for most kids at 8u - 13u is just glorified rec ball. Not trying to hurt anyone’s feelings. But it is what it is