Suggestions for Players and Coaches
by: Tom "T Bone" Baker
Here are some tips and insight into how to help your player "get scouted" by the professional baseball scouts. The source of this information is Pittsburgh Pirates scout Tom "TBone" Baker.
Players:
Play summer ball at the highest level possible:
The better the competition the better you become.
Attend tryout camps and showcases beginning with:
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The summer between your Sophomore and Junior years.
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Attend as many as possible (only one team has to like you).
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Watch the papers for announcements.
At the camp:
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Stretch and thoroughly loosen-up.
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Give it your best but stay within yourself.
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Don't hurt yourself for one day.
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Don't wait for tomorrow to get in shape.
Typical camp schedule of events:
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60 yard sprint in pairs.
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Run through the line.
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Catchers throw to second.
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Pitchers throw in bullpen
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Outfielders throw to third and home
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Infielders field grounders and throw to first.
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Selected players bat.
Game time:
Send schedules to scouts and college coaches:
Coaches
Send rosters to scouts and colleges:
Schedule better teams:
Play on weekends:
Play in tournaments:
Play in larger towns:
Report results to media:
Send data to scouts and coaches:
Communicate with school's main office:
College coaches should host a scout day for your team:
Host an off-season showcase for high school players:
A team or player web site is a great help:
It should include a schedule
Tips:
What do scouts look for?
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foot speed
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arm strength
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hitting ability
Scouting structure:
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General manager
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Scouting director
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Special assignment / advance scout
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National crosscheckers (2 to 4 for each team)
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Supervising scout (covers 3 to 4 states)
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Scout
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Associate scout