It's very common for a 13, 14, 15 year old to be very average or even below average and end up being and absolute stud at 18. Puberty, the weight room, conditioning, nutrition and old-fashioned work ethic are contributing factors. Role reversal is real in competitive athletics.

Showcases are Great. For kids that are physically ready to play college baseball. For kids that are strong, physical and athletic. For kids that hit it far, throw it hard and run really fast. The overwhelming majority of kids going to showcases are simply donating money, because they're physically not ready.

Free Advice Don't spend a dime on recruiting services. If your son needs a recruiting service. He's not good enough. For every kid that mildly benefits from a recruiting service, thousands have simply donated money for absolutely nothing.

Make no mistake about it. Travel ball recruiting is filthy and pitiful. It contributes to the transfer portal mindset. Calling other organizations players is classless. The ones doing it should not be trusted. It's always the same clowns. Players from those organizations lead the country in portal attendance. NLB has never recruited a player from another organization. Yes, I said never. We also don't utilize pick up position players. We have the same team every tournament. We're loyal to the players we start the season with. We keep things in perspective and respect our opponents, their coaches, players and parents.