As a baseball mom, there are two topics I’m asked the most about – what/how much I feed my sons and showcases. Seems random, I know. But, there’s actually a pretty keen correlation – when a baseball player has started going through puberty they get hungrier and stronger. Hence, the famine of a young training teen leads to parents’ questions about food; their teens’ incoming strength leads to questions about showcases. For high school baseball players looking to play at the next level, attending a showcase can be a game-changer. These events provide exposure to college coaches and professional scouts, help athletes gauge their development and can increase their recruitment opportunities. However, showcases come with both benefits and drawbacks, making it essential to understand whether they are the right fit for your athlete.

Before I dive into the pros and cons, let’s do a quick review for those that might be new to this (we all were at some point!) that might need a quick course in Baseball Showcases 101.

What is a High School Baseball Showcase?

Let’s start from square one. A high school baseball showcase is an event – it could be one day or multiple days where high school baseball players perform in front of college coaches and scouts. Think of it as a big baseball audition! These events are typically attended by high school players who want to play college baseball and beyond. At a showcase, players go through different drills. Most showcases are measuring similar metrics however, the format can be slightly different from showcase to showcase. We’ve been to both large and small and I’ve found that a typical showcase includes a combination of workouts, evaluations and drills like:

60-Yard Dash: A key speed metric to see how fast a player is; times under 7.0 seconds are considered elite.
Hitting Metrics: How well can a player hit the ball? How fast is their swing? Does it have power? You might hear terms like “exit velocity (velo)”, swing analysis and rotational acceleration (a metric I had never heard of before last year).
Throwing Velocity: Simply put – how fast are the balls being thrown from the outfield and from the infield.
Pitching Evaluation: Speed of the pitch (velocity), control (spin rate) and form (the pitcher’s mechanics.
Catching Metrics: Pop-up rate, how the ball is caught and defensive capabilities.

Who Attends a Showcase?

Players are obviously at showcases. Coaches from both national teams as well as colleges, and pro scoutsare likely to be at elite showcases. You can expect them to be evaluating skills, taking notes and sometimes talking to players. You’ll see lots of clipboards, bucket hats (in the summer), radar guns and stopwatches. Coaches and scouts don’t always interact with the players – in fact, I wouldn’t expect them to – but they are paying attention!

What are the Different Types of Showcases

Not all showcases are created equal! There are several different showcase formats, each serving a distinct purpose:

1. Standard Showcases: A “standard showcase” is open to most players and typically the focus is on individual evaluations and metric tracking.

2. Showcase Tournaments: Unlike standard showcases, a showcase tournament or game allows players to be evaluated in live-game settings. There might be a day or night also reserved for typical showcases as well.

3. Academic Showcases: Designed for student-athletes with strong academics, academic showcases require a minimum GPA. One example is the Perfect Game Academic Showcase where players must have a GPA of 3.4 or above to attend.

4. Invite-Only Showcases: Reserved for highly ranked players, “invite-only showcases” are usually exclusive events for more elite players who have excelled at previous showcases, top tournaments or games. I say usually because I feel like there are a lot of showcases not marketed as “invite-only” but are actually just “standard showcases.”

What Organizations Host Baseball Showcases?

There are several organizations around the country that have showcases – some local and others national. Below is a quick take of some of the more mainstream showcase organizations: Perfect Game, Prep Baseball Report, Baseball Factory and Showball Baseball.

Perfect Game (PG)

Website: Perfect Game Showcases
Founded: 1993 by former scout Jerry Ford.
What Sets Perfect Game Apart: Trusted by MLB scouts and college recruiters, PG offers the most detailed player profiles and rankings.

Prep Baseball Report (PBR)

Website: PBR Showcases
Founded: 2005; operates in the U.S. and Canada.
What Sets Prep Baseball Report Apart: PBR has an extensive scouting network and video analysis tools to help players and coaches analyze their tools.

Baseball Factory

Website: Baseball Factory National Showcase
Founded: 1994 by Steve Sclafani
What Sets Baseball Factory Apart: Baseball Factory offers personalized evaluations and a comprehensive player development program, assisting athletes in navigating the recruiting process.

Showball Baseball

Website: Showball Showcases
Founded: 2007 by former pro players John Novak & Derek Ottevaere.
What Sets Showball Baseball Apart: Showball Baseball runs the only Head Coach Academic Showcase and the largest showcase camp in the U.S.

Benefits of Attending a Baseball Showcase

I believe showcases are a good idea for your baseball player for several reasons. For those baseball players that are hoping to play at the next level in college or beyond, showcases can serve as a helpful stepping stone in a player’s baseball journey. These events allow your athlete to record a baseline of metrics to see where they currently stand. And, once established, you’ll be able to sift through the data, the player’s evaluation and opportunities. Showcases offer several advantages for an athlete.

Showcases Can Provide Exposure & Recruitment Opportunities

Well-run showcases are typically attended by college coaches and pro scouts, providing a direct opportunity to impress decision-makers. At a showcase, coaches get to see your athlete in action. While they may not interact directly with a coach or a scout, remind your athlete that their metrics aren’t the only thing being evaluated – their “soft skills” are also being noted. While it might not show up as a metric on their profile or evaluation, having a good attitude, being a good leader, keeping composure under pressure, etc. are also on display for coaches. Remember – coaches are looking for future players to help their teams win. So, while amazing metrics are important, mindset is also key.

Some showcases act as a tryout, as well. In addition to getting metrics, your player may get selected to play on an elite team such as a national tournament team. If your player joins that team, they’ll likely get even more exposure and opportunities to be seen at different tournaments throughout your region or state, or even the country..

Finally, for those that do well at a showcase, there’s a good chance the organization will post on social media about your player. It could be that they were included in a leaderboard, had the best or highest of something or just had an amazing play. While certainly not the reason for attending a showcase, anytime you can have an authoritative figure in the industry tout your amazingness – that’s a good thing! BONUS – you can share with your following, as well!

PARENT TIP: Your athlete is not the only one being evaluated. Coaches and scouts may also pay attention to you, the parent. How do you react to success? How do you react to errors? What, if anything, are you saying to your player? My advice? Keep calm, offer encouragement – a quick thumbs up or smile – and just enjoy the day.

Showcases Measure a Player’s Progress

Showcases allow players to establish a baseline of sorts that can be used to help measure a player’s progress. During a showcase, a player will be assessed on their baseball “tools” – hitting, fielding, arm strength, speed and power. For those athletes that excel in all 5, they are known as a “5-tool” baseball player. I think everyone around me knew this term – my sons, husband, brothers and in-laws. I did not. (Remember when I said I started this journey because I needed a mama mentor who had been through it all? Nothing is off limits!). The first time my son was referred to as “toolsy” in a post-Perfect Game showcase evaluation, my sweet husband, who quickly realized I didn’t know “toolsy” was a compliment, had to explain.

Anyway…

At a showcase, position players, pitchers and catchers, are evaluated differently from each other. They each have unique metrics that contribute to the success of their position. Showcases allow coaches and scouts to zoom in on specifics that may not otherwise be obvious during a game. In general, the following are measured for position players, pitchers and catchers:

Position Players
Position players are usually evaluated on their overall athleticism, including their hitting, fielding, speed and IQ. To get more specific, a position player should expect to see their exit velo (how hard they hit the ball), bat speed and swing mechanics mentioned in their evaluation. For fielding, coaches and scouts are measuring their velocity (how fast they throw the ball), their accuracy and even their range (how much ground they can cover). Speed and footwork are definitely observed – is the infielder/outfielder fast? Smooth? Agile? Flexible? All of these are taken into consideration.

As mentioned, not all showcases measure the same metrics. At the 2024 PBR Super60 showcase, “rotational acceleration” was measured. What’s that you ask? Rotational acceleration (RA) is essentially how fast a hitter’s bat accelerates during a swing. My husband explained to me that it’s like a race car – how quickly can it get from 0-60? A higher RA means the bat is moving faster through the zone and this is important because it means increased bat speed which means more power AND with quicker bat speed, the hitter has more time to evaluate the pitch allowing for better timing and more consistent contact. BREATHE.

What’s a good RA? In his article about potential 2024 MLB prospects, Jacob Markle explains that Driveline baseball considers 15G’s a high rotational acceleration. During the 2024 PBR Super Sixty event, we were thrilled when we heard our son’s RA averaged 27.9 G’s and topped out at 30G’s! My point wasn’t to “glaze” my son but to share because this metric had never been measured, at least publicly, and we learned about it because of the showcase!

Pitchers
For pitchers, pretty much their every movement is being measured. From how their body moves (mechanics) to the velocity (speed) of the pitch, pitchers are put under a bit of a microscope. Coupling raw talent with skills and composure, coaches typically love when pitchers have an efficient, clean delivery that’s repeatable. Obviously the speed is measured but coaches and scouts are also interested in the spin rate which helps indicate control. And, they want to see what’s in the pitcher’s arsenal – what are they throwing? Fast balls, curve balls, sinkers, sliders, heaters, etc…

Catchers
Catchers have their own unique set of metrics being measured at a showcase. You can almost always expect to see “pop time” (how quickly can they release the ball and throw to second base) measured as well as how fast they can throw to all of the bases (to make that amazing out!). Catchers, believe it or not, are also measured on how they actually catch. ;) Do they move with the ball? Block balls? Frame the balls? Any and all of these considerations are something a catcher should expect.

Scouts also look at a player’s height, weight, and long-term physical potential. This doesn’t mean that the size of the player is the only indication of success – we all know there’s more to it. But it also doesn’t mean that the below-average-sized player should just pack up their bag and go home. The bottom line: scouts will notice any-sized player that has the right set of tools, PLUS grit, attitude and hard work.

Parent Tip: Before the showcase starts, remind your your player that despite all of the other players at the showcase, they are ultimately competing against themselves. Instead of eyeing the guy next to him, encourage your player to focus on what he can control – his attitude and focus. Metrics will go up or and down but having a consistently good attitude will always help.

Showcases Can Increase a Player’s Motivation

I believe that the sign of a true competitor is one who always seeks out the person who is better than them (or at least doesn’t shy away from them) and instead of just competing against them, they learn from them and are motivated by them. At a showcase, your athlete has the opportunity to not only be seen by coaches and scouts but to build connections with other athletes who are like-minded. Ever heard “iron sharpens iron”? It’s a family favorite that also happens to be a Bible verse (Proverbs 27:17 if anyone is interested) that says, “Iron sharpens iron so one man improves another.” Basically, it means you can improve yourself (and others) by being around others who will push you (positively). Showcases are like the ultimate baseball congregation of those wanting to get better. They are filled with young men who want to get better, faster, stronger; guys who may have different ways to improve but similar work ethic; guys who are all there because they have goals.

Sometimes, just being on a field filled with competitive energy can be enough to push a player to achieve a goal. Your player may be on the cusp of hitting that under-7-second 60 or above-90-mph pitch. Being surrounded by others who understand the work and effort that’s been put in and then encouraging your player simply by exerting good juju might give your player that extra “oomph” needed to hit their goal.

Parent Tip: When the showcase is over, your athlete will likely be exhausted both mentally and physically. No matter the outcomes or how they performed, let your player do the talking and keep it positive. And, once the results are released, remind your player to use them as a benchmark.

What Are the Potential Downsides of Showcases?

While showcases can be beneficial, they are not necessarily the right choice for everyone. For those attending a showcase, it’s wise to have realistic expectations about your player’s talent as these events really are meant for kids who want to play in college. What I mean by that is – going to a showcase is a great way to start gathering metrics to help you gauge your progress and it’s a great way to get in front of colleges and scouts. If you do great, then great! But, if you show up and simply don’t do well, those metrics are still going to be tracked. I’m not talking about, “I had a bad/sick day” situation – those will happen (but if you are sick, stay home!). I’m talking about the athlete who simply may not be ready for a showcase. Here are some key considerations when deciding if a showcase is right for your player.:

Showcases Require Time and Money

Attending showcases can be expensive – fees, travel costs and lodging add up quickly. If a showcase is local, you may save on some but the majority of players will likely need to travel to attend a showcase. Additionally, showcases take time. Not just travel time but there’s the time of the day of the event and even the time and cost it takes to train and prepare for a showcase.

We have always looked at showcases as an investment into our sons’ futures. I’m not saying that spending the time and the money to attend showcases is always easy because it is not – time has to be taken from work and other family activities, and the money spent could have been used for something else. However, I will say that for our older son’s situation, it definitely paid off. When he started attending showcases, he started to make a name for himself. Additionally, we were able to gather his metrics and have them in one place to track.

But, make sure you make the time and money worth it! I would strongly suggest not attending a showcase just to attend a showcase. If your player is not physically ready, then wait. There is no rush to start a showcase in middle school or even the beginning of high school. Kids develop differently. Some kids may be ready to start attending showcases at earlier ages than others. But, save your money and make sure your player is really ready to attend the showcase with intention.

Parent Tip: Headed to a showcase that’s far away? Research fun things to do, cool places to eat or areas to explore before or after the showcase. Make a little vacation out of it! For the past 15 years, most of our travel time with our kids have been centered around baseball. We try to make the most out of it when we can.

Players May Experience Performance Pressure

At a showcase, players are evaluated based on a single performance, and a bad day can impact their rankings and exposure. This puts a lot of pressure on a player. Early on, this type of pressure may really affect a player. But, just like with anything else, as a player gets used to attending showcases – just like they did for playing big games – that “pressure” will become less and less. Typically, players will attend multiple showcases throughout their prep career. So just remember that one showcase typically does not tell the entire story.

Parent Tip: Baseball is HARD! And, it’s no different at a showcase. But, baseball is also FUN! Don’t put extra pressure on your player. When going to a showcase, make sure your player is focusing on what they can control and to have fun!

Readiness Matters for Showcases

You would never place your child on a team where they simply aren’t ready. You would wait until they are properly trained and developed. Showcases are no different. For me, this is really the ONLY reason to not attend a showcase. If your athlete is not fully prepared to attend a showcase, don’t sign them up to attend. Players develop at different levels. Some may be ready to start showcasing at 13; others may be 16 or even older. But, going to showcases when they are not fully prepared can hurt an athlete’s recruitment chances.

This isn’t true just among your player and their friends but also within your own family. Remember – not every child develops at the same rate – even your own kids. So, just because one son may have started at 14 doesn’t mean that’s what’s right for the other. Be mindful, intentional and honest with your player’s level and only start attending these events when they seem ready to showcase.

Parent Tip: Showcases are a competitive event and therefore you want your player to be at a competitive level. If your player is not quite ready, that’s OK! Investing your time and money into training and development is a better option to get them to a competitive level.

Key Takeaways for Players & Parents About Showcases

Be Honest About Your Player’s Readiness: If your player is not prepared, consider investing in training before attending a showcase.
Performance is Permanent: Unlike games, a showcase performance is recorded and cannot be erased.
Choose the Right Showcase: Consider the format, competition level and exposure opportunities.
Track Your Development: Use showcases to measure progress and identify areas for improvement.

Attending a baseball showcase can be an invaluable step toward playing at the collegiate or professional level. However, it’s important to approach these events strategically by choosing the right showcase and preparing thoroughly. Whether you’re looking for exposure, rankings or training, the right showcase experience can help shape your baseball future.

For more information on upcoming showcases, visit:

Glove & Grace

A Baseball Mom’s Guide to High School Baseball Showcases