Thoughts about AAU and High School Teams and your future

Seems like I am constantly having parents and players ask me if I know of any good summer teams to play on. The high school season hasn't even hit full stride, yet as most parents of young athletes in any sport are well aware of there is no down time for your sports any more. You must always be looking for the next season while in the middle of your present one. Seems silly but it is the way of the world. It's a bit different from life 20 or 30 years ago for high school athletes.
These are some thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of AAU and high school teams. Two of my daughters are involved with AAU basketball for the past 7 years and they have enjoyed their experiences. I have also met players and coaches of AAU baseball programs over the past number of years and watched a number of tournaments. My comments are based primarily on these facts and by no means are the end all to this topic. Consider it another tool as you all consider the best path to a successful baseball future:

1. AAU places you with a consistently larger number of high level players who are maybe more serious about becoming the best they can be than on a local school team. It certainly allows you to witness great talent outside of your local community and prepares you for tough competition at an earlier age than the generation before. It can also allow you to better evaluate your own abilites and chances for college play faster than someone who does not have this wide exposure.

2. The pressure to win as a team is greater in High School than in AAU. I equate the AAU experience to minor league baseball. I know in the minor leagues we always wanted to win our games but it was a distant second to us getting to the big leagues asap. Consequently there were games where it didn't seem to bother some players if we won or lost. I get the same vibe watching AAU games. Parents root for the win but root more for their child to have a good game because the college coaches may be there. Very understandable and natural feelings. High School games pit community against community, tradition against tradition. No matter what a teams record may be, there is a pride that creates a pressure to not let the school down in most games. People celebrate victories and lament losses more voraciously in high school.

3. College coaches like the convenience of AAU for recruiting and evaluating talent, but the deal isn't sealed unless the coach sees the player act in a pressure situation (see point #2), so don't discount the importance of representing your high school team in even the most lopsided of games. It's the mental apporach and attitude that ulitmately sells you over other players of like talent.

4. AAU is an investment, let's be honest. Like many marriages that have problems becuase of financial issues these teams can create some strong hostilities between player and parent, parent and coaches, players and coaches. It happens in every organization in all sports. Parents equate the amount invested with the amount of exposure (i.e. playing time) for their child. Understand the philosophy of the AAU organization before you sign on and ask the question if its that important to you so may avoid the stress.

5. There are many great college and pro players who never played on AAU or travel teams. It takes hard work and dedication to become the best you can be. There are many ways to get to the "promised land".

6. Remember that quality college and pro coaches project ahead when evalutaing a player. If you are struggling in AAU this year, don't panic. Or maybe you were only able to play local competition, the scouts are around and are watching your every action. Performing the fundamentals and hustling on the field can be done on what ever team you play on.

I hope this helps a bit. Personally, if I had a son who was a baseball player I would look to get him to play in the best competitive level I could afford. But I know that the most excitement he will have in competition will be representing his school. I hope you pitchers have the chance to enjoy the best baseball you can this year. Working hard doesn't cost you a dime!