WBP: “Rob what’s your baseball background and current position?”

RW: High School 1988 All-State Runner-Up Player of the Year Player, University of Hawaii, 4 year International Scout for Seattle Mariners, Currently Vice President, Goodwill Series, Inc. and MLB Promotional Rep. SSK

WBP: Can you describe the history of showcases and baseball events in your eyes, what have you seen develop over the years?

RW: My Dad, Bob Williams created the first baseball showcase in 1987. Its sole purpose
was to get the top players in Northern CA to play against the top players in Southern CA. It
started small and innocently and instantly became huge. Within 5 years, it was a national
event. At first the showcases were for the elite player now it seems to be every player feels
entitled to showcased.

WBP: Can you tell us the difference between scouts and college recruiters? What are they thinking, what demands are placed on them, etc?

RW: College recruiters wear shorts and scouts wear dress pants (dress code reasons)! The
professional scout’s sole job is to find future ML ball players. The college recruiter is trying
to find kids who are good enough to play for their program as well as academically survive
at their institution.

WBP: What is the purpose of showcases and events that host high school baseball players and how important are they?

RW: Depending on the showcase there are different levels of talent. The nationally
recognized showcases have in attendance between 250 & 500 scouts and college coaches.
At the minor showcases there are anywhere between 5 & 10 associate scouts and JC or
mid-level college recruiters. The purpose of these showcases for the player is to be seen.
The visibility is important for the kid’s future and also for scouts to see players compete
against better competition.

WBP: When should a player showcase his talent at an event? Can they go to just get some experience?

RW: Yes, generally around the 9th and 10th grade age is would be a good age in order to
open their eyes and see what the competition is like out there.

WBP: Does size matter? Do scouts and college coaches automatically discount smaller
players?

RW: In college size definitely does not matter. In today’s game, pro ball is starting to
change their thinking. The more the David Eckstein and Justin Pedroia of the world produce
and the more success they have it breeds hope for others in professional baseball.

WBP: How important is attitude and hustle, and how do players best display these to scouts and college coaches?

RW: You never know who is watching. Both college and pro scouts watch players not just
for on field ability but also their off field behavior. They talk to the player’s coach, opposing
coach, teachers, and principal for character references.

WBP: What is the cut-off for pitchers in terms of velocity?

RW: For professional baseball, LHP- 87 mph & up. RHP- 92 & up to be seriously considered
by a scout. For college, it’s open. I’d say they take LHP -82 & up, and RHP -84 & up.

WBP: Will scouts and college coaches even consider a pitcher with a weak fastball but good control and an effective off-speed pitch (change-up)?

RW: Yes. College coaches survive with pitchers who COMPETE!

WBP: How important is a player's background (playing experience)? Does this count for anything in the eyes of a college coach or professional scout?

RW: Yes, the player’s background definitely helps whether it’s showcases, traveling abroad or competitive travel ball as stepping
stones in their development. The more experience one has, the more
confidence he should have playing the game.

WBP: Do scouts and college coaches take chances on players who seem to have good mechanics, etc., but are having a bad day at a showcase?

RW: All the time! Professional scouts base everything on the potential they can see in the player. Scouting is all about projecting. They have to look at a kid and say “where can he be in five years from now?”

WBP: What about strong hitters who are weak in other areas (fielding, running, throwing)? In other words, does anybody get noticed as a potential DH? Do players really need to be strong in all areas?

RW: Strong hitters who lack fielding can be labeled DH. As a younger player, you do not
want to get labeled as a DH!

WBP: How much is running speed a factor to a college coach or scout?

RW: To the professional it’s far more important than in college. Many a good ball player
has fallen short of professional standard because of their running speed alone.

WBP: How important are things like follow-up letters and thank you notes from players
after a showcase event? Does this help at all?

RW: It’s a polite gesture but doesn’t affect the player’s level of talent.

WBP: How much should a parent spend, and what information should be made available to both player and parents before choosing an event?

RW: Everything should be put in prospective, if you feel it’s beneficial and can afford it, go
for it! There is exposure and there is OVER exposure. It can be non beneficial for a player
to over attend showcases.

CONCLUSION

WBP: At the end of the day, what do parents and players need to consider when deciding or evaluating if an event is right for them?

RW: First and foremost, both players and parents must have a realistic idea of what the ability of the player is. There is never a guarantee and many players have been overlooked and passed by. The inner resilience of the player has taken average talent to the highest levels of success.
I like to see the players who are self motivated and don’t have to have the coach or parent tell them what to do in their preparation.
Just play the game!