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My dd said way too much "wait time" at cages. Her group only got two bats yesterday afternoon in one hour session. Other than that, she seemed to really enjoy it.
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HOW DO YOU SIGN UP FOR THIS SHOWCASE AND HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE?
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www.kfastpitch.com
You have to be in high school, but it is often difficult to get in if your are a freshman.
You have to be in high school, but it is often difficult to get in if your are a freshman.
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I know you don't care, but this is my analysis:
Kent State
The hitting, pitching, and catching showcases draw a lot of college coaches. They like this camp because they can walk among the players. If you are a lefty pitcher, by all means, this is a great opportunity. If you are in the pitching showcase, you need to go in knowing that there is an hour and a half--take your time and pace yourself. Catchers get quite the workout as well and don't really have a chance to pace themselves.
The infield and outfield sessions didn't seem to have as many coaches, but it would be difficult for them to walk around. Maybe they were out in the crowd.
QDSN
If you are a pitcher, this is an excellent opportunity to be seen a lot. I saw a lot of coaches at all the cages and watching both games.
If you are a catcher, this is also a decent showcase, but the change to one game limits the amount of time you can show your throws to first, second and third base. My daughter actually thought she was in the cage to catch for the pitcher and didn't even know she was being watched--makes sense though because there really isn't much that you do besides calling pitches and catching.
If you are an infielder, the game time can be a great time to show off--if the ball goes your way. However, the limit to one game hurts the infielder as well.
If you are an outfielder, you had better hope the ball goes your way, AND you better hope it doesn't go in the net. With one game you do not have much time to show your stuff.
If you are a great batter, this is a chance to show your stuff. More batting time would be great, but it would be difficult to do with live pitching and limited pitchers. Make every at bat count. I would certainly not walk if I could help it (expecially in the cages) as it is a wasted chance to show yourself off. Remember that college coaches are often looking at your batting form.
Even with the limited exposure that infielders and outfielders received, the total overall experience should have been worth the money. Learning how to contact coaches and having those reminders of when to send coaches information is a valuable tool. Plus, if you asked a coach to see you, they may have taken the time to do so.
Kent State
The hitting, pitching, and catching showcases draw a lot of college coaches. They like this camp because they can walk among the players. If you are a lefty pitcher, by all means, this is a great opportunity. If you are in the pitching showcase, you need to go in knowing that there is an hour and a half--take your time and pace yourself. Catchers get quite the workout as well and don't really have a chance to pace themselves.
The infield and outfield sessions didn't seem to have as many coaches, but it would be difficult for them to walk around. Maybe they were out in the crowd.
QDSN
If you are a pitcher, this is an excellent opportunity to be seen a lot. I saw a lot of coaches at all the cages and watching both games.
If you are a catcher, this is also a decent showcase, but the change to one game limits the amount of time you can show your throws to first, second and third base. My daughter actually thought she was in the cage to catch for the pitcher and didn't even know she was being watched--makes sense though because there really isn't much that you do besides calling pitches and catching.
If you are an infielder, the game time can be a great time to show off--if the ball goes your way. However, the limit to one game hurts the infielder as well.
If you are an outfielder, you had better hope the ball goes your way, AND you better hope it doesn't go in the net. With one game you do not have much time to show your stuff.
If you are a great batter, this is a chance to show your stuff. More batting time would be great, but it would be difficult to do with live pitching and limited pitchers. Make every at bat count. I would certainly not walk if I could help it (expecially in the cages) as it is a wasted chance to show yourself off. Remember that college coaches are often looking at your batting form.
Even with the limited exposure that infielders and outfielders received, the total overall experience should have been worth the money. Learning how to contact coaches and having those reminders of when to send coaches information is a valuable tool. Plus, if you asked a coach to see you, they may have taken the time to do so.
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Wow, some of the comments about how few pitchers were over 60 mph made me feel like I've been in a time warp. I've got a kid who will be on the pitching roster for a Division III college this spring, and she had the benefit of attending two of the combo Kent State/Whiteside weekends as well as two of the European Indoor Cups. I've also watched a gazillion travel games; last year my focus was on 16U as our DD decided to take her first summer off and my spouse was an assistant coach at that level. Unless things have REALLY changed in the last six months, there just aren't that many high school young ladies in Ohio who, on command, actually throw at or over 60. (I'm guessing 15, 25 at most, some of whom are seniors who have already committed and some of whom may not have applied to the Showcase) and as pointed out above not all of those are effective against very-good to elite hitters, because they can't hit their spots/combine movement on the fast ball or they don't have enough set-up pitches. So . . . would we really want Kirt Whiteside to make 60+ a sina qua non if it meant that the percentage of Ohio participants dropped significantly?
As for the comment that some of the coaches at the KSU clinic told a DD they couldn't believe that she wasn't in the QDSN, there are several things to note. First, the Whitesides have a virtually impossible task of trying to deduce who has padded her profile and who hasn't. Second, if the spring BEFORE the showcase you provide Kirt with the major summer tournaments that your DD will be attending, he'll most likely check her out personally. Third, I don't think that it is any secret that the tournament also serves as the one opportunity for the teams attending the Indoor Cup to get some playing experience together, so those pitchers have an automatic spot in the tournament (except for any seniors who have already committed to a college; probably at the expense of team cohesiveness in the Indoor Cup, the Whitesides make sure that in the QDSN tournament the college coaches are watching girls who still benefit from that review). (BTW, I wouldn't be surprised if our DD played in the showcase only because of the automatic spot). Fourth (and I have never actually asked any of the Whitesides about this), there could be a bias in the selection process that favors juniors and seniors whose time window for exposure is coming to a close. A fifth, but distant, possibility is that some coaches were buttering up pitchers at the clinic on Saturday with a bit of exaggeration. (I really DO believe that this is a distant possibility).
If all of the above seems a bit defensive of the QDSN and the Whitesides, I freely plead guilty. I can't imagine undertaking the time commitment plus exposure to criticism that the Whitesides assume every year and I KNOW that many high school fast pitch players in Ohio would miss significant collegiate opportunities without the QDSN and the new QDSS.
As for the radar machines, I guess I'd be surprised if the equipment that the Whitesides have purchased in the last few years were less accurate than a JUGS gun (saying the times are 2-3 mph slower than a JUGS gun doesn't mean that the JUGS gun is the more accurate measure), but maybe somebody out there knows differently.
Finally, luvthegame: that lefty H.S. junior that you referred to doesn't happen to be a Division III pitcher from semi-rural Central Ohio, does she? That's a special one.
As for the comment that some of the coaches at the KSU clinic told a DD they couldn't believe that she wasn't in the QDSN, there are several things to note. First, the Whitesides have a virtually impossible task of trying to deduce who has padded her profile and who hasn't. Second, if the spring BEFORE the showcase you provide Kirt with the major summer tournaments that your DD will be attending, he'll most likely check her out personally. Third, I don't think that it is any secret that the tournament also serves as the one opportunity for the teams attending the Indoor Cup to get some playing experience together, so those pitchers have an automatic spot in the tournament (except for any seniors who have already committed to a college; probably at the expense of team cohesiveness in the Indoor Cup, the Whitesides make sure that in the QDSN tournament the college coaches are watching girls who still benefit from that review). (BTW, I wouldn't be surprised if our DD played in the showcase only because of the automatic spot). Fourth (and I have never actually asked any of the Whitesides about this), there could be a bias in the selection process that favors juniors and seniors whose time window for exposure is coming to a close. A fifth, but distant, possibility is that some coaches were buttering up pitchers at the clinic on Saturday with a bit of exaggeration. (I really DO believe that this is a distant possibility).
If all of the above seems a bit defensive of the QDSN and the Whitesides, I freely plead guilty. I can't imagine undertaking the time commitment plus exposure to criticism that the Whitesides assume every year and I KNOW that many high school fast pitch players in Ohio would miss significant collegiate opportunities without the QDSN and the new QDSS.
As for the radar machines, I guess I'd be surprised if the equipment that the Whitesides have purchased in the last few years were less accurate than a JUGS gun (saying the times are 2-3 mph slower than a JUGS gun doesn't mean that the JUGS gun is the more accurate measure), but maybe somebody out there knows differently.
Finally, luvthegame: that lefty H.S. junior that you referred to doesn't happen to be a Division III pitcher from semi-rural Central Ohio, does she? That's a special one.
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cgs, yes, the lefty pitcher you referred to was a coach magnet. In addition, another lefty pitcher was added at the last minute, and Mr. Whiteside was asked where he found her and thanked him for bringing her to the showcase. It is obvious that lefty pitchers are rare but also in demand.
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I would like to apologize for my previous posts which could possibly be misleading.
First, I would like to thank Kirt Whiteside for his extended efforts getting my daughter in late Friday night. Without exception, a great experience for her. Mr. Whiteside has extended opportunities to players that may not be available anywhere else or their 1st time opportunities.
This is a great opportunity for college prospects that are well prepared. I in no way intended to make any negative statements toward any players and hope no one took it that way. We are all in this with respect and and I applaude every player that attended and their efforts.
Thank you
Jeff Klopfer
First, I would like to thank Kirt Whiteside for his extended efforts getting my daughter in late Friday night. Without exception, a great experience for her. Mr. Whiteside has extended opportunities to players that may not be available anywhere else or their 1st time opportunities.
This is a great opportunity for college prospects that are well prepared. I in no way intended to make any negative statements toward any players and hope no one took it that way. We are all in this with respect and and I applaude every player that attended and their efforts.
Thank you
Jeff Klopfer
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DD attended both the KSU camp and the QDSN...what a looong day. The pitching part of the camp was great exposure for them as there were alot of college coaches there all day watching. Good way for the pitchers to showcase their talents. Probably will not attend again next year.
?Was also surprised after reading all the Player profiles that most pitchers were consistently throwing in the low 50's (I think all profiles said they threw 60+) ?Speeds were pretty accurate (a few mph's off). DD hit 60-63 several times, but consistently hit 58-59 mph. That is the speed she was clocked at during the College Prospects showcase at Washington & Jefferson College also. She started off striking out a lot of the batters, but her pitching and speed definitely dropped off after she threw to sooo many batters. What an exciting and exhausting day for these girls.
?Was also surprised after reading all the Player profiles that most pitchers were consistently throwing in the low 50's (I think all profiles said they threw 60+) ?Speeds were pretty accurate (a few mph's off). DD hit 60-63 several times, but consistently hit 58-59 mph. That is the speed she was clocked at during the College Prospects showcase at Washington & Jefferson College also. She started off striking out a lot of the batters, but her pitching and speed definitely dropped off after she threw to sooo many batters. What an exciting and exhausting day for these girls.
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To use it you have to bring it...luvthegame said:
I'm so used to having Rachael's regular catcher with us that it wasn't until I was negotiating the I-76/I-77 maze around Akron that I remembered that I was going to have to catch.
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TheBearMay
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My daughter attended both the KS camp and Ringor Showcase the previous 2 years. Last year was the 1st year that the guns were used and I did think that the speeds were a couple of mph's slow. However, there are a couple of factors that need to be considered. 1) The girls are throwing off of AstroTurf and a rubber that is taped down - there is now way that they are going to get the drive and plant that they would off of dirt. 2) Most girls are not pitching competitvely right now so they are not in mid-season form. 3) Some of girls that hit the higher speeds were leaping because they knew that it would not be called.
We chose to not attend the camps this year as my daughter thinks that she knows what she will be doing next year. We very much enjoyed them in the past and they were done very well. Also, keep in mind that Kirt is always perfecting things - I'm sure that he appreciates the constructive comment here.
One comment on the pitching speeds. My experience is that a college coach has a picture in their mind as to what they want and what certain girls can do for them. While speed is important, the number that comes up on a display, indoors in the middle of winter, is low on the list of priorities. I can't think of a time that my daughter threw for a travel team try-out or for a college coach that their gun came out of the case.
We chose to not attend the camps this year as my daughter thinks that she knows what she will be doing next year. We very much enjoyed them in the past and they were done very well. Also, keep in mind that Kirt is always perfecting things - I'm sure that he appreciates the constructive comment here.
One comment on the pitching speeds. My experience is that a college coach has a picture in their mind as to what they want and what certain girls can do for them. While speed is important, the number that comes up on a display, indoors in the middle of winter, is low on the list of priorities. I can't think of a time that my daughter threw for a travel team try-out or for a college coach that their gun came out of the case.
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I agree with the above. The over emphasis on radar gun readings is a little silly. There is no doubt that accuracy, poise, good movement and a great attitude are equally important components that a college coach is looking for. Speed is important but not the end all be all.
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I think it is interesting my dd was not invited because she "only" throws in the high 50's (at 2 different try-outs this fall). When we asked why she was not we were told she had to hit at least 60 to be considered. Seems my daughter was penalized for being honest !! Which I will insist she remain honest in the future. I feel if you tell a college coach you can pitch a certain speed, they will not be impressed when you miss by 5 mph.
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sballfan-If you waited until this past fall to apply you were late for the 2007 QDSN, or at least that is the way I read your post.
They are taking pre-applications for 2008 QDSN now along with the QDSS at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC for 2007. It is slated for Labor Day weekend I believe.
They are taking pre-applications for 2008 QDSN now along with the QDSS at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC for 2007. It is slated for Labor Day weekend I believe.
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I may be a little out of line here, but I think it is highly irrelevant what brand of gun they were using. ?Correct me if I'm wrong, all the girls were clocked with the same brand of gun. ?Therefore the playing field for all pitchers was equal. ?
The way it sounds to me, by not being in attendance and just reading from previous posts, the majority of the pitchers were just average, and no radar gun is going to change that. ?We have all seen pitchers that really light up the glove, and don't need a gun to know that they are bringing it. ?Just sounds to me, that most of the pitchers and parents had their bubbles burst this weekend. ?
60+ MPH looks great on a resume, but its just a number that few can actually obtain, and MAINTAIN. ?Theres alot more to pitching than that. ?JMHO
The way it sounds to me, by not being in attendance and just reading from previous posts, the majority of the pitchers were just average, and no radar gun is going to change that. ?We have all seen pitchers that really light up the glove, and don't need a gun to know that they are bringing it. ?Just sounds to me, that most of the pitchers and parents had their bubbles burst this weekend. ?
60+ MPH looks great on a resume, but its just a number that few can actually obtain, and MAINTAIN. ?Theres alot more to pitching than that. ?JMHO
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I would be interested to know how much response players have had from college coaches so far this week as a result of the weekend.
Of the responses they've had, was it as a result of being seen at the Kent State Clinic or QDSN. Lastly, was the response a result of their contacting the coaches prior to the weekend?
Of the responses they've had, was it as a result of being seen at the Kent State Clinic or QDSN. Lastly, was the response a result of their contacting the coaches prior to the weekend?
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I always heard how speed is less important from 16U through college, so I'm surprised to see all of this discussion solely based on speed. Did the coaches watch other kinds of pitches from the participants? Seems like a lot of colleges go for pitchers who throw a lot of other types of pitches, which may be harder to hit than fast balls.
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You have to remember that in order to draw coaches, Kirt needs to give the coaches what they ask for. As far as pitching, coaches wanted lefty pitchers (of which I believe there were maybe 3 there) and speed of 60s. Kirt tries his best to give what the coaches ask for.
I felt bad for the girl my daughter caught for as she never proved that she could pitch faster since she mostly pitched change ups at 52 mph.
I felt bad for the girl my daughter caught for as she never proved that she could pitch faster since she mostly pitched change ups at 52 mph.
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My daughter received an email from one college already. We were unable to contact coaches due to her late entry Thursday night. Then I had a choice between making a skills video for a player attending or sending emails. I decided not to send last-minute emails and created the video instead.
However, we sent emails to coaches inviting them to the Kent State Showcase.
This coach saw my daughter on Sunday (did not attend Saturday) at QDSN but was one of the coaches she invited to Kent State several weeks before.
However, we sent emails to coaches inviting them to the Kent State Showcase.
This coach saw my daughter on Sunday (did not attend Saturday) at QDSN but was one of the coaches she invited to Kent State several weeks before.
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My dd is a 2010 recruit and received an "interested" email SUNDAY evening.
I have already sent Kirt and his staff a Thank You note, but I wouldn't mind doing it again....THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I have already sent Kirt and his staff a Thank You note, but I wouldn't mind doing it again....THANK YOU SO MUCH!
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