The Scouting Process
The process of getting noticed or spotting talent is complex. This section attempts to dispell some myths and outline the best steps to take.
The pages immediately below are mostly Q & A format, reflecting the main questions we've received over the years about scouts and the process.
Before you write to WebBall... We are not in a position to provide contact names/numbers for major league or college baseball teams. If you want to send a player profile on yourself, you will need to look up mailing addresses on each team's own website. For Major League Scouting Bureau open tryouts, check our calendar for 2007 - but dates will not likely be posted until early Spring.
Facing the Challenges
The hardest thing as a player (or parent) on the cusp of being scout-able is to be well informed. This section isn't meant to dampen enthusaism, but be realistic. The stats on player competition are based on real NCAA numbers. Other information is provided by site visitors.
What Scouts Look For
This may be more detail than a player needs - best to just focus on playing to your best. For coaches, however, what pro scouts looks for might help in your own evaluations, so we include some pages for scouting younger players as well as at the pro level.
Showcases and Clinics
We break down the pros and cons of clinics vs showcases, using as an example the Top96 events which WebBall strongly recommends.
To get more info on these clinics, complete our short
pre-registration form. We'll put you in direct contact with the event organizers.
Running Your Own Tryouts
When you're the youth league scout / try-out organizer, there a lot to consider. So we offer a game plan for prepping - covering advice from others, and your approach to the process.
Player Preparation
Check out the pages under Training > Timetable for player prep for Tryouts.
Knowledge Base
Extend your insights on the scouting process through links to our archive of frequently asked questions - many of the answered by a top level pro scout.
Recommended Products for and about Scouting
For Players & Parents
Given that the player's role in the scouting process is to prep and play as well as possible, then any number of featured items could help, but none more so than knowledge. The second thng you will need that you might not have is experience swinging a wood bat. The third thing you need is a list of college coaches.
For Scouts & Coaches
On the coach/scout side of the equation, we are past the days of subjective measurement - you need data. So radar and other measuring devices are important, as is the software to track player performance. Beyond that, look for tools that can make your scouting and tryout process easier. more comfortable, more productive.