Showcases. What they can and can't do for you.
Some players and parents think that just signing up for a showcase is enough. But not every showcase accomplishes what players and parents hope it will. Here's how to make showcases work for you.
So you’re headed to a showcase … now what?
Every summer, thousands of high school players spend hundreds of dollars (or more) to attend showcase events. They hope to get seen, stand out, and maybe even get an offer. But here’s the truth — Most players leave a showcase with no real recruiting momentum.
Not because they weren’t good enough.
Not because the coaches weren’t watching.
But because they didn’t understand how to maximize the opportunity before, during, and after the event.
What Is a Showcase, Really?
A baseball showcase is a skills-based event designed to evaluate players in a controlled setting. Most of these events promise attendance by a number of coaches and scouts, and speak to the potential for exposure — the magic words that often attract players and parents in the first place.
You’ll go through a rotation of drills and tests — often with college coaches or scouts in attendance and, often, actually running the drills and tests. Unlike tournaments, showcases don’t include full-length games (though some include simulated ABs or scrimmages). Some showcases that combine a true showcase of one or two days with tournament play following the showcase.
Typical stations at a showcase:
60-yard dash
Defensive reps and throwing
Infield mechanics and velo
Outfield mechanics and velo
Exit velocity or BP
Pitcher bullpens or live at-bats
Occasional situational gameplay
What Is NOT a Showcase?
The word “showcase” is often misused by tournament directors, and it is common to see the word “showcase” appear in the title of a tournament. However, a tournament without a skills-based component designed to evaluate players and record measurables is just a tournament. It might be a very good tournament, but it’s not a showcase.
What Coaches Actually Look For
College coaches are skilled at evaluating players. They are looking for athletic tools and projectability — not game stats.
Specifically, they’re watching for:
Raw athleticism and movement
Speed and power potential
Arm strength and mechanics
Current skill level compared to others in your class
Physical projection (how you might develop)
Pro Tip: Even if your performance or results at the showcase aren’t elite or up to your best (maybe your 60 time was slower than usual), it is important to remember that other very important things still get noticed — your body language, work ethic, attitude, consistency, etc.
How to maximize showcases: What to do before, during, and after a showcase
BEFORE THE SHOWCASE
Research the schools attending. Do any of those schools match your academic and athletic goals?
If any of them match your academic goals, contact them.
Reach out to coaches in advance. Email 3–5 days before the event:
Let them know you plan to attend.
Share your player profile, highlight video, GPA, and grad year.
Include your group number, jersey number, or scheduled workout time if available.
Train for showcase-specific drills (60, BP, INF/OF reps)
Pack smart:
Cleats and turfs (always take both)
Helmet, bat, glove, catcher’s gear (if needed)
Water, snacks, sunscreen
Clean gear — look the part
Clean uniform that fits
DURING THE EVENT
Warm up like it counts — coaches are already watching you; be aware of that
Hustle everywhere — again, coaches are watching
Be vocal — help others, show leadership
Don’t overdo it — smooth, controlled reps are better than max-effort flails
Treat every rep like it matters — you don’t have to be perfect.
Maintain composure — don’t overreact if you make a mistake. Baseball is a game built around failure, and coaches want players who know how to deal with it.
AFTER THE EVENT
Follow up with any coaches you contacted, or any coach who spoke with you during the event — thank them for attending
Ask for feedback (be brief and respectful)
Send any new video (if you have it, and only if it adds value)
Update your player profile with new metrics or highlights
Stay in touch with the coaches throughout your season, keeping them updated with your team’s progress.
Pro Tip: Don’t get discouraged if if a coach doesn’t reply right away, or at all. Sometimes it’s just a matter of timing and fit.
Recommendation — Use showcases strategically
I’ve had parents tell me that they are going to hold their son out of summer ball and “just go to some showcases.” Honestly, I’ve never seen a situation where that worked out, or was a good idea in the first place.
Bottom line — showcases can be valuable, especially when used as part of a broader recruiting plan:
Be picky — only go to showcases that fit your goals and your own capabilities.
Be realistic — if your measurables sit firmly between D3 and NAIA, don’t waste your time or money attending a showcase attended primarily by D1 programs.
Don’t focus solely on showcases — maintain an online profile, have video (workout and gameplay), pick target schools that are realistic for you, and email coaches regularly.
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