What does it take to make the USA Team?

[jbolt_2000]

So, I know there is a week long tournament going on this week in Arizona (N.C. for the East Coast teams) for the 14U USA Baseball Championships. I also saw that Mike Zunino won the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award.

So I was wondering, what does it take to make the USA team? How do you get noticed for these teams? Of all the pre-college teams to be on, is this the one (like being on the Olympic team or something)?

Just curious if anyone has had any experience or knowledge about the teams.

Thanks

[Baseball gLove]

Kids go to the National Championships (formerly known as the Junior Olympics) with a travel / scout team. Kids are picked based on their performance there. Many of the travel / scout team squads are established and already have slots reserved and you will need to find one of these squads. It is a great experience for the kids.

[Bolts-Baseball]

We were just down at the 15u USA Championships in Ft. Meyers a few weeks ago... Unfortunately, it was during Tropical Storm Debby so we only got 1 game in the 5 days we were down there. USA Baseball has players of their radar prior to these fundraising events. Players do get a look, as their is a USA representative at the games. We had an unusual experience because of all the rain - each team was given an hour or so at the Red Sox 5-Plex and at Terry Park's Indoor Cages and mounds and two-three USA reps were there to take notes... The hitters got 2 rounds of 10 or so pitches, and the reps took notes and made comments. The Pitchers got to throw a bullpen with radar guns and specific pitches were called out for them to throw. Basically, from what I saw, is that if the kid didn't touch 85 they turned the radar off...

[jbolt_2000]

I heard that you had to be referred to them by someone formerly in the organization before they invite you to their tryouts. Is that true?

[Baseball gLove]

I heard that you had to be referred to them by someone formerly in the organization before they invite you to their tryouts. Is that true?

No!!! Not true. Only the squads have to be recommended. The USA coaches watch the games and follow players that catch their eye. My son caught their eye in a morning game against the Indiana Prospects squad with their pitcher clocked at 91mph. My son hit a left gap bases loaded triple. He also bunted for a RBI single. They followed him to a game the next day in which he was played out of his normal position with a 11.25" infielder's glove in the outfield. He dropped an easy fly and I watched them walk away.