Last spring training we had a 1:00 game and I knew if I rushed, I could make my son Jordan's first varsity tournament. When I arrived at his game I saw 5-6 men in the stands behind home-plate. They were armed with radar guns, charts, and stop watches. You couldn't miss them -scouts. These are the guys parents dream and players long to have show up for their games.

The scouts you see at high school games are more than likely either area scouts, part-time scouts, or associate scouts. Every Major League Organization employs 20-40 full time area scouts. Depending on the organization an area scout may have as many as 8 states to cover. The area scout sees a prospect approximately 10-15 times over a 4 year span. Their primary responsibility is to find and report on prospects. A scouting report on individual hitting prospects includes some of the following:

• Running speed
• Hitting for average
• Power potential
• Hands - Defense
• Throwing arm
• Proper hitting mechanics
• Ability to make adjustments
• Mental make-up
• How much money the player should sign for
• Ability to make consistent contact

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