10 Key Questions to Ask Before Signing Up for a Baseball College Showcase

The right showcase can move the recruiting process forward. The wrong one can waste time, money, and opportunity.

With so many showcase companies, camps, and exposure events to choose from, it can be difficult to know which ones are credible, structured, and truly built for evaluation. Not every event is created equal. Some focus heavily on instruction, while others are designed specifically for recruiting visibility. And even among recruiting showcases, the format, coach access, and player experience can vary widely.

Asking the right questions before registering is the best way to ensure that an event fits the athlete’s goals and delivers real value. Here are ten of the most important questions to ask before committing to a showcase.

1. What is the primary goal of the event—exposure or instruction?

This distinction matters. Instructional camps focus on teaching and reps. Recruiting showcases are built for coach evaluation and visibility. If the goal is to be seen by college coaches, the event must be structured around performance, not just practice.

Events like Diamond College Showcase are exposure-driven, meaning every part of the day is designed to give athletes a chance to be seen by the attending coaches.

2. Which colleges and coaches are confirmed to attend?

It’s important to know which programs are sending staff—and what their role is. Are they head coaches, recruiting coordinators, or assistants? Are they attending to evaluate, or simply to fulfill an appearance commitment? The more clarity the event provides, the better the decision.

Look for showcases that publish confirmed attending schools and provide regular updates as more coaches commit.

3. Will every coach see every player?

This is one of the most overlooked questions in showcase marketing. Some events are so large or disorganized that athletes perform in front of only a fraction of the coaches on-site. High-quality showcases ensure that all players are seen equally through small rosters, position caps, and a clearly scheduled format.

4. What does the schedule look like?

Knowing how the day is structured helps set expectations. Does the event include timed testing, defensive and offensive workouts, and live game reps? Are players guaranteed enough time to showcase their skills at their primary position? Look for a schedule that’s transparent and designed to showcase—not waste—every athlete’s time.

5. What are the roster sizes and position caps?

Too many events overload teams with players at the same position, which leads to limited reps. Pitchers may only throw one inning. Catchers may only receive a few throws. Infielders might sit half the scrimmage.

Ask how many players will attend, and how many per position. Smaller rosters and role-specific caps create better visibility.

6. What measurable testing will be done—and how is it recorded?

Most recruiting showcases include testing such as the 60-yard dash, exit velocity, throwing velocity, and pop times. But how that data is collected, verified, and shared varies by event.

Events like Diamond College Showcase use structured testing stations to ensure consistency, then provide athletes with verified metrics they can use in future outreach.

7. Will players receive feedback or a post-event report?

After the event, it’s helpful to have something tangible—metrics, coach notes, or a performance report. While not all events include written evaluations, the best ones provide clear feedback or data that helps athletes understand where they stand.

8. How are players grouped—by graduation year, skill level, or position?

Groupings affect exposure. Showcases that separate players by grad year or ability level can lead to more apples-to-apples comparisons. Mixing all athletes together, regardless of stage or skill, can make it harder for coaches to evaluate consistently.

9. What is the player-to-coach ratio?

This number directly impacts how much attention each athlete receives. A 10:1 ratio is very different from 30:1. Smaller ratios give coaches more time to evaluate and allow athletes to ask questions or interact casually throughout the event.

10. What does the total cost include—and are there any hidden fees?

Some showcases advertise a base price, then charge additional fees for video, reports, or “premium” access. Make sure the full value is transparent. Ask what’s included in the registration—meals, insurance, metrics, video—and whether any add-ons are required.

Also check for refund or credit policies in case of injury, cancellation, or weather-related adjustments.

Choosing the Right Fit

A well-run showcase creates real recruiting value. It gives athletes meaningful reps, face time with college coaches, and actionable data that can be used after the event. It also builds confidence and experience by placing players in a competitive, college-scouted environment.

The right questions can make all the difference. Knowing what to ask—and what to look for—helps ensure that every showcase experience supports progress instead of creating setbacks.

The decision isn’t just about the logo or price. It’s about structure, access, and clarity. Ask the right questions, and the right opportunities will follow.