Regarding pitch speed, according to "Pro Baseball Tryouts", an 88-89 mile an hour fastball gives the player a rating of 50-59 on a scale that tops out at 80. One must throw 90+mph to obtain rating that put one in the highest 25% of the ratings chart.

Of course the player knows this and will attempt to throw with maximal intensity at the showcase. While there are subjective gradations for other aspects of one's pitches, the speed gun offers the only objective measure.

Pitching two innings for a 17 or 18 year -old pitcher would seem to be a light chore. But pitching to light up the radar gun and get hitters out in front of potential employers increases adrenalin production for any young pitcher.

Pitching during the off-season in these circumstances could be injurious, and potentially career threatening. A pitcher who has ignored or concealed pain in his throwing shoulder or elbow may enter the showcase hoping to impress, and by pitching at highest intensity overload the muscles and ligaments resulting in injury.

The baseball showcase has become a never-ending string of tryouts that are now aimed at high school players who desire to play either at the university level or the professional level. Showcase organizers have now become anyone with an Internet site and access to a baseball field. No rules standardize the execution of the showcase. Whereas tryouts at one time were free, they now generally have a price tag from $50 to $150 dollars per participant. They may last several days, offering players instruction during the showcase.

Dr. James Andrews