The purpose was to find out what people thought, not what they knew.

In fairness to the voters, we were ready with tips from pro scouts and other experts on the issue of what scouts look for. We first wanted to see what the perceptions were out there.

This survey also introduced a new look and new approach to presenting our results... graphic charts, not just data tables.
Choose from the pop-up menu to see the results in each category.

Survey results... Where should you play to get noticed? How successful does your team have to be? Which association gives you the best chance? What should you do on the field to get noticed? What position gets scouted most? What do you have to do at the plate? How does a pitcher get noticed? Who gets drafted more or sooner? Should you be a superstar at one position or...? What happens if you make an error?

There are some odd results noticed by WebBall. As to who gets drafted, almost everyone says left-hand pitchers. If that's true then why do the same people think left-hand batters would also be high on the list? Also when asked how to get noticed, most people replied "play consistently" - in our opinion that won't get you noticed by a scout, but it will make your current coach happy!

Another observation from us... Many of those who said batters just have to make contact (not strike out) also said pitchers just have to keep balls in the infield. So if batters hit grounders and pitchers only give up grounders - then who impresses anyone?

I have an unfair advantage of working at a college and around college ball. The scouts we see like to come early, observe warm-up, get the gun out, and check pitch velocity early. If the velocity isn't there early, the scouts tend to leave early.
- Jeff Taylor (True. Which means being a relief pitcher, or going 3-5 over the course of the game, or playing better after an error are unlikely to help you get noticed.)

You can be anywhere it doesn't matter. If you throw 90+ or hit 600 and hit for power they will come. Bottom line: if you put up the numbers then you show it at a tournament - bang! An example: a lefty hits 91 mph as a junior at a major work out. Then, in his senior year, at his first game, 25 scouts suddenly appear.
- Coach Franks

I feel the questionaire is superficial. Why not survey pro and collegiate scouts? Ask about scholarships etc.? The parents in my town are all thinking college help - not pro futures. I think this is where most parents are at with college tuition at $25,000 per year.
- Len Boylan.

And WebBall agrees. As noted above this was a "set up" before the pro advice which has since expanded into many pages of tips on scouting.