Prospecting talent

by Matthew Ondesko, Managing Editor

Photos: WNY Prospects

There was a time when a player would finish his high school baseball season and that would be it for the summer. Maybe they would play house league baseball just to stay sharp, or maybe they would play a different sport.

That was then, this is now.

Times have changed as playing ball in college has become more intense. While players still play one or more sports in high school, there has been a shift to where players will focus on one. Because of this, travel sports have become more prevalent than in the past.

Travel baseball is a big deal, especially more in the Northeast where a high school baseball season maybe only 16 games because of the weather. Travel ball allows the kids to hone their skills, while getting in extra games and tournaments.

“Western New York travel baseball has really evolved in the past five to 10 years. There are a lot of good programs around and a lot of good baseball people that are in it for the right reasons,” stated WNY Prospects Jeff Helmbrecht. “What I feel separates us is our ability to keep players in the program from start to finish. Also develop a strong indoor winter program with amazing instructors. Every coach and instructor has a personal relationship with every player in the program on some level.”

WNY Prospects in the premier travel baseball team in the area. They boast a lot of alumni who have gone on to play top-level college baseball. After their seasons are done, alumni come back to coach, and help out, the various travel teams.

This allows the players in the program to see what it takes to get to the next level. Having someone who has done it before shows these kids that if they put in the handwork it could happen to them as well.

“Being an alum of the Western New York Prospects program holds a special significance for me. I moved to Buffalo in 2017 during my junior year of high school, and the Prospects were the first program I connected with. It’s incredible to now give back to the same organization that played such a pivotal role in my development,” stated Thomas Evans. “Helping young athletes who are essentially in the same position I was, playing for the same coaches, provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact. It’s also cool to come back and see how the program has evolved since I aged out, watching its continued growth and development. I truly appreciate the chance to guide these players and share my experiences, helping them reach their potential in the same way I was supported.”

While the spring season has just started, the real work is done in the offseason. Players can’t expect to come to spring practice and dominate if they didn’t put the work in during the winter. The winter months are long in Western New York.

The Prospects are going hard all winter, as the boys look to improve before they step on the diamond this spring.

“I feel like the pressure and hardwork comes from the winter program. When it comes to the spring and the summer, it’s basically play,” stated stated Helmbrecht.. “Make some minor adjustments here there but you’re not gonna change anything drastically once you start playing. as far as the colleges Being around it’s more excitement than nervous and pressure.”

Added Vinny Cuviello- pitching coordinator: “This is a vital time for the athletes as I look to break down mechanics and skills and focus on the fundamentals of the game. Also allows for kids to get more 1-1 time with coaches.”

Video has also become more important than in years past. Before players would just try and make adjustments during their at bats. Now, the players have a chance to get the information right away. They can look at video during the game.

After a practice they can go back and study their swings and see what adjustments they need to make. Or, they see where they need to position themselves better on the field to make the play look routine.

“It’s very important to break down any flaws that you might’ve had from the previous season. We do a lot of video where players can see where they need to make adjustments,” stated stated Helmbrecht. When you bring in a new players you have no idea what you’re getting other than the raw ability that you might’ve seen in a tryout. It’s a different type of intensity but at this point with spring rolling around, it starts to get stale and we are ready to get outside and see the fruits of our labor.”

Added Brett Helmbrecht: “The off-season is the most important of a players development. It is the time to break down mechanics whether it catching, hitting, pitching or fielding. The winter program is also a crucial time for the weight room where you have the ability to max out in your exercises because the athletes are not currently competing where your body can take a few days to adjust if need be.”

When the offseason work is done, it’s time to get on the diamond and get to work. These players grind through a quick high school season, that sees a lot of games in a short amount of time.

As soon as the high school season is over, it’s right to summer ball. Here the Prospects teams are scattered all over the place as they start playing in tournaments. The success of the Prospects is not lost on the coaching and players. They have witnessed firsthand the success in tournament play throughout the years.

The coaches also get the boys to play with in themselves, especially when college coaches are in the stands. It’s easy to get nervous when you see people that can decide your future.

“When parents consider having their son join the Prospects, what stands out is the fact that we’ve been around for a long time and have built a recognizable brand in Western New York travel baseball. This longevity speaks to the consistency and reliability of our organization. But more than that, it’s the growth and evolution we strive for every year,” stated Evans. “We are always looking for ways to improve, and that mindset extends to how we coach. Our commitment to getting better ensures that every player is getting the best version of us, as coaches, year after year. While it’s not about being 'better' in a traditional sense, it’s about constantly pushing ourselves to evolve, which means your son is getting a more refined and effective product each season.”

This is what the Prospects are all about it. They are a family. These kids join the program at a young age and just keep growing. The coaches put their heat and soul in trying to get the best out of every player that joins the organization.

Having coaches that have been though it, allows the kids to relate easier. Players want to know that their coaches have gone through the same things as them - and just aren’t dad’s coaching their sons.

“I believe it's a significant advantage for the Prospects to have coaches who have played at the highest levels. Not only have we played at top-tier levels, but many of us, including Brett, Han, and myself, have also played within the Prospects system itself,” stated Evans.”This experience allows us to bring a unique perspective back into coaching, showcasing the potential and capabilities of our system. It gives players a clear standard to aspire to and creates a tangible image of what success can look like. As coaches, our mindset is always to help players surpass where we were at their age—our goal is to accelerate their learning curve and help them get to where we were, or even beyond, faster. That’s what drives us in how we coach.”

Added Cuviello: “ It’s huge for the kids to know the coaches' backgrounds in baseball and where we've been. I think it adds a spark and some extra attention in their listening to our instruction when they know our baseball experience. Many of the players have aspirations to continue their playing careers in college like we have.”