It is assumed the majority of high school coaches would be completely
honest with college coaches trying to recruit their athletes. Personally, do
you find this to be true?
Most felt high school coaches were honest. The issue mainly comes from
their evaluation and fully understanding what it really takes to be at the next
level. What that particular college requires and needs.
This is why college coaches rely on referrals from trusted resources. Not that high
school coaches aren’t trustworthy.
There are many student athletes that are good and could play in collegiate
baseball that you just don’t know about. What is the best way for them to
be introduced to you or your staff?
The number one answer almost unanimous was EMAIL US
Nothing elaborate mainly an introduction that the player is interested in the
program and would like to initiate a dialog. The email isn’t from parents – they
want the email from the player themselves.
What is/ are the worst thing(s) a prospective athlete can do when making
an initial contact or inquiry to a college baseball program?
Sending a ton of information, sending several emails in a short period of
time, calling more than a couple times and not following through on
timelines.
You have to respect a coaches time and realize it is valuable. They don’t want a
bunch of newspaper clippings, DVD’s etc. Just the basics - Name , home address,
phone/ cell #, email address, What year in school, HS name, HS coaches name &
number, height, weight, position(s) play and why you would like to play for that
program. Actual reasons (which means you better do some research on the team
and coach before you contact them). Not just “You have a winning program and I
like to win”. Send an initial email then wait at least a week to do a follow up if you
haven’t heard back. Again they are busy and you aren’t on their top priority at the
moment.
When should a player begin to “take control” of the recruiting process
(Fresh/ Soph/ Jr/ Senior)?
All emphasized a player should always be in control of the process and the
beginning of their junior year would be a good time to start their outreach.
It cannot be emphasized enough that coaches do not want to hear from parents
unless requested.
Finding a program is on you. Take control. Just because you are good it doesn’t
mean a coach knows about you. There are hundreds of good players out there.
College baseball programs have limited personnel, time and budgets so they can’t
see or know about everyone good. Introduce yourself – don’t rely on someone else
or a service to do it for you.