Are there any good books or websites that deal with getting prepared for the baseball recruiting process? Or for making yourself more attractive to recruiters?

The Recruiting Process, is complex and vast. There are many book and philosophies available, regarding the best approach. I spend a considerable amount of time, in this area myself. I'll offer the following....

 

1) Make a list of Camps/Showcases to attend, at Colleges where you might consider playing and have the ability to play.

 

2) Send a letter of interest to the Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, making them aware of you.

 

3) Be extremely honest, in the numbers/evaluations and don't say a player can throw 90 but never get higher than 85; or he can run a 4.4 and it's actually a 4.8. They'll dismiss any interest.

 

4) Academics, is critical and a solid BGP, combined with a very good ACT, will allow for additional financial help from the college. Transcripts should be copied and available to send. Make sure any student-athlete, possibly wanting to play DI or DII, registers with the Clearinghouse, his Junior year.

 

5) Send out regular season, summer and fall schedules, to Colleges who have expressed an interest. Videos usually 2-3 minutes, are a grea aid also.

 

6) Don't limit your schools, to those within a certain area mileage wise or a certain Division. Many very good programs, in DIII for example but no athletic money, but a lot of financial money.

 

7) Research the coach and staff, along with the University, as they will you. How often does he stay; What kind of placement in Professional Baseball does he have: How many players from in-state does he have and are there many transfers...

Great points, Strike3. You seem to have summed up the points that were shared with us last summer.

 

Someone also told us when researching the school to look at the players at that school in the position your son plays. If the team has a lot of young outfielders and your son plays outfield, for instance, that could be a factor in the decision.

 

When is the best time (freshman, sophomore, junior???) to send a letter of interest to the school?

Great points, Strike3. You seem to have summed up the points that were shared with us last summer.

 

Someone also told us when researching the school to look at the players at that school in the position your son plays. If the team has a lot of young outfielders and your son plays outfield, for instance, that could be a factor in the decision.

 

When is the best time (freshman, sophomore, junior???) to send a letter of interest to the school?

With regards to multiple players in the OF, for example, keep in mind that if Freshman step in and have an immediate impact in playing time, either they are exceptional or the team is not extremely competitive, if a 4-year program. Competition will only make a player stronger and the team better.

 

As for HS Freshman, I personally believe they should attend Camps, starting in the 9th grade for two reasons.

 

1) Proper Instruction - Many colleges, will hold Camps for Hitting and & Pitching, plus others will include Catching, Infield and Outfield. Learning the techniques of College programs, for individual use is invaluable for development and improvement.

 

2) Awareness - At the 9th grade, Coaches aren't looking for players to step in or measure accordingly, with current recruits but are looking for potential, athleticism, desire and potential. Being seen at an early age and returning to these same Camps, for evaluation and progression, gives the Coaches 3-4 years of progress and if they are interested, will make an effort to watch during HS or Summer ball.

 

Attend Camps during Freshman year and follow-up with letters, entering Sophomore season, prior to Nov. 1st. Many Camps will be held during the Winter and would be advantageous, for evaluation.

 

Attending as an 8th grader, is beneficial and gets the player acclimated also.

On this same subject, we try to keep updated and encourage everyone to utilize, the Baseball Camp threads, in the College Recruiting forum. If anyone knows of upcoming Camps, please post....

 

http://www.bluegrasspreps.com/showthread.php?t=101014&page=2

With regards to multiple players in the OF, for example, keep in mind that if Freshman step in and have an immediate impact in playing time, either they are exceptional or the team is not extremely competitive, if a 4-year program. Competition will only make a player stronger and the team better.

 

As for HS Freshman, I personally believe they should attend Camps, starting in the 9th grade for two reasons.

 

1) Proper Instruction - Many colleges, will hold Camps for Hitting and & Pitching, plus others will include Catching, Infield and Outfield. Learning the techniques of College programs, for individual use is invaluable for development and improvement.

 

2) Awareness - At the 9th grade, Coaches aren't looking for players to step in or measure accordingly, with current recruits but are looking for potential, athleticism, desire and potential. Being seen at an early age and returning to these same Camps, for evaluation and progression, gives the Coaches 3-4 years of progress and if they are interested, will make an effort to watch during HS or Summer ball.

 

Attend Camps during Freshman year and follow-up with letters, entering Sophomore season, prior to Nov. 1st. Many Camps will be held during the Winter and would be advantageous, for evaluation.

 

Attending as an 8th grader, is beneficial and gets the player acclimated also.

 

Great points, Strike3. Again, thanks a lot.

Check out the http://www.hsbaseballweb.com website. It is very helpful in all kinds of areas. The message boards are full of parents, players and coaches who have been through the process. They are very friendly as well.