NoALDad posted:My son is a 2022 and I am very new to the baseball recruiting process. I was first wondering if given his current metrics if he should be trying to gain exposure at this time. And if so, what level should he be looking, what type of events/camps, etc.
He is a RHP/3B/1B, 6'5" 185 lbs. FB 82-84 avg, 86 max. Also throws slider, curve & change up.
Academically he is 4.0/4.0 scale and has yet to take the ACT or SAT.
Thank you in advance for any advice.
Frankly, coaches will show some initial interest based on his frame. However, serious interest is going to depend on what your son does, not what he projects. Coaches like numbers. Depending on what baseball skills or academic numbers your son demonstrates will determine the options available to him. It is all about options and understanding what those options can do for your son over his college and post college career. You want serious interest because that leads to offers. As others have suggested take the ACT/SAT ASAP to figure where your son stands and what paths are available to him. Examples below:
1) Door #1 - D1 Mid-Major - Coaches will be looking at mostly baseball skills. His "hook" will be his pitching velo or his hitting skills. Recruiting has already begun. Coaches are building lists now. His academic numbers may help him get a combination athletic and academic scholarship.
2) Door #2 - D1 HA - Coaches will be looking at the aforementioned SAT/ACT scores to determine if he can pass muster with Admissions. These schools are extremely academically selective. Your son has a 4.0 GPA, but more academic metrics are needed with these schools Academic scholarships are rare and Cost of Attendence is based on financial need. He'll also need a similar baseball skill level as Door #1 above. You want to get on the coaches radar and get in front of them either through academic showcases, camps or both
3) Door #3 - D2s/D3s. This is going to be the most diverse path. Again, depending on his baseball skill level and SAT/ACT scores there are a number of options here. A coaches serious interest in your son is going to be tied to either or both his baseball skills and academic performance. Scholarship are possible with D2. D3 are incredibly diverse and there are no athletic scholarships.
So, try to learn as much as possible about each one of these paths in the context of what your son wants. Then devise a plan to get the necessary exposure and communication with their coaches. Utilize all the resources you have to make those contacts including high school coaches, private coaches, Legion coaches, etc...
Recruited = passion + skill + exposure + persistence + luck
Good luck!