2018 RHP had interesting email exchange last spring with RC and HC at a D-1. Some 6-months later I am still thinking about it and wonder how to move forward. Especially since RC just invited him to visit campus as soon as possible. I will try to summarize:
- 2018 emailed RC (cc'd HC) last May with an update and some HS game video highlights.
- Son got positive reply from RC. Your generic, "Keep working, looking great, finish the academic year strong, keep me posted." Type of reply. Very encouraging for 2018. Fairly standard positive reply I realize, nothing special. But at least a reply.
- Then comes an email minutes later to 2018's "Inbox" from HC?? Email was addressed TO ASSISTANT COACH and reads: "Dear AC: From this video...don't love him.....looks like a very poor level of play......does he say what his velocity is?"
- Son forwarded to me with a "WTH????" It was clear to both of us what had happened. Son's original email with HS game video was sent to RC, but son also CC'd HC on it. HC coach must've thought email and video originated from his RC , I guess, clicked "Reply All," and then shared his opinion of 2018 with his RC, but inadvertently sent his honest opinions and perhaps most importantly his first impressions of 2018 as a prospect. Obviously his gut response and first impression of 2018 RHP, at least via video, was not a good one.
- Minutes later HC did send a very personal and apologetic email to 2018, saying he regrets son was made privy to his remarks, that it was not his intention to do so, and blamed it on his ham-handed technology skills. He didn't walk any of the negative remarks back (which was fine) he clearly was apologizing for allowing 2018 to read his candid remarks as they were not meant for him, but solely for his RC. For the record, I was very impressed at how HC handled this sticky situation. I thought he made what amends he could and were appropriate, and nothing more. In the end, the insight into a D-1 HC's honest opinion was rather serendipitous and even appreciated.
- Under my advisement, I suggested 2018 reply to HC and say that it was not a problem, that he appreciated the honest feedback from such a reputable source. He did just that in an email to HC and has since moved on.
Since that exchange from last May, son has stayed in touch with RC, and has continually gotten very positive feedback from RC. Most recent communique from RC was an invite to visit campus as soon as possible. We are now trying to figure out what to do, not to mention this campus is a good 15-hours drive one-way from our home and would be no small effort to visit.
My gut says, even though the RC appears to be very interested in son, the bottom line is the HC appears not to be as enthusiastic. I've always believed, "You only have one opportunity, to make a good first impression." For whatever reason it is my belief that the HC's first impression of my 2018 is not as positive as RC's. And the "well may be spoiled" for this potential recruit/HC relationship.
Question: Should son just move along and pretty much write-off this school and baseball program? Or should he just disregard, what appears to be, a cool reception by HC and keep it on his list of top schools he wants to study and play baseball at, in the hope that HC will come around and find the same honest enthusiasm for my 2018 RHP that his own RC has?