Advice on getting attention from far away schools??

It can be done but is difficult. My son's first two choices of schools were in the Carolina's yet we are in California. It was nearly impossible to get them to see him play and ultimatly, the one school that did make him an offer never saw him play.

We got their attention first with an unofficial visit. We followed that up with written evaluations that he had recieved from respect colleges and showcases.

When it came to his senior year season, we sent copies of every newspaper/media that featured my son. This included two pieces in USA Today and video clips from the local TV station that runs a HS sports show.

Ultimatly, they asked for a short video as well as scout and coaching references that they checked extensively.

He received an offer the last day of April his senior year from his #1 choice of school. This offer came after their first and second choices at my son's postion from their region had turned them down. However, he ended up taking an offer from a school in Texas and appears to be very happy with his decision.

Yes, you can get it done, but you have to be dilligent and be realistic with your chances.

If you have been to enough events and the marketing has been done correctly it can happen---keep in mind that coaches talk to each other on a regular basis---they do not necessarily have to see a player a multitude of times---word from others who have seen him can cement the deal


EXAMPLE---my son was in NY but ended up at New Mexico State based on word of mouth from coaches in the "circle"---they had never even seen him play in person

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But with both the issue is, they want to see him play again.

Hitahomer1 - welcome to the hsbbweb

I'll give you my take but have no idea if it is the right answer. It seems to me they have already seen him and that ought to be good enough. IMHO, if they want to see him again, maybe it should be at their expense.

Ironically, I did send my son to a college camp (far away) twice at my expense but we felt the first time was a learning experience for him and the second time he really showed much improvement. If you feel there are some things your son can improve upon, then maybe sending him a second time is a good idea.

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it. I wasn't sure if I should send news articles, but maybe I will. I'm glad to know that it can be done. He really isn't interested in any schools close. He is looking at the academics and the baseball. One school did say they would fly here at their expense when they called, but we haven't heard back from them this week.

I'm glad to be on the board. Have been reading for awhile - just don't have any sage advice for anyone - maybe after this process I too will have wisdom to share.

We used DVD to get offers from far away. If you do a good one you may not even have to give a live showing.
Most of our offers came with out the coaches even seeing my son live. A few said they wouldn't make an offer unless he went and worked out for the coach. The school he is at never saw him pitch other than the DVD.

Welcone to the HSBBW.

Most coaches don't offer out of state scholarships. For many reasons, but mostly they don't want to spend the money. They could get two in state players for the price of one out of state, so usually that player has to be a premium, especially if that state offers state scholarships.
Some coaches just don't recruit out of state, you shoud look at the roster and see how many they do, that is a big key in trying to get noticed, you might be the best in the country, they still prefer in state players. This does not refer to private schools.

I am not sure of the schools your son wants to play for, but I agree with ILVBB, he must be realistic in his chances.

Agree with TigerPawMom about out of state recruiting...and HitaHomer think about it this way - Do you really want your son to go to a school where they have only seen him on videotape or where he is clearly not the first choice? My son's experience started a year and a half before he committed, the coaches saw him several times, videotaped him, met with him on campus and off, Junior Day, campus tour, phone calls to him, his summer coaches - many calls to high school coach, text messages, etc., similar to many sons of parents on this site. In other words, they really knew him, and he them. And we kept going to PG events besides and other colleges too... I'm not saying that the out of state school wouldn't be a good experience and fit your son perfectly, but this is a huge commitment which is not just about baseball, so just be careful what you wish for.

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Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:
We used DVD to get offers from far away. If you do a good one you may not even have to give a live showing.

The school he is at never saw him pitch other than the DVD.

I'm curious what your DVD included & length. How did you document MPH, control, movement, etc.

Also, what division is the school that recruited your son? and were there many that responded positively to this method?

My sons are still a year or 2 away from getting too serious about narrowing their choices down, but it's nice to be prepared and know what the best options are to help them get to where they want to be eventually.....like many others on this board, I'm sure.