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26 replies

Are you having Fits ?

OLDSLUGGER8OLDSLUGGER81,000+ posts
The Baseball Fit:

Coach: Does the Player have the talent/tools ? Does the Player have the makeup I like ?
Will I need that position player ? Is he draftable ?

Player: Do I have the talent for that level ? Possible Redshirt ? Does the program plug holes with JUCO ?
How many potential players at my position ? Good instructional staff ? Good draft history ?
Am I draftable ? Are the players sound fundamentally ?
Will the coaches really give me a shot to earn playing time?

The Academic Fit:

Coach: Does he have the grades for admission ? Is his GPA indicative of work habits ? Can he qualify for other grants?
Does our school have his curriculum that he can excel at?

Player: Does the school have the curriculum that interests me? Can I get admitted ? Do they have good
resources for study-help? Can I handle the workload ?

The Financial Fit:

Coach: How much do I have to offer ? Can the parents handle the Cost of attendance ?

Player: Can my parents pay the difference after my grants ? Does the school location require added travel costs?

The Residential Fit:

Coach: Does this kid really want to be that far from home? Has he ever for a period of time ?
Does this kid really want to play close to home ?

Player: This is my home for at least 3 years, do I like what I see ? Do I like the surrounding area ?
Are the dorms slummy ? Can I be off campus ? Are there things to do that interest me when I
get some freetime ?

The Personality Fit:

Coach: Do I get a good feeling when I am around the kid ?

Player: Do I get a good feeling around the coaches ?

Parental Concerns/Fit:

Is the proximity so far away that getting to a few games, Parents Day, Sibs Day hard to do ?
Has the program had any player discipline/party problems ?
Has the program been under any investigations? Possible sanctions ?
How is the Grad rate for 4 year players ?
Will he get homesick ?
Will he get a fair shot at earning playing time and contribute ?
Are we looking at this college as a college, or a baseball breeding ground ?
Would he choose this school if he didn't play baseball ?


****JUSTBASEBALL.........in the other thread about boxfull of letters, one is not upset, just perplexed at some aspects of the process.

The only time so far I have gotten upset was when I caught a recruiter in a LIE, and let him know it. That is a personal issue, and a Parental RIGHT!!
"If it was that easy, everyone would do it. Rake the Ball
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TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
I am not understanding why you would be perplexed regarding some aspects of the process.
We have stated over and over, the amount of letters, the amount of calls, it's exciting, but nothing means anything until the offer.

OS8,
I think that your post was a good summation of a lot questions that go through your mind during the process, for coaches, players and parents.
L lafmom5,000+ posts
quote:
I am not understanding why you would be perplexed regarding some aspects of the process.
We have stated over and over, the amount of letters, the amount of calls, it's exciting, but nothing means anything until the offer.


My thoughts exactly TPM. As well, as many have explained why this happens. Coaches are looking at many kids, just as the kids are considering different schools. Face it, a player doesn't say "you're number six on my list coach", "I want to keep you around just in case", "you're not my perfect fit, but I'll consider you". Many coaches are not sure of what their needs are.... players getting drafted or not drafted, players becoming academically ineligible, players that LOVED the program initially but can't stand it now and are leaving.......

OS - Don't make it more stressful by being upset if someone lied to you.... consider that a blessing... you wouldn't have wanted your son to go there anyway. Look at the schools that REALLY want him and that means that have OFFERED. If he's not interested in any of those, carry on. The right fit will happen.
J jbbaseball500+ posts
OS-
I agree, this is a great summation.
However, I would like to add 1 more item:

"The Financial Fit:

Coach: How much do I have to offer ? Can the parents handle the Cost of attendance ?

Player: Can my parents pay the difference after my grants ? Does the school location require added travel costs? "

What about adding on the Player side: Do I want to go to this school bad enough where I am willing to make up any difference in costs through student loans?

I am not trying to cry "poor mouth" here, but MY parents had very limited means. I was NOT a student-athlete. I went to undergrad and grad school and paid for over 80% of my education. I did it through Grad Assistantship, working and Student Loans.
OLDSLUGGER8OLDSLUGGER81,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by jbbaseball:
OS-
I agree, this is a great summation.

I am not trying to cry "poor mouth" here, but MY parents had very limited means. I was NOT a student-athlete. I went to undergrad and grad school and paid for over 80% of my education. I did it through Grad Assistantship, working and Student Loans.


I know that town really well. Been there.
RHP05ParentRHP05Parent1,000+ posts
OLDSLUGGER8 -
The beauty of this website is that many of us DO know exactly what you are going through. Like all of us, you want the best for your son. But the recruiting process is not an exact science and there is not going to be a single right answer out there. All I can add is that it looks like you have thought of all the right questions and options to consider. If your son is fortunate to be faced with good choices, just have him pick one, celebrate, and don't look back. Don't second-guess yourself, don't ponder the "what ifs". It will just make you crazy! Big Grin .... and don't be surprised if your friends, family, and sometimes complete strangers will question your choice no matter what it is. If they haven't been through it, they won't get it! Confused The important thing is, your son will get to keep playing baseball. What could be better than that? Cool
Last edited by RHP05Parent
B Bully'sMom10+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Tiger Paw Mom:
I am not understanding why you would be perplexed regarding some aspects of the process.
We have stated over and over, the amount of letters, the amount of calls, it's exciting, but nothing means anything until the offer.


I guess when someone new to the process asks questions about letters and calls, then the advice given should be what, toss em away ? Thats a mixed signal, isn't it?

The Junior who gets a letter should be advised to email or call saying this:

Where did you see me coach ?
What did you like about my play?

Then I would tell the coach that I will do my research into the school and baseball program, maybe ask for a junior day visit if he is interested in me attending, get a tour, develop a relationship with him, and keep it going.

Each case is unique. Parents with players in college ball who have already expended their energy should not post ill-advice that is based on their own experience as being Gospel!

As the Mom of a recruit, talking of the end-all offer as the only thing that has meaning eliminates the entire journey, good or bad. ANYONE WHO "KNOWS IT ALL" should be on a beach living the high life, not on the HSBBW.
Last edited by FutureBack.Mom
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
Ok Bully'sMom with 11 posts from baseball USA, here's the scoop.

Sounds like 0S8 is going through a rough time learning the recruitng process. Things not going to well. Go back to read his posts, all of them, take the time. Don't forget the one he started "is for whom"college coach" it may concern". I think the one where he tells a HS webster his son received a dozen calls in a day was deleted. Read mine too while you are at it.

I don't think I am the only one misunderstanding. Go back and read Justbaseball's posts too on another thread, directed to him.

Since you don't like my reponses I'll explain why. You feel badly for 0S8, maybe he sounds like his son is having a rough time, maybe like your son may be or someone else whose son is not getting much attention and is confused. That I can understand.

But the real story goes like this, in a pm he initiated with me today. His son has turned down 7 offers, has 5 on the table, going to visit Florida and LSU, and has Big12 and ACC schools interested.

Does that sound like someone who is perplexed. back at cha. Sounds to me he is perplexed because he might feel every school who shows interest should offer something. It doesn't work that way now does it Bully'smom, or whoever you are.

Each case is unique, and I understand that, I have always been understanding of those that truely come here looking for help and those who are very nice and not rude to others.

Don't play me, or anyone else here on the HSBBW. He's playin' you MOM!

THAT'S not what the HSBBW is about, websters like you've got a lot to learn.
Last edited by TPM
L lvthegame10+ posts
This is my first post! I have been reading the board for a few months and trying to sort out the recruiting process. I have gained valuable info fro everyone here and for this I say thank you!! My son is being recruited by a few DIII, an NAIA and a DII school. We visited the first school and my son absolutely loves it there. Everything about this school is a perfect fit for him. As his parents we feel he still needs to go on the other scheduled visits just so he gets other coaches perspectives and he can truly say "I want to go to school #1....Are we right for making him do this???
L lafmom5,000+ posts
quote:
But the real story goes like this, in a pm he initiated with me today. His son has turned down 7 offers, has 5 on the table, going to Florida and LSU, and has Big12 and ACC schools interested.


My goodness OS!! Y'all haven't found a fit in twelve offers!?!?! No wonder you're feeling a bit upset!

Bully's Mom - when I first began posting here, I couldn't believe the sparring that was going on between two posters. I think I may have even commented on it. Welllllll, after I went back and read some posts (history), I understood what was happening. HSBBW is a community and I hope you are able to feel a part of it - it's a great place.

You're absolutely correct in that every poster/player/parent has had a different experience in some way. I think some things remain constant though. It can be confusing and challenging to the stud players and the player that's getting no calls. Letters do not equate to offers. Different schools recruit differently and are looking for "fits" and players are the same. "Fit" means entirely different things for almost every family here. One thing remains constant..... when your son ends up somewhere and says he can't imagine being anywhere else, you'll feel a tremendous amount of peace in your heart!!
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
lvthegame,

Welcome. My son's first visit he fell in love with the school. We made him take another visit.

My son was the type that as soon as he knew that was the right fit, he didn't want anymore recruiting. He wasn't one of those who had to take 5 visits and speak to every school in the USA to find the right one.

It's up to him, if he is happy, why not say yes.
Last edited by TPM
L lafmom5,000+ posts
quote:
As his parents we feel he still needs to go on the other scheduled visits just so he gets other coaches perspectives and he can truly say "I want to go to school #1..


luvthegame - That's what I did with my son when he was in HS. It's very easy for players to fall in love with a coach and program that's courting him.... good to compare IMO!

A friend told me once "every place we visit is his favorite". Big Grin
justbaseballjustbaseball10,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Bully'sMom:
Each case is unique.

you shorted your quote, go back and look Smile


No, I don't think I shorted any quote. You threw something out that has me baffled.

Of course each case in unique...thats been preached here for as long as I can remember...something you would know if you've read many of the posts here. All anyone can talk about is their own experience PLUS the 200+ others they've read about on here PLUS the 20+ they've been asked to provide advice for in their own neck of the woods.

Anything I've posted on this topic...for that matter the same goes for lafmom, TigerPawMom, RHPParent, Fungo and most of the rest...is based on an awful lot of experience. These are all dedicated posters who've been around the block a few times (maybe more like a couple hundred times). None of them (us) have preached any gospel about one-size-fits-all for a recruiting process.

That, if you will carefully read, is the message we've all been trying to drive home to oldsluggers. He wants to be angry because this coach "lied" to him or that school sent too many letters without follow-up. He/she(?) is the one who trying to put a box around it...we are all trying to say, "let it go" and focus where you can do some good for your son.

Nothing more, nothing less. Wink
Last edited by justbaseball
F FormerObserver1,000+ posts
quote:
As his parents we feel he still needs to go on the other scheduled visits just so he gets other coaches perspectives and he can truly say "I want to go to school #1....Are we right for making him do this???


The contrast you will get is important. Convince him that he needs that perspective rather than make him go.

After about two of those long weekend trips, the seventeen year olds are ready to make a decision, any decision.

"Dad(Mom, too), this is where I want to go"

Listen for that after he gains some perspective.
Last edited by FormerObserver
L lafmom5,000+ posts
quote:
lafmom,
Thank you, for trying to explain my poor behavior.


TPM - no poor behavior IMO. Just thought perhaps Bullysmom may be misunderstanding some things..... just as I did when new. The two posters that I remember thinking were behaving badly is one of our well respected dads and a very odd poster (I made that decision finally after reading many of his posts) who's not around any longer.
justbaseballjustbaseball10,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Bully'sMom:
I was disagreeing with some TigerPaw lady?


She's no "TigerPaw lady." She's our Tiger Paw Mom! Smile

Seriously...Tiger Paw Mom has been a regular here for several years. Her son is a top-notch pitcher at Clemson and she knows her stuff.

Even if you feel you got off on the wrong foot...you most likely mistook something she said...she's definitely worth listening too. Wink Lots of good experiences and advice. You won't get very far here going after her...she sure isn't someone I'd mess with. Eek
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
Thanks, you got a pretty top notch pitcher there yourself at Stanford. Got any dinner left? Big Grin

I may have gone a bit bonkers, just want to EXPLAIN to Bully'mom or whoever, if my son was sitting with 7 no thank you's, supposedly quite a few more on the table I would not be having a "FIT".
Last edited by TPM

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