Calls from coaches

Welcome to the HS Baseball Web! I think you've come to the right place.

Your questions are good ones and they're asked every year...and most who don't ask are wondering about them anyways.

When our son went through the process you are now, he answered questions honestly...but didn't volunteer more than was asked.

I also think you should try and let your son handle as much of the talking as possible...at least until you get down to nuts and bolts with a visit or offer. Even then, I'd let your son lead the conversation. Of course, you're going to try and prepare him for those conversations ahead of time!

But one more note for parents:

quote:

This is difficult for the kids because these coaches are very skilled at their recruiting trade while the kids are newbies.

They're also more skilled than you are...they do this dozens of times a year...year-after-year. You, as a parent, get to do it once if you're lucky.

Let your son drive the bus and good luck!

Justbaseball gives great advice as always. The only thing I might add is no two coaches are alike and all communicate differently. In addition there is nothing wrong with your son saying "I don't know" or "I feel awkward answering that question" or "my parents will have to answer that question". But as justbaseball says and I agree: "Let your son drive the bus".

I remember one coach calling my son and the first question he asked was "Have your parents saved enough money for your college education". My son was caught off guard thinking this was going to be an all baseball conversation. He told the coach "I think you need to ask THEM that question" --- and explained to me what the coach had said and handed me the phone. --- the coach softened his approach.

Welcome to the HSBBW. I notice this is your first post. You will learn a lot from your son's recruiting experience and there will be many to follow in your footsteps. The HSBBW operates on hand-me-down information and as you learn you will also be able to help others along the way. Keep us informed and best of luck to your son.
Fungo
PS: Seeing you're from Ohio you might want to keep a buckeye in your pocket too 'cause a little luck can't hurt during this hectic recruiting ride.

Welcome! And congrats to your son for getting those phone calls. It has to be a big thrill for him and for you, too. I also posted a similar question several years ago here...you might want to check the archives for applicable posts. One thing for sure..we let son do the talking. Some good advice was to have a list of questions in hand for son to refer to..in the heat of the moment, it's sure easy to forget what is important to ask. Write up a short list of topics easily accessed if the phone should ring. In our experience, the coaches made it very easy..they did most of the talking. And a lot of times, the conversation had very little to do with baseball. They want to know about the kid they're possibly recruiting. Hobbies, academics, family, etc.

Another piece of advice: if the coaches are calling your son on his cell phone, have him consider changing his voice mail greeting to include his name, etc. And, of course, an appropriate "neutral" greeting that is a bit more professional.

We spoke with the coaches if they called our home phone. In fact, they often engaged US in conversations before talking to son. We got to know the guy who recruited our son quite well. Good luck. This is an exciting time for your family.

Newcomer, it's great to see you post after a few months' absence. We have missed you!

Welcome to HSBBW NEOBBfan!

You won't believe the incredible and usable information you are about to be given from those on here who have "been there and done that"! As a matter of fact, this time last year I was where you are! Today we have the new joy of paying tuition at younggun's college!

Anyways, if your son or even you are a bit uncomfortable answering the question when asked what colleges have you talked to (I know I was!), you can simply say that you've talked to various coaches and have visited a few (if applicable). If they push further asking who, simply say "a D2 school", or "NAIA program", etc. I always felt it was like playing poker and the guy across from you was asking if you had the ace of spades in your hand! It just didn't feel right!

Newcome gives some excellent advise in having a list of standard questions written down. Ask the tough questions: (if a pitcher) What velocities do you like seeing incoming freshmen come in? (if a catcher) what pop-times do you normally like to see your receivers at, do you have a JV program, if so, how long is their season and who do they play, how many players are in your position already enrolled and do they contribute. We were often thanked for asking tough questions because it showed we had done our homework.

If they say they will get back to you, be adamant about them giving you a date, and ask if you don't hear back by that date could you have permission to contact them.

Bravo on changing the typcial teenage voice mail greeting on the cell phone! Better to hear an articulate and clear message than "Yo, you got me just leave a message at da beep!"

Best of luck to you!

oh infield08..how nice that you noticed. I'm glad to be back. Thanks so much