Coach Talk: Real or Fake?

Also, all the coaches I have been talking to are aware that I have a 4.1 GPA and my SAT score is 2,110, if that has some relevance to how they talk to me.

Youngtalent,

I would simply ask them if they are interested. If they are interested, send them your game schedule and invite them to come see you. You can also inquire about their camps so they can get to know you better. It will come down to do you have the talent they are looking for their program. It must be a good fit for everyone.

In addition, you are an outstanding student so use that to your advantage. You are a very low risk academically to any college program.

The recruiting process is tricky, stay on your toes.

Lefty...

quote:

Does anyone know of any ways to tell if a college coach from a good program is actually interested in you?

If they come to watch you play they are interested.

YoungTalent2012,

First of all, congratulations to you for having accomplished what you have in the classroom. Great grades and test scores can certainly make a player more "recruitable;" not to mention what they do to help prepare you for your life after hang up your cleats.

If coaches are initiating the conversation with you, that's indicative of the fact that they have some level of interest in you as a player. As you draw closer to your class' signing dates, they should become increasingly specific about their level of interest. This culminates, of course, in whatever offer they make to you, if any, prior to the signing dates.

It's important to keep in mind as you proceed that individual programs' circumstances fluctuate with changes that take place within their programs. Variables such as the professional draft, players' responses to the draft, injuries, and players' academic standing to name a few can alter a team's recruiting picture quite suddenly. In some cases these changes can work to a high school player's benefit, while at other times they can work to a player's detriment.

Because a coach might like you as a player, but might not have a spot for you on his roster for the reasons mentioned above, you need to do your best to stay open to at least a few colleges that seem to fit you both academically and athletically. Don't be bashful about expressing your interest in programs for which you seem especially well suited; and, as has been suggested to you by SDlefty in this thread, don't hesitate to ask coaches how they might see you fitting into their plans for their team as you talk with them.

Best of luck to you!

First, congrats on your accomplishments. Now, here is my answer from dealing with college coach's. I can only say that the Aric Thomas at Eastern Oklahoma State College is only interested in keeping his program with players. He is NOT interested in helping players get to the next level. Unless, you have been recruited by OU or are a player that played at OU. There are plenty of good programs out there, in both JC, NAIA or D-1. But, you must be aware of all the recruiting b.s. that a coach speaks. Good luck. Use your gut feeling.

quote:

He is NOT interested in helping players get to the next level.

Wow! Looks like someone is very unhappy about something...

Well, I have a feeling that a kid from VA with a 4.1 and 2110 scores is not worried about a JuCo in Oklahoma. So, let's get back on topic.

Prepster gives great advice. You didn't say what year you are but from your screen name I'm going to assume you're a junior.

There is still lots of time, so don't panic. Do understand that this is crunch time for college teams in their own seasons and while they certainly know they have to recruit, they are spread pretty thin for the next 6 weeks. Make sure you have solid summer arrangements and be proactive in getting your summer team's schedule to the coaches of schools you're interested in.

I would also recommend that you focus your efforts on high academic schools because you have earned that. Again you are fortunate that we have so many options not just in our region (meaning close enough that they might come see you play) but even with the in-state tuition advantage. In addition to your summer games you may want to look at some of the "high academic" showcases. Headfirst Honor Roll is the top one. Though it no longer offers a VA location, it's well worth the travel if you are interested in the Ivies or comparable level schools. PG also offers a high academic event, and in addition, the Richmond Braves' organization (D1Draftable.com) is starting one up that will be in the Richmond area in early August. If you get to late July without something squared away you might give something like that some thought.

The thing that's tough is of course we have no way of knowing how your on-field talent stacks up. Keep plugging but don't assume that a D-1 offer is in your future. You are fortunate that we have several outstanding D-3 programs here in VA including two that offer you in-state tuition. Don't rule out those options too soon. However, you can afford to pursue your dream at least until late fall and maybe beyond, but by late fall if you don't have a firm offer in hand you should at least start looking at D-3 schools.

YoungTalent2012,

I agree with everything MidloDad and some others have suggested. I would add that it is real important that you get some advice from baseball people you know & trust about your baseball level. In other words, you need to know where to focus your time and effort in the recruiting process.

Once you know your project baseball level (ex...mid-D1, low D1, high D3, mid D3) you can start to focus on schools whose academic programs match your intended major. My son was in your shoes a few years ago, and I know it is not easy matching academics with athletics as well as all the other college preferences that people consider. However, you need to know that no one else will do it, so it has to be you and your family doing a lot of research. It is almost twice as hard. Be persistent and patient as the college baseball season is coming to an end. Coaches will be putting on their recruiting hats in a month or so. Good luck and PM me if you have any questions.