College Visit

I would go as a family.

Questions to ask:

What role will our son have on the team?
Academics: counselors, advisors, priority class sign up?
Scholarship offer: what does it cover. Tuition, books and housing?
What is a typical day like in the fall and spring?
How many kids competing for the same spot?

In general you want to determine if this is a go fit for your son, and get a read on the coaching staff.

Ask as many questions as you see fit. This should be a one on one with the recruiter and head coach.

Good luck,
Lefty

We went as a family but that is a player/family preference. There is no set protocol here. We allowed our son to take the lead in all conversations with the coaches. During the visit we mostly listened and took notes. Use common sense. I'm not saying to be completely silent but all your questions don't have to be answered on the spot. This is basically a coach/player visit. The coaches will probably ask if you have any question. Do as you see fit but I wouldn't get too specific while on a visit. The coach will explain most of what you want to know without you asking. Allow him to speak .... allow your son to speak too. **DON'T insult the coach by trying to sell your son! Let the coach sell his college and his program. As far as an official visit, you can look on the NCAA website about official visits...
Good Luck,
Fungo

Excellent post. I would read it...and then read it again.

What about the OP question though about the other player. How do you address that with the coach without putting him off as he clearly is looking to kill two birds with one visit?

I'd make the trip without the other player. You want your son to make his decision based upon his own thoughts and impressions from the trip, not his buddy's.

If he is a JC student I would let him make the entire trip on his own.

On the issue of both kids going at the same time:

I am no expert on this. But, if the coach invited the two players, he had a reason. Maybe schedule issues? Who knows. But, I would be reluctant to appear difficult or demanding at this early stage.

OP said this would be 1st visit, so I assume there is more time in the fall for a re-visit alone, possibly even an official visit. I would err on the side of being respectful of the coach's time and wishes. Make the most of this initial visit, see the campus, get an admissions tour as well as the athletic visit, and see what you think of the campus overall. In depth individual visit can happen later if the school stays on your list.

I believe the OP means his son wants to make the visit with another player. If this is the coaches request, its very odd, but should be respected. If its the son's request, I would recommend against it.

Fungo has made some great points for any type of visit whether it be official or unofficial. Follow those steps to gain more information.

It's not going to hurt to go with the other guy which I'm assuming you have never met before. This might be the only way the coach can fit both in to see the school or whatever. The thing to remember is this is still early in the process so nobody is going to ask anybody for anything binding. First visit get an idea of what the school / program has to offer. Probably won't even talk money either. If you like this place and they like you then take another visit where it will be one on one and then you can talk money. Just don't try to fit the whole process into one visit.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I think we are going to go in a few days without his friend, although he is not happy about it! I think it is something important for us to do as a family.

Sure, go with him, but I think your son should have some time without you, on his visit. (Is he staying overnight? ) Most schools have current players present on recruit day. They're the ones he'd spend the most time with, next year. They'll give him a better feel about U of X and baseball than the coaches, the FA director, librarians, department heads etc.

Any reason why the other kid's parents aren't going?