First let me say I think that perfect game provides the best opportunity for players to be seen and your contributions and insights in this forum are much appreciated. That said, I think that a kid or his parents that repeat their son's desire to play for several top colleges as being a first choice have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. If you dated several beautiful women and told them similar things and it turned out they by chance got together and discussed it the answer might be to find several more that you have better chemistry with and not come to the mistaken conclusion that u should have handled it differently. The coach you want to be with surely knows he's not the only one and is competitive enough not to let a little competition turn him off. Better to know now in my opinion.
shortnquick,
Great post and welcome.
I don't think that PG said not to contact coaches, his statement being seen is most important is 100% correct. I think that we all understand that there are times when that may be difficult, so I do not see anything wrong with sending out precise, down to the point material for the coach to review. Intro letter and a brief bio, too much info turns them off (as PG had indicated).
Here's a scenerio. Is this appropriate?
Player sends out DVD and info to college recruiting coach.
Program replies by sending questionaire, asking for schedule, also invites player to camp. Parent calls, asks coach did you like what you saw in the video, is it important for him to show up at your camp, are you really interested or not, by the way, that schedule, let us know when you are planning to be there so we can make sure he's pitching that day, we'll be there to to meet you as well. And FWIW, he just pitched a gem last weekend. Incredible, his two seamer had so much movement that day it was amazing (yes these conversations take place often). My son's dream has always been to attend your program, He'd give anything to be a (you insert the mascot).
I think the word "marketing" may be misunderstood by it's use in this particular topic. The parent who has taken the time to get their son seen by way of showcases, and tournaments, perhaps camps (or unofficial visits) where those of importance are watching, have, "marketed" their player, without the paperwork. They have done it through a different contact method, rather than by DVD, phone calls, etc. I htink the point aobut the postage PG made was if yuo sent a package out like that to everyone, why not just spend a bit more and attend the right showcase or tourney where you will be seen and perhaps (most importantly) evaluated or rated properly.
Sending out materials and then waiting in your own little corner of the local ballpark for a coach to show up isn't going to work these days.
Great post by FO. Parents, let your players do the talking, the coaches will contact YOU when they want to speak with YOU. If your son's are shy, this is a good time for them to learn how to talk to others, and true, don't worry, coaches know what to say and expect them to be nervous.
Don't ever make excuses that your son's didn't have time to do some of the work that they should do in the recruiting process, that includes, for them to do some homework on programs they may be interested in, because they will be the ones attending not you. Let them fill out the questionares sent by coaches, most cover much of the same questions, do a few with him and then make copies so they can fill them out, and don't worry about having too much to do right now, in a short year, they will be multi tasking bigtime, let them learn it now and how to manage their time. Handing you a list of schools he's high on isn't going to work either, them programs contacted should be that of the player's talent ability. And don't go on the premise he is projectible, that is for the coach to decide.
My son's travel coach, who ran a program for over 10 years getting kids seen and scholarships was very helpful in the process, it cost us plenty to join the team, but what he learned from him was invaluable and who saw him play was as well, resulting in nice exposure and nice offers. Who your son plays for his senior summer is VERY important in the process.
Great post and welcome.
I don't think that PG said not to contact coaches, his statement being seen is most important is 100% correct. I think that we all understand that there are times when that may be difficult, so I do not see anything wrong with sending out precise, down to the point material for the coach to review. Intro letter and a brief bio, too much info turns them off (as PG had indicated).
Here's a scenerio. Is this appropriate?
Player sends out DVD and info to college recruiting coach.
Program replies by sending questionaire, asking for schedule, also invites player to camp. Parent calls, asks coach did you like what you saw in the video, is it important for him to show up at your camp, are you really interested or not, by the way, that schedule, let us know when you are planning to be there so we can make sure he's pitching that day, we'll be there to to meet you as well. And FWIW, he just pitched a gem last weekend. Incredible, his two seamer had so much movement that day it was amazing (yes these conversations take place often). My son's dream has always been to attend your program, He'd give anything to be a (you insert the mascot).
I think the word "marketing" may be misunderstood by it's use in this particular topic. The parent who has taken the time to get their son seen by way of showcases, and tournaments, perhaps camps (or unofficial visits) where those of importance are watching, have, "marketed" their player, without the paperwork. They have done it through a different contact method, rather than by DVD, phone calls, etc. I htink the point aobut the postage PG made was if yuo sent a package out like that to everyone, why not just spend a bit more and attend the right showcase or tourney where you will be seen and perhaps (most importantly) evaluated or rated properly.
Sending out materials and then waiting in your own little corner of the local ballpark for a coach to show up isn't going to work these days.
Great post by FO. Parents, let your players do the talking, the coaches will contact YOU when they want to speak with YOU. If your son's are shy, this is a good time for them to learn how to talk to others, and true, don't worry, coaches know what to say and expect them to be nervous.
Don't ever make excuses that your son's didn't have time to do some of the work that they should do in the recruiting process, that includes, for them to do some homework on programs they may be interested in, because they will be the ones attending not you. Let them fill out the questionares sent by coaches, most cover much of the same questions, do a few with him and then make copies so they can fill them out, and don't worry about having too much to do right now, in a short year, they will be multi tasking bigtime, let them learn it now and how to manage their time. Handing you a list of schools he's high on isn't going to work either, them programs contacted should be that of the player's talent ability. And don't go on the premise he is projectible, that is for the coach to decide.
My son's travel coach, who ran a program for over 10 years getting kids seen and scholarships was very helpful in the process, it cost us plenty to join the team, but what he learned from him was invaluable and who saw him play was as well, resulting in nice exposure and nice offers. Who your son plays for his senior summer is VERY important in the process.
I think that being honest with coaches is always the best way to go. It's better to tell College A and College B that they're among the top choices than to tell both they are No. 1. Then when a group, by chance, gets together, you never look bad.
quote:Originally posted by Baseballdad1228:
I think that being honest with coaches is always the best way to go. It's better to tell College A and College B that they're among the top choices than to tell both they are No. 1. Then when a group, by chance, gets together, you never look bad.
Be honest, if a coach really wants you he doesn't care what your #1 school is.
When you do get noticed and arrive at the campus for a visit and meet with the coaches, here's a few tips.
1) Drive the rattiest broke down looking fishing truck you own or can borrow.
2) Parent wears work clothes and son wears Wal Mart shoes/shorts
3) If dad is 6'3" 225 lbs, he attends with son, if not send him with the hot mom.
4) Do your homework on the school. Go online and figure out the cost of attendance, majors offered, and their roster information. Know their conference and opponents. If their rivalry has offered mention it.
5) Don't be pushy and arrogant, but ask pertinent questions about academics first, baseball and finances later.
6) They have already checked out his skills, grades, and character so never lie about any of those things.
7) Don't pull out a list of questions, let the coach make his pitch and fill in any blanks with questions you may have.
8) They are in the business of acquiring players as cheaply as the player is willing to sign for. Offers are often negotiable though they act like they aren't. If they low-ball you at first, be frank without being petty.
9) Do the FAFSA 4caster online to estimate any pell money or stafford loans your kid is eligible for. Keep this information secret and figure it in with their offer. If they insist you will qualify for full pell of $5500 to offset a minimum offer, tell them you know what you qualify for.
10) Many of them talk fast and throw figures out so fast it would make your head spin. They all say they are the best school/team for your kid offering him the maximum exposure to the next level. A lot of them act like used car salesmen. The good ones let their program speak for itself. Some will lie but most will be honest, be prepared to call out the liars and thank the honest ones for their candor.
In general, the worst thing you can do is wear your Sunday finest and son wears $150 shoes, drive the new Escalade, wear expensive fragrance trying to impress. You want to impress upon them you are no dummy but are struggling in these tough economic times. Their is no shame in doing all you can to maximize the offer you are about to receive.
1) Drive the rattiest broke down looking fishing truck you own or can borrow.
2) Parent wears work clothes and son wears Wal Mart shoes/shorts
3) If dad is 6'3" 225 lbs, he attends with son, if not send him with the hot mom.
4) Do your homework on the school. Go online and figure out the cost of attendance, majors offered, and their roster information. Know their conference and opponents. If their rivalry has offered mention it.
5) Don't be pushy and arrogant, but ask pertinent questions about academics first, baseball and finances later.
6) They have already checked out his skills, grades, and character so never lie about any of those things.
7) Don't pull out a list of questions, let the coach make his pitch and fill in any blanks with questions you may have.
8) They are in the business of acquiring players as cheaply as the player is willing to sign for. Offers are often negotiable though they act like they aren't. If they low-ball you at first, be frank without being petty.
9) Do the FAFSA 4caster online to estimate any pell money or stafford loans your kid is eligible for. Keep this information secret and figure it in with their offer. If they insist you will qualify for full pell of $5500 to offset a minimum offer, tell them you know what you qualify for.
10) Many of them talk fast and throw figures out so fast it would make your head spin. They all say they are the best school/team for your kid offering him the maximum exposure to the next level. A lot of them act like used car salesmen. The good ones let their program speak for itself. Some will lie but most will be honest, be prepared to call out the liars and thank the honest ones for their candor.
In general, the worst thing you can do is wear your Sunday finest and son wears $150 shoes, drive the new Escalade, wear expensive fragrance trying to impress. You want to impress upon them you are no dummy but are struggling in these tough economic times. Their is no shame in doing all you can to maximize the offer you are about to receive.
quote:Originally posted by FormerObserver:quote:"Dad...I have worked very hard, I'm not giving up playing at XYZ School, I know I can play at that level.
Check the rosters and read the articles about signing players.
The school may already have players for your position, or there might be a returning sophomore All-American you would have to compete against.
Timing, injuries, and the draft all have an impact.
Very good advice, thank you FO. We probably attended over twenty college games last year, including a number of games at the colleges on his list. We know who they lost in the draft, and the incoming recruits. We'll see what happens? I know Junior is feeling some pressure, but in the long run he'll be just fine.
quote:3) If dad is 6'3" 225 lbs, he attends with son, if not send him with the hot mom.
My wife must have read your advise posted somewhere else, because I never met with the coaches last year. ;-)
Interesting pieces of info that tie in nicely to this thread.
Was speaking with a college head coach this morning and we were discussing parents/players in the recruiting process. He told me he had two parents emailing regularly about their sons ability---but the emails had tyhe boys name on them --come to find out the parents were sending emails under tyhe guise of being the player--
Another one---player and dad keep saying they have been talking to Coach So and So---spoke with the coach and he says he never spoke with them
Folks it is a fact that the baseball world is a very small world
Was speaking with a college head coach this morning and we were discussing parents/players in the recruiting process. He told me he had two parents emailing regularly about their sons ability---but the emails had tyhe boys name on them --come to find out the parents were sending emails under tyhe guise of being the player--
Another one---player and dad keep saying they have been talking to Coach So and So---spoke with the coach and he says he never spoke with them
Folks it is a fact that the baseball world is a very small world
quote:Originally posted by TRhit:
Interesting pieces of info that tie in nicely to this thread.
Was speaking with a college head coach this morning and we were discussing parents/players in the recruiting process. He told me he had two parents emailing regularly about their sons ability---but the emails had tyhe boys name on them --come to find out the parents were sending emails under tyhe guise of being the player--
Another one---player and dad keep saying they have been talking to Coach So and So---spoke with the coach and he says he never spoke with them
Folks it is a fact that the baseball world is a very small world
^ this is right on by TR...
We went through this process with my daughter.
Coaches knew who we had visited, who we were talking to and where we were going next. I will play my cards a bit closer to the vest this time around with my son. It is indeed a small world and coaches talk.
When Ty Cobb was playing in the 'bush' leagues as a youngster, he wrote several postcards and letters under different alias' to Grantland Rice of the Atlanta Journal praising the young phenom's playing abilities. Rice finally relented and mentioned him in an article, Cobb went on to sign with the Tigers in a HOF career.
On a side note, Cobb won the Triple Crown in 1909 leading the league in homers with 9, all inside the park. The only player to be season's home run leader without ever hitting a ball over the fence.
Not sure how all this applies, but little of what I post makes much sense anyways....
On a side note, Cobb won the Triple Crown in 1909 leading the league in homers with 9, all inside the park. The only player to be season's home run leader without ever hitting a ball over the fence.
Not sure how all this applies, but little of what I post makes much sense anyways....
As far as who emails the coach, obviously it's the player with HELP from mom or dad.
What worked for us; son sent emails to coaches with brief updates and youtube links of him batting. Of course nothing really happens until the coach sees the player in action.
What worked for us; son sent emails to coaches with brief updates and youtube links of him batting. Of course nothing really happens until the coach sees the player in action.
quote:Originally posted by TRhit:
Interesting pieces of info that tie in nicely to this thread.
Was speaking with a college head coach this morning and we were discussing parents/players in the recruiting process. He told me he had two parents emailing regularly about their sons ability---but the emails had tyhe boys name on them --come to find out the parents were sending emails under tyhe guise of being the player--
This goes on ALL THE TIME....coaches aren't stupid, if the email title says From "Deb Smith" and the email is about how good the kid is written with verbage that the Coach knows the kid WOULD NEVER USE and then signed "Jimmy Smith".....what do you think that tells the college coach?
A parent or kid that sends an informational email is just helping a kid get opportunities to be seen.Think Venus & Serena or Tiger Woods would have made it without their parents?.U think Bryce Harper could have handled everything without any help from adults? I think after a coach has seen a kid that a parents contact with coaches should be minimal or none.I never once even talked to my daughters college coaches except to wave and say hello. If the kid is an impact player they'll be happy they got to know about em. If not it doesn't matter what u do.
quote:Originally posted by standup:
A parent or kid that sends an informational email is just helping a kid get opportunities to be seen.Think Venus & Serena or Tiger Woods would have made it without their parents?.U think Bryce Harper could have handled everything without any help from adults? I think after a coach has seen a kid that a parents contact with coaches should be minimal or none.I never once even talked to my daughters college coaches except to wave and say hello. If the kid is an impact player they'll be happy they got to know about em. If not it doesn't matter what u do.
Please understand it's not the sending of the email that is the problem....it's the sending it from your account and signing the kids name that is.
Coach your son on how to do it for himself. Sit down with him and teach him. Then allow him to do it with your assistance. But no matter how good you and your child is at contacting coaches the bottom line will always be what does he bring to the table as a player. Coaches want players they believe can help them win. Be a really good player and get out there and let them see it and everything will be just fine.
I agree with that. It would never be a good idea to give someone a false impression they were communicating with a player. My son doesn't use a computer though he has access to a couple in the family. He's only sent or received a few emails to or from coaches. I've gotton a few dozen regarding him but they are always addressed to me and thats how I reply or initiate. I guess before july 1st the communication is somewhat limited. He's too busy throwing, hitting, working out, running and playing games or scrimmages. On his own he has almost no desire to tell anyone about himself as he says that would make him sound like a "tool". Ive told him that he must call the coaches that address personal emails rather than respond from my computer. I've never really cared for email or texting but it is necessary sometimes.
quote:Originally posted by PGStaff:
Vector,
Please remember that these are just my opinions and I have been wrong about so many things. People need to do what they feel is best for their son.
Whether we call it marketing or something else, there are usually ways to get the job done. In the end, it will no longer be about marketing, everything will be based on what happens on the field and in the classroom.
My suggestion regarding marketing… Figure out how to get son noticed… everything is based on him being seen. Maybe that should be the marketing plan.
We probably know your son, it sounds like he’s pretty good and will be at Jupiter next week. Maybe I will see you there. If you want, PM his name, Best of luck.
BTW, I love the Roosevelt quote.
I respect Teddy immensely. He exemplified the can do American attitude.
I'm not sure if you know my son or not since we did little to nothing in promoting him the last couple years.
We are looking forward to your event because some tourneys/showcases have been a disappointment. Case in point, today my son pitched for a travel team he had not even met until this morning in a wood bat tourney. He had a great day pitching a complete game, allowed no earned runs and only gave up four hits. He had a handful of strikeouts, and did not walk a single kid. Yet despite this tourney being touted as having college coaches and MLB scouts, there was not a single scout in sight the entire game. I tend to roll with the punches and figure many things happen for a reason. Yet
I cannot deny frustration at how luck plays a big part in this process. You can send your son to the events, he can perform great, and all you hear is silence as you sit by the phone.
quote:I cannot deny frustration at how luck plays a big part in this process.
Luck is one of the main ingredients in baseball success. Those who don't believe that will end up being believers. However there are things that can be done to increase chances of success. There is some truth to "The harder I work, the luckier I am". You could add "The better decisions I make, the luckier I'm likely to be".
quote:He had a great day pitching a complete game, allowed no earned runs and only gave up four hits. He had a handful of strikeouts, and did not walk a single kid.
quote:You can send your son to the events, he can perform great, and all you hear is silence as you sit by the phone.
Scouts and recruiters are unlikely to have any idea of how many hits, strikeouts, etc. What statistically could be a great game doesn't guarantee interest from them. They are simply looking for those who have the talent to be successful at their level. This is not to say your son doesn't possess that talent. There is no reason to sit by the phone, if they are seriously interested, they will find you.
We have run across a few people who think all they have to do is attend a certain event and "bingo" the phone starts ringing with offers from colleges or interest from pro scouts. While that can happen, there are no guarantees. Exposure is not always a positive thing... Some benefit greatly, some slightly, and some not at all.
quote:Yet despite this tourney being touted as having college coaches and MLB scouts, there was not a single scout in sight the entire game.
Not sure where you were, but you will not have that issue, you'll see several hundred (maybe close to 1.000) scouts and recruiters next week (The most you've ever seen at one place). However there is no guarantee how many will be at any one game.
The reason I asked about a private message identifying your son is he sounds interesting. I'd actually like to see him and have our scouts glue in on him. If we like him a lot, things are likely to turn out well. But of course I respect your privacy.
Best of luck
PG another classic post, and here I thought son was just sitting on his duff. He is letting his talent and his JC coach do the talking for him. But like I said in the past, he tends to rule out programs he feels really aren't interested or possibly over his head. He also is taking consideration of cost. If a program wants him, but cannot offer much, he will wait. My only concern is he'll get a letter, please fill out questionnaire and then he'll leave it sitting on the desk for over a month before he sends it in. Good post PG.
"Take a man fishing and he eats for a day. Teach a man how to fish and he eats for life".
What a great opportunity we all have to teach our Sons how to 'FISH'!
What a great opportunity we all have to teach our Sons how to 'FISH'!
If PG asked for my son's name, I'd give it to him.
Especially if I was attending his EVENT next week
Vector, I would really like to hear your perspective on your time at the PG event next week.
The event next week is an 'eye opening' experience.
Especially if I was attending his EVENT next week
Vector, I would really like to hear your perspective on your time at the PG event next week.
The event next week is an 'eye opening' experience.