Do I approach a recruiter?

 

I think, and no I do not have the complete answer to your question, there are several reasons.  In some cases wearing their team attire adds legitimacy to what they are doing, for the players and coaches that do not know them.  They are also at work and representing their program.  I'm sure in some instances they get into some events for free or at a reduced cost because they are coaches, therefore they wear their attire. I'm certain that I'm missing a few more.

 

And by the way, in my old days I was a uniformed police officer driving around in a marked police car.  And at times I would buy my lunch and try to sit somewhere off the main streets in an attempt to eat quietly.  And it NEVER failed that during that time someone would walk or drive up to ask a question.  All I was trying to do is eat quickly while monitoring the radio, in case I was needed.  If I sat somewhere more visible I could see the people driving and walking by, gawking and muttering under their breath, assuming I was goofing off or whatever else they may have thought.  And all I was doing was my job, while wearing my team's attire.

 

Often people question the importance of fastball velocity.  In some ways they are right.

 

However, fastball velocity is an indicator of other important things.  All things being equal, they never are, the kid that can throw 90 or better has a better chance to develop his other pitches into MLB quality pitches.  The chance of a 90+ pitcher developing a + slider is better than that of an 80 mph pitcher.  When the slider of one pitcher has more velocity than the fastball of another pitcher it becomes a game changer.

 

Same goes for the other pitches.  The higher velocity on an effective curveball or change up will usually make it a better pitch.  And then if you have elite velocity a hitter has to account for that as well.  And higher velocity almost always relates to spin rate and spin rate equates to better life or movement

 

Last but not least, a pitcher with outstanding velocity can subtract some velocity to create better movement and better control.  The mid 90s pitcher can sometimes become most effective subtracting to low 90s.  And then he is still throwing much harder than the guys who don't have good velocity.

 

While not all the high velocity guys are equal prospects, they nearly all have a higher ceiling (potential) than the low velocity guys.  Then there are the projection guys.  Normally these are young pitchers throwing mid 80s or better with smooth effortless and fast arm action with projectable body type.   We see a lot of these type and the more times you see these type guys the better you get at evaluating them.

 

All that said, it is still fun to watch a great finesse pitcher without good velocity carve up a lineup.  Some of these types become outstanding college pitchers, they just don't usually have a high ceiling in professional baseball.

 

Jolietboy, there are more of those types out there then you think.  I have yet to be at a tournament where I haven't seen at least a couple of parents eager to talk to a coach about their kid, from the team my son was on and others.  Some people do not want their kids involved in a world where their children have to do things on their own.  

 

And I do know more than one iPad guy.  Notice that I did not say they are friends of mine.

 

 

       
       
I can tell you I have not seen it around me.  I will remain hopeful this is an extreme.  I really think I like to know where my kid stands.  And I am all about certain numbers.  But I just can't imagine what even the most fanatical parent can find valuable about youth baseball statistics?  For that year while it is happening I suppose but for future recruitment?  Til I see it with my own eyes I can't believe a parent would present such information to a college coach.  Even hs stats are fairly pointless.  Personal measurables?  Important.  Personal stats?  Not so much.

Good point...

Could be his dad.

<wearing school gear> = <happy to talk to parents>??

 

I don't think so.  But who knows I guess?  My thought is its more about advertising...In other words, why not build/maintain a buzz about your program amongst a pool of potential recruits?

 

Our younger son was recruited by a totally new coaching staff at a Pac12 school.  All oft the coaches were well known but had come from other West Coast programs.  They wore the new school stuff all over the place at tournaments.  They wanted to exude a 'presence' that they were there and serious about it all...and perhaps create some new 'buzz' about their new school.

 

On another note, when the Fullerton coaches showed up at a travel tournament game with their caps and polos, the parents were all 'abuzz' about it.   "PSSSST - Guess whose here?  Wonder who they're looking at?"  Good for the school...good for recruiting.

 

Nothing to do with inviting parental approaches I don't think.

Oh yeah.you mean the dad with the different hats from each program.

CACO3Girl:

The head recruiter of the school that my son would eventually sign with, told him that he was going to my son's DH one night would be around but not seen to not worry about it..So guess what?  the RC shows up in bright salmon color shorts!! My son could see him in RF, behind the backstop, up against the rail along first base...etc. Fortunately my son did well to seal the deal against 2 D1 bound pitchers. including 2 or 3 stolen bases, one hop infield single to SS he beat out, and cranked a double over LF head..Timing is everything.

 

Relating to the post, I did the basic wave, how are you. I had more conversations at specific camps at the colleges or visits with the colleges,NOT during games they came to see my son.