Just got word (via email) that a D1 recruiting coordinator plans to come see some of my '08 son's games in an upcoming tournament. Is it better to tell son in advance or would knowing this sort of thing just make him nervous?
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Depending on the kid, telling him that someone specific will be there to see him may make him a little nervous. But you know your kid best. So do what you know is best FOR HIM.
One thing that we've always told our kid, and I'm sure that you've told yours the same thing: Always do your best! You never know who's watching! So if you are unsure whether it will make him more nervous knowing, then emphasize that.
One thing that we've always told our kid, and I'm sure that you've told yours the same thing: Always do your best! You never know who's watching! So if you are unsure whether it will make him more nervous knowing, then emphasize that.
Congrats!! And welcome to the nervewracking of world of recruiting. You might not know whether your kid would get nervous with that kind of scrutiny. Although, I would imagine that the D1 scout has had experience with "nerves" before and has an idea of what he'll see no matter how your kid performs on that particular day. I might give my son a few extra minutes with the "you never know who's watching...so make sure you run on and off the field...and try to maintain calm even if all hell is breaking loose"..that kind of thing. Good luck and enjoy
Sounds like good advice. Think we'll keep our comments general.... By the way, all this has come about because we have followed recruiting recommendations on hsbaseballweb to the "T." Thanks to all involved for your help these past months!
Being 2 years away from graduating, I wouldnt say anything. No need really. Let the kid enjoy playing, no decisions are being made that day.
Newcomer
Why do you call it nervewracking ?
It is total fun--how many other kids have this opportunity-- the kids being looked at, regardless of the level of college, are a very select few---your son is VERY SPECIAL
Why do you call it nervewracking ?
It is total fun--how many other kids have this opportunity-- the kids being looked at, regardless of the level of college, are a very select few---your son is VERY SPECIAL
I would agree with everyone on the "keep it general" idea here. If he is playing in a solid tournament in Texas, chances are colleges are going to be there, and nobody knows this better than the kids who are out there showcasing their skills. As a college coach I did my best at times to stay below the radar because I wanted to see how this kid was going to play day in and day out, consistently. I wanted to see him perform with a sense of narmalcy, because that is going to be how he performs over a 40-56 game season when he's on my team. When a young player knows there's a college coach there watching him, it is always in the back of his mind. Some respond well, some don't. It's not up to me to cause there to be any more pressure in his head than he already puts on himself.
And I agree with Newcomer. College coaches understand there are certian things you cannot control. An 0-3 day, a bad hop, etc. But the one thing you can control is the WAY you play the game. It means more than anything.
Congrats, and best of luck in that beautiful city of yours!!!
And I agree with Newcomer. College coaches understand there are certian things you cannot control. An 0-3 day, a bad hop, etc. But the one thing you can control is the WAY you play the game. It means more than anything.
Congrats, and best of luck in that beautiful city of yours!!!
[QUOTE]Originally posted by TRhit:
Newcomer
Why do you call it nervewracking ?
Must be a "mom" thing! My husband stays cool as a cucumber. It is totally fun...but also a bit awe-inspiring that my kid can do all these amazing things!
Newcomer
Why do you call it nervewracking ?
Must be a "mom" thing! My husband stays cool as a cucumber. It is totally fun...but also a bit awe-inspiring that my kid can do all these amazing things!
new...
You're in California where there are scouts all over the place...What is another college recruiter in the scheme of things?
I wouldn't say anything and let him play his game.
Plenty of time for him to succeed.
You're in California where there are scouts all over the place...What is another college recruiter in the scheme of things?
I wouldn't say anything and let him play his game.
Plenty of time for him to succeed.
As a player I think I would like to know that he was going to be there. Knowing I have to be on the top of my game makes me play much better personally, I don't know how your son will react, but that is just a players point of view.
I would hope that most players would say that they are already giving 100% and don't have any more to give.
quote:Originally posted by TSfan:
But the one thing you can control is the WAY you play the game. It means more than anything.
IMO - That is one very true statement - and a great piece of advice as well.
More so now - than ever.
Just work hard - never give up - and play like a wild hungry dog every single time you step onto the field.
I know it's been a while since anyone posted to this thread but my son was told by his summer coach last night that the head coach of one of his "colleges of interest" had phoned him to let him know that he was coming to the game Thurs. night specifically to see my son play. I know it was smart on the college coach's part because I'm pretty sure he'll be driving a couple of hours anyway to get to the game and so wanted to make sure my kid plays and all that. I'm really just not sure that it was a good idea to tell my son. I mean, he seems fine with it, but I'M a wreck. I just hope my son can concentrate on his game, this is another first-time experience for him.
POP
When my son was in HS I got calls to my office from his AD every day a scout or college coach called and said they were coming to the game---no big deal--I knew, my son knew, the coach knew, and the AD knew--- just go and enjoy the game---that is what it is all about
When my son was in HS I got calls to my office from his AD every day a scout or college coach called and said they were coming to the game---no big deal--I knew, my son knew, the coach knew, and the AD knew--- just go and enjoy the game---that is what it is all about
Better get used to getting looked at closely. Players are judged every time they take the field after high school. The higher the level, the closer the scrutiny is.
My plan for this evening at my son's game (a college coach is coming to check him out) is to pretend he's not even there right? What's the right thing to do here? Is he expecting me to say hello? I don't think he can really talk to my son for another couple of weeks. Would he appreciate it if I just left him alone? Help! Can you tell I'm a little nervous? Last night my kid caught a great game, scorched a double into the right- centerfield gap and lauched a ball to left-center that the outfielder caught on the warning track right in front of the 346ft marker. Was there any college coaches there? Nah. Just parents and girlfriends. Dang.
PopTime.....
This might be getting to you after you already have left for the game. I would suggest just watching the game as you normally do, then perhaps after a few innings, since you know the coach is going to be there anyway, just go introduce yourself and let him know that if he has any questions he can feel free to ask.
The most important thing the coach is trying to do is watch your son play, so the less he gets involved in deep discussion, the better he will be able to watch for the things he is looking for.
Good luck, and just enjoy!!!
This might be getting to you after you already have left for the game. I would suggest just watching the game as you normally do, then perhaps after a few innings, since you know the coach is going to be there anyway, just go introduce yourself and let him know that if he has any questions he can feel free to ask.
The most important thing the coach is trying to do is watch your son play, so the less he gets involved in deep discussion, the better he will be able to watch for the things he is looking for.
Good luck, and just enjoy!!!
Guess what? Coach didn't show up! Not unless he was disguised as an overweight blonde woman in white pants sitting behind the backstop. Don't know what to make of that. My son was very discouraged after the game (he didn't know until then). I'm sure he must have had his reasons, but he could've called my son's coach back and told him it was off I think. Oh well.
PopTime - My son had his top choice school tell him on THREE occasions they were coming to a game that fall. This was a school that had called every week beginning July 1. The coach told him directly (not the HS coach) with adivice about not being nervous when he gunned him, etc. Then didn't show up each of those three times with no good explanation afterwards(at least not in our opinion). The only advice I would have is to file that info away in their records - keep a file on each and every school - including everything from the letters they send to what was said in conversations to copies of profiles you return.
Perhaps the coach will call soon and will have a reason he couldn't be there. If not, again, just keep that in mind when your son is considering a "fit" with that program.
Perhaps the coach will call soon and will have a reason he couldn't be there. If not, again, just keep that in mind when your son is considering a "fit" with that program.
PopTime,
My sons college coach watched my son 2 times before he was contacted and twice after the initial phone contact and we didn't have a clue that he was at the games. He was always out of sight- out of mind. I think he was also dressed as the overweight blond
. Bottom line is play your hardest at all times because you never know who the guy is walking the dog or jogging by.
My sons college coach watched my son 2 times before he was contacted and twice after the initial phone contact and we didn't have a clue that he was at the games. He was always out of sight- out of mind. I think he was also dressed as the overweight blond
. Bottom line is play your hardest at all times because you never know who the guy is walking the dog or jogging by.
I'm pretty sure he wasn't there. I had his face pretty much ingrained in my mind from his internet picture. If he was there he saw my son play his usual good defense and game calling behind the plate. Hitting was no great shakes. He walked twice and beat out an infield hit, stole a base and scored on a home run by the kid hitting behind him. He hustled every minute as usual. He was certainly the DIRTIEST uniform on the field by the end. Thanks for your words of encouragement lafmom and rz1. I know he's going to be seen by plenty of coaches this summer at the 5 showcases he's participating in. We aren't sweating it yet!