Does appearance matter?

(sarcasm on)

As long as the kid can play, I wouldn't care how he looks. Do you think the teams care how Manny looks in his PJ pants, or Barry looks in the baggies? Heck, even Bronson Arroyo looks good in the cornrows. Even if they are not a star, let them be comfortable and enjoy the game and who they are.


(turn sarcasm off)

The "look", while it does not affect the talent, may hinder the assessment of you during an initial introduction.

After a bad ab or fielding play a scout may say "I remember that long haired kid had a bad set earlier in the day".

When all is said and done baseball is a team game, and clean cut is a baseball look. Why put in the head of people making an assessment of you that you want to look different than everyone else. That is not a team attitude.

I agree with JT's comments and being a "longhair" for most my life I personally don't have a problem with it. However, that initial impression regardless of what you do in life determinines whether the door is fully open or open part way. Once you are in the door the individual comes out.

My son's coach does NOT allow the above. No earrings, no jewelry, no tatoos showing, no long facial hair. Not even rubber band on wrist during playing time.
I am not sure how professional scouts look at things, and I beleive that you cannot judge a book by it's cover, however, there does seem to be a "look" some coaches want their players to have.

He grew his hair a bit longer this fall and was told not to come back after holiday break unless it was shorter. Of course we all know he could come back, but coach sent a strong message.

quote:

The "look", while it does not affect the talent, may hinder the assessment of you during an initial introduction.

Agree with this statement. Why paddle up hill?

Everything you do on the field is an audition and similar to a job interview. It might not impact things but then again there may be a few scouts who are put off by it. It doesn't seem worth the risk to me. Some pro teams like the Yankees are known for the look. Ask Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi. If looks were not important, then why were they forced to change there scruffy appearances?

Obviously, looks won't buy you a basehit or get you a strikeout but they might close some doors. Since I am not a scout, I don't know this for sure but I know candidates for job interviews have lost opportunities over seemingly trivial matters.

If a kid can hit like either Barry or Manny, I agree that he can look how he wants. We're talking about a marginal prospect at best who's just trying to get his foot in the door.

Aha--it is like a job interview----FIRST IMPRESSIONS can make or break you !!!

quote:

Originally posted by pfbear13:
If a kid can hit like either Barry or Manny, I agree that he can look how he wants. We're talking about a marginal prospect at best who's just trying to get his foot in the door.

If a marginal prospect, then I say let him have his fun.

Don't have to worry about hair on my son's college team...the FR all keep shaving each other's heads! Kind of of group bonding thing.

Had a scout from the Mets tell me that son's appearance and ability to make conversation were big plusses. They're looking for a responsible prospect, not someone who's outside interests will be a distraction. Players need to look the adult in the eye and leave a good impression...which obviously includes appearance.

i gave my son's the (look )speach all through their baseball life. when oldest went to a jc. the coach gave a simale speech as tpm talked about. both of my sons said not everyone thinks like me, but most coaches if not all are either my age or learned from some one my age. and they do think like me.set your self apart from the crowd with your work habits. if looks aren't important to you then it won't bother you to look like a player.


it's not whats real it's what's percieved.

My son's coach shared his expectations during recruiting before son ever committed and they included things in regard to appearance. I respect that. While I wouldn't and hope others wouldn't define someone by their appearance... it happens, thus it's important for our kids to consider. None of us would go in dressed inappropriately, ungroomed, etc. for an important meeting or job interview... they should consider the same things as important in recruiting and scouting.

When I see a kid with long hair , jewlry etc etc I see a kid that is trying to say "Hey look at me". When I see a kid clean cut , clean shave , looking sharp in his uniform I see a kid saying "Hey Im here to play ball I'll let my glove bat and arm speak for my ability". As a coach I have always believed in everyone looking the same all pants legs up or all pants legs down etc etc. Come to the ballpark looking like a baseball player and acting like a baseball player. I can not speak for scouts and college coaches not from our area but they do care around here. But to be honest with you that does not drive my beliefs. Leave the necklace at home and all the other individual stuff as well. Speak with your bat glove and arm and let that be what they focus on.

As explained to me by a Pirates scout:

Baseball is a grind. It means showing up everyday mentally prepared to be as physically dominant as you can possibly be. All I need to see is how a kid carries himself and I can tell whether he's ready for the grind.

This was explained to me after he scouted my son several times and told me my son had all the pitching tools to make it to the big leagues, but wasn't mature enough to handle the grind yet. He didn't base this on play on the field, but how he acted in the dugout, how serious he was about warming up the left fielder, how he behaved around his teammates when he wasn't pitching.

Does that mean my son is a screw off? No, just not ready for the grind of pro baseball according to this scout.

After I shared this conversation with my son though, things changed rather rapidly. Not by my doing, but because of his desire. Once he knew what was expected of him, he rose to the occasion.

If it's not an act, look professional and have a professional approach to the job, because as it was said here before, every time you lace them up, it's another job interview.

I've always told my kids people see better than they think. And just as a player has a right to express himself in his appearance, those evaluating him have the right to include that appearance in their evaluation.

Scouts, coaches, and recruiters are evaluating a player from the first moment they see him ---- which may even be in the parking lot.

Some may care about hair's length, placement or style and some may not. But none of them will be put off by a clean cut player, so why risk swinging the advantage to another player?

quote:

Originally posted by TRhit:
Aha--it is like a job interview----FIRST IMPRESSIONS can make or break you !!!

Very true. May not be "right", but it is true.

Orlando's points are also very well taken.

Appearances may not take on the same importance once you have proved yourself and are making more than the team manager. Looked up Damon's rookie league card at mlb.com -- either his hair is very short or he has none.

The comment made by Orlando is of great truth. "People see better than they think."

First impressions and appearance count a ton, especially from the college perspective.

Last Friday, we held a mid-winter dinner for our baseball club. We were fortunate enough to have Phil Swimley, who is retired after 38 years as the Head Baseball Coach of UC Davis, as our guest speaker. Coach Swimley gave an outstanding speech that I wish every aspiring player, and parent could have heard.

Coach Swimley talked about what it takes for high school student athletes to put themselves in position to have an opportunity to play college baseball. A few of the things that he talked about were how first impressions are so important and how college coaches don't want players who aren't interested in fitting in with their idea of what a ballplayer should look like. He said that if you want to be attractive to college coaches, get rid of your cool flat brimmed hat with the label on it that you don't know how to wear straight, lose the jewelry, no visible piercings, if your pants sag, pull them up and buy a belt or better yet, buy a pair that fits. When you're in uniform, look like a ballplayer is supposed to look, not what some kids drag over from their non-uniform appearance. He said that unless your name is Johnny Damon or Manny Ramirez, keep your hair short and neatly trimmed with little to no facial hair. He also talked about how college coaches aren't interested in listening to the very cool minute long rap song intro on your cell phone, and will simply hang up and you'll never know who crossed you off their recruiting list. You'd be far better off to have a greeting like your boring, non-cool parents have on most of their phones.

Coach Swimley also talked about other things it takes to be attractive to college coaches. Things like having a high GPA and solid SAT scores, especially in this new day and age of APR scrutiny. They look for players who have the maturity to be self motivated and responsible enough to plan their weekly schedules to make all their classes, participate in all their baseball workouts, get their homework done, take care of all their housekeeping chores and still find a few hours per week for personal time. He explained that being a college baseball player is a full time job that requires 65+ hours of your week between attending classes, doing homework and baseball. After your 11 hour average day, some of the remaining time is yours to spend as you wish.

Perhaps the most important point that Coach Swimley made to the group was that many college baseball coaches are a bit on the "older side", at least from the perspective of HS student athletes. If you want to make yourself attractive to them as a potential recruit, you should model yourself after what they think is acceptable instead of what you and your peers like. After all, they make the rules and decisions about who moves on...and who is left behind.

Speaking seriously (after just a hint of sarcasm in my other two posts)...
Like it or not, the majority of scouts are white guys, most of whom may well be old-school about appearances. Thus, just like marketing yourself for any job interview, you want to dress to appeal to the target audience. Perhaps you can explain it to your son this way...
...His uniform is his business suit--who wants to see someone sloppy in a baggy, wrinkled, ill-fitting suit.
...Like it or not, the appearance counts. Would he show up for a job interview in corn-rows, hair puffed out and not neatly cut?

I once got a haircut after not shaving for two days.Was the worst one I ever got.I guess the barber thought I didn't care about my looks! Yes,appearances matter.

My HS freshman son wears his hair pretty long. I never said a word during football, I was secretly hoping they would make him cut it and he would quit, but it never happened.

At any rate, I insisted on a clean cut haircut for baseball tryouts last week. I explained that it is a sign of respect. Respect for the coach and respect for the game. He did not like it, but he knew I was right.

Maybe it is just me, but the kid who doesn't cut his hair is sending a message that their opinion of themself as a player is that they are so good that they don't have to worry about stuff like haircuts.

EVERYTHING matters!

quote:

Originally posted by pfbear13:
How much does a player's appearance affect how scouts and recruiters look/evaluate him?

This falls under the category of mound presence and it does count to a degree (but not that much)

The only think that I don't like are afros (on both black and white guys) that stick out from under the pitcher's hat and look comical. Like the kid from Caddy Shack.

It's hard to be intimidating with that kind of a look.

Extremely long hair might also be an issue, especially if it gets in the player's face.

Since we are on this topic I would like to add something new to this. The way you carry yourself and the way you react to the game itself. Wether its reacting to sucess or failure it is very important. You see a kid strike out or pop up "watch his reaction". Does he sulk and pout or does he take it like a "man"? Does he run out the pop up looking to make something happen just in case? Or does he jog down to first or run shaking his head? The same can be said when he hits a HR. Does he act like he has never done it before (hot dog it up) around the bags or does he get around the bags and accept the pats on the back and get back to cheering for the next batter? So much is learned about a kid from just watching his reactions to the game itself. Does he come out of the dugout and congratulate his team mate or does he stay on the bench? Does he come out of the dugout when he is having a bad game or just when he is playing well? Does the pitcher look at the SS with disgust on his face when he makes an error or does he point his glove at him and say dont worry man you will get the next one? Dont you think that coaches at all levels want kids with character? Everytime they come and watch a kid play they dont expect him to light it up. They understand that everyone has a bad game , strikes out , makes an error etc etc. In fact they are waiting for those moments so they can see if the kid is someone they want in their program. The way the kid prepares for the game. Does he warm up with a purpose or does he go through the motions? Does he work around the cage before a game or just stand around untill its his time to hit. Does he shag with a purpose or does he stay in the dugout or just hang out and talk. On and on and on I could go. A players make up or character or attitude whatever you want to call it are so much more important than many can imagine. And it is shown in ways many do not understand. You need to show that you can handle failure and not let it negatively effect you and especially your team. You need to show that you can move onto the next pitch , play , at bat etc etc. You can go 4-4 and make every play and send that college coach home crossing your name off his list. And you can go 0-4 and make two errors and leave that same coach excited about you as a player. And that folks is a fact. You find out more about a player when he faces adversity than you ever will when he has it going his way.

quote:

Originally posted by Coach May:
Since we are on this topic I would like to add something new to this...

Great piece, Coach May.

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Three pictures.......one guy with long hair and two young future stars with a clean cut look. Pete had the long hair and Barry and Manny looked neat as a pin.

quote:

You find out more about a player when he faces adversity than you ever will when he has it going his way.

Excellent point Coach May.

Just had a circumstance the other night at indoor winter league ball. A certain player who has a lot of ( what I like to term as ) positive " baseball buzz " around him, but unfortunately struck out 1-2-3. The kid got out of the cage and threw his helmet towards his team mates,...then proceeded to groan loudly and beat his bat on the floor. IMO it was over dramatic and distracting.

Three very well dressed men,..all in matching college attire who seemed focused on this kid,..simply stood up and walked out.

Now I am not a mind reader,..and as far as I know, I do not have ESP,..so I can only guess who those three important looking men were and I can only guess what they were thinking. But it seemed extremely obvious that they were NOT impressed with the players demeanor after his strike out.

If I was a betting gal,..I'd bet this player just lost himself one less opportunity to play college ball,..and all because of an immature hissy fit.
Very sad,..very very sad indeed. Being a mom,..its hard to watch a HS 6'3" boy not be able to control his reactions to adversity. It was hard for most of us to watch.

Of course, when Pete was a young prospect, he had the crew cut going for him. I suppose that if you are among the elite, you can dress and look however you want, depending on the coach's or manager's dress code.

JT, Right on.

Coach May makes a number of excellent points. And for the record, his son has absorbed all of these points. He is the picture of class on a baseball field - always looks like a ball player and is the same after a home run as he is after he strikes out - ready to cheer on the next batter or put on the gear and get back behind the plate to make the next play.

By the way, SSM, I had not heard the term "baseball buzz" used the way you did in your post. I should clarify that my moniker comes from my childhood nickname, given to me by my dad. He and my granddad called me Buzz for as long as they lived.

Fungo, why does it take me 500 words to say what you can do in two?

quote:

Originally posted by shortstopmom:

Just had a circumstance the other night at indoor winter league ball.

What is indoor winter league ball?

quote:

Originally posted by Fungo:
EVERYTHING matters!

I love this quote

Thank you Baseball Buzz. I appreciate your kind words.

Baseball Buzz,....welcome to the HSBBW!!!!
I love your avatar name, and appreciate your explaination of its origin.

My term " baseball buzz " is a positive term. I use it when a player is known to have preformed well up to this point, someone who has made a name for himself by playing good baseball, and one who is being scouted by colleges for future play.

( I think the player I was referring to in my post was off set by pressure. Doubt the men watching would have been too distracted in him for the actual strike out ( which is not his normal preformance ),..it seemed to me it was the player's violent outburst and lack of control of his emotions after the strike out that seemed to make these men watching him, leave. )

Sluggo,..indoor winter league ball is basically just a set of cages set up in a row inside a heated indoor gym facility. Theres a live pitcher -behind a screen pitching, and a catcher. Batters ( from the opposite team ) must control where they hit the ball inorder to score. If the ball hits the top of the cage, automatic out, hit solid to the right or left of the pitcher, thats a score. Two strikes, your out,..next batter. They keep score and even have a play off at the end of the season.
Modified rules,..with the intention for pitchers to get throwing time in and batters to get repitition. When batters are waiting to hit, there are pitching machines in other cages for them to take swings at. Theres an indoor track to run laps and plenty of space for boys to throw with one another. It ends up being a decent little work out. Highschool boys from all over come to play and get a little baseball in during the winter and prep time for HS baseball tryouts.

Thanks, SSM, for the welcome. Actually, I've been around the HSBBW for a while, I just post sparingly.

Love the idea of the winter league. I don't think we have anything like that around here.

Had a pro scout address this before one of our games. He had come to watch two of our kids. One of whom was in the dugout before the game while everyone else was out stretching and warming up. Scout told him how he was disgracing the game by wearing his hat like he was, flip-flops, shirt untucked, looking like he just got off of a fishing boat, etc. Bottom line.....told him that he would never recruit him because of it.

I wished I could have recorded that conversation. It was one of the best I have ever heard.

With all things being equal, why would you ever provide a "decision maker", in or out of baseball, with a reason to reject you? This is especially true when you are trying to achieve a position in an intensely competitive environment.

Aside from the facial hair - which he does get rid of once the season starts - this guy is ready to go.

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When my son's college team got a new coach, he told a few of the players they needed to get haircuts - he wanted short, neat hair on every player. My son and a few others took turns that night, giving each other "buzz cuts" with clippers - very, very short. They knew who makes out the lineup card!

Ultimately, if the kid can REALLY play, it won't matter if he looks like an ALIEN and someone will find him....but if he's a bubble guy and NOT the overwhelmingly best player on the field, then 1st impression is huge.