Earlier Now

2012's would be seniors. Yes - there are many early commits but for most players the summer after Junior year is still crucial. It depends on what type of schools you are interested in. There are top baseball schools that are mostly done with their 2013 class (particularly pitchers) at this point. The vast majority of colleges are still recruiting for their 2013 class and have some limited needs for 2012s.

YesReally, thanks for the correction.

On my sons summer team made up of 2013's the top pitchers and a few position players have already verbaled. Many others will be getting some serious looks at the Senior Classic this weekend. I would expect a few more off the board in the next month. However for most of the team I would imagine next summer will be when most of them have their opportunities.

Compared to the recruiting scene for my older son (eight years older than 2014 son), it definitely seems like the recruiting calendar has "unofficially" moved up (i.e. earlier). My question is "why"? Do you think it is due to the many WWBA events that congregate many high level prospects together at 14U, 15U and 16U? The increased popularity of showcases that allow younger players to be seen? More competitive college recruiting as college baseball has increased as a TV/revenue sport (at least among the big boys)?

Yes its shifted...by a fair amount.

The calendar has moved up because all top schools need to keep up with what their competition does. Recruiting coaches have learned that if you catch the players young and the parents before they have really thought about colleges, you can simply steamroll them.

This is especially true with local power programs where the player has probably gone to camps, watched games, etc., and made a true "personal connection" to those local coaches. The coaches leverage that "personal connection" into a verbal commit when the player is in the 10th grade.

Unfair to the players and families in that the "market" at that point is not a true "fair market." (A willing buyer and willing seller each with perfect knowledge of the market and neither under any compulsion to buy or sell.) The field is strongly titled to the schools and away from the players. But that's the way the recruiting game is played now.

So what is the new recruiting calendar? Is the senior year varsity season not considered at all?

Thanks!

Players can and do get recruited during their senior HS season - and even during the summer following graduation. But, there are very few spots available and often no athletic money.

And, in most areas, the HS season coincides with the college season so the college coaches are hard pressed to watch spring games - regardless of the year.

HS senior seasons are where potential draft picks are closely evaluated by scouts.