Email Works....6 of 6 DI Coaches Have Responded

Definitely keep exploring additional colleges. Many things can change and although you are enjoying discussions with coaching staff right now, this does not necessarily translate into an offer.

http://www.hsbaseballweb.com/no_early_signing.htm

It is very important they see him play. Maybe Jerry from PG has advice. He also has an event in Cali 2/2

With all due respect if you think that his HS stats mean anything to the college coaches you are seriously being mislead. Even if they can be verified. They are going to want to see your son perform on the field. It is no surprise that you got a response from an email. What will matter is if you still do once they have actually seen him play the game. If college coaches went on stats and emails they wouldnt be college coaches very long. Can you imagine how many people send them emails with stats?

With the next recruiting period not starting until March 1, how do college coaches fit that into their schedules. Now with more weekday games it must be tougher for them to get out.

If he were an OF/LHP I might be casually interested in his hitting stats, but you said he was a LHP/OF. What is his cruising velocity and how good is his stuff?

Stats do matter but not how your think. If you cant hit or get people out in HS you not gonna do it against better competition in college. HS stats can vary alot, some HS fields have 310 FT in center so HRs total can be greatly inflated and most of the pitching in HS is not very good.

Good example, went to see a player who hit 10 HR's early in his senior year. So how was the pitching he was facing, 75-76 mph , not even AVG HS pitching
MPH.

College coaches look for tools, can you run, throw and hit at the next level. Pitchers you fastball, movement, breaking ball and control. Either you have tools or you dont.

I didn't reply in the "size matters" thread, because I feared the following would be perceived negatively. But now that your nephew is getting some attention, maybe this won't seem so stark.....

Keep on contacting schools, and not just D1 schools.

You included enough detail so that I suppose I can identify the player: TL, right? I have never seen him play, and really have no direct knowledge about him. His most outstanding attribute is his speed, and it is pretty doggone good. The flip side of that is the effect on his hitting: 36 hits with 2 doubles. So perhaps many of his hits are handled by infielders, and he beats them out? If so, given that college infielders are much quicker and throw harder/more accurately, does he project to hit in college? Coaches won't know until they see him. And as a pitcher, he is on the low end of D1 velocity, and that means size really does matter in projecting velocity.

Ask one of the two guys who run his travel ball program to give their assessment of the level of college program that best fits him. They are very good at evaluating how players will be perceived by college coaches, and they know him well.

He's going find a good match, but keep on sending emails.

Great news that you have cracked the door open.
My suggestion would be to keep with it.
This is the tip of the iceberg so to speak and you have started the ball rolling, but there is usually a long road ahead.

As most before me have said, these coaches will want to see your son in action. Send them your sons Spring schedule and make sure you try and verify that they have received it.

I would also continue to contact as many other schools as your son might be interested in. ( DII, JUCO, etc. )

Keep the communication flowing best you can. Most DI programs are already in or are getting into full swing for their upcoming season,...dont get alarmed if the communication slows down a bit.

Stick with it,.....and keep knocking away on those recruiting doors!

REFERENCES, REFERENCES, REFERENCES. The larger the school, the larger the alumni base. The baseball world really is small. I agree that paper is insufficent ti justify a signing. However, a thumbs up from a reliable source may provide the boost you need. Therefore I suggest you find somone from your area who has an affiliation with the school. Many of these references are just a showcase/tournament/open pro tryout camp away. You never know.

That's a pretty good tip!

newagent, thanks for joining HSBBW. Already, your posts are proving to be quite helpful.

For those unfamiliar with newagent, here's a quote from his HSBBW member profile:

"I am a former criminal defense attorney. In law school, I took a course on sports law. Becoming a sports agent was the last thing on my mind. However, a chance encounter with someone at court has steered me in the direction. As I started to research the industry I grew concerned about the politics, promises, and people who represent themselves to be in the best interest of the child. Whether it is a coach, college, or recruiter I see a constant theme emerging. How can I economically benefit from this 'athlete.' I believe my approach is both ethical and economical. With that said, I seek to contribute information to the forums for the purposes of minimizing exploitation and maximizing player development."

Sounds like newagent has much to contribute to this site.

Infield '08:

I should also note that I want to learn. Everyday, I learn something new, and the more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know.

quote:

Originally posted by newagent:
Infield '08:

I should also note that I want to learn. Everyday, I learn something new, and the more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know.

Which pretty much explains my escalating stupidity, even in the face of such dynamically good looks... like my new glasses?