Getting a '16 European RHP noticed

SWERHP,

First of all I wouldn't bring him here until his velocity gets into the mid 80s range.  My suggestion at this time is to contact some good academic DIII colleges.  There are many of them where he can play.  You just have to find the right one.

Much of DIII recruiting is done by player contacting the school and showing interest.  There is this misconception that all the DIIIs recruit heavily.  Of course, there are a few DIII that do recruit hard, but the majority take what they can get.  If you contact a dozen DIII schools expressing interest, you will see for yourself that they will also express interest in you. I've often wondered why players spend money to attend showcases to get a non scholarship college interested.  

There really isn't much reason to attend a showcase, especially one that will cost you a lot in order to find a DIII school to play baseball at. Most important is that the player qualifies for admittance.  

You will need to do a little home work targeting the colleges that best fit your son.  I wouldn't target the top level DIII colleges because making the roster would be a gamble. Some have very good baseball programs. However, there are hundreds that will welcome your son with open arms if you show interest in them. And many pitchers really develop a lot once they are in college.

If your son continues to develop over the next year you can then change your plans.  But I would start by contacting some DIII colleges.  I think it will give you a secure feeling that your son will get an opportunity no matter what happens. Once again, please  understand that there is a wide range of DIII colleges and baseball programs.  They range from excellent programs that can compete at a very high level, to those where any warm body is on the roster.  Your son's accomplishments and ability will not get ignored if you contact the right colleges. Best of all, it won't cost you anything to find out. 

I'm only basing this on what you posted.  Pitchers often improve velocity a lot over a year or two.  But currently throwing 76-78 is probably not going to draw enough interest in scholarship schools to justify the amount of money it would take to attend a showcase event here in the USA. 

Best of luck and let us know how things work out.

A good place to start information gathering would be d3baseball.com. You can find links to all the D3 baseball programs. At each site is also a link to the entire college.

Would you have the same advice for a US-based kid?   If DIII schools are on the list of colleges that attend programs like Headfirst Honor roll camps, then is it safe to assume that they fall into the group of DIII schools that do recruit, and that in those cases just emailing and applying is not enough?

I'm not sure how to reply.  I coached at the small college level.  We were very competitive.  We worked hard trying to recruit the best possible players.  We had no athletic money to offer.  Every person that contacted us showing interest was followed up on.

Most DIII coaches are going to look at anyone that shows interest in their school.  Most DIIIs can't afford to ignore a potential student athlete. 

Nothing wrong with attending a showcase.  I was responding to the original post.  I doubt that it would be worth all the money it takes traveling half way around the world unless the player was going to standout.  Just trying to be honest, a pitcher throwing 76-78 is not likely to stand out. Once he gains more velocity it's a different situation.

Dear PGStaff,

Thanks for your reply and advice. Maybe I expressed myself wrongly, my intention is not to send my son to the US showcase in the immediate future, he's only 15 and I fully understand that a 15 year old throwing 76-78 will not get anyones attention. I was merely thinking of showcases when and if he develops to a good 85 + RHP, maybe in his early junior year.

Since he hasn't even taken his SAT's yet I'm not sure what kind of level school would be approachable. But we will certainly start researching D3 schools as per your advice. Main thing I guess is for him to keep pushing himself in order to reach the necessary level.

Thanks