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High School team is 5-15, is there any hope for exposure?

P Peninsula10+ posts
My son's team was mercied (sp?) again yesterday. The other team enjoyed a 6 run inning, then a grand slam, their pitcher had a 2 hit game. My kid had one of the 2 hits but obviously, the team has been unremarkable (I'm being kind) this season.

I have been reading the forums here & starting to panic about things like 'getting exposure' & colleges contacting Juniors after July 1st this year. My kid's 17, a 3B, has been described by coaches as having 'natural talent', 'a quick bat', etc...so there is a reasonable expectation he has the ability to play at the next level.
How on earth will anyone ever notice my son on a team like this? Also, we live in a place where you'll pass cows & goats for 40 minutes before you reach a mall....

He is scheduled to play on a travel team run by the Varsity Coach from a neighboring town who was 14-2 last I checked & is 'seeded 1st' in the state tournament- Our former Varsity Coach suggested him for this team last Fall.


They are supposed to play 40 games in 6 weeks starting June with tournaments in Cooperstown at the end of June & then one in Branford Ct & one in Montreal, Canada both early July.


Anyone heard of tournaments in these places? I am nervous about sending him out of the country. This will be all he gets to do this summer. He is paying for the cost of these games himself. They have a sponsor & the cost is $275 for all of it.
Last edited {1}
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ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
Peninsula - welcome to the hsbbweb!

I have posted a number of times on this same topic. Recruiting is two things - talent plus exposure (assuming grades are fine).

Here is a link to many of the topics that are related to this one and also where I have commented on these two key components:

http://hsbaseballweb.com/eve/f...Type=1&search=Search

My son played up here on the shores of Lake Erie where it often snows during games in the spring time. No college or pro scouts were at those games so if we just left it up to his high school games his career would have ended. Summer tournments are one way to get the necessary exposure but that may still be hit and miss. Showcases and college camps are guaranteed to get the exposure. I would have him attend one smaller showcase or free pro tryout with an MLB team as a tuneup so he understands what is involved in the process and it helps calm him for his next experience. After attending one, find out what needs to improve, work on those things for a month or two and then attend another showcase on a mission to turn at least one coach's head. If he gets some recruting interest from either the summer tournaments or showcases, he can decide if he further wants to attend a college camp of interest to further solidify the deal and interest.
Last edited by ClevelandDad
L liner100+ posts
I'm doubtful there will be much exposure in Montreal; we travel down to the US for that. Even then its a struggle for a mediocre team. The competition could be anywhwere from poor to excellent, just depends on whos there. The academie d'baseball runs a very good program, the elite team in the province if they are there its most likely a good one, if not....

If your child (17) is responsible, it's no different than going anywhere else. The cultural experience could be an eye opener, its a city with a lot of style and charm, and fashion conscious girls. Drinking age is 18 - but any of those issues are the responsibility of the kids and the coaches.

Bon Chance!
floridafanfloridafan5,000+ posts
More likely than not, your son will not be noticed on this team. If he has a desire (a burning desire) to play at the next level, then undoubtedly you will need to be proactive in garnering him opportunities to show what he can do. This can be showcases or travel team.

Additionally your son will need to take the initiative to develop his skills. This may need to include some outside instruction. As indicated by your team’s record, your existing coach may or may not be able to assist in developing your son's skills.

All this does take time and some money. But most of all it requires desire and determination on the part of your son and a strong support system headed up by you and your family.

It is a major commitment, unless you are gifted to throw a 92MPH Fast Ball or can hit a HR every 5th plate appearance, you will need to work hard at locating opportunities, and preparing for them so your son can perform when they present themselves.
NIC15NIC15100+ posts
Your son may or may not get exposure depending on location. When I was in High School my junior year our team was terrible. I finished the year 3-6 with a 1.50 ERA 95 K's in 54 IP. I did receive exposure even though I was on a bad team. However like stated above, your son may need to be proactive and do some recruiting on his own. Contact colleges by phone, or mail. Attend a few showcases or play travel ball. If he wants it bad enough, there are available resources to help him.
RJMRJMHSBaseballWeb member since 2007
Three weeks ago my son sent out fifty emails (yes I helped him) to colleges he's interested in attending and playing baseball. The content was why he's interested in the program and school, comments on his current high school season and a link to a newspaper article about him. He asked where the coaches would be attending showcases this summer and to be added to their mailing lists. He added the name of his travel coach with phone number and a pro scout who would endorse him with his phone number. He's received responses from forty-plus colleges. Some also asked for acadademic transcripts and video. Two asked him to come watch when in the area.

The plan is to send video to these same fifty colleges in the next week. Then as each showcase occurs he will make them aware he will be there. His showcase coach will also help with his list of top fifteen colleges.

A few of these colleges are in our area and are familar with my son. A couple said they said the newspaper article. But most of these schools are out of the area. They now know he's interested. That's a lot of colleges that didn't know he existed last month.
Last edited by RJM
NIC15NIC15100+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by RJM:
Three weeks ago my son sent out fifty emails (yes I helped him) to colleges he's interested in attending and playing baseball. The content was why he's interested in the program and school, comments on his current high school season and a link to a newspaper article about him. He asked where the coaches would be attending showcases this summer and to be added to their mailing lists. He added the name of his travel coach with phone number and a pro scout who would endorse him with his phone number. He's received responses from forty-plus colleges. Some also asked for acadademic transcripts and video. Two asked him to come watch when in the area.

The plan is to send video to these same fifty colleges in the next week. Then as each showcase occurs he will make them aware he will be there. His showcase coach will also help with his list of top fifteen colleges.

A few of these colleges are in our area and are familar with my son. A couple said they said the newspaper article. But most of these schools are out of the area. They now know he's interested. That's a lot of colleges that didn't know he existed last month.



My advice would be not to send a video to these schools unless requested. I was a recruiting coordinator at the collegiate level so I can tell you first hand, we get 100s of videos from kids, and just do not have the time to look through all of them, with that being said, your sons video may not even get seen. My advise would be to have your son follow up with the schools that he contacted with a phone call and say thank you for the response, and ask them if there is anything else he can do, or needs to do. Be proactive, coaches love to see this.

And congrats to your son, thats great news that some more doors have been opened up. If you need anymore help or have questions, feel free to contact me.
RJMRJMHSBaseballWeb member since 2007
quote:
I can tell you first hand, we get 100s of videos from kids, and just do not have the time to look through all of them, with that being said, your sons video may not even get seen.
I understand this. But every program that takes a look is one more than not sending it to anyone. Now that I have all the email addresses it's just a short personalized form letter, an attachment and a click. It still comes down to getting in front of them live. But a little marketing material may have them seek him out. It's also one more time his name comes up in front of the coach when he receives an email.
Last edited by RJM
NIC15NIC15100+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by RJM:
quote:
I can tell you first hand, we get 100s of videos from kids, and just do not have the time to look through all of them, with that being said, your sons video may not even get seen.
I understand this. But every program that takes a look is one more than not sending it to anyone. Now that I have all the email addresses it's just a short personalized form letter, an attachment and a click. It still comes down to getting in front of them live. But a little marketing material may have them seek him out. It's also one more time his name comes up in front of the coach when he receives an email.


Thats a good way to look at it. I wish your son the best of luck!
P Peninsula10+ posts
While disheartening to see that this team may offer little exposure, I appreciate the honest advice.

My son & I are getting to work right away on sending out some emails. Should these be directed to the Head Coach or someone else? I will search here in the tips section for sending stuff to colleges. We had been waiting on his 60 yard times for this year. His coach promised to test him but never did. I'm at the point where if I knew how, I'd have him run in our yard to get a time...I guess we'll have to proceed without this info. The only time we have is from Winter of 2009 & that is a low 7, which I read here needs to be lower.

I let my son read this thread. He's been coming home from games & saying 'I'm not worried, I have the Summer Team..." but what we have read here has alarmed him somewhat, I think.


He has both the talent & the academics to proceed, as well as determination & skill- nearly every spare moment he has is spent training, all year long.

We will begin to focus on being 'proactive' as suggested here. This is a good wake up call for us to get started with contacting schools ourselves.
Last edited by Peninsula
M Momof1B100+ posts
To get a 60 yd time take him to a lined football field. This gives the actual distance can be seen on the video and accurately timed. We were told this at a camp, so no guess work on distance. Also not sure who your son is playing summer ball with but think about taking him to a PG showcase, helped us get an idea of what other players are out there and what your son is up against. Good Luck to you and your son. It is all about marketing your son and getting his name out there.
RJMRJMHSBaseballWeb member since 2007
quote:
He's been coming home from games & saying 'I'm not worried, I have the Summer Team...
Unless a kid is a jaw dropping stud every program wants, you need a list of target schools based on an objective assessment of personal ability, ability to be an asset to a program and the social and academic fit of the player and the school. Without a strategy you're just throwing spaghetti off the wall and hoping some sticks.

I went to watch a program on my son's secondary list today and talked with some parents. I found out it's not a fit. It's off the list.

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