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Marketing--- my son received his scholarship based on recommendations from one coach to another--was never seen by the school he attended
Not very typical, TR. One of a few. Must be a great player!
He had his day in the sun for 4 years but we worked hard to get his name out and to have him seen--thus the word got around but he had to have the talent or all the marketing we did would have been in vain
High school coach from another high school recommended him to a college coach friend of his.
As the people on here have mentioned before, coaches do talk to other coaches. He also had offers from 2 other schools. One of them was from a recommendation of a Legion coach from an opposing team to his college coach friend and the other was because the coach actually did see him play against his summer team and mentioned him to another recruit's father who happened to know my son(he was friends with his daughter) and he told the coach he was a great kid and hadn't commited yet. Alot of word of mouth goes on it would seem and recommendations can come from places you'd never think of. I would never have thought that other coaches would have recommended him. Also was told that an AD from a neighboring school got some calls about him but had to let them know he didn't quite have the GPA for D-I, so it would seem word does get around about a kid and his ability and his grades.
As the people on here have mentioned before, coaches do talk to other coaches. He also had offers from 2 other schools. One of them was from a recommendation of a Legion coach from an opposing team to his college coach friend and the other was because the coach actually did see him play against his summer team and mentioned him to another recruit's father who happened to know my son(he was friends with his daughter) and he told the coach he was a great kid and hadn't commited yet. Alot of word of mouth goes on it would seem and recommendations can come from places you'd never think of. I would never have thought that other coaches would have recommended him. Also was told that an AD from a neighboring school got some calls about him but had to let them know he didn't quite have the GPA for D-I, so it would seem word does get around about a kid and his ability and his grades.
Almost all of the schools that called my son did so from some kind of referral. A couple called him as a result of a showcase he did at a college - an inexpensive one day kind of thing. Other than that, a couple or so called from the referral of a scout, several called from a local guy that's involved in baseball and recruiting (son isn't a client), and one called from the referral of a retired college coach. I would have to say that those recommendations came from being seen playing HS baseball. My son contacted two or three schools on his own, but nothing or at least nothing significant happened with those. I know and believe it can happen, but for him that was a dead end.
Recruiting coach came to see him pitch in Jupiter at the wood bat tournament. He was not there to see someone else and then saw him, he came specifically over to our game to watch him pitch.
He had been following him for a while in prospect plus. I suppose if he hadn't seen him ther eit might have been someplace else.
BDK
He had been following him for a while in prospect plus. I suppose if he hadn't seen him ther eit might have been someplace else.
BDK
This is very good info. Thanks to all that have responded so far and I look forward to hearing from more websters....
Both of my sons were seen at the Area Code Games and were contacted right after the games ended.
College coach came out to see ANOTHER PLAYER and son caught his eye!
First seen at Jupiter in 2003.
My son was on a losing high school team, and in the middle of no where in Texas, so no scouts or college coaches came to our area so we went to them by attending showcases, college camps and corresponding directly to them.....self promote! He is playing college ball at the college he wanted! He is as happy as can be! So I say do what it takes to get your kid at the college he wants to play ball and get an education. Not many kids have the opportunity to go to the school they want for an education and play baseball at the school where they want to.
this is an awesome thread. lets keep them coming!!!
He was called after the Teamone South showcase in Atlanta. Schools also followed him on his summer team around the state. He was contacted by others after Perfect Game showcases and an Area Code tryout.
Wow, love the responses. I thought all I would get is votes, but instead I am getting these wondering stories/suggestions that will benefit many.
Several days again I had stated in a thread (TX forum) that I thought there were a 100 different stories out there from a 100 players regarding this subject, and lo and behold..... This is great information/insight for those entering this stage, it is real stories not just theory. Once again the phrase:
"You never know who's watching" rings true....
Keep the stories going.....and Thank you to all that have responded so far....
Several days again I had stated in a thread (TX forum) that I thought there were a 100 different stories out there from a 100 players regarding this subject, and lo and behold..... This is great information/insight for those entering this stage, it is real stories not just theory. Once again the phrase:
"You never know who's watching" rings true....
Keep the stories going.....and Thank you to all that have responded so far....
One other thing that we did. I made a highlight video, made copies, mailed the video, cover letter and resume to several colleges. We mailed out 36, and had replies from 21......some replies were phone calls, questionaires, visits, invitations to camps, and some were handwritten notes from the head coaches!
Yes please websters that have sons that have advanced beyond HS keep posting! 
My first son is an incoming HS Freshman and so far this is very useful.
My first son is an incoming HS Freshman and so far this is very useful.
HotCornerDad
Thank you for your support.
Big Game today at 1pm cmt, I will be painting, careful not to spill anything on my ASU shirt while watching. Is your son at Florida or are you an alumni? I am an alumni of ASU and displaced native of AZ living in TX...
With the exciting games yesterday I just hope that today is just as exciting for all teams. It has been an outstanding tournament..........
Keep those stories coming......your story might just be the one that helps another young man reach his goals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for your support.
Big Game today at 1pm cmt, I will be painting, careful not to spill anything on my ASU shirt while watching. Is your son at Florida or are you an alumni? I am an alumni of ASU and displaced native of AZ living in TX...
With the exciting games yesterday I just hope that today is just as exciting for all teams. It has been an outstanding tournament..........
Keep those stories coming......your story might just be the one that helps another young man reach his goals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A local scout talked to another local scout about particular schools who then made a call to a friend at T1 who knew the coaches. The T1 guy then sent a very effective/nice email to the recruiting coach who then called w/o ever seeing him play.
Note, the T1 guy did see him tryout for a club team. Ironically he never attended a T1 event but the T1 guy was very nice to him and helped him out.
Be nice to everyone, you never know who's going to help you or see you.
Note, the T1 guy did see him tryout for a club team. Ironically he never attended a T1 event but the T1 guy was very nice to him and helped him out.
Be nice to everyone, you never know who's going to help you or see you.
This was our situation.
Son went to a fall showcase in AZ. Fall coach was talking to another person and started laughing. He then came up to me and said that was Dartmouth's assistant coach. He had asked if there was anybody on his team that had the grades to get into an Ivy school. When he found out Josh would be throwing the next morning, he showed up and the rest is history.
An important note that young men need to know:
I would venture to bet that one of the first things almost any college coach (irregardless of division or level) asks any prospective recruit is what their GPA, SAT, ACT scores are.
Being able to play is great, but if you don't have the grades to get accepted, it does you no good.
Son went to a fall showcase in AZ. Fall coach was talking to another person and started laughing. He then came up to me and said that was Dartmouth's assistant coach. He had asked if there was anybody on his team that had the grades to get into an Ivy school. When he found out Josh would be throwing the next morning, he showed up and the rest is history.
An important note that young men need to know:
I would venture to bet that one of the first things almost any college coach (irregardless of division or level) asks any prospective recruit is what their GPA, SAT, ACT scores are.
Being able to play is great, but if you don't have the grades to get accepted, it does you no good.
WWBA Florida last October. One of his college coaches was there and saw him play, and his select coach recommended him.
The Stanford All Star Camp is where my son was found by his college coach. Not sure whether you call that a "showcase" which it is or a college camp, which it is. Whichever you call it, there a lot of top notch players and an ever growing number of college coaches there to find players.
We were practicing one day and a guy just shows up out of the blue. He stands behind the backstop for awhile then I walk over to him and ask him if what I could do for him. He goes on to tell me that he is looking for a high school to scout a couple of players he has heard about and he is lost. I tell him the school is down the road a little and give him directions. I walk away and go back to hitting fungos. Well I look up about 20 minutes later and he is still standing there watching. Then I look back a little while later and he has a note pad out and is writing down some notes. After practice he is still there and he walks up to me and ask me if we can talk. He starts talking to me about our first baseman and starts asking me questions about him. Well he comes back the next day and tells me that he wants to offer the kid a scholey to his school. A D-1 school here in NC. Up to that point this senior had some interest from some D-2 and D-3 schools but no formal offers. He signs with the school and starts as a freshman earning All Conf honors his Jr and Sr year. Funny how things can happen.
Coach May
One never knows who is where and why they are there
We had a kid offered a scholarship after we played at 1 AM in the morning after a rain delay--the coach looked like a dad sitting there under an umbrella
Folks keep in mind that not all college coaches wear their school colors, especially the old time coaches who have been around awhile
For the players--always beon your best behavior--no throwing bats or helmets --no temper tantrums on the field or in the dugout-- it can cost you
One never knows who is where and why they are there
We had a kid offered a scholarship after we played at 1 AM in the morning after a rain delay--the coach looked like a dad sitting there under an umbrella
Folks keep in mind that not all college coaches wear their school colors, especially the old time coaches who have been around awhile
For the players--always beon your best behavior--no throwing bats or helmets --no temper tantrums on the field or in the dugout-- it can cost you
Yes sir, temper tantrums. I was sitting next to a college coach last night who witnessed a near fight and a thrown helmut amoung other things - all by the same team. The team knew the coach and a scout were present yet.....
-most of the kids didn't run out everything to first, so the coach mostly got the kids running time back to the dugout
-one catcher didn't bother to make a decent effort throwing down to second between ininings, so they had mostly 3.0 plus times on his throws
These players didn't gave the scout or coach a reason to come back.
-most of the kids didn't run out everything to first, so the coach mostly got the kids running time back to the dugout
-one catcher didn't bother to make a decent effort throwing down to second between ininings, so they had mostly 3.0 plus times on his throws
These players didn't gave the scout or coach a reason to come back.
TRhit commented that not all coaches wear their school colors. I have noticed in the 4 years of my oldest son's high school career that almost none of them wear their colors.
Until you get to know them, you would never know some of the professional scouts that are at the games.
A lot of the times they have clipboards, radar guns etc.. but often they blend in at your practice or game just like a Dad or Grandpa.
I've seen scouts that I know sitting in their vehicles in our school parking lot (elevated, great view of the field)
Character is what you do when you know that nobody is watching.
Until you get to know them, you would never know some of the professional scouts that are at the games.
A lot of the times they have clipboards, radar guns etc.. but often they blend in at your practice or game just like a Dad or Grandpa.
I've seen scouts that I know sitting in their vehicles in our school parking lot (elevated, great view of the field)
Character is what you do when you know that nobody is watching.
Son had offer from top 20 D1 team after attending their fall "showcase" and after their coaches talked to area high school coaches. He also had an offer from lesser D1 also after attending their fall showcase. Another lesser D1 school that offerd had seen several of his HS games. However, he chose not quite as high profile team (school), which incidentaly went to NCAA's last year and missed this year by one game.
The school he chose saw him in one all-star game and the recruiting coach was on our back before we could leave the field. He did have a good game that night. However, the game before, he had his worse game in 4 years of HS baseball. If the coach had been at that game, he would've never been noticed.
He wrote letters to schools he was interested in and got back the standand fill-in-the-blanks form. In his case I believe that letter writing was a waste of time.
He had several offers from JUCCOs that mostly heard about him from word of mouth and he tried out for 3 of them.
He did attend a tryout for a professional team and the scout (respected in this area) gave the college coaches excellent recommendations.
The school he chose saw him in one all-star game and the recruiting coach was on our back before we could leave the field. He did have a good game that night. However, the game before, he had his worse game in 4 years of HS baseball. If the coach had been at that game, he would've never been noticed.
He wrote letters to schools he was interested in and got back the standand fill-in-the-blanks form. In his case I believe that letter writing was a waste of time.
He had several offers from JUCCOs that mostly heard about him from word of mouth and he tried out for 3 of them.
He did attend a tryout for a professional team and the scout (respected in this area) gave the college coaches excellent recommendations.
TX05Dad...my 06 son pitched the first 3 innings against your Austin Club in Ft Myers last October. He was on PG Black...I believe it was the first game on Sunday morning. Could you put a good word in for him?
Just kidding! Good luck to your son...
Just kidding! Good luck to your son...
My son was at a college camp of a school that had expressed some interest in him. During the premier game, some other college coaches were in the crowd and the rest is history.
Halfmoon
Your 06 pitcher must be pretty good. If I remember correctly, we didn't hit him much, and there were some fairly good 05 hitters in that line up. Mine was hitting fourth.
Your 06 pitcher must be pretty good. If I remember correctly, we didn't hit him much, and there were some fairly good 05 hitters in that line up. Mine was hitting fourth.
North Carolina's State Games and his fall travel/showcase team.
I was at a showcase tournement last year. The Head Coach and Head Assistant coach at a local D-1 school were sitting in front of me. We talked throughout the game about different players. They were there looking a couple of kids in particular. After the game they walked down behind the dug out just as one of the players they were looking at walked out of the dugout. The kid was talking to another player and let out an MF and a couple of more choice words. The two coaches turned around and came back to the bleachers. The assistant looked at the head coach and said "Should I do the honors coach". The head coach said "By all means". He reached in his pocket pulled out a pen and crossed his name off the list. The head coach turns around and says to me "Coach the last thing I need on my team is a foul mouth thug". THIS IS A TRUE STORY. Folks you never know who is watching and who is listening. Character is just as important as talent. No its more important than talent. Coaches do not want to make a commitment to a kid that they end up not wanting to be around. And they do not want anyone to bring bad rep to their program regardless of how hard they can hit it or throw it.
I think the stars might have aligned, TXDAD. He struck out 5 and gave up a couple seeing eye ground balls. 
Is your guy a lefty hitter? I remember a well put together lefty either 3rd or 4th.
Is your guy a lefty hitter? I remember a well put together lefty either 3rd or 4th.
Coach May,
This is all so true and I have witnessed similar incidents both pro and con. Sometimes a player who loves the game will standout merely because everyone around him acts as if there is something else they would rather be doing.
From my experiences, practically everyone at a ballgame is a scout in one form or another and sometimes their input can make or break a player. This includes coaches, players, umpires, fans, parents, along with traditional college and pro scouts. One D1 school (St. Bonaventure) that recruits heavily in our area is not even from around our area. The head coach's father lives in the area and acts as a scout for his son. Most players or their parents would never even recognize this gentleman as a scout. He blends in like a fan.
To get back on topic, my son started getting noticed last year as his team advanced to the big school State Championship game. Several D1 schools expressed interest to his coach along with many D2's and D3's. We picked the best D1 school (baseball wise) and attended their camps. From his performance at these camps, an offer was made and he gratefully took it.
This is all so true and I have witnessed similar incidents both pro and con. Sometimes a player who loves the game will standout merely because everyone around him acts as if there is something else they would rather be doing.
From my experiences, practically everyone at a ballgame is a scout in one form or another and sometimes their input can make or break a player. This includes coaches, players, umpires, fans, parents, along with traditional college and pro scouts. One D1 school (St. Bonaventure) that recruits heavily in our area is not even from around our area. The head coach's father lives in the area and acts as a scout for his son. Most players or their parents would never even recognize this gentleman as a scout. He blends in like a fan.
To get back on topic, my son started getting noticed last year as his team advanced to the big school State Championship game. Several D1 schools expressed interest to his coach along with many D2's and D3's. We picked the best D1 school (baseball wise) and attended their camps. From his performance at these camps, an offer was made and he gratefully took it.
The school he ultimately signed with (Auburn) told me they saw him pitching for his summer team, Dulin’s Dodgers 18u (Memphis) at the East Cobb complex in Atlanta. They also said they saw him in Wilmington, NC at East Coast Pro. Most schools that recruited my son saw him playing for Dulin's Dodgers, East Coast Pro, or MidWest Prospects in (Waco, TX) Someone mentioned that coaches talk and I agree. Exposure generates discussion amongst coaches....those discussions generates interest...and that interest ultimately leads to scholarships.
Fungo
Fungo
In our state we have an American Legon All-Star game that culminates in the state capital....but consists of a series of tryout/cuts that you need to advance thru to make it to the state game. My son probably got more notice from those series of tryouts than anything else...lots of scouts in attendance at the final 3 tryouts. Also, my son pin-pointed 3 colleges that he was particularly interested in, notified their coaches, and went to their camps...which ultimately led to getting an offer at the school which was #1 on his list.
Luvbb and others;
We are selecting players who can compete against the Matsui's and Ichiro's of Japan High School Baseball. Tools and "make up" is extremely important.
Goodwill Series Inc. will select 18 players for the American Team. Pro scouts will be the "evaluators".
Players are evaluated for tools, desire, self teaching skills, personal responsibility and "proper thinking". The games will be played in 20,000 seat High School Stadiums.
Bob Williams
We are selecting players who can compete against the Matsui's and Ichiro's of Japan High School Baseball. Tools and "make up" is extremely important.
Goodwill Series Inc. will select 18 players for the American Team. Pro scouts will be the "evaluators".
Players are evaluated for tools, desire, self teaching skills, personal responsibility and "proper thinking". The games will be played in 20,000 seat High School Stadiums.
Bob Williams
Halfmoon
Your probably refering to the fifth batter. Big kid that is a switch hitter. Mine is right handed only. That line up had eight 05's and two 06's. Six of the 05's are playing at the next level next year, and I am sure one more will find a place soon if he hasn't already. This was almost the same team, minus Jordan Danks and a couple of pitchers, that finished fifth at the WWBA event in Atlanta July 2004. Your 06 pitcher must be pretty good.
Your probably refering to the fifth batter. Big kid that is a switch hitter. Mine is right handed only. That line up had eight 05's and two 06's. Six of the 05's are playing at the next level next year, and I am sure one more will find a place soon if he hasn't already. This was almost the same team, minus Jordan Danks and a couple of pitchers, that finished fifth at the WWBA event in Atlanta July 2004. Your 06 pitcher must be pretty good.
TXDad, thanks. I think they just had a bad morning against us. It was awful early. My guy is a low 80's guy who knows how to pitch and has a real good change than runs and sinks, so what I'm sure happened is your guys were seeing 90's stuff and here comes a kid who has them on their front foot first time through the lineup. Anyway, if you find your way to Jupiter again this year with some of those 06's we will be there hopefully with the Midwest (Wisconsin) Blazers.