How do you tell what's legitimate interest?

vtmom - Welcome!

My older son played at Stanford, so I'll try to help you as much as I can. Our younger son also went partway through the process with them as well before committing to a different school. Feel free to PM me if you want.

Is it a good sign? Yes! Its the same as the first contact our son had with the Stanford coaches.

Does it mean 'genuine' interest? It means interest...he's on a list and the first step to getting recruited there is being on a list. The 'list' isn't gigantic, but its not tiny either. By all means, fill the questionnaire out and send it in! Those that don't fill it out could be defaulting themselves out of the Stanford recruitment process.

Do you have to go to the Stanford camp to get recruited there? No. It could help (or hurt, depending on how it goes), but it is absolutely not a requirement. In our son's recruiting class I think about 3 out of 10 recruits were at the camp.

Other advice? Have your son write them a letter or email that 'personally' tells them why he's interested in Stanford. His letter needs to be 'genuine.' They actually read the darn things and I've heard of the head coach giving exactly this advice to other kids.

The bottom line I think is, stay in the game until they tell you you're not in the game anymore. Don't cut off other options and don't go telling other coaches that Stanford is his dream (some will back off if you do this). Just stay in the game as long as you can and see how it finishes.

Good luck!

The post above is terrific advice for many programs.

I am nowhere near an expert (many on this site will probably agree ) but I have learned alot since I joined this forum. I agree with justbaseball's post...if a college is corresponding at all, its a good sign. My son has had good luck with sending emails with a video link...some coaches returned an email with camp info or prospective athlete form for him to complete. One school, from out of state, did send a letter stating "Welcome to the 2012 recruiting class of ______ university baseball program. This letter indicates our extreme interest in making you a part of our program." That was a first. With that one we knew it was legitimate but now he just receives "form" emails with updates of the team's games.
And really, if its a form letter, that's OK. They may send out tons, but if you return the prospect form, they now know that you are interested. I'm sure there are many that don't bother completing the form at all.
And thanks justbaseball, there are a few suggestions that you made that I need to have my son do.

Stanford and some of the other elite programs start by casting a wide net, and then winnow the list down to the approximately 8 or so recruits each program signs in a given year. It sounds like your son is one of the prospects that they might have interest in. Is he one of the final 8? Maybe yes and maybe no. You will definitely not be one of the final 8 if you are not on the first list however. Every program that shows some interest is a prospective college for your son. You will start to eliminate them based on academic, location, coaching matches, etc, and they will do the same based on their programs need and your son’s academic and baseball profile. It is the start of a long dance, enjoy it but keep a level head in the process. Treat every inquiry as real and start to eliminate them (as they will) as you go through the process. Good luck!

Do you know the name "Sam Fuld?

He played with our Goodwill Series in Cooperstown and later graduated from Stanford and now with the Chicago Cubs.

Sam was one of the "hard nose" players, who has succeed at all levels. If you desire, I can recall a story from the Cooperstown game against the National Japan HS Team.

Each year Stanford Camp allows my discussion.

"Run don't walk", if you have the opportunity.

Bob

Great advice, JB.

I also would like to add that recruiting letters hold a certain place in the process, don't try to read between the lines, just do your follow up and most likely after July 1 you will know what is legit and what is not.

As usual, I am very much enjoying reading the responses to this post.

It's tough to know whether you're making too much out of these correspondences or not, especially if it's your family's first time through this process, as it is ours.

2013 has had severals school ask him to complete their questionnaire, which he has done. He also does all the other important items: sending video, schedule updates, attending campus camps and regional showcases.

We also receive tons of emails and brochures about camps all over the country from schools that may just want to make a few bucks.

As to the genuine interest question, I am interested to know if that September 1 date of his junior year will really tell us much. We have heard of some players who at 12:01 a.m. receive personal emails from coaches who have been watching them etc. Then we have heard of those who just continue to receive the "form" email messages.

Is this a similar situation? Will we be able to tell if it's genuine interest at that time? And conversely, should we panic if September 1 of the junior year comes and goes without a word?

Really appreciate any insight.

Good point, TPM.
2013 parent...my son (2012 grad) really had no interest after his sophomore year until he decided to take it a little more seriously this winter. But since then...actually from Dec on since he started sending emails...that's when the interest increased. I am no expert, but I would say it is best to stay in touch and in their radar.
We could be wrong, but it seems the emails from the schools that are really, really interested are much more "personal". But I guess those could be "canned" emails as well.

quote:

Originally posted by 2013 Parent:
Really appreciate any insight.

Everyone's experience is different, but strongly keep in mind throughout all of this is that coaches recruit players, not the other way around.

So if Sandford sends a questionaire, sends emails and updates on a regular basis and your son is a D2 candidate, you ARE going to be disappointed when July 1 comes (using Standford as an example).

July 1 is the first time that a D1 coach can contact your son, so when people say that they are waiting for July 1, I usually assume it's contact from D1 programs, make sure that you have targeted the right programs for your players, I find those that are usually disappointed are so because they are waiting for the wrong coaches to call.

Let me add another point, phone calls are great, but in the end the offer from the right program is what is most important. Don't get wrapped up in the email stuff, or the brochures or the camp invites or dozens of questionaires. Keep focusing on exposure and what are you doing to help get your player seen.

Most coaches of the better programs in their division and conferences (this includes JUCO) DO NOT recruit via email and video.

JMO.

TPM- I agree with everything you've said, except for the video part. I believe a properly made recruiting video is a good tool for a potential prospect. I had a video made in high school, as did several of my friends, and we sent them to various college coaches. Almost every coach that I sent my video to responded. Many of them said "I like what I see, I want to take another look" or something along those lines. So while you are correct that coaches won't make offers based on email or video, contact points such as these could behoove a player by at least sparking a bit of interest out of the coach.

quote:

As to the genuine interest question, I am interested to know if that September 1 date of his junior year will really tell us much. We have heard of some players who at 12:01 a.m. receive personal emails from coaches who have been watching them etc. Then we have heard of those who just continue to receive the "form" email messages.

Is this a similar situation? Will we be able to tell if it's genuine interest at that time? And conversely, should we panic if September 1 of the junior year comes and goes without a word?

TPM is right...everyone's experience is different.

Having been through this twice, where both sons had multiple D1 options by the time they decided...neither one had any mail waiting in their inbox on September 1, 2, 3, 4...maybe even to late September or early October? Maybe later?

I really don't think that most coaches look at the September 1 date as crucially as parents/players do. So no, please...by all means do NOT panic if there's nothing waiting on September1!

A lot of times the first 'genuine' contact comes after a coach has seen a kid play (camp, fall tournament/event, HS, summer ball, etc...).

The other thing that happened was that some college coaches first 'genuine' contact was with our son's HS or summer coach(es). "What do you think of 'Johnny'?" "How are his grades?" "Do you think he would be interested in us?" "How hard of a worker is he?" "Tell me about his competitiveness?" "Do you think he can play at our level?"

quote:

Originally posted by justbaseball:
The other thing that happened was that some college coaches first 'genuine' contact was with our son's HS or summer coach(es). "What do you think of 'Johnny'?" "How are his grades?" "Do you think he would be interested in us?" "How hard of a worker is he?" "Tell me about his competitiveness?" "Do you think he can play at our level?"

Ahhhh, very good point. 2013's summer coach has gotten a couple of calls, and we are pleased to see that many colleges are asking for the summer coach to complete a brief written evaluation in addition to the player submitting the questionnaire.

Thanks for the info about youre sons' experience with September 1 inboxes.

Thanks for all the input and advice. My son has not contacted any coaches yet, including Stanford so I'm not sure how they got his name, but is in the process of getting a video filmed. He did go to a couple of camps and I know he's behind in the process but there were circumstances really beyond his control so hopefully he's not too late. But thanks again.

quote:

Don't get wrapped up in the email stuff, or the brochures or the camp invites or dozens of questionnaires.

This is so true. It's really fun to get those questionnaires and emails and letters in the mail. It's easy to get excited about it and get your hopes up. And it is a good sign. But...

One program inundated 2B with mailings, emails, camp invites that really seemed personal. The school became his #1, had the perfect major, etc. Turns out there were at least 500 other guys getting the same stuff. After 2 camps and about $1K spent, no contact. See ya. If 2B has 2 successful years at JUCO and this school comes back into the picture, I will be very cynical about it. I can see it now. They'll offer a "JUCO PROSPECT SHOWCASE!!! Only $550 to attend! You are one of our top recruits!" Woo-hoo!

When the coach himself makes personal contact with the player, that's when it's legit.

Lots of really good info here. I agree with JH that while videos are not the end all, be all, they can definitely help to at least get some info in their hands. We had a few schools request a video so they can at least get a feeling of what the player has to offer.
It is neat when you receive the letters and emails, but its also important to be realistic in what they mean. And yep, everybody's experience is different, every recruiting coach does things different. Our high school coach has been very helpful in talking to college coaches on the phone, at coaches conferences and through email.

JBB is correct, if my memory serves me correctly, son didn't hardly get any stuff in mail until after he did Jupiter, late October. I don't think we even thought about it or cared, but I do know that kids are seen earlier these days than in the past.

Video is great option I meant do not let it take the place of playing in front of coaches, though I understand it's a great option if you are far away from where you would like to be recruited. I did state that top programs in their conferenec or division usually don't recruit through video, that's my opinion in speaking to a HC.

Don't let the fact that you are getting pounded with mail make you think you are high on the coaches list. And keep in mind that attending camps does no good if you are not suitable for that program, attend camps for their value in what you will learn from the experience and who you are going to work with. People used to tell me that Clemson had a great camp because their players came away with actually some good feedback that helped them to become a better player. Use camps for that purpose.

One more thing, especially to 2Bmom, could very well be that program liked your son, but had no need for a 2B, sometimes it's just out of our control, based upon the coaches needs. That's why I always say, pay attention to who is seriously paying attention to your son, that makes a big difference in your experience.

Keep it in perspective, if that school comes knocking at his door after 2 years of JUCO, keep in mind that they are going to recruit your son based on their needs and that he is 2-3 years more mature.

I think that if people keep this in mind, it becomes a big easier to understand.

Bob - Sam was traded to Tampa Bay. We hope he starts in left - he is a friend of the family. Sam can't weigh more than 165lbs. Last winter when he threw with my son in the offseason people would come up and ask him what HS he plays for. Sam also never played "high end" travel ball and his HS team in NH played a 14 game schedule. I know you agree, Sam proves that size and hometown mean nothing. Only talent and heart count for anything.

quote:

Originally posted by Prepster:
The post above is terrific advice for many programs.

So true dat!

Re: My son has had good luck with sending emails with a video link...

We live on the Eastcoast and the schools my son is looking at are on the West- of course!! So, trying to get in front of those coaches is really tough!! What type of video link did you send?? It's been suggested to me to send youtube links... Also, did you pay for the video? We have paid companies here that charge a fortune, but it isn't real game circumstances. They have multi cameras up and video the kid for x amount of time then compile it to send... What did you find was the best way to accurately capture your son's talent and contact the coaches with it??

quote:

Originally posted by J H:
I had a video made in high school, as did several of my friends, and we sent them to various college coaches. Almost every coach that I sent my video to responded. Many of them said "I like what I see, I want to take another look" or something along those lines.

OK. WHere and how did you get a good video made?? My son is on the Eastcoast and wants to go to school on the West, so video seems like our best chance to pique a coaches interest. If need be, then we can travel out that way... But I'm just a mom, first kid... I know NOTHING!!! So, any good video advise would be awesome!! FYI He's a pitcher if that makes a diff on how to put the video together.

briigrl - you have a personal message.
Welcome to the forum. Good Luck!

Just a quick question...
2012 attended summer camp at Franklin Pierce after sophomore year in h.s. Since, emails with mostly camp info, basic form emails, etc. have been coming in from them with some interest from other DII and DIII, which were very welcomed. In february, summer coach, with whom this is 2012's first year with, made a phone call to an assistant at FP and talked of 2012's interest in the program. Shortly after, 2012 sent schedule to Coach King and was welcomed with a replied email that the coach would do his best to come out in the summer most likely, and that if he would want to come by for a visit they could make arrangemennts. Seemed like good interest to me, and we are looking at games played nearby at FP during April h.s. vacation, but does this seem like genuine interest to you vets out there? and should we follow up by coming to a game? (To check out the team and to also meet the coach), or was this just a general reply?

Searles14

Not a veteran, but in our limited experience, that is how it played out for my son. Haven't gone to a game yet, but several have invited him to campus visits (which we did) and encouraged him to come to a game some time.

quote:

Originally posted by briigrl:
[OK. WHere and how did you get a good video made?? My son is on the Eastcoast and wants to go to school on the West, so video seems like our best chance to pique a coaches interest. If need be, then we can travel out that way... But I'm just a mom, first kid... I know NOTHING!!! So, any good video advise would be awesome!! FYI He's a pitcher if that makes a diff on how to put the video together.

briigrl, if your son's high school has a communications department (TV Tech), you might have your son ask them to create a video for him. Many times the students have projects they have to create for their class so it might be a win, win for your son and the tech students.

I'm sure with a little research you could find some good player videos as examples to show the high school tech guys what you are looking for.

briigrl- Websites like BeRecruited or Skillshow are examples of places that offer opportunities to post videos and contact coaches. These can be great resources if utilized appropriately. However, I did not go through either of these routes, for two reasons. Firstly, I made my video in 2007 and these sites weren't nearly as popular or well-known back then as they are now. Secondly, I felt that a direct and personal contact from me to the coach of the school weighed more than just a standardized link to a profile page. So while I don't object to people joining sites like these, I do think that if you are willing to put in the time and the effort to do things yourself, you can save money and be just as or more successful in your exposure.

The video that I made was quite easy. All you need as a pitcher is someone to film you throwing, a video camera and a catcher. I shot mine from three different angles, one from behind the plate, one from first base (I am a LHP, for a RHP the ideal angle would be from 3b), and one from right behind the mound. I threw all my pitches four times from each angle, twice out of the wind up and twice out of the stretch.

The entire video was about 4 minutes long. I didn't include a radar gun reading but if you feel that you would like to include this, feel free (note: make sure the reading is a TRUE velocity reading...no coach wants to spend time recruiting a kid throwing 82 when he was told the velocity was 88). I also had footage of me throwing in a game, but didn't include this in the initial package I sent to coaches because I didn't want to overload them with things. I figured if a coach watched the video of me throwing a bullpen with the pitches I presented and didn't like what he saw, he wouldn't want to watch the game footage anyway. And most good coaches will be able to get a good sense of a player's abilities based off of the footage I had provided, and then probably request more from there.

As I mentioned, video won't get you an NLI. But it could get a coach semi-interested. I wasn't the biggest or the hardest thrower, but most coaches commented on my "easy arm action" and "repeatability" after viewing the video. Several continued to contact me past the video and a few made it a point to come watch me play live.

One more note: The flashiness is unnecessary in videos. You don't need music or lights or dramatic slow motion shots. The coach wants to see your baseball skills, not a James Cameron film.

I agree with you completely JH. That is exactly what my son did...his brother videotaped him (it was inside because of this wonderful Ohio weather ) and it did spark some interest. There is one college asking for some game video, so we will work on that as soon as the season starts!
Just make sure to include class rank, GPA and ACT/SAT info as well as your size.
Good Luck!

A D-I recruiter/asst coach gave us exactly the same advice - see a few of each of the pitches from the side, behind the catcher, and behind the mound.

He also said for infield see him taking some ground balls and be able to see the throw to first.

For hitting, side view and behind the catcher and be sure to include at least one showing him run out of the box all the way through first because they will clock it with a stopwatch. He said it doesn't necessarily have to be in a game - practice swings are just fine.

He made the same comment - keep it simple and brief. Do not think it has to be Hollywood quality. Effects just take away from what they are trying to watch and a homemade video is absolutely fine.

My son is a 2014 RHP with a beRecruited site. As a younger player, he’s a work in progress. I try to get a good sense from his trainers what stage he is at in the process. I believe it helps a lot that his instructors are well recognized and many college coaches have seen 18U players from the program for many years. Usually, I make notes under the videos: date; name of training facility; what he’s working on; where he’s heading; etc. I take the videos from pretty much the same angles as above. I also try to take them periodically, so that progress towards a goal is showing.

A number of coaches have asked for updates when we discussed camps. There are a couple of one-day prospect camps we are hoping to do this summer. In one case, I’ve had some discussion about what to expect as far as individual attention. He knows what we are trying to do, and I will be sending him an update just prior to the camp so that it maximizes my son’s value from the camp. Video links can be useful in interacting.

I think that if you’re a younger player getting a video done for you, you probably want baseball people doing the video so it’s done efficiently and you know the quality of the mechanics on the video.

In our experience real interest involves personal communication. Telephone calls being answered - email exchanges that are personal - invitaions to visit the school and spend one on one time with coaches - high school and travel ball coaches getting calls and visits. Seeing college coaches at your son's school / travel games is also a good indication of true interest.