How to attract JUCO Interest?

JUCO's typically travel close to their own conference games during the season. Depending on the JUCO, sometimes they may travel out of state for a game or two, or a nice tourney.

JUCO coaches are like all other coaches, they are always looking for talented players. Take a look at their Rosters this spring and that will give you a good indication of what they will be losing after the 2011.

Would the high school coach call and give a good recommendation? That is one way to get interest. And as you've read on here before, a nice, geniune letter accompanied with a short DVD.

Good luck.

JUCOs recruit just like four year schools, depending upon where you are looking. In Virginia, I think there are only a couple of JUCO baseball programs (PAtrick Henry and Rappahannock, not positive.

I would decide the JUCO programs that you might be itnerested in and contact them directly. Your hs/travel coaches may know and be able to recommend programs. But, be ready as roster spots on JUCO rosters are very competitive, just like 4 yr programs. Players can work out (pitchers throw bullpen, position players infield/outfield/bp)for junior college coaches

Travel for JUCO programs vary by the conference and where part of the country they are located. Travel is usually bus or van due to budgets.

Usually, the reason to decide to go to a JUCO is that you either need to work on academics or your baseball skils. I would be sure to find a situation that I felt would help me in whatever area I needed to work on.

Not sure where you looking but No Carolina has some very comeptitive programs and even Maryland has some good competitive programs. Needless to say, FL, TX, and CA have probably the best overall JUCO baseball conferences.

The different levels of baseball and the talent at those levels is very regional. In that statement I mean that your going to find that certain levels are much stronger in certain areas. The mindset is also very different. Here in Florida, our JUCO's beat affiliated professional teams every year. I am sure in other areas of the country that would not be the case. There is a completely different mindset on JC here. The conferences are extremely competitive. For example, in Region 8(Florida) last year there were 36 JUCO players selected in the draft. Your strongest areas of JC as stated before are going Florida, Texas and Cali.

With that being said JC coaches recruit just like any other college. Send them a DVD in the mail there's a chance it's going in the trash. Your best bet is to call and get a workout set up or get with someone who knows the Junior College scene very well that can get you some workouts.

Overall as STATES, I agree that those states do lead the pack.

But with that being said, there ARE some states that have perenial powers each year.

Such as:

Walters State - Tenn
Cleveland State - Tenn
Chattanooga State - Tenn
Spartanburg Methodist - SC
USC - Sumter - SC
Middle Ga College - Ga
Gordon College - Ga
Georgia Perimeter - Ga
Shelton State - Al
Wallace State - Al
Louisburg College - NC
Polk State - NC


Here's the latest NJCAA Div 1 baseball poll

JUCO Poll

quote:

Originally posted by YoungGunDad:
Overall as STATES, I agree that those states do lead the pack.

But with that being said, there ARE some states that have perenial powers each year.

Such as:

Walters State - Tenn
Cleveland State - Tenn
Chattanooga State - Tenn
Spartanburg Methodist - SC
USC - Sumter - SC
Middle Ga College - Ga
Gordon College - Ga
Georgia Perimeter - Ga
Shelton State - Al
Wallace State - Al
Louisburg College - NC
Polk State - NC


Here's the latest NJCAA Div 1 baseball poll

JUCO Poll

I agree but Polk State is in Winter Haven, FL.

Start with an honest realistic evaluation of your current talent level. Add a little understanding of your potential due to size, maturity , etc. Target a specific conference or state and initiate communication either on your own or through an Athletic Director, Coach, scout or former player with credibility. Arrange for a visit and a workout and then have a sit down with the coach. JUCO coaches tour the summer tournament circuit looking for players that slipped through the cracks so to speak. They also pass on names to other coaches and try to find the right fit for a player.

Consider your academic situation honestly and fairly. The JUCO amenities and academic opportunities can sometimes be austere. But they often permit the type of latitude necessary to get comfortable with attending school and playing competitive baseball at the college level before transferring to a more challenging academic campus. Like other NCAA colleges, JUCO's have a personality. Try to understand the "personality" of the school, can you imagine being there for two years?

My son seriously considered JUCO's in West Virginia, Maryland and Louisiana before opting for a DII. This is just my opinion, but it takes a unique person to attend a JUCO quite a distance from home base. (600 miles or so). Consider that carefully.

I know a young man who attended Delgato CC more than 800 miles away and it presented many challenges. I would also investigate the coaches by talking to former players. It sounds like a lot of work and if you don't get it right the first year, you can take a different path but take the time to find the right fit.

There is a JUCO out there just right for you with a coaching staff willing to further your opportunities to play. All you have to do is take a proactive part in your own recruitment.

Thanks for all the help guys!

PA Dino-How did a school 800 miles away find a player from your area?

The Pittsburgh Pirates have sponsored a fall travel tournament team called the Allegheny Pirates for at least fifteen years. The team is coached by an associate scout. They "travel to George Mason University, the University of Maryland, West Virginia (University), Penn State and Kent State where they compete(d) against other high level fall teams and in front of plenty of college coaches and pro scouts." taken from ... Allegheny Pirates

This is by invitation only upon the recommendation of a trusted source and follow up scouting.

That's one good way to be seen by a school 800 miles away. The other is by word of mouth and another is by attending a college showcase where the school you are targeting is in attendance.