How to gauge real interest in my 2026 MIF/RHP

For the Ivy and Patriot schools, they will demonstrate serious interest when your son has the required ACT/SAT scores and has demonstrated D1 baseball skills.  I very strongly encourage you to research the challenges of a potential D1 engineering major playing college baseball.   There are many.  My son, wife and I had many, many conversations at the dinner table on this topic.

Also, there are many  HSBBWeb threads on the topic.  If you have specific questions, feel free to drop me a private message.  I have a soft place in my heart for engineering majors who want to play college baseball.

Best of luck!

@PJohn posted:

When/how does a player know that a school is really interested?

When recruiting coordinators and coaches are actively reaching out TO him, personally inviting him to camps, visits, etc that's when you'll know they are interested.  Most of the top 26s are currently committing and making visits currently.  My son's school had six 26's on campus last weekend visiting.

@PJohn

Son being a D1 coach, I know that this is a  pretty busy time with fall instruction and fall practice.   The NCAA has a hold on D1 34 max roster. That makes it tough for both coaches and recruits.

If D1 is your preference, many coaches pass on those interested in engineering. As @fenwaysouth mentioned, there are specific challenges of playing baseball and majoring in engineering. My own player was discouraged when he was recruited many years ago at Clemson.

You might want to scroll through rosters to get an idea on majors for each program. I know someone going through the same process and his focus is now IVY and D3.

@Master P posted:

When recruiting coordinators and coaches are actively reaching out TO him, personally inviting him to camps, visits, etc that's when you'll know they are interested.  Most of the top 26s are currently committing and making visits currently.  My son's school had six 26's on campus last weekend visiting.

Yeah, I think he is a bit of a 'tweener'. Not throwing hard enough yet to be seriously recruited as a RHP. Not sure what D1 looks for in a MIF but those spots are way more competitive.

Boy does @fenwaysouth seem custom tailored for your situation!

Those are SOLID metrics BTW. Some thoughts, observations, and questions based on recent trends Ive noticed.

Patriots have still been committing '25s in past month. Do not feel like you're late to the party there. Your metrics as is are right in their wheelhouse as well. I "want" to say Lehigh, which has phenomenal engineering program, HAS had players survive the major.

Consistent with what MasterP and TPM say, Big East schools are actively recruiting (offering & committing players) NOW. Not sure they'd be excited about recruiting an engineering major.

My guess is some of the Ivies are kicking tires on 26's now and building their follow lists. Having an ACT or SAT score, particularly a good one, ASAP cant hurt here.

Some questions. Is your son playing in Ft Myers this weekend?  (hopefully weather holds out!)

Is your son young, average or old for graduation year?

His size and play positions (MIF/RHP) make him desirable presuming continued progress. If he has effective secondary pitches & pitchability, as he gets closer to the magic 90 he will start to generate strong interest from at least 2 of the mentioned conferences. I think 6.88 is plenty fast for those same conferences, and more of the schools actually seeing your son play in person, especially if he can hit, will generate more. With smaller rosters, these schools place a premium on 2-ways, esp up the spine of the defense and even more with MIFs. I've seen multiple MIF/Pitchers recruited in the same class with presumption that they can be moved around and play almost anywhere.

It sounds like your son is DEFINITELY in the mix, and the coaches are being sincere... they're going to follow his "progress", which inherently implies they're hoping for a little more, whether that's academically (standardized tests) or athletically (>/= 90mph)

@GratefulNTXlurker posted:

Boy does @fenwaysouth seem custom tailored for your situation!

Those are SOLID metrics BTW. Some thoughts, observations, and questions based on recent trends Ive noticed.

Patriots have still been committing '25s in past month. Do not feel like you're late to the party there. Your metrics as is are right in their wheelhouse as well.

Consistent with what MasterP is saying, Big East schools are actively recruiting NOW. Not sure they'd be excited about recruiting an engineering major.

My guess is some of the Ivies are kicking tires for 26's now. Having an ACT or SAT score, particularly a good one, ASAP cant hurt here.

Some questions. Is your son playing in Ft Myers this weekend?  (hopefully weather holds out!)

Is your son young, average or old for graduation year?

His size and play positions (MIF/RHP) make him desirable presuming continued progress. If he has effective secondary pitches & pitchability, as he gets closer to the magic 90 he will start to generate strong interest from at least 2 of the mentioned conferences. I think 6.88 is plenty fast for those same conferences, and more of the schools actually seeing your son play in person, especially if he can hit, will generate more. With smaller rosters, these schools place a premium on 2-ways, esp up the spine of the defense and even more with MIFs. I've seen multiple MIF/Pitchers recruited in the same class with presumption that they can be moved around and play almost anywhere.

It sounds like your son is DEFINITELY in the mix, and the coaches are being sincere... they're going to follow his "progress", which inherently implies they're hoping for a little more, whether that's academically (standardized tests) or athletically (>/= 90mph)

Thanks for the feedback. I was/am wondering if part of the reason that we haven't heard much is because of the realities involved with HA schools. He is starting an SAT prep class this week and he will take the test soon after.

My Son has been targeting the camps of schools within 4 hours or us that have engineering. I am considering a showball or headfirst HA type of showcase early next year. What is going on in Ft. Myers this weekend that we should have considered?

My Son's birthday is 2/7/2008, so I suppose he'd be a little young for his grade.

He is doing all the 'right things' - lifting, long tossing, working with a hitting / pitching coach, eating like a horse...

Thanks for the great feedback.

I'd be patient about getting replies, as now is a busy time of the fall for these programs.  There's generally a slower period from around Thanksgiving to Jan. 1 where you might be able to get a reply from coaches.  I know that Ivy coaches are doing fall scrimmages and getting their final 2025s  (i.e. college class of 2029!) to finish the application process right now.   They are also finalizing spring travel.  When the weather turns and students need to focus on finals, you might get more of a response.

Also, I believe that Ivy coaches will work with your player to schedule labs, etc., but there are some baseball realities. The big problem can be late afternoon practices, which often conflict with longer lab requirements.  There are also restrictions on the number of classes Ivy athletes can miss for sports (I think it is 5), so getting the course schedule right is a priority --- i.e., don't schedule labs on Tuesdays or Thursdays/Fridays-- and (probably) Monday mornings in the Spring are also out.  Lift can interfere with AM classes.  The window for course scheduling can be quite limiting.

WWBA Underclass World Championship

@PJohn posted:

He is starting an SAT prep class this week and he will take the test soon after.

I am considering a showball or headfirst HA type of showcase early next year. What is going on in Ft. Myers this weekend that we should have considered?

I suppose he'd be a little young for his grade.

Is he taking the PSAT this month?

WWBA Underclass World Championship 16U is in Ft Myers this weekend. While coaches from programs in your wheelhouse will be there, it won't be many, the weather may be awful, and like RHP_P says, it's still generally very early for HA schools.

Sent you a PM.

This is very simple, not complicated. Advice given from our legendary @Coach May  here. ...apologies for not getting it 100% correct"   "you will know if there is serious interest in you"

None of the "we're interested in you, come to our camp and we can get a better look at you, bla bla bla"

Ask specifically: " Where am I on your recruiting board, number 1,2,3 or X ?"  "who is ahead of me and when do they graduate, what is your plan for the position".

Also from BOF Wife "All of these college coaches are a bunch of used car salesmen and I don't trust anything they have to say"

Finally, take mom, (or wife) to meet with the head coach, she will let you know if there is BS involved, women get this, we men are a bunch of idiots...

You'll likely know even faster when a coach has lost his interest ... good luck!

@BOF posted:

..........................

Finally, take mom, (or wife) to meet with the head coach, she will let you know if there is BS involved, women get this, we men are a bunch of idiots...

You can take that to the bank.

@BOF posted:

Ask specifically: " Where am I on your recruiting board, number 1,2,3 or X ?"  "who is ahead of me and when do they graduate, what is your plan for the position".

at what point of the conversation do you ask this?

I don't necessarily agree that coaches are a bunch of used car salesmen. Recruiting is a process and some are really good at it and others not so much.

For those new to the process.....usually it's obvious when there is real interest. A good coach in a good program knows what he is looking for to fill the teams roster.

A D1 team is allowed to offer a specific amount to come for an official visit and recruits are allowed a specific amount to attend. These days many coaches are out watching players they have never met or spoken to. Many coaches have certain mlb area scouts that watch games. And D1 offers to HS players has become less and less.

Thats why it's important to be out there because someone IS always watching. Attending the right event  is important. I know people frown on PG but what D1 events do you think most coaches attend?  And the HA events are well attended but be sure the time is right to attend.

Being in the right travel team program is important. That would be one where you play and not sit.

I suggest establishing a relationship before  asking where you might fall on the recruiting board. Recruits are usually considered A, B or C.

Just remember the D1 process has changed due to ncaa rules.

And as always, while some programs reload, others restock or vice versa.

I’d make attending the next Showball/Headfirst a priority and establish contact with target schools ahead of time. My son had multiple offers even literally walking out of the complex and then up to a couple weeks later. Coaches probably like it because there is less sorting through academic profiles - the players who go to these camps generally have the academic thresholds needed and also are proactively seeking the HA route.

Part of the problem with our country, is that men are perceived as idiots.  I fight that idea.  MEN have died for this country. 

@PJohn, your son and I are birthday twins!! :-) A fair amount of high academic/mid majors are recruiting out of the portal first. So the other thing I would do is take a look at the rosters of the schools he is interested in and see how many players come straight from HS and how many have other colleges (D1, JUCO, D3) listed next to their names. It will help you understand their "market" and keep you from wasting energy on schools that rarely dip in HS waters any more.

@Dadof3 posted:

at what point of the conversation do you ask this?

When you know there is serious interest. No specific time. During an official or unofficial visit would be appropriate or a phone call prior. I will also add that it is really important to do role playing with your son. For me the recruiting process was part of his journey to  become a man. Your son will not want to do this, but be "the coach" and develop a bunch of written questions for him and pretend to have these conversations. Role play.

Your young HS son will be talking to men who are very experienced at selling their "wares" and this will likely be a time your son will have serious discussions with an adult. 

As far a perspective, after meeting with the head coach where my son played BOF Wife said "now that is a man I want to mentor my son for the next four years" She was right.

Best of luck to you and your son!

I remember when my son was at your stage.  He was contacted by a few coaches (Ivy-type), said they would "keep in touch".  We joked about it for months, as one was not a school he was interested in.  They did come out to see him the next summer, if he had picked up a few more mph on his fastball maybe they would suddenly have remembered their "long" relationship.

If I remember, in the end we asked his travel coach, who contacted them and they told him they were not interested.  So that's one way to do it, if you have a travel coach/organization who knows about recruiting.  That coach should already be involved, in fact.