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If the phone calls come...

justbaseballjustbaseball10,000+ posts
July 1 is coming...here are some thoughts/advice based on our experience last summer.

* Keep a log near the phone...record date and time of call. What did the coach say? Did he want you to do anything (e.g. fax transcripts)? What were your thoughts about the conversation?

* If you have absolutely NO interest in his college, be honest and tell them. Their job is hard too...they don't need to waste their time if you would never go there.

* If you ARE interested, BE SURE that they know this by the end of the conversation! If they sense lack of interest, they will not call back. Feel free to call them back in a few days to tell them you're interested.

* Follow up on any requests by the coach PROMPTLY! Fax those transcripts within a day, return their phone call if you missed it...no matter what. It is a small coaching fraternity that talks amongst themselves...lack of response or any other inappropriate action by you will be told to others. It may sound simple, but arguing or being rude with your parents or brothers or sisters while you're on the phone and they want to know who is calling will be looked down upon by the coach.

* Make sure your answering machine works! Hopefully it will answer the phone if you're on another line.

* Mom & Dad - let your son do the talking the first time around with the coach. Coach wants to know your son first, you second.

* Be around the house if you're expecting early calls, but don't sit nervously waiting. Find something else to keep you busy (like cleaning your room! Big Grin).

Any others?
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FungoFungoHighly Regarded and Beloved Old Timer
Justbaseball,
Very good advice. I will second the recommendation to keep a log close to the phone. Keep a notepad and pen close to ALL the phones in the house. I’m sure there are some specific questions that need to be answered on the front end. Make sure your son knows what questions to ask. For instance, if he is a dual position player, make sure you know what position the coach is expecting him to play. If scholarship amount is a big issue, let the coach know on the front end. I have never felt scholarship amounts were negotiable, but I do feel “the family’s need” could increase the scholarship amount. I might add that some coaches did indicate that they wanted to talk directly to the parents so parents be ready too.
Just a word of caution: Don’t try to read between the lines or rely on the coach’s body language to satisfy your desire for an answer during the recruiting process. ASK the question!
Best of luck on the exciting, sometimes frustrating, but seemingly always rewarding, recruiting ride!
Fungo
BullwinkleBullwinkleBrown and Fuzzy Hero
FlaDad: last year jr was at area code, then directly to Stanford camp, then Family vacation, then back to Connie Mack.

No problems with Coach's. Messages were left at home, then son called back between games. They love to hear that you son is playing alot.

If you son is not great on the phone, try a pratice round with a ex-teammates Dad who went though this last year. The questions are all the same, once you have done one.....

Justbaseball has given a great list on this to do. I would add:

Get a file system...Your going to get a lot of paper, file it and keep it close so you have access to it when the coach calls. Make copies of everything you mail and file them.

Get a business card notebook. Phone numbers and going to be coming in fast, file it away and keep it close.

If you get a offer, write it down and ask how long (time) you have to reply.

Ask questions....Best to write them down prior to the call, then fill in the blanks. Example: If your a two way player, where does the coach see you fitting in to HIS system.

After a call, do internet mining. Pull up the team webs site, look at roster, stats and who is moving on. If you are a SS, and the coach sees you as a SS, look at the current and bench players at SS. If you see 3 players listed as SS, and the current SS is a Freshman All-American.. Take advantage of the information on the web.

DO NOT use a offical Visit as a vacation.

You word (**** Commitment)is golden, the Baseball world is very small.
F FormerObserver1,000+ posts
Just relax njbbdad! The coaches have been doing this a long time. They want to make you son feel comfortable and they will.

This is coach so and so.

Do you have an interest in our program.

Here is our website.

We'll send you some information.

Do you know this player or that player?

Did you play against this guy or that guy.

Is coach so and so still in your district?

Can you come for a visit?

Do you have copy of your transcript that you can fax (They need it before the visit0

We've seen you play.

What postion do you prefer?

What kind of grades do you have?

Have you taken the ACT/SAT and what was your score?

When are you going to take the test?

We'll call again next week. You can call us anytime you have questions.

What does your district look like next year?

Where did coach go from your school?

Can we get your schedule?

Do you want to sign a MLB contract or want to go to school?

My daughter lives in your area.

I drive through there all the time to come to see her.

Just small talk but they'll get to know your son over the phone and maybe set up the visit.

Your son will generate questions as he listens.

They all tried to put my son at ease early in the conversation.

I'd let them raise the scholarship details. When it's time they'll let you know right up front what it will be.
Last edited by FormerObserver

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