Hi there. I'm a new member and as my son is just a 2020, don't have much to offer yet. But I just read this article and thought of all my new friends here.
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This is an article about recruiting services and the author paints a mostly positive light. However, the main take-away from this article should be the only two quotes (very short and at the end) from college coaches stating that they would much rather hear from the players than the recruiting services. Just not necessary and sometimes a turn-off.
In my trying to catch up on years of old posts in the past month or so, I don't recall ever seeing anything mentioned about recruiting services. Does anybody on here use them? I don't think that we would ever go that route simply because of the fact that scholarship dollars are so limited....it just doesn't seem like a good investment.
We actually used one. I found this particular service helpful- i think it was a unique situation- the young man played d1 baseball at two different schools (post grad year at the second one) and then was a volunteer assistant at two programs. His dad was involved baseball at the professional level for the kids entire life. He provided great guidance, had good contacts, and was able to get honest and frank feedback that I don't think my son would have been told. He was more of an advisor than a recruiting service, and I was thankful for his assistance. I do think it can be helpful in the right situation- but agree that it's not for everyone.
From speaking to a local JC coach, he said don't spend much money on one, but some that just house your video and information are ok to use. But take your own video, no need to pay for a service for that.
2020txcatch posted:In my trying to catch up on years of old posts in the past month or so, I don't recall ever seeing anything mentioned about recruiting services. Does anybody on here use them? I don't think that we would ever go that route simply because of the fact that scholarship dollars are so limited....it just doesn't seem like a good investment.
there are several posts on the subject here that spell out pros and cons. just search "recruiting services". While there are exceptions, the general consensus is that you'll find all the information you need to launch your recruiting efforts right here on this site and it's free.
2020txcatch posted:Hi there. I'm a new member and as my son is just a 2020, don't have much to offer yet. But I just read this article and thought of all my new friends here.
Your son is just about to enter 9th grade, why are you inquiring about this now, or are you just passing on info you think might be useful?
Well, if you listen to him, we are way behind in the entire process. The first time he saw a 2020 commit while cruising PG website, he flipped out. (I keep telling him that a commitment to an 8th grader means nothing).
But for the most part, I know that just being on a great board like this and starting the education process means we are right on schedule.
The post was more for me to feel like I was giving something back since I don't have any good war stories to tell yet.
Everyone's opinion on this thread seems to fall in line with what I was thinking. The resources from this site, not only from the forums, but also links to showcases in our area (that we did not attend cause it's just to early) prove that you can find your own opportunities with a lot research and perseverance...assuming the talent is there.
My main goal is to give my son enough chances to prove himself to whatever coaches are watching. If he doesn't make it, so be it. He will know that we did all we could and won't have to live with "what ifs" for the next 60 years.
Ok, I understand. Thank you.
Please understand that you are not late in the process, but it is time to learn the process, so you have come to the right place.
2020TxCatch,
There is nothing you, a recruiting service, or anyone else can do to attract the attention of college coaches until your son develops his game and body to the point that he looks ready to help a college team win.
For the overwhelming majority of players who end up playing college baseball, the necessary development doesn't occur before they finish their junior year of high school.
The early commitments are statistical outliers. They are early bloomers and unusually gifted athletes. Don't worry about what they do. Their path is not your path.
Yes, it is hard for underclassmen and their parents when they read about early commitments and feel like the train is pulling out of the station without them. That's just the early train, and a recruiting service can't buy a your son ticket on it if your son's game and body haven't already earned him one.
Resist the temptation to "Do something!" like hiring a recruiting service when the only things to be done now are to promote your son's character, academic, and physical development--and enjoy watching him play and mature.
Best wishes,
That there above is A+ advice.
First time poster here... First, thanks to everyone here for treasure trove of information, been sucking up the knowledge for a few months and likewise haven't had anything useful to add as 2020 is just starting his journey into this "process". Anyway, 2020 had his first recruiter experience at a local tournament. At first excited/flattered, asked around and he was only talking to the few obvious "marks" (hard tossers and mashers), didn't tell 2020 and did some research. That's when I found this site. I was already decided that this was way too early for a recruiter, he hasn't even started HS! But this site confirmed it and was a good calming influence not to jump for the first shiny object put before us. Good article 2020txcatch, confirms much of what is said here on this board. No need for a recruiter at this stage.
Tampa2020 posted:First time poster here... First, thanks to everyone here for treasure trove of information, been sucking up the knowledge for a few months and likewise haven't had anything useful to add as 2020 is just starting his journey into this "process". Anyway, 2020 had his first recruiter experience at a local tournament. At first excited/flattered, asked around and he was only talking to the few obvious "marks" (hard tossers and mashers), didn't tell 2020 and did some research. That's when I found this site. I was already decided that this was way too early for a recruiter, he hasn't even started HS! But this site confirmed it and was a good calming influence not to jump for the first shiny object put before us. Good article 2020txcatch, confirms much of what is said here on this board. No need for a recruiter at this stage.
Didn't tell 2020 is the smartest thing you could have done...as opposed to setting up a visit.
The obvious question has to be are you really interested in school who is interested in 8th graders....Based on that logic single adult men should be hanging out at the shore for senior week...fresh new 18 yr old hotties just got out of HS graduation get'em early and often!!