Introduction/Interest Letter

My Suggestion....

Keep initial letter very short, to the point and leave room for follow up. 2013 did just this and after initial letters did not get responses hoped for, it allowed him to 'add' items that become pertinent (news, updates, showcases, etc). The follow up information has generated more responses than the initial information email.

Granted 2013 is NOT 6'5 nor throwing in the 90's so he can get overlooked and mixed in the crowd. He made sure there was an opportunity for a follow up letter that added to his bio.

Just my thoughts....We are still in the hunt.

There was an sample of a inital letter on this web site, I don't know if it was removed

From this website and updated some by me. I would use email now and not bother with mail, so you don't need the letter format. You should attach a profile also IMO.

Date:
Address

Dear Coach XYZ,
My name is XX YYY. I am a high school junior and will graduate in 2011.

I have recently started my search for a college to further my education. State University is high on my list of choices.

I wish to continue playing baseball in college. It is my hope to do so for a program like State Baseball.

I have enclosed a brief attachment, which outlines my personal, academic, and baseball information.
I realize that NCAA rules do not allow you to contact a high school baseball player until July 1st after his junior year, so you may not be able to contact me. It is my hope that you will have this information at the appropriate time. My summer plans include:

June 19th – 27th: USA Baseball 16U Championship, Peoria Ariz. Team: XX YYY

July 7 th: Area Code Baseball tryouts

College Costa Mesa, Ca

August 1-2nd: Perfect Game 2011 Grads National Showcase, USC Dedeaux Field

This fall I intend to play for the *** Scout team in the greater Los Angeles area.

Please send me any information regarding the Tiger (use team nickname here) baseball program, school admission requirements, financial aid, upcoming camp schedules, or any other helpful information.
I look forward to learning more about State University, and the Tiger baseball program.

Sincerely,


name address
email, mobile phone

One thing I suggest is that if you have many points of information to impart, you deliver them one at a time, spaced maybe 2 weeks apart.

This keeps your name circulating to the top of the stack, and walks the line between being informative vs. being a repetitious pest.

I agree with BOF to use email. I've only found a couple coaches who did not use email. I would also do as MidloDad and 2013leftdad suggest, keep it short and to the point. You'll want follow up material for the next message and to keep your name top of mind.

In addition, your son can expect to get immediate replies, replies in a few weeks, replies in a few months and no replies at all. Remind him to stay positive throughout the entire process as rejection is part of the gig. If you're son gets no reply, but he is really interested in a school he is going to have to make a decision to call, email or let it go. My advice would be not to take "no" for answer until they tell you "no" or they tell you they are not interested at this time. I'm sure others will disagree. But I look at "no reply" as still a possibility. Of course, your son will always continue to try to open new doors and meet new coaches along the way until that NLI is signed or admissions letter received. Recruited = skill + passion + persistence + luck.