Funneldrill, that was a wonderfully informative post. Thanks for sharing all the "behind-the-scenes" info!
You are wise to give college coaches the straight poop about your players. When my son's select director wrote a college coach about my son, the coach responded back, "I really appreciate your assessment - you have always been very honest with us in the past so we take what you say very seriously."
Funnel,
I commend you for what you do for your kids.
But, I wonder sometimes if what we do as coaches today somehow takes away from the experience the student athlete should be gaining in this whole process?
For example, you mentioned you contacted a certain number of colleges for your players.
What's keeping Little Johnny from contacting these colleges of interest on his own?
You discuss your discussions with college coaches. Why not have your player contact the coach when interest in known? I believe NCAA allows the player to contact the coach early in recruiting stages?
It will be tough for a HS kid to have a fluid conversation with a college guy out of pure confidence. But that's all part of the learning process.
A kid will stumble around trying to find addresses and phone numbers of colleges that interest him, but again that's all part of the process.
Now, as coaches and parents here is where we could step in.
Look over materials gathered and guide to better resources.
Discuss conversations and help build confidence for that next phone call.
You mentioned...
"What I tell my players is, if you can play at the 5A level, then you can play at the college level."
I think your real close but how about this?
What I would say is....
"If you are playing at the 5A level, you must want to play at the college level to do so."
Again, I'm not questioning your approach or what coaches do. Obviously you care about your players which is a step in the right direction compared to most programs.
But sometimes I think coaches who care lose track of the character building process available during the recruiting process for young athletes.
Our parents and coaches have put too much of the responsibility on themselves to get their youth into collegiate levels.
What ever happened to our youth aspiring for their goals and taking on responsibility for themself?
I'm not sold on kicking the baby bird out of the nest theory, but I think things should be done differently if we really want our kids to spread their wings and fly high.
I commend you for what you do for your kids.
But, I wonder sometimes if what we do as coaches today somehow takes away from the experience the student athlete should be gaining in this whole process?
For example, you mentioned you contacted a certain number of colleges for your players.
What's keeping Little Johnny from contacting these colleges of interest on his own?
You discuss your discussions with college coaches. Why not have your player contact the coach when interest in known? I believe NCAA allows the player to contact the coach early in recruiting stages?
It will be tough for a HS kid to have a fluid conversation with a college guy out of pure confidence. But that's all part of the learning process.
A kid will stumble around trying to find addresses and phone numbers of colleges that interest him, but again that's all part of the process.
Now, as coaches and parents here is where we could step in.
Look over materials gathered and guide to better resources.
Discuss conversations and help build confidence for that next phone call.
You mentioned...
"What I tell my players is, if you can play at the 5A level, then you can play at the college level."
I think your real close but how about this?
What I would say is....
"If you are playing at the 5A level, you must want to play at the college level to do so."
Again, I'm not questioning your approach or what coaches do. Obviously you care about your players which is a step in the right direction compared to most programs.
But sometimes I think coaches who care lose track of the character building process available during the recruiting process for young athletes.
Our parents and coaches have put too much of the responsibility on themselves to get their youth into collegiate levels.
What ever happened to our youth aspiring for their goals and taking on responsibility for themself?
I'm not sold on kicking the baby bird out of the nest theory, but I think things should be done differently if we really want our kids to spread their wings and fly high.
quote:For example, you mentioned you contacted a certain number of colleges for your players.
What's keeping Little Johnny from contacting these colleges of interest on his own?
You discuss your discussions with college coaches. Why not have your player contact the coach when interest in known? I believe NCAA allows the player to contact the coach early in recruiting stages?
Good points, KG, but Funneldrill never said that his players DON'T contact coaches. He merely stated what his role in the recruiting process is. And I think that as a high school coach, he serves a very important role. While a player can inform a college program of his interest, he cannot legitimately "sell" himself to the college coach. Objective, unbiased information has to come from a high school or summer coach who has seen countless players over the years and has the eye to accurately assess a player's ability and potential. A player's interest may not be enough to draw a college coach to a tourney to scout him, but a positive assessment from a high school coach may very well do the trick.
You may be right and I'm sure Funnel will have some to offer.
Again, I'm not saying anything negitive about how he helps his kids.
But, to say...
"While a player can inform a college program of his interest, he cannot legitimately "sell" himself to the college coach."
I believe this is completely incorrect.
Let's take it to another level.
If I'm coaching a high level summer ball team and a kid calls me on his own and presents himself....
I will step back and think this kid has enough gumption to contact me???????
This will gain my interest...
I will seek out this player to see his physical talents.
And at bare minimum follow this kid and help him in anyway I can.
I believe most really underestimate the ability the players have in this whole process.
I've talked with hundreds of college coaches around the country. My opinions gathered come from experience as well.
Again, I'm not saying anything negitive about how he helps his kids.
But, to say...
"While a player can inform a college program of his interest, he cannot legitimately "sell" himself to the college coach."
I believe this is completely incorrect.
Let's take it to another level.
If I'm coaching a high level summer ball team and a kid calls me on his own and presents himself....
I will step back and think this kid has enough gumption to contact me???????
This will gain my interest...
I will seek out this player to see his physical talents.
And at bare minimum follow this kid and help him in anyway I can.
I believe most really underestimate the ability the players have in this whole process.
I've talked with hundreds of college coaches around the country. My opinions gathered come from experience as well.
I want to jump in here and say that the posts on this subject is outstanding! Thank you all to who are adding to this post. Very good information.
I understand many JUCOs are DivI. In search of schools, would JUCOs talent be comperable to a 4 year DivI or more comparable to DivII and III schools?
I understand many JUCOs are DivI. In search of schools, would JUCOs talent be comperable to a 4 year DivI or more comparable to DivII and III schools?
quote:I understand many JUCOs are DivI. In search of schools, would JUCOs talent be comperable to a 4 year DivI or more comparable to DivII and III schools?
It depends on the JUCO program. Some JUCO programs, such as Navarro and Grayson, actually have players transfer IN from D1 programs and have many more players transfer TO top D1 programs like Rice, so yes, they are oftentimes D1 caliber. Other D1 JUCO's have players that have not yet reached their potential and may be more equivalent to D2's and D3's.
Yep, nice post FD, and very good information in this thread.
And, one that is not often mentioned here...........
Bad news is that you can be part of the 10% reduction.
Good news is that is likely where your opportunity to step up occurs................
Usually about 6:00AM, too.
I am wondering if I know the two Texas tots.
Bless their heart.
quote:Different circumstances and life changes start reducing that 10% number quickly.
And, one that is not often mentioned here...........
Bad news is that you can be part of the 10% reduction.
Good news is that is likely where your opportunity to step up occurs................
Usually about 6:00AM, too.
I am wondering if I know the two Texas tots.
Bless their heart.
quote:Originally posted by FormerObserver:
Yep, nice post FD, and very good information in this thread.quote:Different circumstances and life changes start reducing that 10% number quickly.
And, one that is not often mentioned here...........
Bad news is that you can be part of the 10% reduction.
Good news is that is likely where your opportunity to step up occurs................
Now your talking FO...
That's why, in my opinion, it's more important to develop character than opportunities.
Knowing that there will be opportunity for anyone with the will, sometimes simply by default as you mention.
It's what one does with that opportunity that matters most.
quote:Originally posted by Roll-it-up:
I understand many JUCOs are DivI. In search of schools, would JUCOs talent be comperable to a 4 year DivI or more comparable to DivII and III schools?
As Infield08 pointed out, it depends on the JUCO program. Some top JUCOs carry kids who have already been drafted, but did not sign and who want to either maintain or improve their draft status in the immediate future, and for a program that will continue to catch the interest of scouts, both college and pro. This is not an uncommon scenario, and - mixed with a handful of players who may be late bloomers but who are developing into quality players in their own right - can raise the level of play across several teams in a conference.
Ken,
Eventually, I'd like to just act as a "consultant" or "advisor" to my players and parents. After speaking to many of them after I took over here, they asked for help in regards to the recruiting process.
I have explained to them that they have to market themself. I am currently giving them strategies to do this. If they have questions, they call or email me. Bottom line, they have to make the decision on where they go, not me.
Now, over the years I have built some great relationships with lots of college coaches. Probably 3/4 of the 85 schools I contacted, I have been in contact with before regarding either my own players, or kids that I have seen or coached against. A lot of coaches that I talk to, they tell me they get hundreds of videos, calls and emails from parents. They don't want to hear what the parents think, they want to hear what the HS or select coach thinks.
Had a college coach tell me last week, "well if you and Select Coach Blank (I won't name him) say this kid can play, then I guess I need to get out and see him.
I do agree with you about the kid's calling and making contact. That is definitely a life building skill. Some of my guys are struggling with that right now, but it is just like you said, they lack confidence. I just help them chose the correct words and the rest is up to them.
This is why I am glad I have daughters!!! Because I get to help raise a bunch of "sons" every year!
Eventually, I'd like to just act as a "consultant" or "advisor" to my players and parents. After speaking to many of them after I took over here, they asked for help in regards to the recruiting process.
I have explained to them that they have to market themself. I am currently giving them strategies to do this. If they have questions, they call or email me. Bottom line, they have to make the decision on where they go, not me.
Now, over the years I have built some great relationships with lots of college coaches. Probably 3/4 of the 85 schools I contacted, I have been in contact with before regarding either my own players, or kids that I have seen or coached against. A lot of coaches that I talk to, they tell me they get hundreds of videos, calls and emails from parents. They don't want to hear what the parents think, they want to hear what the HS or select coach thinks.
Had a college coach tell me last week, "well if you and Select Coach Blank (I won't name him) say this kid can play, then I guess I need to get out and see him.
I do agree with you about the kid's calling and making contact. That is definitely a life building skill. Some of my guys are struggling with that right now, but it is just like you said, they lack confidence. I just help them chose the correct words and the rest is up to them.
This is why I am glad I have daughters!!! Because I get to help raise a bunch of "sons" every year!
Adam Loewen the top Canadian draft pick ever went to Chippola JC in Fla. He was squeezing the Orioles for another million or so and wouldn't sign the original 2.6 M offer. There must have been some great players because hsi stats weren't all that great. Another LHP from my home town was sent by the team that drafted him to Chippola and he flunked out.
Yeah, 2.6 million...how am I supposed to feed my family?
How Latrell Spreewell of me!
How Latrell Spreewell of me!
He got 3.6 the next year and a 4 year deal for 7+. They now don't have to line up in a soup line.
Hey, you have to get it while you can. If those owners are stupid enough to throw that kind of money around to unproven "kids," then take it and take all you can.
More power to him!
More power to him!
They gambled and lost. He was a 94mph lefty and is no longer pitching. Arm injury ended his pitching but I heard the Jays picked him up as an outfielder.
I was looking for the old MSL posts to help settle an argument when I accidentally clicked on this thread.
Great information, especially this time of year. Well worth a re-read.
Great information, especially this time of year. Well worth a re-read.
Don't put all your eggs/baseball in one basket. Don't leave exposure up to your high school coach only, or to your select program only, or to one scouting agency only. These are great avenues and usually great people that want to help. I believe in trying to mix as many different exposure events as finances will allow, and I do know how finances can decide these issues. I still recommend to my players to go to the camps of the schools they are interested in. Most recruiters I've heard speak recommend camps. Many also say send them a video.(without sound) ha ha.
This is awesome! Great stuff. This is the kind of thread that comes along way to infrequently.
A college teammate of mine just had a son go "north" to a D1. They treated the whole process as a marketing plan. They made a simple 5 minute video and a personal info sheet with academics, SAT/ACT score, and baseball stats to be included with the DVD. The info sheet also had the contact info for the HS coach, summer coach, and hitting instructor. The response was overwhelming from schools outside of the region. the Dad joked that the "Texas Mystique" still had some value
They then identified 20-25 schools to "cold call" and then, based on the calls, mailed about 12 of the above packages.
Several of the schools contacted all of the references by phone and email...interestingly enough, the kid was signed "sight unseen" due to these references.
I guess the point here is parents should not sit around waiting for the HS or Club coach to get them to the next level....be pro active...use the coaches as a reference, but ultimately, it's up to you and your child to find the right spot.
Also, This family put A LOT of emphasis on the word "Scholarship". the young man not only got an athletic award, but also academic money and his focus is to get a degree AND if the baseball works out, Great! Remember, the odds of being Derek Jeter or Chris Davis are stacked against you....Get a DEGREE!!
Sorry for the long post. I am just dang proud of this kid and his family..plus..I umpire and so enjoy these kids and hope for the best for all of them.
A college teammate of mine just had a son go "north" to a D1. They treated the whole process as a marketing plan. They made a simple 5 minute video and a personal info sheet with academics, SAT/ACT score, and baseball stats to be included with the DVD. The info sheet also had the contact info for the HS coach, summer coach, and hitting instructor. The response was overwhelming from schools outside of the region. the Dad joked that the "Texas Mystique" still had some value
They then identified 20-25 schools to "cold call" and then, based on the calls, mailed about 12 of the above packages.Several of the schools contacted all of the references by phone and email...interestingly enough, the kid was signed "sight unseen" due to these references.
I guess the point here is parents should not sit around waiting for the HS or Club coach to get them to the next level....be pro active...use the coaches as a reference, but ultimately, it's up to you and your child to find the right spot.
Also, This family put A LOT of emphasis on the word "Scholarship". the young man not only got an athletic award, but also academic money and his focus is to get a degree AND if the baseball works out, Great! Remember, the odds of being Derek Jeter or Chris Davis are stacked against you....Get a DEGREE!!
Sorry for the long post. I am just dang proud of this kid and his family..plus..I umpire and so enjoy these kids and hope for the best for all of them.
I hope he is going to major in Marketing or Sales in college. Sounds like he has a good future in front of him in that field. 
We love Northwood!!!
Good example of what can be gained from a high school coach (and a summer coach) posting on a forum such as this.
quote:Originally posted by Big Red:
Good example of what can be gained from a high school coach (and a summer coach) posting on a forum such as this.
Nice post Big Red. Xgirl responce?