July 1 is just around the corner!

But don't freak out if you don't get called July 1 It's a long summer (and fall for that matter).

Great point HeyBatter - boy I really blew that one!

This last year went by MUCH too fast! It is so hard to believe that it is now our turn to face the college decision and senior year! We became members of the HSBBW board back in 2001 (before the crash) when son was a Freshman and have enjoyed reading the stories of all of you who have "gone before". Well, I guess it's now our turn, and I can tell you I'm not ready. But, all I can say is "Let the roller coaster begin ... I'll try to hang on as best I can!"

RHP05

It isnt that hard a ride even with the bumps every now and then

Dont be afraid to call on us if needed

What actually happens on 7/1? Does a coach call to introduce himself to tell you he's interested and will be following your progress throughout the summer and fall? If I'm not mistaken they can't actually make offers until November, correct? What can/should you ask the coach on 7/1?

njbdad - They can make an offer at any time. Some kids may have already committed. Up until July 1, they cannot call you, from July 1 forward, any D1 school can call you once a week.

For a high profile kid like RHP05's son, they will find out on July 1 and shortly thereafter who is really interested. For other kids, it will take a little more time, but it can still happen any time after that.

"some kids are already committed" How does that happen? I have heard of an '05 kid that got a full ride to a school - if you aren't permitted to talk to coaches until July 1 - how can this be? Is it an NCAA violation?

You can call them at any time yourself. They have been allowed to email/mail you since September. And you could have visited their campus on your own dime already.

During any of these conversations, they could have offered and you could have accepted their scholarship...even before July 1.

Justbaseball,
As usual you make some very good points. Many parents and players are setting on the edge of their seats waiting for everything to happen on July, 1st. I would like to add a little to your post. I would like everyone to understand that the recruitment of your son is a process . . . not a one day event. I, like most parents, was anxiously waiting for July 1st. July, 1st is significant in the college recruitment calendar only because coaches ARE ALLOWED to call, but for most players the phone will not ring. Our phone did ring on July 1st but the college that ultimately signed my son did not call until mid August.
The recruiting process is appropriately dubbed the “ride”. I might add this “ride” is going somewhere but no one is sure where it’s headed or who is in control. We all start at the same point, go off in different directions, leave at different times, and accelerate at different speeds. The only thing we all have in common . . . . we all have our fingers crossed in hopes we like where we eventually stop.
Fungo

Fungo's post is very wise, and I would like to add something to what HeyBatter wrote above, for those whose kids are not the superstars on every college's radar--which number about what, 200 in the country? If you are in that select group, then you really don't even need to be reading this site. If you aren't, please know that in many instances serious interest may not start for months, but it can still start, and things can work out.

My son got his first call on July 3rd, from a school which shall remain unnamed, but which was an Ivy, which I believe was also calling a database they had of 1600--not kidding. By the end of the summer, maybe 10 schools had called expressing fairly serious interest. Most of his serious recruiting interest started in the fall of his senior year. He eventually had a good D1 scholarship offer, some absolutely top-notch D3 offers from the best academic schools in the country, and ended up as a recruited walkon (we'll see what happens in the fall!) at his first choice school after being admitted on academic and overall merit in their early action admissions, in December.

Taking another path, I know of players who absolutely have superb potential that really only showed itself in their senior season. They are going various alternate routes including JUCO or good D3. D3 may in fact be preferable for those athletes for whom academics may be more important than athletics but who still want to play ball because D1 athletics can be so demanding that it does force the athlete to take less demanding courses, etc. In our experience the D3 schools started serious recruiting in the September/October/November time frame, and in most cases required some initial direct contact from the player.

You don't have to be at the top of the heap at the beginning, to find a happy landing place.

I really shouldnt read these posts yet, I get all worked up and I have an '07

I've got Marty Feldman eyes - and an '08.

July 1st...

Hopefully for all of you as it was for my family and my son...A whole lot of fun getting to know many very nice, professional coaches (and one or two not so nice), which ultimately resulted in my son choosing a school and being rewarded with a "chance of a lifetime"!

Ryan Petrulis, Princeton Tigers, Class of 2008

My thoughts on the July 1st date:

http://www.hsbaseballweb.com/july_first.htm

Nicely put Bob! (As usual).
And anyone who calls on July 1, may or may not still be in the picture when your son finally makes the decision.

Agreed, that is a great article. And poor you to field all those emails.

There's an '04 in our town who is being recruited for the fall by many top D1's after not signing an NLI last fall because he ws told it would ruin his draft chances (he was not drafted), so therefore if the call or offer doesn't come when you think it should it is not the end of the world.
As a parent who can not believe a year has past since our first phone call came, I urge you all to enjoy the moment and do not panic. Do not let it be a stressful time, and if you need support, have questions just let us know.
Most of all, be realistic in your expectations. In general, scholarship money for baseball is hard to come by and that D1 scholarship comes with a variety of price tags including pressure to perform, signability and expenses. You may think your son deserves a D1 scholarship, realistically he may not be at that level. You have to be ready to contribute your first year, if you don't you sit and then misery comes. Go where you will play and make the most impact.
A strong suggestion, don't wait for the official visit, if you can visit before that, do it, it helps to illiminate wasted time, yours and theirs. After visiting the "mound" where my son always wished to play, he knew instantly it was not for him. If you are being pressured for a decision, well that's too bad, if they really want you, they will wait.
I find the relation to the draft and college recruiting similar. They begin with a list and it gets smaller and smaller as the summer goes by and yes your chances improve if you are out there playing where they can see you, this is the only time some of them have to actually watch new recruits. Chances are they have seen you before, or a scout has made a recommendation.
Most coaches will contact the parent after they have contacted the player. After all, you are going to be paying the bill, not your son. They need to feel you out just as they will your son. They only get to make one call a week, and they are calling hundreds at a time, so be patient.
The pieces of the puzzle will begin to fall into place by the fall, it is a long process but moves quickly. Don't fret if your son doesn't get 5 invitations, while the other kids you know go them.
Best of luck and remember...enjoy!

I am posting on this site to be a counterbalance to those whose sons had 5 official visits set up by the first week of July--and talked about it on this site.

Although that is wonderful and there is an audience for that information, there is also a sizable population of 05 parents and players who are in the second or third tier of players (or below, I don't know what tiers there are ) who will be made to feel AWFUL and left out by this group, and who will wrongly conclude that there is not a chance they will ever find a baseball home where they are wanted. I can tell you that this is not true, and that plenty of INITIAL contacts will come in the fall of senior year, and LATER.

This site seems often to be dominated by the select group, and yet I am sure that there are lots of 05 parents and players out there who will be walking in the shoes we were wearing last year--light interest, and not necessarily from the schools they are truly interested in attending. It was a long, and somewhat discouraging, summer. Things got much better in the fall.

All the advice that is given, about being in good shape, trying to get seen and participate on summer teams or showcases, getting and staying in touch with coaches, is all good. But if you are doing all that and not getting noticed, just don't lose heart or give up! Coaches will be looking for players for a long, long time. Just because you aren't the first on their list doesn't mean that they won't eventually look at you as one of their favorite players.

Also, sometimes people say disdainful things on this site about being "overlooked" and "unwanted" because you weren't on the top 10 list of a coach. That is absurd in my view. If they ultimately decide they want you, who cares whether or not they were smart enough to know that on July 1?

Cal2004,
I have to disagree with you. I have never felt the websters on this site were trying to make those players on a “tier” other than the top, (whatever that is) feel less than important. The game of “One Up-manship” only exist if you allow it to exist. The feeling of jealously is generated from within and not caused by an external influence.
We all know what is best for one webster’s son may not be the best for someone else’s. There are thousands of players and parents that frequent the HSBBW who are actively involved in their own recruiting process. Each have their own challenges but each can draw something helpful from this site. No two players get the same reward that comes with accomplishment or no two feel the same pain of rejection.
There are players that will get passed over by colleges and the pro draft and it hurts not just the immediate family but lots of other westers feel that pain too. No one gets pleasure from this. Players get cut from teams on a daily basis. This is a sad side of sports but it does happen and will continue to happen. What makes this site special is contrary to what you post.

quote:

---

Also, sometimes people say disdainful things on this site about being "overlooked" and "unwanted" because you weren't on the top 10 list of a coach.

---

Many times I have seen Websters, who have sons that just got passed over or cut, be the first to stand up and post a congratulatory post to the “other” player.

Fungo

cal2004

I agree with FUNGO but I will say it another way---you are so way off base it isn't funny

July 1...the beginning of another phase...it's a wonderful yet anxious and sometimes exhausting...mentally and physically...time of choices and change.

our phone did ring that day last summer...many calls...with offers from several of those first contacts....we did not get in a hurry to say yes...as my son wanted to be sure he'd found a place that genuinely fit his skills and his personality...

yet, the school that my son signed with appeared on our radar (after he appeared on theirs...when they saw him twice in the fall of his senior year)....he chose his college in October.

we had some exciting days...my son loved having options but also dealt with his own feelings of being rejected during the process...

even with the calls...visits were key...he elminated 2 schools with unofficial visits he took to get a feel for the campus and the coaches...

if the phone doesn't ring...get seen as many times as you can..this summer and during the fall...

you never know who is watching...we found this to be so true...

Pam

As I read Cal2004's post, the main point I got out of it was that there are folks on the board who have son's that are highly rated nationally and on everyone's list. The experience of these top players in the recruiting process will be different than the experience of a majority of kids who become College baseball players. The top players are likely to be the first one's called.

There is one poster whose son is an '05 as is my son. They posted about all the different showcase invites and letters their son was getting. My son has gotten some invites and contact letters, but nothing compared to what they were posting. I worried that my son was being left behind until I found out that the poster's son was rated in the Top 10 prospects in the class nationally and was a kid whose name I have recognized for at least two years as a "hot prospect." To be clear, I think that particular poster is a great contributor to the Board and look forward to seeing what their experience is. At the same time, I am now not going to worry any longer that my son's experience is different.

I think CAL2004 was trying to get across the point that those of us whose kids are good ballplayers but not the "best of the best" nationally will have a different and likely slower process than the kids who are recognized as the very best national prospects. Perhaps he did not do it as well as Bob's very well written link, but I don't think he was trying to take a jab at the posters here who are parents of the elite players.

Fungo's point that "jealously is generated from within and not caused by an external influence," is right on target. It was also comforting to hear that a great player like Josh didn't hear from Auburn until mid-August. I think the challenge for those of us whose kids are not likely Top 5 round draft choices is to enjoy the experiences of the kids who are but not panic when our kids experience is different or when the phone doesn't ring by noon on July 1.

Fungo, you misunderstood my post or I said what I said wrong. Probably the latter.

I agree that it is wonderful to see the great successes of the websters' sons and I am happy for all of them too, and I think they know it through my private messages. However, I wanted to reassure those who aren't in the same boat, not to give up if they aren't having the phone ring off the hook.

That is what concerns me, that people would get a distorted sense of reality from posts. I think it is normal to post successes and not failures, although you'll certainly hear of the latter here too.

My message was meant to give hope to those who aren't in the top ranks, NOT to denigrate those who are by any means! Apologies for misstating my message, which remains: IF you are an 05 who doesn't get a call on July 1st, or 15th, or 31st, don't give up! Lots of good things can happen WAY after that!

And, a couple of other thoughts though...Although I meant only to give hope to those who will be initially disappointed, there are a couple of other points to be made. In other words, don't give up but DO have a Plan B. Sometimes, lack of recruiting interest just means the right coach hasn't had a chance to see you yet and may hear of or see you later. Also, sometimes, lack of interest IS a sign that you need to work on other options besides a baseball scholarship.

If baseball recruiting interest seems light, remember to focus on studies and SATs, and college applications for those schools you would like to attend; work on your essays during the summer if possible. It is important to have a Plan B for college.

Also, I came to believe that college coaches are really good at identifying those players who will be a good fit for their programs. If they haven't seen you, then try to get seen. But if they have seen you and don't express interest, then it may be time to move on. If your son is able to contact a coach and ascertain if there is interest, that is great and shows so much maturity. Sometimes, though, you can kinda read the tea leaves!

Sometimes you have to adjust your view of the possibilities accordingly and understand that the right fit may not be where you initially thought/hoped. Be open to all the wonderful opportunities out there such as JUCO, D3, if scholarship offers don't seem like they will work out.

P.S. TRHit, always good to hear your cheery voice!

My son is an 06 grad. Will he be eligible to communicate with colleges now?

On his own...that is with him initiating the contact (like a phone call)...yes. Otherwise, just camp flyers and form letters until September 1. Then personal letters/emails.

Thanks justbaseball. We received an invitation to attend the U of Arizona camp in July. Does anyone know if it's worth going to from Texas?

Justbaseball, my son too is an '06. What do you mean after September 1st, personal letters/e-mail? Personal letters/e-mail from coaches? Just curious. Don't know how much I am looking forward to the recruiting process. My son of course has dreams, as all of us do. I just hope it works out in the best interests of him. I just want what is best for him. But ultimately it will be his decision of where to go. I could care less about D1/D2/D3 or whatever. I just want him to go to college get an education, and be a productive member of society.

dadchs24 - Sounds like you've got a great outlook on all of this.

What I meant about September 1, is that after that date of your Junior year, coaches can send personal notes/emails. They still cannot call your son until July 1 AFTER his Junior year.

Of course, your son can call/write to them all he wants whenever he wants.

thanks for the info...you are the best.

Well...my son is ranked fairly high by some services and I, too, am approaching July 1 with apprehension. How do I know that those rankings are correct? I haven't seen all of the kids out there, so I sure don't know how mine stacks up against them. I, too, am worried that all of the letters and emails may not translate into offers...at least not the ones my son wants.
I've read on this website about kids who have received all kinds of letters and emails only to receive no offers of any kind from those schools. I've heard about kids who have been wooed by all sorts of scouts, telling them they will be snapped up in the first few rounds of the draft, only to be waiting until late in the second day of the draft.

I think this must be scary for everyone...especially for the coaches, whose jobs depend on making the right choices.

Reading the post of the 05's, I wish I knew how to relieve your anxiety at this point after having gone through the process.

Somehow all the advice that is given really doesn't begin to sink in until all the dust settles.

It is a huge game of musical chairs. The coaches set the number of chairs and play the music, but even they don't know how it will come out.

Just because you have a lot of mail most likely means you are on a lot of mailing lists. Just because you haven't received one piece of mail doesn't mean that they aren't looking.

If your son is playing well and has stood out among his high school peers, he will likely get a phone call from a coach that goes like this, maybe.

This is coach calling from D1 university. Can I speak with your son? Get over it. They don't want to talk to dad. They want to know IF YOUR SON is interested in playing for their program. (You might not be, but be prepared to visit, anyway. Take some visits on your own, by the way, where you have an interest. It lets them know you have an interest in their school.)

Strange as your son steps up to the plate, but he will, especially after a call or two.

Be honest, straight forward. Most of them will be with you. If you don't think they are, go somewhere else.

If you don't get any calls during the early period, you might need to start calling some on your own. (There is a pecking order here, but you really don't realize until its all over. Take Texas, for example, 6-8 big D1 programs, recruiting 10-15 players, NOT all freshmen. My opinion is that early signing (Nov) is really pretty rare.)

It is not a smooth process and thus known as "the ride". And it is a ride. It goes DOWN as well as up.

Go shopping. Test drive. Ask questions. Look at rosters on school websites. Ask current or former players or maybe even a webster like Fungo with a PM like I did. Opp helped me, too. Helped me cross off our number 1 school without a visit. Even though Fungo's son is at Auburn, he knows a little about Alabama, too......

THE VISITS WILL IMPACT YOUR DECISION ABOUT WHERE YOUR SON GOES TO SCHOOL.

There were schools that we visited that weren't right. A hard thing to imagine right now for you when you are waiting on the first call.

Patience and encouragement for youR son are the two things that I think about the most. Be prepared to reassure and encourage when the phone doesn't ring off the wall. It very likely won't, but ALL of his friends will get mail and phone calls everyday.......?

We got ton's of letters, no phone calls (until the last minute), and a very nice scholarship to a Big 12 school that we never received a piece of mail from, but they had seen him play several times and we never knew.

Keep your options open. D1's are good friends with JUCO coaches and they talk freguently know each other well and what their player needs are. They may even be former teamates or coaches.

Don't pass on D1 thinking it will help you in the draft. Don't take D1 because you think it will get you drafted. Don't go to JUCO because you will get drafted sooner.

Go to school where you would like to go. Play baseball where and who you are comfortable with.

Rambled a little but listen to the music and take a seat when the chairs get scarce......

Thats a great post Observer! I especially like the point that it doesn't really all sink in until the dust settles.

As I think back a year ago, WOW! - was a lot left to happen before the dust settled!

FO,
Great post!!!!
As a parent who went through the process (college recruitment and draft) and ready to send her player off to a D1 school, I look back at the last year (I think justbaseball can understand) to see if anything could have been done differently.
College recruiting is one of the most exciting times in a young man's life, but it is VERY stressful (even much more stressful than the draft process). If you become anxious and stressed, your son will sense that so try to sit back and enjoy the ride, however rememeber it is HIS ride, you are just there to help him steer in the right direction.
Please read the book "Official Visit" by Ben Harrison, because I found it to be very educating as to the process.
Most important do as FO suggests, don't pass on D1 thinking it will help in the draft and don't take D1 because you think it will get you drafted, etc. Go where you want to go, first for your education, second for baseball.
The first goal should be to get accepted to college first, that is what we all strive for, our sons to play ball at a higher level. Let the draft thing take it's course. And whatever happens, never try to second guess what has happened.
As far as the draft ,don't tell scouts you want to go play just to get drafted, because that is not what it is all about. And for goodness sakes, make sure you are familiar with round bonus money BEFORE you make that commitment.
Don't play games with anyone, be honest. College coaches and scouts talk. The pitching coach at where he wil attend school was the hitting coach in college of one of the scouts who came to visit! It is a small community.
Keep everything in perspective, don't let your son become a primadonna from the attention(during recruiting and draft). Remind him that his head needs to be able to fit in the door when he comes though it.
Learn that others will try all they can to bust your bubble, enjoy every minute and ignore them. You will learn who your real friends are and your son will also.
I kind of compare these processes to buying a car, the more YOU haggle over an offer, the sooner they are going to let you walk out the door because in a hour another customer will walk through and accept it. But do not feel pressured to take the first offer. The truly smart coach will let you have some time to give it thought. Just remember, the first offer might be the only one from them, the more you try to bargain, the less attractive you become. They sort of asscoiate it with attitude and no one wants anyone with an attitude! And remember it is about the right fit, not the best offer.
Pass on a big D1 if you want to play, go to a smaller school and play,play, play! This is especially true for the position player.
Ask as many questions as you want to, because the more you know the easier things appear. Most important, you have lived with your son for 17-18 years and you know him better than ANYONE, don't let anyone make you think differently. Yes he is a man at 18 physically, but not necessarily emotionally. There was one college coach who told me that my son REALLY wanted to go to his school and I should encourage him to do so (NOT).
Hope some of my observations will help.
Good luck!

F.O. and bb50---

EXCELLENT, thoughtful posts...I am sure you are helping many who are muddling through these stressful processes. And, as always, BEST to your sons, too!

I agree Karen...
Both of these posts have paragraphs which should be re-posted in the draft forum.....

...and I didn't forget but failed to mention that there are angels out there watching too.............

FO,

Wonderful post. Thanks for taking the time to write it all down. That's what makes these forums so special!

FO

The three of us have been thinking of you and
wondering out loud where you have been

Glad to hear your voice. The musical chairs analogy was perfect. Thanks.
Drop us a note when you have time... X 3