How should you read it if you had been receiving emails from coaches and don't receive a call from them on 1 July? Are they really interested?
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July 1 is only the first day calls can be made.
They have all summer to contact recruits.
Be patient, don't sit around waiting for the phone to ring, get out there and be seen and PLAY!
They have all summer to contact recruits.
Be patient, don't sit around waiting for the phone to ring, get out there and be seen and PLAY!
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Will agrre with TPM....and expand it a bit
You may get that call this afternoon...or next week...or end up having another school make contact. The reality is that for the vast, vast majority of players this thing is a marathon not a sprint. A long, long but exciting and sometimes hard road. Many kids never get an official offer, or sign with the schools that make that initial seemingly ready to offer contact...neither of mine did.
I'll vastly overstate/oversimplify it....Lots of programs offer the same elite kids on or about July 1. On the other hand they are VERY realistic about their chances, and so have plan B, C and D (who they also like very much and have been courting) in waiting. As soon as plan A commits to them or elswhere the "draft board" changes in the coaches office and they move on to the next option. It can be VERY hard to know just where you stand. And it can be very hard to come to the realization that you are indeed wanted, but not as bad as option A. Doesnt mean you are not wanted, just that they may have taken a shot shot at Bryce Harper first....a kid that could put their program on the map in a big way. As those Elite kids commit spots open up, it dominoes down...on and on...right until school starts the next summer. One snag is often that the top kids wait, often taking official trips in the fall when they can see shcools in session, or see a football game. This can crowd things up a bit and as a result there is a great of recruting done in October.
As TPM advises...keep playing....keep working...keep visible. Keep your head up. Your situation is very normal. There is a lot of Ballywho by kids who get calls and verbal very early. That is not the norm, don't feel spurned or behind...The key is to find the right fit...in the right program...not the right time.
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Will agrre with TPM....and expand it a bit
You may get that call this afternoon...or next week...or end up having another school make contact. The reality is that for the vast, vast majority of players this thing is a marathon not a sprint. A long, long but exciting and sometimes hard road. Many kids never get an official offer, or sign with the schools that make that initial seemingly ready to offer contact...neither of mine did.
I'll vastly overstate/oversimplify it....Lots of programs offer the same elite kids on or about July 1. On the other hand they are VERY realistic about their chances, and so have plan B, C and D (who they also like very much and have been courting) in waiting. As soon as plan A commits to them or elswhere the "draft board" changes in the coaches office and they move on to the next option. It can be VERY hard to know just where you stand. And it can be very hard to come to the realization that you are indeed wanted, but not as bad as option A. Doesnt mean you are not wanted, just that they may have taken a shot shot at Bryce Harper first....a kid that could put their program on the map in a big way. As those Elite kids commit spots open up, it dominoes down...on and on...right until school starts the next summer. One snag is often that the top kids wait, often taking official trips in the fall when they can see shcools in session, or see a football game. This can crowd things up a bit and as a result there is a great of recruting done in October.
As TPM advises...keep playing....keep working...keep visible. Keep your head up. Your situation is very normal. There is a lot of Ballywho by kids who get calls and verbal very early. That is not the norm, don't feel spurned or behind...The key is to find the right fit...in the right program...not the right time.
44.
I, too, expected the phone to ring for my son on July 1st last year. Several coaches had shown strong interest during the spring and said they were going to recruit him. July 1st came and - nothing. Not sure why, but my main theory is that my son wasn't one of their top 8-12 recruits that each school seems to target. 4 or 5 days later he got his first phone call, then over the next several days he received several, usually averaging 6-8 per week from different coaches. Ultimately he heard from about 30 schools. Many parents I spoke to - parents of kids ranked by PG in the top 400 or so, shared similar stories with me. I think it is generally the top 200 or so kids that get all the attention the first week.
I wonder if some of it might be that some of the coaches might want to 'let the big dogs eat' and not get caught in the wake of other coaches. From discussion I've had with others, it seems to me that 'top 60 baseball schools' usually have a well laid out game plan and most have at least some verbal committments prior to July 1st.
My son ultimately heard (late July) from 4 or 5 top 30 programs, but it was clear he wasn't their first choice. Most schools that called the second week were DIs with weaker baseball programs or D2 and D3 programs.
Keep the faith, stay the course. It all works out.
I know many parents think of July 1st as the start of really understanding how their son's work has paid off, but I wonder if the college coaches - at least the top programs - view July 1st with the same anticipation.
I wonder if some of it might be that some of the coaches might want to 'let the big dogs eat' and not get caught in the wake of other coaches. From discussion I've had with others, it seems to me that 'top 60 baseball schools' usually have a well laid out game plan and most have at least some verbal committments prior to July 1st.
My son ultimately heard (late July) from 4 or 5 top 30 programs, but it was clear he wasn't their first choice. Most schools that called the second week were DIs with weaker baseball programs or D2 and D3 programs.
Keep the faith, stay the course. It all works out.
I know many parents think of July 1st as the start of really understanding how their son's work has paid off, but I wonder if the college coaches - at least the top programs - view July 1st with the same anticipation.
July 1st or August 1st. D1 or D3, regardless of the time or place, feel fortunate that you are able to achieve something many, many high school athletes can only dream about.
Congrats and good luck on whatever the future my hold!
Congrats and good luck on whatever the future my hold!
quote:Originally posted by BillBill: .
I know many parents think of July 1st as the start of really understanding how their son's work has paid off, but I wonder if the college coaches - at least the top programs - view July 1st with the same anticipation.
Human beings being what they are...the process being what it is...Rosters are rarely cut in stone until just before the season actually begins...Grades, health, draft, finances, transfers, drop down's, quits...all effect the process. So while the top programs are more solid, It is not uncommon for schools to be shifting/adding players even during the summer before school starts. Happening as we speak for the 2009-2010 season with players signing after the draft.
So, while the top programs certainly view July 1 with great anticipation...they understand the process to be what it is...a work in progress. And so should all potential recruits. A large % of players are non elite, and don't verbal in July, August or September. For example October is huge in the process as elite players who have taken fall official trips to see school in session and football games begin to sign...many schools are left with $ and a deadline.
It is very important for players and families not to buy into others timelines...it will take what it takes...it is an individual journey. Again...The key is to find the right fit...in the right program...not the right time.
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Thanks to everyone! I think we as players and coaches put too much emphasis on july 1st. I am playing travel ball on a very successful team and will be at WWBA. thanks for the advice and I will view it as a marathon and not a sprint!!!
BTW, I ended up getting a couple of calls.
BTW, I ended up getting a couple of calls.
Great advice thus far in this thread....
They say knowledge is power and in general I believe that. There are certain things that are better unknown imho. Kind of like the knowledge from the tree of good and evil.
When people find out that coaches can call on July 1st, they use that knowledge and often (improperly imho) equate it to self-worth and ultimately talent. Because your neighbor got called on July 1st and you didn't doesn't mean what it might seem on the surface. It doesn't mean they are necessarily "A-list" players and you are not. All you really can deduce is that player has some talent and has previously been seen by that coach. If that coach that called your neighbor has not seen you play for example, it might be but one of many explanations why you did not get called.
For instance, you may have two kids that have both showcased at a PG event - one rated an 8.5 and another rated 7.5 which are both very good ratings. The kid rated lower at the event may actually be the first one called however. Why is that? The coach doing the evaluating may value different things. Maybe the 8.5 kid is a speed lead/off type guy. Maybe that coach has already recruited two of those types. Maybe the 7.5 kid is rated as a power guy down the road when his skinny frame fills out. Maybe that is why the coach is calling him and not the other kid because his "needs" align with the talents of that particular player.
There could be 1 million reasons why one kid's phone rings and another does not. Waiting for the phone to ring is the worst of all possible strategies imho. Most kids who have the talent to start on a high school team and have the necessary drive to succeed, probably have what it takes to play in college "somewhere." The key is finding that somewhere.
I suggest starting at the bottom and working your way up from there. To be clear, my use of the term "bottom" is not meant pejoratively. I mean I would not start my college search at a top 10 D1 school for example but work up to it if I felt there were possibilities there. For example, find a JUCO or a D3 program that you could be happy with. If your aspirations are for D2 or D1 then be honest with those recruting you that you want to wait before making your final decision. Perhaps let them know that you will let them know after the early signing period in November. I suggest this fall attending a D3 practice, a D2 practice, and a D1 practice. See if you can see where your skills might be a fit. My son and I attended a fall D3 practice at a pretty good program and we both felt he could play at a higher level than what we observed. Also use your showcase evaluations to try and honestly project the types of programs that would be a good "fit" for your ability - both academically and athletically. After making those determinations, begin targeting those type of schools on your own. Also remember that there is overlap between divisions. There are some who have D1 talent and are playing at D3 because it is a good fit for them. Likewise, there may be kids who are on a D1 roster who might have been better off somewhere else.
Get busy showcasing your talents. Between now and the end of November, work on increasing your arm strength by long tossing. Work on your 60 yard dash. Work on managing a good diet and building strength. Work on your fielding and your hitting. Work on your pitching mechanics. Do these things with all your heart until the end of November and beyond.
In the mean time, get busy attending as many showcases as you can afford. Attending affordable camps where recruiters might be found. Playing in tournaments where recruiters might be attending. Filling out college questionaires on-line at programs that might be a fit. Calling coaches that you might be interested in. Attending as many pro tryouts as you might be aware of. Attending JUCO tryouts that may be available. Attending whatever exposure event you may be aware of all the time putting your heart and soul into devloping your skills noted above.
When attending an event, be the first to arrive and the last to leave. Be the guy willing to get his uniform dirty. If a coach yells out for someone to help move a piece of equipment, you be the guy to help them do it. Be the un-prima donna. Be the guy who gets noticed for being the hardest worker, the scrappiest player, and the bulldog who refuses to LOSE. Do all these things and I can guarantee a positive outcome. Do all these things and you will not have time to wait for the phone to ring. Now get busy.
They say knowledge is power and in general I believe that. There are certain things that are better unknown imho. Kind of like the knowledge from the tree of good and evil.
When people find out that coaches can call on July 1st, they use that knowledge and often (improperly imho) equate it to self-worth and ultimately talent. Because your neighbor got called on July 1st and you didn't doesn't mean what it might seem on the surface. It doesn't mean they are necessarily "A-list" players and you are not. All you really can deduce is that player has some talent and has previously been seen by that coach. If that coach that called your neighbor has not seen you play for example, it might be but one of many explanations why you did not get called.
For instance, you may have two kids that have both showcased at a PG event - one rated an 8.5 and another rated 7.5 which are both very good ratings. The kid rated lower at the event may actually be the first one called however. Why is that? The coach doing the evaluating may value different things. Maybe the 8.5 kid is a speed lead/off type guy. Maybe that coach has already recruited two of those types. Maybe the 7.5 kid is rated as a power guy down the road when his skinny frame fills out. Maybe that is why the coach is calling him and not the other kid because his "needs" align with the talents of that particular player.
There could be 1 million reasons why one kid's phone rings and another does not. Waiting for the phone to ring is the worst of all possible strategies imho. Most kids who have the talent to start on a high school team and have the necessary drive to succeed, probably have what it takes to play in college "somewhere." The key is finding that somewhere.
I suggest starting at the bottom and working your way up from there. To be clear, my use of the term "bottom" is not meant pejoratively. I mean I would not start my college search at a top 10 D1 school for example but work up to it if I felt there were possibilities there. For example, find a JUCO or a D3 program that you could be happy with. If your aspirations are for D2 or D1 then be honest with those recruting you that you want to wait before making your final decision. Perhaps let them know that you will let them know after the early signing period in November. I suggest this fall attending a D3 practice, a D2 practice, and a D1 practice. See if you can see where your skills might be a fit. My son and I attended a fall D3 practice at a pretty good program and we both felt he could play at a higher level than what we observed. Also use your showcase evaluations to try and honestly project the types of programs that would be a good "fit" for your ability - both academically and athletically. After making those determinations, begin targeting those type of schools on your own. Also remember that there is overlap between divisions. There are some who have D1 talent and are playing at D3 because it is a good fit for them. Likewise, there may be kids who are on a D1 roster who might have been better off somewhere else.
Get busy showcasing your talents. Between now and the end of November, work on increasing your arm strength by long tossing. Work on your 60 yard dash. Work on managing a good diet and building strength. Work on your fielding and your hitting. Work on your pitching mechanics. Do these things with all your heart until the end of November and beyond.
In the mean time, get busy attending as many showcases as you can afford. Attending affordable camps where recruiters might be found. Playing in tournaments where recruiters might be attending. Filling out college questionaires on-line at programs that might be a fit. Calling coaches that you might be interested in. Attending as many pro tryouts as you might be aware of. Attending JUCO tryouts that may be available. Attending whatever exposure event you may be aware of all the time putting your heart and soul into devloping your skills noted above.
When attending an event, be the first to arrive and the last to leave. Be the guy willing to get his uniform dirty. If a coach yells out for someone to help move a piece of equipment, you be the guy to help them do it. Be the un-prima donna. Be the guy who gets noticed for being the hardest worker, the scrappiest player, and the bulldog who refuses to LOSE. Do all these things and I can guarantee a positive outcome. Do all these things and you will not have time to wait for the phone to ring. Now get busy.
This thread is a great example of why this site is so important. I have a 2013 and am mostly lurking a learning right now. I expected to see a lot of posts yesterday about July 1 phone calls HSBWebbers received from colleges, but now I know better. Hearing the wisdom of experience is priceless.
BTW - congrats to ducbollea on the calls he did get yesterday!
BTW - congrats to ducbollea on the calls he did get yesterday!
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Great post CD...
Fleshes the thing out...so many different scenerio's...so often we are back to the age old/sage old advice...control what you can, work as hard as you can, keep looking for information, get seen, keep you head up, believe in yourself and your talent, and the rest will be what it will be...
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Great post CD...
Fleshes the thing out...so many different scenerio's...so often we are back to the age old/sage old advice...control what you can, work as hard as you can, keep looking for information, get seen, keep you head up, believe in yourself and your talent, and the rest will be what it will be...
44.
There is so much communication going on before July 1 these days, I don't know that the phone calls are considered all that important. Some coaches probably call immediately just to show that they are strongly interested and to avoid the kid thinking otherwise or getting out-schmoozed by another program. But for Pete's sake, by July 1, a whole lot of e-mailing, unofficial visits and offers have already happened. A phone call is kind of anti-climactic in a lot of situations.
I have never yet heard of a July 1 phone call conveying an offer for the first time. Why on earth would anyone do that? If you really want the kid, e-mail with him sooner, before you get beat to the punch. Ask him to make an unofficial visit like coming to a junior day. On the other hand, if you weren't sure yet, why would you suddenly offer on July 1 just because you could make a phone call that day for the first time?
I can't even get my own kids to telephone me. They would rather text me, or they want to know why I don't do Facebook. They don't consider phone calls important in the least. It's only us dinosaurs who place importance on the more personal contact.
I have never yet heard of a July 1 phone call conveying an offer for the first time. Why on earth would anyone do that? If you really want the kid, e-mail with him sooner, before you get beat to the punch. Ask him to make an unofficial visit like coming to a junior day. On the other hand, if you weren't sure yet, why would you suddenly offer on July 1 just because you could make a phone call that day for the first time?
I can't even get my own kids to telephone me. They would rather text me, or they want to know why I don't do Facebook. They don't consider phone calls important in the least. It's only us dinosaurs who place importance on the more personal contact.
The problem with the July 1 contact date is that most kids both hear stories and see how the basketball & football recruits are contacted @ 12:01am. We all know that only a few baseball programs do this but most kids expect this type of treatment. When I coached @ the D1 level we would contact our top 100 prospects starting @ 12:01am just to show them that we were interested. It made for a long early morning but it did help us land some of the top kids.
quote:But for Pete's sake, by July 1, a whole lot of e-mailing, unofficial visits and offers have already happened.
Emails and unofficial visits? Yes. Offers? Not so fast.....usually only for creme-de-la-creme prospects lured by large, successful D1 programs.
Like others have stated on this thread, a large percentage of players are non elite and will not get offers until later in the fall or next spring.
D1 and D2 coaches may email (snail mail also) after September 1 of the players junior year. D3 coaches may email at any time. (13.4.1 in all manuals)
D1 coaches can call after July 1 following the player's junior year. D2 after June 15. D3 anytime. (13.1.3.1)
D1 coaches can call after July 1 following the player's junior year. D2 after June 15. D3 anytime. (13.1.3.1)
I agree with Midlo Dad on many of his points and will add the big programs have most of their kids locked up before July 1st. On my son's summer team, the hot prospects have committed by junior year. For us, very few calls came after July 1st, the ones that did call were D3s or JUCOS. I really doubt Oregon State or North Carolina has to call anyone by then. They attract good talent, the kids come to them.
quote:I agree with Midlo Dad on many of his points and will add the big programs have most of their kids locked up before July 1st.
No kidding.
Not trying to be a wise guy, but I have not yet figured out how either of your comments are relevant to this thread
In the future, when someone asks what they should do if they have not been contacted on or before July 1st, should we just tell them the game is over and they are sh*t out of luck because all the top prospects have already committed or for Pete's sake, by July 1, a whole lot of e-mailing, unofficial visits and offers have already happened?
Here is an article that is posted under recruiting tips of this site:
quote:Why I Dislike July the 1st
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by: Bob Howdeshell
High School Baseball Web
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As many of you already know, July 1st of each year is the first official date that a college baseball coach can contact a prospective student-athlete, by telephone. In many folks minds this date is the true litmus test, as to whether a player is a true college prospect or not.
By about July 5th my email in-box is overflowing with frantic correspondence from parents, each making much the same statement. "It's after July the 1st and my son has not received ANY phone calls." Most go on to further explain that their son has received many letters (insert number here) and that several coaches expressed great interest in those letters.
Of course I am not mad or upset with the parents that write. My concern is this: How did we get to this preconceived idea that if college baseball coaches are not calling your player immediately on July the 1st, that any hopes for playing at the collegiate level are over?
Here are the real facts regarding July 1st:
For the sake of this article let's say that there are 200 college programs (NCAA DI, upper level NCAA DII and NAIA) that work hard starting on July 1st, each summer. That still leaves more than 1,400 schools that have not started their recruiting. Many schools, especially the smaller programs, the DIII and the jucos will typically wait until the "big boys" are finished. Let's use ABC college as an example. It is a mid-major NCAA DI program. In November, of this recruiting year they signed two players. Since April they have signed another 10 players. This ratio is not uncommon for the mid=level programs.
Let's assume that the original 200 schools each sign 10 players, in the early (November) signing period. That makes the number of early signees = 2,000 student-athletes. Per our "Inside The Numbers" table there are over 48,000 collegiate baseball players total -- Typical years have 12,000 to 14,000 incoming new players.
Many college programs are still out watching summer tournaments and showcases, in July, working to fill out the needs of the current incoming class.
It is a fact that more college baseball scholarship offers are made, and more National Letters of Intent are signed in the late (April-August) signing period than are completed in the early period, each year.
Many of us know players that signed in the early period with school "A" simply because it was the only program that had made an offer. If that program is a players #1 choice, the offer and potential opportunity for playing time and the academics are all there, my reply would be "great do it." However if a family is settling for this offer because it is the only one, then my advice would be to wait. The baseball folks that I talk to, and that understand the college recruiting process, all agree with this plan.
One of the statements that I hear all too often is this one; "He wants to sign early, that way the pressure will be off and he can enjoy his senior season." What pressure? Placed on him by whom? My experience is that the pressure comes primarily from the parents.
Don't let ego get in the way .... A high school baseball player's college future does not depend on a telephone call, made by a college coach in July.
quote:Don't let ego get in the way .... A high school baseball player's college future does not depend on a telephone call, made by a college coach in July.
Good post CD, what are you doing up so late?
Remember all the drafted players have until August to sign.Lots of schools will be looking to fill positons as late as August. Especially the Junior college players.
quote:Thanks to everyone! I think we as players and coaches put too much emphasis on july 1st. I am playing travel ball on a very successful team and will be at WWBA. thanks for the advice and I will view it as a marathon and not a sprint!!!
BTW, I ended up getting a couple of calls.
I imagine you will be here next week for the 17U. You will be in the best place possible for making things happen at this point. Now all you have to do is show everyone your ability and you will be surprised by the attention. It could start feeling like a sprint before long. PM me with your name and team. If you have what it takes things are going to happen down here. The place is crawling with College Coaches, MLB Scouts and agents. I have personally talked to the Scouting Directors from 8 MLB organizations in the last two days.
Note: The way you play AND the way you carry yourself will be scrutinized. Decision makers, if they are interested, will sometimes stand behind dugouts, watch interaction with teammates, be around when you are walking around off the field, watch how you and your parents interact, etc. Many kids have failed these investigations. Once in awhile a parent has failed the investigation.
Take it for what it's worth. We have seen it happen at times where we will ask a coach if he is interested in so and so, and the coach says no... He is a good player, but we don't want to deal with his parents.
Best of luck in Georgia.
While recruiting has changed, and players are signing earlier and earlier, I am in agreement with CD posting Bob's information.
The same question comes up every year, we need to be positive.
FWIW, first recruiting week brought a few phone calls, yes son had been in contact with many before that date, but there were more to come as teh summer went on and he was out playing. As of July 1 of sons recruting year, he had no definite idea where he wanted to go and no one was going to rush him. He didn't commit until late september of that year.
There are some folks here who have players that were considered "elite", I think most did not commit before July 1. The so called elite or blue chip player has many options, and many take their time.
I agree with Bob, many players that commit early do so because they are afraid no other offer will come in, or have not been seen nationally. There are more players that commit early and wind up unhappy (for whatever reason) than those that don't.
JMO.
The same question comes up every year, we need to be positive.
FWIW, first recruiting week brought a few phone calls, yes son had been in contact with many before that date, but there were more to come as teh summer went on and he was out playing. As of July 1 of sons recruting year, he had no definite idea where he wanted to go and no one was going to rush him. He didn't commit until late september of that year.
There are some folks here who have players that were considered "elite", I think most did not commit before July 1. The so called elite or blue chip player has many options, and many take their time.
I agree with Bob, many players that commit early do so because they are afraid no other offer will come in, or have not been seen nationally. There are more players that commit early and wind up unhappy (for whatever reason) than those that don't.
JMO.
quote:I imagine you will be here next week for the 17U. You will be in the best place possible for making things happen at this point. Now all you have to do is show everyone your ability and you will be surprised by the attention....The place is crawling with College Coaches, MLB Scouts and agents.
An important point related to the above post is this: if all the colleges had wrapped up the majority of their recruiting before July 1, why would they be at the WWBA on July 7-13? Obviously, if the WWBA is "crawling" with college coaches, there are still LOTS of schools looking for players at this point.
The vast majority of early signees at my son's school -- a D1 that made a regional in 2008 and was on the bubble this year -- verballed in October and early November, not before or right after July 1. Several more players were added in the spring. His school (and probably many other schools) wants to see prospects play numerous times before making an offer. I know that they scouted my son at four different tournaments from early June through mid-August before approaching him with an offer.
We may see increasing numbers of schools waiting to make offers because the new 27 scholarship cap does not give programs much wiggle room for making mistakes. They're going to want to do their due diligence and see players numerous times to ensure they're a good fit for their program.
quote:Originally posted by PGStaff:
Take it for what it's worth. We have seen it happen at times where we will ask a coach if he is interested in so and so, and the coach says no... He is a good player, but we don't want to deal with his parents.
Good advice!
Division I schools can have two coaches on the road at the same time---in the case of the WWBS events in GA they usually have two coaches there --where else would they be?---all the top travel teams are there---much similar to Jupiter
quote:He is a good player, but we don't want to deal with his parents.
Can you share what these parents did during the game that was such a turnoff? Must've been pretty dramatic!
quote:Originally posted by quillgirl:
Can you share what these parents did during the game that was such a turnoff? Must've been pretty dramatic!
I know what I've seen over the years with parents antics that I could only imagine what PG has seen. Good Lord. I bet he could write a best-selling novel! LOL.
Do tell Jerry. What has been your best parent story ever?
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Hard to beat Vinny...
....
....for specific event or for a lifetime body of work...The memory, the attention to detail, the rant, the content, the website, the lack of contrition...the man has simply set the gold standard...
44
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Hard to beat Vinny...
....for specific event or for a lifetime body of work...The memory, the attention to detail, the rant, the content, the website, the lack of contrition...the man has simply set the gold standard...
44.
I'll stand by what I actually said, though I don't much care for the way some of you have chosen to twist it.
My point was that I don't think it matters much whether you get a phone call on July 1. I have never known a July 1 call to involve the making of an offer. And I think the rule is really behind the times both in terms of what does go on and what often has already gone on by June 30, and in terms of how our teenagers actually communicate these days (and thus, how the coaches contact them).
While there are many offers done before July 1, I did not say that everyone is done recruiting by then. That is not the case at all. My point was simply that the many ways that coaches and players can communicate before July 1 make it possible to do so much before July 1 that the July 1 phone call itself is kind of a silly thing to worry about. If a program is interested in you, you'll know it irrespective of whether they come to know of you before or after July 1. And if you're interested in a program, you should not be sitting by the phone on July 1 like some girl wondering "why doesn't he ever call?" You should've been in touch with them by now; there's no reason to have waited.
My personal experience is that it is the PARENTS who think the phone should ring on July 1, because we tend to still put stock in the good old telephone and hearing a voice on the other end. The players seem to actually prefer texting, etc., and couldn't care less if their phone never rings.
So to the original post, I would say, don't worry about it if the particular coaches of interest don't telephone. If they prefer e-mailing, keep e-mailing. Or if you like to talk more personally, dial the phone yourself.
Now, if they don't return your calls or e-mails, you might need to take a hint. But if they do, that should answer all questions.
My point was that I don't think it matters much whether you get a phone call on July 1. I have never known a July 1 call to involve the making of an offer. And I think the rule is really behind the times both in terms of what does go on and what often has already gone on by June 30, and in terms of how our teenagers actually communicate these days (and thus, how the coaches contact them).
While there are many offers done before July 1, I did not say that everyone is done recruiting by then. That is not the case at all. My point was simply that the many ways that coaches and players can communicate before July 1 make it possible to do so much before July 1 that the July 1 phone call itself is kind of a silly thing to worry about. If a program is interested in you, you'll know it irrespective of whether they come to know of you before or after July 1. And if you're interested in a program, you should not be sitting by the phone on July 1 like some girl wondering "why doesn't he ever call?" You should've been in touch with them by now; there's no reason to have waited.
My personal experience is that it is the PARENTS who think the phone should ring on July 1, because we tend to still put stock in the good old telephone and hearing a voice on the other end. The players seem to actually prefer texting, etc., and couldn't care less if their phone never rings.
So to the original post, I would say, don't worry about it if the particular coaches of interest don't telephone. If they prefer e-mailing, keep e-mailing. Or if you like to talk more personally, dial the phone yourself.
Now, if they don't return your calls or e-mails, you might need to take a hint. But if they do, that should answer all questions.
Going through this process for the first and only time (unless my youngest changes his interest in theatre and learns to hit a curve ball), what seems obvious to me is how easy it is to decipher where you stand with the various schools that contact your son. Some are genuinely interested but want to see your son perform at some of the big time events this summer, some are interested but have guys ahead of him in their depth chart and are waiting to see where those kids decide to go, and some make it very clear that they want your son. It seems pretty straight forward and easy to read the tea leaves.
I've enjoyed this thread and found it helpful as a parent of a 2010 player. I'll chime in with my feelings.
1. No phone calls yet and I'm sad about that. I know it means little in the big scheme of things, but I still wish my kid would have received one. It's the same sadness I felt when he wasn't seleced for a top showcase team after a great tryout; the same sadness when he wasn't named All-Conference though he seemed deserving of it. None of this really matters in the end, but you just want good things for your kids.
2. My sadness may have little to do with how my son is feeling. I know he would have liked to have received a call, but doesn't seem too worried about it.
3. A phone call on July 1 would not have guaranteed anything, but it would have meant one thing: my son is high enough on someone's list to warrant a call. Now we have to wait to see where he fits in someone's plans. As with many things in life, it is the waiting and not knowing that produces the anxiety.
4. I hear what Midlo's Dad is saying about the different ways communication happens now. I agree that has changed the recruiting game and made July 1 less meaningful. Still, it would have been nice to have gotten a call. BTW, my son has had lots of email contact with coaches and done all the right things to put his name out there.
5. I know it's a marathon not a sprint; I know this is just the beginning and we will have to be patient; I know finding the right fit is much more important than getting early attention. I know all of that and agree completely.
6. Still, a phone call would have been nice.
1. No phone calls yet and I'm sad about that. I know it means little in the big scheme of things, but I still wish my kid would have received one. It's the same sadness I felt when he wasn't seleced for a top showcase team after a great tryout; the same sadness when he wasn't named All-Conference though he seemed deserving of it. None of this really matters in the end, but you just want good things for your kids.
2. My sadness may have little to do with how my son is feeling. I know he would have liked to have received a call, but doesn't seem too worried about it.
3. A phone call on July 1 would not have guaranteed anything, but it would have meant one thing: my son is high enough on someone's list to warrant a call. Now we have to wait to see where he fits in someone's plans. As with many things in life, it is the waiting and not knowing that produces the anxiety.
4. I hear what Midlo's Dad is saying about the different ways communication happens now. I agree that has changed the recruiting game and made July 1 less meaningful. Still, it would have been nice to have gotten a call. BTW, my son has had lots of email contact with coaches and done all the right things to put his name out there.
5. I know it's a marathon not a sprint; I know this is just the beginning and we will have to be patient; I know finding the right fit is much more important than getting early attention. I know all of that and agree completely.
6. Still, a phone call would have been nice.
Midlodad,
Last explanation was better.
I get your point, if you are sitting and waiting for a call, then you may not have done all you need to, to warrant that call. Coaches have been emailing you and many others, have you gone for an unofficial visit to meet the coach to show him you are interested, are you out playing now and being visible so they can see you? Are you still in contact with that coach, are you still emailing him?
Got it.
Last explanation was better.
I get your point, if you are sitting and waiting for a call, then you may not have done all you need to, to warrant that call. Coaches have been emailing you and many others, have you gone for an unofficial visit to meet the coach to show him you are interested, are you out playing now and being visible so they can see you? Are you still in contact with that coach, are you still emailing him?
Got it.
Hotcorner, I feel your pain, been there done that. Son did just about everything you could do. Think you have disappointment now, wait until the 2010 draft. When MLB signs 16 year olds from Latin America for 3.1 million, you know the system is stacked against the local boys. I wish you the best.
July 1 came by our house when my son was a junior , senior and we didnt even think about it.I dont know why that date is so important.Bryce Harper is the kid who gets 40 phone calls July 1st.( even though he will go into the draft)
I remember stressing about my son,TPM would tell me enjoy the highschool years they go by so fast , dont worry , you cant control it.She was right.
If you work hard, continue to work hard, have some talent,a lot of things can happen in a years time.
If I could tell parents anything it is this: dont stress.Just enjoy the baseball with your son.If your son has talent it will shine through.
I remember stressing about my son,TPM would tell me enjoy the highschool years they go by so fast , dont worry , you cant control it.She was right.
If you work hard, continue to work hard, have some talent,a lot of things can happen in a years time.
If I could tell parents anything it is this: dont stress.Just enjoy the baseball with your son.If your son has talent it will shine through.
.
Funny, I can make a case that for many it is better NOT to get that early heavy attention...Let me explain...
Looking back...We have now very intently watched 6 years of “July 1”...and followed 6 years/crops of players who continued to play beyond high school. While it is not a hard and fast rule, by any means...I can make a case that there is some danger in the hype. I can see now that any of those players who had the highest reps on July 1, had already begun to believe their own clippings and it adversely effected both their decision making process and as a result their future success.
First, in retrospect some of the kids with the highest reputation and those early verbal’s made some very bad college choices. They didn’t do their research, they didn’t worry about fit. They got lost in the glamour of a big name school, and verballing early and their own current superstar status. They didn’t think about the competition, or positions, or coaching personality fit, or who else was coming in, or academics, or geography, or culture, or any number of other things because they were obviously so good that they no longer had to worry about much of anything. Weren’t they being recruited/offered early by glamour schools? In the end it seems many weren’t looking for the best place to develop, but a place to showcase their obvious overwhelming talents. Big mistake.
Second, once they made their early decisions many of them got HS baseballs version of “senioritis”...sloppy and lazy. Some even got into trouble. No longer driven because they, in some sense, had already arrived. Had they remained hungry, and angry about not getting that call or early attention they might have dug in and stayed straight and continued to work harder.
Third, that hype made them superstars and having become superstars many were devastated when they got to college programs by the amount of work, and how they were treated, and the position changes, and changes in their games, and how they were used, and for some the fact that they were not handed two way starting positions as frosh. Weren’t they superstars, who had been promised things? Had they dug in and worked, had they kept a chip on their shoulders maybe they could have provided all those things for themselves. Maybe if they had believed in their work ethic and character to a bigger extent they would have fared a great deal better.
Looking back now...While we all want the best for our son’s, we want to save them from such things and make their lives perfect...I can make a case that pain and rejection creates chip, and a drive that was a good thing for many players. I can make a case that rejection and pain teaches lessons and drives (i.e. Michel Jordan getting cut in High school) Pain makes you pay attention. Pain teaches adaption. It teaches emotional strength. It teaches self belief in the face of naysayers. It teaches resolve. It teaches planning. It teaches self reliance. It teaches the reality that you've got to be better, and work harder and get off the bubble. It teaches the heard realities of competition that our sons face, and will continue to face for the rest of their adult lives. Frankly it drives people in a way that little else can. In the end these are skills that will serve our son’s long after their baseball careers are done. And this moment can offer the emotional opening that we as parents need to get that point across.
44
.
Funny, I can make a case that for many it is better NOT to get that early heavy attention...Let me explain...
Looking back...We have now very intently watched 6 years of “July 1”...and followed 6 years/crops of players who continued to play beyond high school. While it is not a hard and fast rule, by any means...I can make a case that there is some danger in the hype. I can see now that any of those players who had the highest reps on July 1, had already begun to believe their own clippings and it adversely effected both their decision making process and as a result their future success.
First, in retrospect some of the kids with the highest reputation and those early verbal’s made some very bad college choices. They didn’t do their research, they didn’t worry about fit. They got lost in the glamour of a big name school, and verballing early and their own current superstar status. They didn’t think about the competition, or positions, or coaching personality fit, or who else was coming in, or academics, or geography, or culture, or any number of other things because they were obviously so good that they no longer had to worry about much of anything. Weren’t they being recruited/offered early by glamour schools? In the end it seems many weren’t looking for the best place to develop, but a place to showcase their obvious overwhelming talents. Big mistake.
Second, once they made their early decisions many of them got HS baseballs version of “senioritis”...sloppy and lazy. Some even got into trouble. No longer driven because they, in some sense, had already arrived. Had they remained hungry, and angry about not getting that call or early attention they might have dug in and stayed straight and continued to work harder.
Third, that hype made them superstars and having become superstars many were devastated when they got to college programs by the amount of work, and how they were treated, and the position changes, and changes in their games, and how they were used, and for some the fact that they were not handed two way starting positions as frosh. Weren’t they superstars, who had been promised things? Had they dug in and worked, had they kept a chip on their shoulders maybe they could have provided all those things for themselves. Maybe if they had believed in their work ethic and character to a bigger extent they would have fared a great deal better.
Looking back now...While we all want the best for our son’s, we want to save them from such things and make their lives perfect...I can make a case that pain and rejection creates chip, and a drive that was a good thing for many players. I can make a case that rejection and pain teaches lessons and drives (i.e. Michel Jordan getting cut in High school) Pain makes you pay attention. Pain teaches adaption. It teaches emotional strength. It teaches self belief in the face of naysayers. It teaches resolve. It teaches planning. It teaches self reliance. It teaches the reality that you've got to be better, and work harder and get off the bubble. It teaches the heard realities of competition that our sons face, and will continue to face for the rest of their adult lives. Frankly it drives people in a way that little else can. In the end these are skills that will serve our son’s long after their baseball careers are done. And this moment can offer the emotional opening that we as parents need to get that point across.
44
.
Sometimes I think the July 1 date means more to parents than the players
quote:Do tell Jerry. What has been your best parent story ever?
We have heard before that we were responsible for ruining a young players career!
I would have to think for awhile about the best, but here is the most recent...
While down here in Atlanta we received an email (and phone call) from a dad. He has a fairly talented 2011 son. We recently released our 2011 player rankings on pgcrosschecker and his son did not make the top 100 2011's in the nation. During the phone call he threatened a law suit, claiming his son is one of the top 2011 prospects in the country. (His son… Is Not at this time, our opinion)
Here is the email I received from one of our scouts. ***** for names and other things that could identify this player or his father.
Just “talked” with **** ******** dad, he is a player from ****** that went to ***************, then came back to ******** **** this year. His dad will most likely want to email or call you if somehow he gets your number.
Not sure if you remember the kid but his dad just went nuts on me. Threatened to get attorney involved etc, to do what I don’t know. He was saying we are in a position of power and we are prejudice against his kid. He went nuts about not being in the top 150. said that our company “admitted making a mistake before and we are liable for something”. He also said he “knows he is better than all the top 150 guys” . said I should watch his video and then I would see it. I did and don’t see it. He has real odd way of hitting and hitting is his main weakness. He was the one that was all over ***** earlier this year about the grade last time. He asked for ***** again, but then grilled me. Said he wanted a face to face meeting with him and “real scouts” and us so we could see we are wrong.
Just thought I would warn you, this guy is looking to go nuts because he is not getting the ranking he deserves. He also told me that he just had a “perfect” showcase at the ******** ****, and is basically expecting a 10 from what he was saying. Right now he has an 8, which is lower than the 8.5 we raised it to last time, so he will go even more nuts when its posted. He just can’t hit, he runs well and close to average arm projection. With improved hitting he will be a good DI player. He is not a 10!
The kid plays for **** ******, who scouts for us in **. my guess is that he has probably already emailed you by the time I typed this out. Closed by saying he is going to sue us if we don’t rank his kid near the top of the 2011 list.
Thanks,
*****
Now if you were a college coach… Would you want to recruit this player? BTW, College recruiters ask us lots of questions about kids and their parents. They also don't care for parents that threaten law suits if things don't go exactly as they expect.
Parents don't have to do anything or say anything to be considered great parents.
Parents actually have to do something or say something to be considered high maintenance or worse yet... a potential nightmare!
Note: This is not meant to downgrade all parents. Most parents are great. It's just that some are not smart enough to figure it out and their son ends up paying for it.
We have many stories. Nothing wrong with supporting the son and trying to help him be successful. That is a good thing! Nothing wrong with disagreeing with our opinions. But when it comes to the worst stuff... Word can travel very fast and it usually does. Some parents think they can do or say anything and it won't hurt their son. They are wrong, yet sometimes never figure it out.
Wow, PG... I don't know what to say except: Vinny the 2nd? Poor kid probably hears worse than that at home.
Oh, parent stories- we love them! Have been surprised to see and hear parents behaving badly at some college games this year. I assumed by the time they got kid to college they'd mellow out. Kind of embarrassing when the parent is on your own team. After seeing how this dad behaves I wonder if this will effect his younger sons' recruiting ?
quote:Sometimes I think the July 1 date means more to parents than the players
TR, you are probably right. While some players are disappointed when they don't get calls, it's the parents who typically are more up on recruiting and aware of the perceived significance of July 1. After all, they are the ones who frequent HSBBW and read about all the various dates.
I can empathize with Hot Corner Dad's emotions, because we were there two years ago. I remember reading various posts on this site: "I got 3 calls this morning. How about everyone else?" "Got my Area Code invite in the mail today!" When your son doesn't get a call on July 1 and he doesn't get an Area Code invite and you hear about all the kids who do, it's not the greatest feeling in the world.
On another note, I loved O44's post, which pointed out some of long-term benefits of pain and rejection as well as the potential pitfalls for those who are highly recruited on July 1 or even before. Looking back at the area early commits during my son's recruiting summer, the very first verbal commitment (which I believe occurred on July 1 or 2) was from a puffed up, highly-touted player who was recruited by a perennial CWS contender. This past spring, he went 0-fer in 5 at bats. It was recently announced that he has left this school.