Looking further afield to D2, D3

Tell your son to "just do it"---contact the schools he has interest in regardless of their being Division I, II 0r III

Don't worry what the coach might think--you are assuming the worst--good coaches are always looking for good players, especially with good grades

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TRhit:
Tell your son to "just do it"---contact the schools he has interest in regardless of their being Division I, II 0r III



I know you've said this a million times before. I'm just finally "hearing" it. Thanks for being patient.

Newcomer - I think you ask a great question. If I am reading correctly, it sounds as though you may be concerned that some of these coaches might perceive a call at this juncture as an afterthought. I don't see it that way at all. What you can tell the coach was up until now, the academics that your son wanted to pursue were unclear. Now that they have come more into focus, certain schools have come to your attention and his (insert coach's school here) school is one that your son may be interested in. I am sure that all these coaches would be interested in hearing from your son as TR suggests.

I would only be concerned if I got this call and the kid was to be a college freshman now. We've already started our recruiting, but the fall is the largest recruiting time for us, therefore I have yet to contact some guys, because I have yet to see them, hence Fall Showcase. Also, it is inevitable that kids get overlooked, and we find talent in the spring that has yet to be explored either. I agree with TR, don't assume the worst call!!

Many D2 and D3 coaches don't even start thinking about their baseball recruiting until the fall of the players' senior year. My son contacted a number of D3s in the fall of his senior year, and I think one maybe even in January. NEVER got a hint that the coaches were thinking they were an afterthought--and they were NOT an afterthought, as they were schools that combined the right mix for my son of excellent academics and good baseball programs/coaches. Got lots of interest and took some visits as late as mid-February and was admitted to most of those schools. I don't think you have anything to worry about. If your son explains in his introductory letter with resume that he has been searching for colleges with good baseball programs that also offer his major, I think they'll primarily be impressed that he has done such careful research. Furthermore, there are always outstanding baseball players who choose not to attend a D1 school, but instead to go to a D2 or D3 program for a number of reasons. I am sure the coaches have had other kids who are looking at all 3 kinds of programs, and they know the pros and cons of each. Good luck!

I know of many D2 and D3 that would love to get a better caliber of palyer but they do not have the resources of many of the bigger schools. So unfortunatley some timed teh player has to make the first step, if you are willing to take that step then a coach wioll be more than happy to talk to you.

A few years ago my older brother was being recruited by many D1 schools in Florida and at the end he chose a D2 school because of the size. Schools like UF, FSU, UCF, USF, and FIU have student population of over 40,000 and that makes it hard to finish your degree in 4 years unless you go to summer school. In a smaller D2 school you can actually finish your degree in 4 years and many of the baseball programs are just as competitive as D1. EDUCATION first, BASEBALL second = is the way to go.

I was surprised to read these candid remarks of a D2 recruiting coordinator on his university's baseball website: "Division two is where I want to be," Karcher said. "I believe the players are here to play baseball and there are very few egos to deal with as opposed to higher levels."

Infield08

Looks like you are still hitting it hard on the research - hope that is going well for ya'll.

FBM

Used to be a professional researcher. I've had to dust off the rust, as research skills can come in quite handy when helping son with recruiting! FastBallMom, look for an email today.