New here; what to do?

Welcome to the HSBBW!

First thing, Div 1 schools are NOT at the end of their recruiting, this recruiting period ends before official signing period in November.

If you feel that your son meets the citeria for Div 1 programs, by all means begin contacting schools he may be interested in. But do know that there have been changes in Div 1 scholarships, and money is tight these days when handing out baseball money. If he has good grades and tests, he can qualify for academic $$.


D3 do not give out scholarships, I am not all that familiar with D3, but you need to find out if your son can qualify for academic and what your families obligation would be. I do not beleive that breaks are given but by all means let the coaches know what you are thinking. You will pay the bill in teh end, you have a right to be concerned with costs.

If your son is interested in the D2 school, definetly go to the camp. This is really a decison you have to make, knowing that these programs use these opportunities to make money and to recruit on campus. I also feel that a player shouldnot sacrifice his intended major for baseball. But that is just my opinion.

I get a feeling there is a sense of urgency in making a decison. Your 08 actually has up until 08 entrance to find teh right program, the right school for his degree. Don't do anything because you feel he has to. Also your son can commit to a JUCO,D2 or D3 program and later committ to a D1.

Hope this helps, feel free to ask more questions if you feel the need.

Tiger Paw Mom,


Thanks so much for your response, I did not realize that my son can commit to a Divison III or II school and then later on commit to a Division I.

The Urgency Factor is more that these coaches from the Divison III schools have sent him a couple of emails telling him they are still interested and were asking him how his summer team was going, more just friendly talk to let him know they were thinking about him, and now we got some application paperwork in the mail from both colleges and both coaches said they would be calling him once again when school starts and so we are truthfully trying to decide what we will say to them when they call. Yes, the money concern has to be brought up by us. We would not qualify for financial aid, but still the tuition is way higher than we were "planning" on spending. And I agree with you, I don't think one should sacrifice their major to play ball.

We did send interest letters to Division I schools, should my son do follow-up calls or letters? and if so, how soon should he do this after the letters first went out.

I guess from reading lots of threads and posts, I was getting the impression that Division I colleges were really making their decisions during this time period and calling kids they were most interested in right away when July 1st came around; thanks for clearing that up for me that it is not over yet.

I do beleive that what I have told you about committing is true, if I am wrong, I know it will be corrected.

Yes, Div 1 coaches begin calling their first choices, but that doesn't mean tehy will recruit every first choice or that recruit has them on the list as their first choice. Many things happen during this time period. I know of players who got offers in November.

Exposure id the key, I do not know where you come from, it just says midwest. If you let us kow exactly where maybe some midwest folks can make suggestions.

Thanks,

As for that one page brochure we got from the Division II school inviting him to their Prospect camp. I went to their web site and there is no mention of this Prospect Camp. So I am wondering if they have this planned every year and just send this flier out to the kids that have shown interest in their school. Like I mentioned, it is about a 7 hour drive, one way, my husband is willing to take him. The camp is only $40, but with an hour lunch during the camp, it is only about 4 1/2 hours of camp. Can they really evaluate a kid well enough in that little time? I guess that will all depend on the number of kids that show up and how much time they will each have to show their skills. I am sure these coaches know exactly what they are looking for and it won't take them long to see it.

Thanks again for your info.

quote:

I feel a bit uncomfortable discussing the money situation with them.

Don't, they hear it often.

ALL of the pieces have to fit.

If the major and the money don't fit, it won't work.

They do need to know that.

That the DIII's are working you now is some indication that you may get some interest from bigger schools later.

quote:

is something we should definitely attend? or is it really just an invite that they would send to anyone that sent an interest letter to their school?

Yes. Yes.

But, if that is a school where your son would like to attend and you want them to see your son, it is a very good way to do that.

Yes, they can decide in a 4 1/2 hour period.

They also can talk to your summer and high school coaches, coaches your son has played against, and other players your son has played with or against.

Baseall is a very, very small world.

quote:

these coaches know exactly what they are looking for and it won't take them long to see it.

You got it.

But, it might be worthwhile to attend even if your son does not want to go there, or they don't have a place for him.

They might refer him to another coach that needs a player like your son.

Recruiting is a national game of musical chairs.

The music starts on 7/1 and really doesn't end until about 9/1 the following year.

Sometimes a seat gets taken early, then come draft time or school time the seat empties.

But, the music still continues to play.

I can tell from your posts that it's all gonna work out very, very well for you.

If your son is interested in the school with the prospects camp, go.

Many D3 schools have outstanding academic scholarships. Some D3 private universities are talking with Texan Son about academic scholarships that will cover 75% of the total cost (e.g., tuition, fees, room, board). That can bring the final cost down to less than that of a state supported school. So check into the academic scholarships. Also, they often have good need based aid. And this may come into account even though you might think your family would not qualify.

Remember, you can't count on big baseball scholarship dollars at any school.

If a school doesn't offer his major, don't pursue it any further. Baseball lasts a short while. The degree will last much longer.

Best wishes for your son's college search.

Texan and Former Observer,

Thanks for your replies, I think we need to look more into acacemic scholarhips, especially at the out of state Division III school that offers his major.

Former Observer,

I do agree, I think my son should make the trip because once school starts, it will be much harder to go and the chance will be over anyway.

quote:

I don't think it is something one would want to jump into if that is not their ultimate goal. And as I told my husband, that after the 4 years of college, it is an 8 year required enlistment after that(am I correct)?, with 5 years served on active duty

Right, I know it's a committment but don't know the exact requirements.

But, that is an awesome opportunity, and sometimes, you need to let those opportunities play themselves out.

Take the trips, kick the tires, your son will surprise you with his interests.

I think on one of the visits/trips, you'll hear, "This is where I want to go to school and play baseball............"

Welcome playersmom!
You have to come to a great site for both information and support.

When I first discovered this place, I learned there was so many questions that I didn't even know to ask in this whole recruting thing! The good folks here made our journey far easier.

You said that you would not qualify for financial aid but almost everyone can qualify for student and parent loans. When you get closer on deciding, the school financial aid office can help but I'm guessing the counselors at your son's HS can assist on getting you started in the FAFSA process in Jan08.

Read the recruting tips and timeline on this site. The information is invaluable. Follow the steps to apply for NCAA Clearinghouse regardless of what you think your son's final choice will be...it keeps the option open.

And don't let a sense of urgency cause a snap decision. You have time. Many schools are still finalizing their rosters in the summer before classes begin. My son is moving from JUCO to a University this year and didn't make his final decision on his new school until July for classes that start in August....and he did have D-1 offers on the table at that time.

And I agree with TPM and Texan, don't even bother looking at schools that don't have your son's intended major - it's a waste of your time as well as the coach's. Remember, your son will be a student-athlete. (Mine turned down other calls/offers this summer for that very reason. Actually, the coaches thanked him for being honest and letting them know up-front so they could move on to other players.)

If your son knows a school he wants to attend, be pro-active. It is okay to let the coach know of your interest - have your son fill out prospective student forms, if available, or send interest letters then follow-up with phone calls, letters or e-mails. You don't have to wait for them to call you!

Final suggestion - keep all of your options open. There is a lot of good baseball out there from small to large 2- and 4- year schools.

Living is a huge Division III region, The Northeast, I deal with a lot of Division III schools----many can end up giving you money than Division I and II schools---they can be very ingenious between academic monies, grants, need based aid, minority funding etc----never spurn any school because you think you cannot afford them---let them tell you what the money situation will be---you might be pleasantly surprised

Playersmom,
Like TMP said --- “Welcome to the HSBBW! Don’t panic. Keep up with the exposure (and his options) until your son makes a decision about his college. Like TPM said if your son is interested in the DII school then he should go to the camp. Camps are not the most cost effective way to gain exposure but attending a camp can be very effective in targeting ONE school. However I would make a phone call first to get some information. Feel free to ask if they use camps for recruiting purposes and if so ask if they currently have any players that were recruited from previous camps. Camps can be used for recruiting or they can also be used solely to generate money for the baseball program. The phone call will also help them remember your son’s name when he arrives.
Don’t feel uncomfortable in discussing the financial aspect. College is a very expensive venture and I think parental involvement should be encouraged. After all it is your money. I know I asked some very direct question of the coaches that were recruiting my son. In my opinion it’s OK to ask; “Are you planning to offer my son a scholarship and if so how much”. Every coach your son is talking to is looking at multiple players for his position and will select the best. Your son needs to do the same --- look at as many schools as he can and choose the best.
You have gotten some good advice from the posters here. Stay proactive and keep pounding out the questions on the HSBBW.
Fungo

Thanks for the welcome!

quote:

Feel free to ask if they use camps for recruiting purposes and if so ask if they currently have any players that were recruited from previous camps.

Thanks for this Tip; Good idea. Would an email also be appropriate to ask these questions or is a phone call better?

quote:

never spurn any school because you think you cannot afford them---let them tell you what the money situation will be---you might be pleasantly surprised

You are right, we need to ask the right questions; we may be surprised.

quote:

have your son fill out prospective student forms, if available, or send interest letters then follow-up with phone calls, letters or e-mails. You don't have to wait for them to call you!

We have done this, we just need to to the follow-ups now. We have registered with the NCAA.

I found it strange that on one Prospective athlete form that we filled out, it asked for his NCAA Pin# besides his SS#. I did give the SS#, but not the Pin#;
I did not feel comfortable doing that, and it was the only school that asked for it; other schools asked for his SS# - what exactly do they do with that SS# number upfront when a kid inquires about their baseball program? Does anyone know.

Also, back in June TPX Top 96 had sent an email to my son after he participated in a showcase saying that he was invited to some clinic by (and it gave the name of a Division 1 college baseball coach). First off, I never heard of TPX TOP 96 and secondly, I found it a bit strange as this coach had just seen him play in the showcase and I was wondering why he would have not emailed my son personally to ask him to participate, but rather have this TPX TOP 96 place do it for him; is that the norm in some cases?
We didn't end up going, hope we didn't make a mistake. I can't remember the cost.

quote:

Would an email also be appropriate to ask these questions or is a phone call better

In my opinion a phone call is much better. Number one it allows you to remain proactive whereas once you send the email you put the ball in their court and could be left waiting for an answer. A phone call is also more personal.

quote:

TPX Top 96 had sent an email to my son after he participated in a showcase saying that he was invited to some clinic by (and it gave the name of a Division 1 college baseball coach).

I don't know the particulars in this case but "exposure" is a big business targeting the emotionally involved parent. Parents will go on a spending spree in hopes of getting some advantage for their son's baseball future. As long as parents are willing to spend, there will be those that create more programs, clinics, camps, and showcases hoping to get their share of the "exposure for dollars" action. Spend wisely.
Fungo

Thanks Fungo,

I will call them on Monday.

Actually, my son can call them.

That will work!!

Mom - Good advice above. I just wanted to welcome you to the HSBBW! Always good to have another mom amongst us!

Hello and thanks for the welcome.I never would have imagined I would be on a baseball forum, but there is lots of good information on here. It has been interesting reading about others experiences and the advice has been helpful.

Playersmom,
You are not alone. I pm'd you.
Welcome aboard!!

My son got an invite from a coach inviting him talk about their baseball program.

Could anyone enlighten me as to what questions the coach may possibly ask my son? Thanks

I'm a new mom at all this too with a 08 son. Everyone on this site is very helpful (and knows way more than me by the way). The schools my son likes are not close, so we have been to the camps. We let them know we were coming and let them know that since we lived far away that he was there for them to see if they had an interest. He has garnered a lot of attention from the camps, so I say go if you can. He has also had some other DIs, DII and DIIIs approach him at the camps - making it well worth the cost. And 4 hours is enough. One camp was just hitting. The coach threw him 25 pitches, said "you will hear from us" and called on July 1.
My impression from the DIIIs is that they are not in a hurry, their conversations with my son have almost been like - we would love to have you come play for our team, let us know how things are going and we will talk to you later. I think they know that most kids want the DI, so they are willing to wait and see what happens. He found one DIII he loved and he can get about 1/2 paid with academic, so it has been great because it takes the pressure off. If the DI stuff falls through there is a plan B. Good Luck - here's to hoping in a few years we'll be the ones with all the answers!!

Welcome Playersmom,

Did anyone tell you that it' customary for the board newbie to buy lunch for the BBS veterans in your area?

Yeah, I'm a newbie too, but I live in Alaska and no one showed up............

A couple of days ago we got a letter from a coach, from a school that my son also had previously considered, but we did not contact them initially.

As a mom,I would like him to go with School number one, as I think he will succeed both academically there as well as athletically; If he is 90% sure of this first choice, should we go and check out this other school and then maybe end up being not sure about the first choice?

And I am sorry, but I am a bit confused when they say they want to add him to their list of recruits - what exactly are they saying?, that they have pretty much have a place/need on the team for him at his position or will they maybe have 3 choices of people for that position and he will be competing with them at tryouts for it?

Thanks for any advice/info

Do not put all your eggs in one basket

Check out the other opportunities

Apply for admission to all of them when they are Division III programs

What you like and what he likes may be very different and it should be his choice


90% sure does not cut it--he needs to be 100% sure in choice

Thank you.

He will be applying to 3 schools as the guidance counselor did say that at a minimum that is what students should do.

There is more to this in that my husband may be getting transferred job wise and we won't know that until sometime in November which will then put things in a different perspective.

All the more reason to explore ALL the possibilities

Playersmom,

I will join in saying "Welcome to the HS Baseball Web!" and echo, "encourage your son to keep several options open".

I'll also share the timeline that worked out for my son, also from the Midwest.

My RHP son graduated from HS in 2004 and definitely wanted to play baseball in college. At the time he admitted to me that his main interest in going to college was to play college baseball, but he realized there were other pluses as well! He was also certain that he wanted to stay in-state, preferably within a few hours of our home. And his grades were only average, which to be honest helped narrow down his choice of colleges also. By the summer before senior year he was fairly certain of his top-3 list of schools: two D2s and one D3.

The D2s both had summer camps which he attended and gave him a chance to be evaluated by the coaches, and he took an overnight visit to the D3 in the Fall of his senior year. He applied for admission to all three schools and was accepted by all three, which made us feel comfortable that he was keeping some good options open. Before he went on the D3 visit, it was his #3 choice...when he returned home, it was #1, and a place he could envision himself calling "home" for 4 years. He ended up committing to the D3 in late December or early January of senior year and has been happy with his choice. It was the most expensive option, but we are managing somehow.

It sounds like your son has a lot of good options, and a nice baseball "career" ahead of him! Keep us updated, okay?

Julie