Newbie... lots of questions (be warned)

First question when a college calls a hs coach what info are they looking for?

They want to hear the HS coach's opinion on what type of player he is.  But they (perhaps even more) want to know what type of person he is...and what type of student he is.  How is he around school?  How is he with his teammates?  Any problems?

V coach I am told is a little scattered and disorganized (others have said lazy) first off this worries me that he is the one having the contact with colleges. I don't usually listen to people but from what I have seen, this seems accurate. I also was informed that this coach doesn't always submit accurate and timely stats which would could hurt chances of winning any awards  like all league, all state etc. which has happened in the past.

Stats will not likely (almost never) have an impact on a player getting recruited.  Many (most?) college coaches won't even ask.  Possibly the only time they matter is if they're really bad.

Coach is disorganized?  Might be ok to engage the coach in a friendly manner in order to create a dialogue...so that information comes to you too...so you can act on things or ask the coach if he did yet.  There is an "art" to this IMO...not fake, but an art to letting the coach be in control of his part of this and showing him respect for his part.  I believe he will be more than happy to help your son if you make him part of your "team" and show that you are excited for him to help your son.

I was told this by a league board member that  is a casual friend and he told us (meaning the team) we should speak to him or AD about this. Nervous about that, I pride myself on the fact that we sit back and never complain or get involved with coaches or parents for that matter. I'm not not even sure he knows who we are. How should we handle this. 

I certainly wouldn't go to the AD because someone else told you too.  Engage the coach first.  Give him a chance.  Give him lots of chances...your son is a sophomore and there is plenty of time.  Engage the coach over the course of this season and build a relationship.  Again, not a fake one, but one where he can trust you and you him.

Topic three.. Video of a RHP where do you video from, how long are they looking for. He asked for it to be during a game. First game of the season is today and he is pitching. Sorry so long. I figured instead of 3 posts I would try to combine everything.

Through 2 sons playing or played high level D1, we never sent a video.  Ever.  Were never asked for one.  But I understand that it is becoming more common.  Perhaps someone else can give better advice on this than me.

I'm stressed.

Hang in there mom!  This is normal...especially when this all begins. 

The good news is that your son has been noticed and that there is plenty of time.  A good summer team would be a good idea (I have a feeling you've already taken care of that).  But most important IMO...Don't let this run your's or your son's life!  Let him have fun.  Enjoy watching him play.  Don't add pressure to him.  He will be fine.  Enjoy this time of his life...save the "pressure" for the academics (they will matter a lot) and continue to mentor him in the other things that teenagers need mentoring on.

Its all good!  Let us know how its going. 

Welcome, Mom,

It's OK to be stressed about the "X4" but don't be stressed about baseball.. enjoy it.  You can search existing posts here and find tons of helpful info and advice about your situation.  I'll touch on the bottom-line points...

Most recruiting is done via summer travel  or scout programs and the right camps, not HS.  So don't worry too much if your HS coach is not the ideal person to have as your connection to colleges.  That connection is a bonus.

The few local colleges that do contact our HS usually ask general questions - if we have anyone worth considering, what their strenghts are, if they have college plans, grades, attitude, etc.  If they do ask about a specific player, it is important that the player has impressed the HS head coach with attitude, teachability, work ethic, etc., otherwise the coach will not have favorable things to say.  So, make sure he has a good, respectful relationship with his coach.

Most colleges that recruit your son via those most prevalent channels stated won't know, ask or care about stats, all-league, all-state, etc., so don't worry about that.  They are nice honors but your son and his teammates will know how much he helps the team and what type of teammate he is.  That's all that really matters there.

Video - A few of each pitch type from the side is good.  Then, from behind the backstop, a sequence of a good inning.  Edit to speed things up between most pitches to keep it short - maybe 3-4 minutes total.  Again, dont' stress that you have to get it done the first game he pitches.  The college coach is plenty busy with his team right now.  If it takes a few weeks or so, it will not affect the outcome.  Heck, your son is only a soph.  And don't make a big production out of it.  Once you have the clips you need, put the vid away and sit down and enjoy the game/s.  And, BTW, genuine interest and cheering for the other boys and the team goes a long way in stress reduction and enjoyment. 

Start working on finding the right travel/camp options for the college recruiting process as a separate project - again, lots of info here.  Enjoy him playing HS ball for the great thing that HS ball is. 

Once you are reasonably educated on the process, the college opportunities for a player like your son are likely to come down to his continued passion and willingness to work to improve, grades, attitude and good health. 

Edit - Oops, I was typing the same time as Justbaseball... glad our messages are consistent - yeah, what he said  

Outstanding advice.

Welcome to the hsbbweb!

I like the term justbb used "art."  Another word is tact.  Be tactful so that you can kind of get the coach on your team and make it a positive experience for all involved.

The only thing I would add here is stay out of the behind-the-scenes gossip regarding the coach.  It will only add to your stress and allow others to transfer their stress on to you.  Be thankful your son is the opening day starter and stay out of any political discussions about the coach.  I wouldn't listen to it or engage in it, frankly.  College coaches do not recruit stats - they recruit what they see.

BTW, your son's HS coach already engaging him on the fact that he's heard from colleges about your son...is a very good sign.

He opened the door first and demonstrated that he is willing to be a part of this...now politely walk through that open door and work together as a team.

Summer of junior year find the best available showcase team. This is where the college scouts will be looking. I only saw very local D3 assistants at my son's high school games a handful of times. Start making a list of your son's choices of colleges. He should write to the coaches expressing interest and asking what showcases they attend. Take control. Do not leave it to the high school coach. My son was all-conference in high school. His high school coach had zero to do with his college baseball placement. It was all his showcase coach and the assistant who is also a pro scout.

baseballmomx4, Congrats & Enjoy the ride!

EVERYTHING justbaseball said!

Regarding pitching video, shoot from behind home plate, then from 3rd base line. Try to get camera lens in between "diamonds", so as to eliminate the fence or back screen & out of focus/refocusing issue. After editing, something around 3-5 min. And, not just the FB or K's. and both righties & lefties, if possible. Be mindful that lighting may be an issue in filming night games, & glare from field lights. They want to see his technique, form. 

Depending on where you live, you may want to check on a showcase or College sponsored tourney this summer. Juco's & some D-1's in Texas use this type of format. Your summer coach should be familiar with getting his kids recruited.

Go to the Home Page here & read the sections on Recruiting & the Time Line. Develop a plan & start a list of schools your son may be interested in, as well as keep up with the one's interested in him. At some point, he can start filling out questionaires online. 

Remember, that as of his last day of class this May, he's considered a Junior. Starting this summer, is THE recruiting year, through the following summer. 

Good luck

Well, I too was writing at same time as cabbagedad, ClevelandDad, RJM & justbaseball. hahahah! We're all on the same page!

Wow, didn't expect so many great responses so quickly. Thank you! My son just made a good showcase team for the summer. They seem to have a good track record with their players. They are doing some showcase tournaments and going to East Cobb. I've is also go to a PG showcase in June. HS baseball here unfortunately is not so great, so I never expected to count on it.  I know he is only a sophmore, which was my first instinct, but I keep getting told you have to do this or that, and honestly I have no clue what the heck to do. lol The coach seems to really like my son. Has called him one of the hardest workers he's had and says he is a leader on the team. His grades are good, all honors classes. He seems like a good guy according to my son just not a great coach, but he knows that it doesn't matter, the only thing he can control is how he performs. I know this sounds crazy but how do I approach the coach to make him part of our team. I am not a stalker parent at practices, and I don't hang around the dugout during games.  I am stressed but my son is not in the least. He was so excited last night to finally get going.  He does enjoy every second of this. I will try to video today only because I am a little technically challenged. It may take me all season.  keep the great advice coming. I am setting up camp here for the next couple of years.

East Cobb and PG... great plan!

My suggestion for approach to coach...

"We really appreciate what you do with the boys, son loves being a part of this team.  I know he is young but he really aspires to play in college.  When the time comes, is it OK to use you as a reference when he starts making contact with colleges?  Will you please let us know if you hear anything?" 

Then, kick in to listening mode.

Welcome...hard to improve on all of the above advice so I'll just say +1.

As stated engaging someone and making them feel they are controlling or directing the conversation is a art form..a good opener, going along with Cabbage....may be to ask the coach HIS opinion on the baseball program at some of the schools your son may be interested in, to include but not necessarily, some of the schools you think are interested in him.  It will make him feel he is opinion is valued and will give you a feel for his knowledge of some of the recruiting process, and it does not com off as fake or contrived.

Good luck, sounds like you son is off to a great start.

Left hook and cabbage dad sounds good. I will do that. Now when do you think it is an appropriate time to talk to him. Really the only time I see him is at games and they are busy pre and post game. Should I send him an email Or just hope some opening presents itself over the course of the season.

Hi Mom,

I think the timing issue is something that you will have a much better feel for than any of us here in cyberland.  You are right in not addressing it any time around a game unless you are hanging around well after clean-up and the opportunity presents itself with no one else around.  At some point, an email with a message similar to what has been recommended along with a request for a convenient time to discuss may be good.  I wouldn't rush it.  Be aware that he is just a soph and some HS coaches may think you are jumping the gun.  Although, based on the fact that schools have already contacted the coach, that probably won't be an issue here.  

Jumping in here...

I'm sure he has a conference time, if he's also a teacher. Or, typically, he will be at the practice field about an hour  or so before practice...usually from abt 1pm on at his convenience...An email may be sufficient. For my son, I set up a face to face for 20-30 min. when I knew he wasn't tied up.  I had lots of contact as booster club volunteer, too...cleanup days, program production, photographing the team, fundraising , etc., so that eased any heebie-jeebies. 

Thanks again so much For the help. Coach actually came to me before the game and introduced himself and said a few nice things about my son. I guess he did know who I was. At least this broke the ice.   I will talk with him more when the time is right. Son pitched well got the win, but it was brutally cold 30 degrees and strong wind. Where is spring??????

sent you a pm, too. see upper right corner, "dialogs"

What state do you play in? Our first 3 games have been cancelled because of the weather. My son is in a similar situation so I am getting good info as well.

hi Mike. We are in NY. I feel your pain, it looks like we are getting another round of snow Monday. i wish they would have canceled ours. It was so cold, it wasn't even enjoyable.