No Social Media and Recruiting

@Francis7

Your son is old enough to make his own decisions.

You need to take a step back, a big one.

@TPM posted:

@Francis7

Your son is old enough to make his own decisions.

You need to take a step back, a big one.

You really think an 18 year old is ready to be cut loose and removed from any parental counsel whatsoever?  If yes, then we live on different planets.

@Francis7 posted:

You really think an 18 year old is ready to be cut loose and removed from any parental counsel whatsoever?  If yes, then we live on different planets.

His decision is that he doesn't want to use social media but rely on the Juco Coaches when the time comes.

Sounds responsible to me.

@TPM posted:

His decision is that he doesn't want to use social media but rely on the Juco Coaches when the time comes.

Sounds responsible to me.

Well, that's the question to which I was looking for opinions on...without trailing personal attacks.

@Francis7 posted:

You really think an 18 year old is ready to be cut loose and removed from any parental counsel whatsoever?  If yes, then we live on different planets.

Your son has had more inside access and experience to college ball than you. Let him use his instincts.

@Francis7 posted:

Well, that's the question to which I was looking for opinions on...without trailing personal attacks.

It's not a personal attack. You just have to think about something before you post as to how you make your son appear.

I am sure, as RJM stated, he must know more than you possibly are giving him credit for.

Our son left for college at 18. He managed to find a way to survive without our counsel. We all have to let go at some point.

JMO

Can a player truly miss out on an opportunity because he did not have a SM account?

FRANCIS;

Do you know the role of a "Cross Checker" Scout?

Bob

@2022NYC posted:

Can a player truly miss out on an opportunity because he did not have a SM account?

I don't know? For me, it's about how communication has changed in general. DMs have replaced texts which replaced phone calls. Even if you don't agree with that assessment, you have to acknowledge that you need a phone number to call or text but you don't need a phone number to find someone on Instagram and send them a DM.

Having a social media account just opens up another avenue for someone to contact you.

Relying on just one avenue to contact someone (call the coach for my number) just means less ways for someone to contact you.

Plus, with a DM, you can see who it is that's calling you. You get a phone call from a number you don't recognize, you're not picking up.

Francis;

A "cross checker" has all the information on any prospect in his Scouting area. The same is true with College Coaches and their network.

The next time you watch a baseball game sit next to a scout or COLLEGE coach.

Your questions will be answered.

Bob

@Francis7 posted:

I don't know? For me, it's about how communication has changed in general. DMs have replaced texts which replaced phone calls. Even if you don't agree with that assessment, you have to acknowledge that you need a phone number to call or text but you don't need a phone number to find someone on Instagram and send them a DM.

Having a social media account just opens up another avenue for someone to contact you.

Relying on just one avenue to contact someone (call the coach for my number) just means less ways for someone to contact you.

Plus, with a DM, you can see who it is that's calling you. You get a phone call from a number you don't recognize, you're not picking up.

I've seen the DMs recruitment with HS football as my youngest recruiting has gone through DMs and shockingly visits from coaches/recruiters at his HS, given the are competitive but not considered a powerhouse. For baseball, no one shows up and this was a team with 18 college commits and had pro scouted position player and a pitcher and won a state championship.

Has your son played a Juco game yet?

A 4 year coach more than likely not contact your son without first speaking to his coach.

That's what I thought but maybe I watched too many episodes of Last Chance U.

@2022NYC posted:

That's what I thought but maybe I watched too many episodes of Last Chance U.

Maybe you did.

I am just going by protocol I have heard happens.

Most 4 year coaches have relationships with many programs. It's a big part of their job to help players advance. Everyone knows how to get in touch with a player.

But you have to play a game and close to your 2 year degree before you become a consideration.

Francis7's son needs to go play baseball this summer and let that stuff not get in the way.

I actually admire the fact that he wants to close out the noise.

@TPM - I don't disagree that SM is really bad in several ways. But, it doesn't mean that someone can't have an account, never post, don't scroll, and just use it as an access point.

I have Snapchat and NEVER EVER use it. I have Instagram and never post on it. I have Twitter and only sometimes tweet and mostly just like tweets. Facebook, I do use...

But, if someone wants to connect with me, those avenues are open. Doesn't mean I spend a lot of time on those platforms though.

@Francis7

Not sure of what's your point?  If a coach wants to contact him when the time comes they will.

He has time to change his mind.  He is old enough to decide what he wants and old enough to change it.

Yeah, you are overthinking it.  Your son made the big decision to get out of social media and instead of being impressed and amazed by it, you are stressing out that a college coach who is interested in your son will....

• Be turned off bec he is not in social media?
• Feels like it's too much work to talk to his Juco coach to get his number, instead of just being able to DM your son?
• Will think "there must be something wrong with this kid bec while others are addicted to and define their lives by social media, he chose to get out of it"?

The fact that you are more stressed out that he may lose out on a college baseball opportunity by not being in social media (or even think that a coach will not figure out a way to reach out to your son just bec he can't DM him) instead of being happy of all the positives from him not being in social media shows that, like what TPM said, you need to step back... a big one.

Sorry, of all the things I read here, this is the one I have the hardest time getting my mind around...

@atlnon - trust me. I am not stressing over it.

It was a thought. He dismissed it. I never talked to him about it again. I brought it up here for conversation. That last part was probably my biggest regret.

Francis - to directly answer your question, I think your son has the right approach.  Most of the recruiting from JUCO comes through the JUCO coaches, and if need be your son can reach out to recruiting coordinators at 4 year schools via email or phone calls.  

@3and2Fastball posted:

Francis - to directly answer your question, I think your son has the right approach.  Most of the recruiting from JUCO comes through the JUCO coaches, and if need be your son can reach out to recruiting coordinators at 4 year schools via email or phone calls.  

Thanks. I appreciate the answer. Amazing how it can be provided without an accompanying bashing. I wish more were like you.