Questions to ask college coaches

Catch15,
Get with your parents and discuss those questions everyone would like answered. Parents usually want to know the cost of tuition. When you call the coach understand that ALL your questions may not be answered with the first contact. Express your interest in playing for his program and attending the college and then listen to what the coach has to say. Just in “casual” conversation many of your questions will be answered. He’s been through this many times before and he has a good idea of what you want and need to know. I always think a good starting point is for the player to request an unofficial visit to look at the facilities and meet the coach(s).

Thanks for the help. I really want to start off on the right foot and not sound like I had no clue. Hopefully they will pick up the conversation from there.

Catch - Remember that these coaches talk to players all the time. They recognize that you're a bit nervous and unsure. They'll help ya out - just follow Fungo's advice and use your manners.

I would recommend that questions regarding costs, admissions requirements, etc. be posed to the admissions office rather than the coach. They will have the information on hand and will be the most accurate source. And you won't waste the coach's time.

Here is a link to an article on this website regarding questions. Hopefully it will help you.

Questions

Texan,
Thank you so much. I will definately use this.
Catch15

Don't feel pressed to answer the coach's questions immediately. There is no harm in stopping & thinking for a moment or two. In fact, many people will give you credit for doing so (as opposed to replying with the first thing that pops in your head).

Ask as much as is necessary, but remember to respect the coach's time - time is a scarce & valuable resource for him. He will appreciate this. Questions for which answers can be addressed elsewhere should be asked elsewhere.

Good luck in your contacts. Just try to be relaxed and use those best manners your mama taught you.

Here's a great question, if someone has the nerve to ask:

"How many freshman do you typically bring in, either as signees or as invited walk-ons, on average how many of them are still at your school 4 years later, and what are the normal reasons for leaving? "

I've gone down the recruiting road with two sons,and it's very easy to ignore what's right in front of your face at many schools-the size of the freshman class is frequently 300%-500% larger than the senior class. Why they leave is almost always one of the following:

-couldn't handle the academic side of things
-lack of playing time
-girl friends (sad but true, it happens)
-pro draft
-player-coach relationship issues
-player simply decides college ball takes more of a time commitment than they're willing to give

I can't recall seeing any schools that have more seniors than freshmen, or anywhere close. It's not unusual to see perhaps a freshman class of 15, and a senior class of 3-4. Check those rosters!

quote:

Originally posted by hokieone:
Here's a great question, if someone has the nerve to ask:

"How many freshman do you typically bring in, either as signees or as invited walk-ons, on average how many of them are still at your school 4 years later, and what are the normal reasons for leaving? "

Great question Hokie!

How many are left after 2 - 3 and 4 years.

Catch - One question we always asked college coaches during the recruiting process was, "Are you happy working at this college/university." It was very important to us and our son that he get to play for the coach who recruited him. So many coaching changes can happen from signing day until your son actually sets foot on campus. You don't want to go to a college just for the coach. You have to ask your son, if I was injured and couldn't play baseball ever again, would I still want to go to this college/university. Ask that question of the coaches you deal with. You will be surprised at the answers you get. Diamond Darling

Here is another source of questions and recruiting information:

NCAA Guide for College Bound Students:
http://www.ncaa.org/library/general/cbsa/2005-06/2005-06_cbsa.pdf

Would it be a mistake to actually have the questions written down. Would a coach frown upon my son reading his predetermined questions off a piece of paper? Also, and pardon me if I drift away from the subject, what sort of dress code should be followed on a first visit with a coach? My son has his first one coming up this Friday and REALLY wants to do the right things. When he dresses casually it's usually a golf/polo shirt, cargo shorts or Docker slacks, clean sneakers and a baseball cap. That's the real kid. Should he dress as he normally would?

The player should be himself ---!!!!

I didn't mean to hit the "Post" button so quickly. Along the lines of questions: the following week my son has a visit with another coach who has spoken to him on the phone a number of times and seen him perform in a couple of showcases. The coach has told my son "We're really interested in seeing you here at (college) and playing for us." But looking at last season's roster it looks like, if the upperclassmen stay, that when my son is a Freshman there'll be 2 Juniors and a Senior playing the same position. And what's more, my son was speaking with another catcher at a recent showcase and it turns out (if the kid is telling the truth) that this same coach is recruiting HIM! My question is, should my son get specific about the research he's done and the other kid he spoke to? Just come out and ask why he's being recruited if this team seems stacked with catchers? Or should he just throw out the generic "Where would I be on the depth chart as a Freshman?"

poptime...be realistic. 3 catchers already on the roster? What is the need for 2 more? Playing time is a big factor and not many freshman catchers see valuable learning time...mostly bullpen and fall ball. I would be very frank and ask about the 3 that are there. Then I would ask what playing time he expects your son to see...innings etc. It could be a redshirt situation...but be careful. My experience has shown that Freshman catchers really must hit and be very good catch and throw guys to play ahead of a Jr or Senior...especially if any of the 3 have serious playing time the year before. Good Luck!

Starzz is right on about the catching position. While there is a "need" for multiple catchers on the college roster, that need doesn't necessarily equate to playing time. I have seen college bullpen catchers NEVER get into a game. My son had a teammate (catcher) play four years of college baseball and in those 4 years he had ONE AT BAT

quote:

Originally posted by PopTime:
And what's more, my son was speaking with another catcher at a recent showcase and it turns out (if the kid is telling the truth) that this same coach is recruiting HIM!

Shocking but true Poptime.

Last year had two parents who pm'd me about a school, both same position, both being heavily recruited by same coach. No reason for the player not be telling the truth.

Starzz and Fungo give great advice. Most college freshman DO NOT catch if there are more experienced ahead of them. One year I saw a two year catcher give up as a starter to a transfer. You do need to be realistic and the questions should be.
I think there is no harm in asking where the coach sees your son in the program. And I see no harm in asking why he carries so many catchers on the roster. Better to ask now than be wondering later what's going on.
Let your son be himself. Polo and nice jean shorts are fine. Mine was into those Abercrombie ones that has the strings,we were not happy! But it didn't seem to matter much.

At some schools young freshman have opportunities to get at bats and catch if the team is well ahead. But if that doesn't happen (being so far ahead in the score) he may not see anything but the bullpen. And some catchers do find time to sub in other positions, if they can play other positions. These are questions you might want to focus on.

Is your son looking at more than one school? Of course he is.

The coaches know this, so they don't assume that your son will come their way even if they make an offer. They know they have to look at more than one player at each of the various positions, because they won't get all their first picks. Heck, even after some of them sign, they may go pro come June.

So don't read anything evil into the fact that coaches are not putting all their eggs in your son's one basket. A coach who needed a catcher, for example, is highly likely to get burned if he only pursues one kid for that slot.