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"Real" interest from college coaches

BD Bleacher Dad100+ posts
I have been a fan of this site for many years and have pointed parents and coaches in the direction of this site, but I have never posted. Many times, I learn more by keeping my trap shut. But now my kid, a 2013 RHP, is in the midst of the recruiting process and I have some questions.

If a D1 college coach pulls your kid aside at a midwest eval camp and says, "I was impressed by you today, get in touch with me". How excited should we really get? Does this happen a lot more than we think? Does it at least tell us he is close to having the tools to pitch at the D1 or D11 level?

I know many of you are probably going to say "duh", but keep in mind that this process is new to us and we haven't been around the block on this recruiting thing. We are a little skeptical about the process and are trying to be as objective about our son's abilities as we can be. Parents are usually the worst judges on a kid's abilities, but we have also been leery of assoc. scouts, pitching coaches, etc. that tell him he will be able to play for many years to come. I guess it may be a way for us to keep his (and our) emotions in check and prevent great disappointment if things don't work out.

I should post more often. Obviously keeping things pent up results in long messages. Smile

I look forward to your replys.
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justbaseballjustbaseball10,000+ posts
Welcome Bleacher Dad...glad you broke out of your typing slump! Wink

A coach pulling a kid aside and saying, 'Get in touch' is a very, VERY good thing. By all means, follow up...ask to go to a game this Spring, ask to visit campus and attend a practice in the next month.

This isn't just selling yourself...its starting to figure out if that school is a good match, just as you would with a son/daughter who was looking for the best engineering/journalism/pre-med/whatever(?) school for them.

quote:
I should post more often....


Yes you should! Looking forward to following your family's journey.
BD Bleacher Dad100+ posts
Thanks justbaseball! I have enjoyed your posts over the years.

My son was provided the coach's cell phone number, so my son is going to attempt to reach him personally. After he speaks with the coach, we will take a family trip to see them play and tour the campus. Thanks for that advice.

This is not the first D1 to express that they are "following" him, but it is the first to be so direct. We are making sure we don't put all of our eggs in one basket (or one level of college ball) and continue to be seen by all levels of college baseball. Most importantly, we want our kid to get the best education in the best baseball environment he can play in.

It promises to be a interesting journey.
Last edited by Bleacher Dad
TrumanTruman5,000+ posts
As justbaseball said, this is a VERY good thing and when the coach does that it's time to really open up communications. . .especially if it's a school of some interest. And if it's not a school of interest, it's a good idea to follow up when the coach asks that you (your kid)do. Just from a negotiation point of view, the more coaches you have interested like this, the more leverage you have in any offers that may come. If or when you do any of those things justbaseball suggested, you'll want to ask for a time to sit down with the coach and find out just exactly where the coach sees your son contributing (what positions, how soon would he play, what others in those positions are being recruited or who's already playing in those positions and when are they leaving those positions open). It's time to find out such details so your son can make the best decision he can as about the coach, the baseball program as well as the school and its community. And I would suggest that when such interest is expressed, it's not so much a time for your son to be "selling himself" as it is a time for the coach to be selling HIMSELF and the school (which they do when they are very much interested).

It will indeed be an interesting journey. And, I've found that it can be somewhat confusing if one if fortunate to have a lot of interest from a lot of schools. . . and not hearing from the school you might really want to hear from.
Last edited by Truman
Three BaggerThree Bagger1,000+ posts
Welcome to the HSBBWeb! This is definitely a sign of interest by the coach but remember it's still a preliminary step in the recruiting process. The ball is in your son's court with this particular coach. Any dealings your son has with this coach will also help him in his interactions with others. I like some of the comments you made about being open to different levels of college ball and that you want to get your guy the best education in the best baseball environment he can play in. Your attitude shows a good level of openmindedness and shows that you have been paying attention on this site. Good Luck!
fenwaysouthfenwaysouth10,000+ posts
quote:
If a D1 college coach pulls your kid aside at a midwest eval camp and says, "I was impressed by you today, get in touch with me". How excited should we really get? Does this happen a lot more than we think? Does it at least tell us he is close to having the tools to pitch at the D1 or D11 level?


Bashful Wink Bleacher Dad,

Your son should follow up with the coach within a few days for sure by phone. I would be very encouraged but I would not be excited yet. Yes, this does happen quite often or it happens with your travel coach acting as a proxy. Truthfully, I think your son should ask the coach directly what he thinks of his pitching tools and skills as well as what is the next step for him to learn more about the college.
Last edited by fenwaysouth
R RedSoxFan21500+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by fenwaysouth:
Yes, this does happen quite often or it happens with your travel coach acting as a proxy. Truthfully, I think your son should ask the coach directly what he thinks of his pitching tools and skills as well as what is the next step for him to learn more about the college.


Fenwaysouth really knows his stuff on these pages so don't misinterpret what I write but for him to say this happens quite often may be a disservice to the case at hand. I'm sure if you have a stud player this happens quite often but it doesn't for the average to lesser player. I would say its a numbers game for these coaches so they likely try to maximize the number of edible fish on the hook so yes from that vantage point it may happen often and should not cause over excitement. But at the same time you should be complimented by the interest and absolutely follow up. Its ok to feel good about it, and not assume its no big deal. Your guy is off on the right track, presuming the college in question is a quality program with a good number of scholly players. Good luck on the trek!
BD Bleacher Dad100+ posts
Thanks Redsoxfan.

The school in question is a quality,warm weather, mid-level D1 program with a group of new, but highly regarded coaches. They are in a re-building phase with many kids graduating in 2013.

We can't help but be a little humbled by the interest, but we also know that the process is just starting. Ultimately, our kid will end up at the place which is the best fit for both sides.

It's good to know that my kid's work ethic is at least paying off and he's getting nibbles. That will encourage him to continue to work hard in school and the field.
Last edited by Bleacher Dad
bsbl247bsbl2471,000+ posts
It's a good sign for your son. He's on their radar and the coach no doubt wants to get to know your son. He'll likely ask about his grades and may even request his transcripts? There's nothing wrong with feeling excited about this interest, hopefully it's just the beginning!

Best of luck on this journey, and welcome to the HSBaseballweb...I lurked for a year prior to my first post, be careful...it can become addicting!
BaseballmomandCEPBaseballmomandCEP1,000+ posts
Thanks for this thread, it is good timing, and helps offer perspective on the coach-prospect dating game going on now.

So how about soem advice on the flip side of this scenario?

What is the polite way to respond to a coach who is super interested in him, but you know (for sure, 100%) that school isn't the right fit? There have been a few situations like this just this past week, as he just did a small showcase.

I have heard the good advice about always responding when a coach inquires, and of course he will do that.

And that you never know who this coach knows, or where he might go to next year as a coach at a different school, so you want a good rapport.

But, what to say? Does the player say "listen dude I am just too smart for your school, man." (just kidding just kidding, don't beat me up.) Can he say it doesn't seem like the right academic fit but I really appreciate your interest and I will explore the web site, etc? (that is my vote). Or is it wiser at this stage to leave out the 'not the right fit' comment at this time. (Son is a 2013 BTW). But that will imply a level of interest on our part that just isn't there.

This is like dating, with such higher stakes!
fenwaysouthfenwaysouth10,000+ posts
BaseballMomandCEP,

I think it is best to be honest but gentle. Your son probably won't be the first or last to tell these coaches that it isn't the right fit. They know the shortcomings of their school, and many times it isn't their baseball program.

My oldest son was pretty straight forward with a few when he told them that it wasn't the right academic fit or the engineering dept was too small or that he really wasn't interested in going to school in a big city. I think it is important to tell the coaches that he likes them, he appreciates their interest, respects their program however he just can't see himself here for 4 years because of __________. The coaches are much better at handling rejection than the recruits or parents are but I think we owe it to them to give them honest feedback as they've invested valueable recruiting time in our sons.
TrumanTruman5,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by BaseballmomandCEP:
But, what to say? Does the player say "listen dude I am just too smart for your school, man." (just kidding just kidding, don't beat me up.) Can he say it doesn't seem like the right academic fit but I really appreciate your interest and I will explore the web site, etc? (that is my vote). Or is it wiser at this stage to leave out the 'not the right fit' comment at this time. (Son is a 2013 BTW). But that will imply a level of interest on our part that just isn't there.


I've always encouraged my son to keep things honest and on the positive side and tried to get him to understand what burning your bridges might do. And I suppose it's really a matter of personal style. But I would not use negative things like "not the right fit", but more like. . ."it's been hard deciding between schools and I've narrowed my choices down to two other schools that are a better fit for me at this time." And I also encouraged my son to show respect and gratitude to the coach and the school prefacing it by saying something like "coach, I am really honored that you wanted me as part of your program. I know that not many players have the opportunity to play for you, but. . ."

quote:

This is like dating, with such higher stakes!


lol. . .yeah, something like that.
Last edited by Truman
bacdorsliderbacdorslider5,000+ posts
On this topic, my son a 2013 RHP was invited to a mid-level D1 prospect camp last Oct. They talked about the NCAA, scholarship money, that pitchers get more money most of the time, what to expect at college etc....

He had a pretty good showing and after his pitching, the pitching coach told him what he liked about him and what he felt he needs to work on. He then said that " your high school is just down the road so I can come and see you play, send me a spring schedule" Well after reading posts on this board my son crafted an email and sent it to the pitching coach explaining that he took his advice and is working hard in the weight room, has improved his velo, has a 3.75 gpa, has filled out the NCAA clearing house stuff, sent a spring schedule( that's what we were waiting to get) and will forward his ACT scores. And would like to attend the prospect camp again next fall.

Was he too aggressive? we have not heard a peep from the coach. So we are wondering what we should do.

He sent a small letter of interest to another school in the same conference and that coach sent him back a letter and thanked him for the contacting them, gave his number, and told son to keep him informed about his jr. season and that he would be in touch.

Then there is a third mid level D1 school that has seen him pitch many times and the recruiting coach told him that he will come out this spring and see him, and he is very nice and speaks when we see him.

Now the forth mid level D1 school has a summer team, that is quite successful and they have ask son to play with them this summer and travel to PG events etc.

But I will have to say that this recruiting stuff will keep you guessing. My son thinks that after his jr and sr seasons he will ready to play at this level, but I can tell there are days when he wonders. Right now he's 6'3 170 and tops at 85 good control... hopefully this spring and next he gets stronger and better.

We are also beginning to explore NAIA as well. We have an NAIA powerhouse near us and son works out there during the off season. I have also talked him into looking at JUCO programs.

So do you guys feel he has a shot at mid-level D1? Is this normal stuff from college recruiters? I hate to get the hopes up.....
SandmanSandman500+ posts
My son found himself on both sides of this equation:

1) One school that he was very interested in, he contacted the coach several times. We think the coach may have even seen him play at a camp or showcase. After about the 5th or 6th time trying to get a response, the coach finally emailed him "I will not be recruiting you at this time". My son then politely pressed him for a reason and was told rather bluntly [paraphrased, but similar tone] "You're no better than what we already have at those positions". At first, he was a little disappointed, but we quickly moved on, RELIEVED that he could now stop wondering what his chances were there, etc.. IOW, it was nice to just get an honest response, even if it wasn't all roses.

2) One school that contacted him several times was not one that was ever on his radar (not itself a bad thing though). But this school was too far north for us (and we're already in RI!) and enrollment was far smaller than he wanted (smaller even than his HS). But this school practically promised him that he could come in and immediately compete for a starting spot. At first, that was enticing, but the more we thought about it, the more we felt like "If a freshman who isn't a blue chip prospect can come in and start, how are you going to like playing on this team when you're a senior?". So, this school obviously wasn't a good fit at all. So the first time my son contacted the coach, he thanked him for his interest and told him that he'd keep his school in mind, but that he was still looking at several other schools. After repeated persistence by the coach, another response was necessary. That time, my son went a step further and was honest with him and said that "Having attended a high school that was a bit bigger, he was looking for a larger school, but appreciated the interest and would keep him in mind as things progressed".

Bottom line for us? Remain polite, but slightly vague until pressed; then be as honest as possible, but leave the door open because you never know what the future may bring.
fenwaysouthfenwaysouth10,000+ posts
bacdorslider,

After reading your post, it appears your son is doing all the right things IMHO, and I don't think he is being too aggressive. I'm impressed that your son understands that communication is essential to this process and has taken the initiative. Sometimes that is the hardest lesson for many of these recruits (my son included) to understand.

I'd give it a little more time to hear back from the coach. I learned that the coaches timetable is not the same as the recruits timetable. The coach is (probably) pretty busy right now getting his pitching staff ready for the Feb 17 opening season. Once the season starts, he is going to be very busy. Depending on your last communication, I would either call him or email him that you'd like to come to campus in the coming months for an unofficial visit. If there is still no response, they may get back to you later. I can't tell you how many times we had coaches follow up weeks/months later just totally out of the blue. Just because they don't respond doesn't mean they're not interested, but it does mean that you should keep moving forward with other schools. I hope that makes sense.
birdman14birdman141,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by bacdorslider:
On this topic, my son a 2013 RHP was invited to a mid-level D1 prospect camp last Oct. They talked about the NCAA, scholarship money, that pitchers get more money most of the time, what to expect at college etc....

He had a pretty good showing and after his pitching, the pitching coach told him what he liked about him and what he felt he needs to work on. He then said that " your high school is just down the road so I can come and see you play, send me a spring schedule" Well after reading posts on this board my son crafted an email and sent it to the pitching coach explaining that he took his advice and is working hard in the weight room, has improved his velo, has a 3.75 gpa, has filled out the NCAA clearing house stuff, sent a spring schedule( that's what we were waiting to get) and will forward his ACT scores. And would like to attend the prospect camp again next fall.

Was he too aggressive? we have not heard a peep from the coach. So we are wondering what we should do.

He sent a small letter of interest to another school in the same conference and that coach sent him back a letter and thanked him for the contacting them, gave his number, and told son to keep him informed about his jr. season and that he would be in touch.

Then there is a third mid level D1 school that has seen him pitch many times and the recruiting coach told him that he will come out this spring and see him, and he is very nice and speaks when we see him.

Now the forth mid level D1 school has a summer team, that is quite successful and they have ask son to play with them this summer and travel to PG events etc.

But I will have to say that this recruiting stuff will keep you guessing. My son thinks that after his jr and sr seasons he will ready to play at this level, but I can tell there are days when he wonders. Right now he's 6'3 170 and tops at 85 good control... hopefully this spring and next he gets stronger and better.

We are also beginning to explore NAIA as well. We have an NAIA powerhouse near us and son works out there during the off season. I have also talked him into looking at JUCO programs.

So do you guys feel he has a shot at mid-level D1? Is this normal stuff from college recruiters? I hate to get the hopes up.....


Bacdor:

Just as an example, most of the recruiting of my son didn't occur until June of his junior year - early summer before his senior year. Really it all occurred in a very small window, very quickly. I remember feeling the same way you do. Once the attention started, it was rather humbling. But really all the communication he had done earlier, with little or no response, lead to him being followed during the showcase season. They knew who he was when they finally saw him, because he had been in contact with them. By the end of July he had committed to the school he is currently at.

The same thing works with a senior who has not committed. Things always happen to some of the players that sign early (grades, clearinghouse issues, they just don't end up being admitted, etc). Summer opportunities open up even as late as August. FenwaySouth gives good advise when he says that the coaches schedule isn't always on our schedule. Patience and keep the lines of communication open...
Last edited by birdman14
Midlo DadMidlo Dad10,000+ posts
Bleacher Dad,

In this era where the recruiting time table continues to move up, high level pitchers can find themselves unexpectedly presented with firm offers that can also come with response deadlines.

Getting to this point is exciting, but also a bit nerve wracking. The key is to have your son look at the college as a college, and also to do everything he can to learn about the baseball program there. Figure out if this is really the place he wants to be. If an offer comes, will he accept, or will he want to keep looking?

If he wants it, then you may be very close. If he isn't ready, then stay in touch, but don't ask for an offer or you might just be put on the spot. If one comes anyway, the appropriate response is profuse thanks, coupled with the question, "When do you need to know my answer?"
Midlo DadMidlo Dad10,000+ posts
Who knows:

A lefty reaching 85 with mid-70's breaking stuff by sophomore year is not going to get ignored. Lots of colleges are going to like your kid. While I would expect the pro scout to tell friends he has who coach in college baseball about your son, with or without that help, the tools you're describing tend to do well in the recruiting process.

But as I just mentioned, a kid like your son can find himself put on the spot unexpectedly early sometimes. Your son's friends aren't necessarily thinking about college yet. For the typical HS student, the process involves applying to 4-6 schools in December of senior year, waiting to see where you get accepted, and then not having to confront any decisions until you survey your options in April. Your son needs to get serious in thinking about what it is he wants, and where he's most likely to find it, starting now. He doesn't have to decide right now, but he should certainly go into this summer having already sorted out his thoughts about what it is he's aiming for.
W whoknowsbaseballMember
midlo dad he has a good idea of what he wants to do he wants to go to college he has good grades never gets into trouble or anything has a good head on his shoulders he works hard worksout 4 times a week whether its lifting pitching hitting whatever hes always working and knows what he wants and is willing to put in the work i have never seen someone so willing to bust his butt and im not just saying that cause hes my son. i have seen many players not even close to his skills walk away from coaches while there talking or think they know everything where he trys to soak everything up. he has had some schools contact him already but he wants to go to a law school and doesn't quite know which ones fit with his baseball and his schooling.
BOFBOF10,000+ posts
He is 15 and cannot completely comprehend where his best fit might be. This is where you can help. Sign up to US News and world report (cheap online) and start going through schools and talking about where he would like to go, forget about baseball at the moment. Also purchase the Princeton book on colleges and rankings. Read the descriptions of these schools because they are interesting and give some pretty interesting and accurate insight into the “vibe” of the school. Discuss with him school size, distance from home, weather, undergrad degrees, costs, etc. Your list should include D1-3 or NAIA. What matters most is the best fit for him without baseball. Trust me this takes many many hours and allows you to have really good conversations with your son about his future.

Then when you get a list together add in the baseball to the equation. Once you have this then you can take the next step and put a profile together and send it to the coaches at the schools (recruiting and head) This allows YOU (him) to take control of the process. Your list will probably end up being 20-30 target schools.

Your timing on this is perfect since you can now make some visits in the spring and summer so he gets an idea on what a college campus looks like and can compare large and small schools. We made our visits as part of mini family vacations.

A LHP with his skills is going to get attention, you want to manage this as much as possible and not make it random.

The funny thing is that you can expect some interesting surprises on this journey because there will be schools that you probably never thought of that will pop up and get his attention. Mine is actually a freshmen at a school we never really heard of or considered on his initial list and is absolutely a perfect fit for him.

Enjoy!

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