Recruiting a player that has only played baseball for two years.

Coaches look for talent not stats. The beauty of D3 programs is that they can afford the time to develop players due to larger rosters without having to cut them like D1/2 programs. (again depending on the program) 

I have zero experience, just to let you know...BUT...put yourself in the coaches shoes.   I wouldn't think they cared about the kids pedigree of baseball they care about what the kid does on the field.

You can have a list of awards and trophies and top rated teams you have been on for 10 plus years....and it won't amount to crud if you can't field the ball or hit because others have now passed your level of playing ability.

My completely uneducated advice would be to keep your mouth shut about his experience and see what kind of offers you get.  If he starts to excel at a D3 school chances are pretty high other schools will notice and who knows what kind of options will be open to him then?

Some D3's carry very large rosters and even play a few JV games.

Other D3's trim their fall rosters quickly and don't carry any more players than D1 rosters.

Those in the first category are more likely to let him hang around long enough to blossom.

Understand, however, that most college coaches give most of their individual attention to refining the players who are already in the lineup and rotation--because that is the investment of personal time most likely to yield wins this year.  Wherever your son goes, he will have to assume full responsibility for his development, which means you may want to plan on continuing to invest in private instruction and personal trainers even after he heads off to college.

Best wishes, 

S

My son 2015 committed to a D1 in August.  The college coach that recruited him asked him about his HS season last spring and obviously saw him several times late this past summer.  He wouldn't know (or likely care) how my son did in the past....as stats as a HS player....or 15U travel player really mean nothing to him...he cares about what he sees now.

What position does he play?  How hard does he throw?  What are his college/career aspirations?  Does he have specific schools in mind academically?  What did the coaches that contacted him have to say?  Has he been to or does he plan on attending any college camps or showcases?

His lack of past experience will only matter if he is going against a kid who was an all star at 12U. 

Frankly, I wouldn't worry too much about it.  Competitive sports are a what have you done lately game.  Focus on the now and get better.  Good luck. 

At 6'4" if he throws in the 80s with decent form the D3s will be all over him. Your son is what's called projectable. If you can afford to pay for five years of college, with his age he could be red shirted his first year to physically fill out and improve. 

compass33,

Welcome, and thanks for posting. 

Since your son is somewhat new to the sport it may be a good idea to see what his travel coaches as well as some impartial baseball people think of his skills and his upside.  Have you tried to find someone in the area who is experienced in this type of thing...baseball academies, field scouts, etc....   One aspect of the recruiting process is knowing "what pond to fish in".  Who knows....your son could have D1 potential.  Based on your post, I don't think anyone knows at this point.  A 6'4" kid with great mechanics and high velocity will get noticed. 

D3 baseball is incredibly diverse.  There are many, many options.  My suggestion is to not limit his options to just D3 schools and baseball.  Look at everything you possibly can then focus in on specifics.  Talk to him about what he wants to do when he graduates then work backward toward what he wants to do over the next 4 years that will help him get there. College baseball can be wonderful, and it can be part of great learning experience but it is up to you and your son to find the right situation for him.

Good luck.

Compass...I would seriously consider the PBR unsigned senior games coming up in NE Ohio later this month.  They do a great job getting coaches to attend...and also getting info out to coaches who may not have made it.  I am in NW Ohio....and have been involved with some very good travel teams the past 5 or 6 years...and also run a tourney that has put me in contact with some coaches.   Send me a dialog with your son's name, school, etc....I have some connections that may be able to help

The velocity I'm referring to is off the mound. A 6'4" pitcher throwing in the 80s would draw a lot of D3 attention. A coach would probably think he could get a raw pitcher to upper 80s.

Compass.  I've seen Michigan kids at PBR events here in NW Ohio.  Email Chris Valentine with PBR.  His email is valentine@prepbaseballreport.com   I don't think there's any reason they would mind.

Based on all the info, I would say it is certainly possible for him to play.  As to your specific questions...

"My question is…how likely is it that a D3 baseball coach would look past the lack of experience, and lack of dazzling statistics and see the potential to develop a less experienced, younger player?  Does it make sense for us to explain to coaches that my son has only been playing for a couple of years, and that maybe he hasn't reached his full baseball potential?  Or is this something that coaches could care less about?"

Lack of experience won't be a problem if he shows the ability to compete at the appropriate level.  HS stats are usually not looked at too closely although some coaches will use relative success as one data point.  A reference from HS and/or club coach can be useful.  His present abilities is what the coaches will see and hopefully what will earn him more conversations.  At that point, there is nothing wrong with stating that he started the game late.  If he eventually becomes a P, it can be looked at favorably in that his arm has less wear and tear.  The other advantage is that his skills and arm strength can be developed more but most college coaches want the skills to be there already.

One of the challenges you face is that he is behind on the recruiting checklist and quickly running out of time.  Sounds like you have some of the right events in place.  I'm sure the Ohio PBR would welcome your son.  There is plenty of other info here regarding contacting schools/coaches, narrowing school choices and all other aspects of the recruiting process.  At the same time, he will need to continue working hard on improving his baseball skills.  If he decides to go for it, there may be some tough decisions to be made regarding other sports. 

Best wishes and let us know how things progress.