Should I be honest with my ability?

Interesting dilema. I had similar thoughts with my daughter while being recruited for golf. Since I haven't being through this with my son yet for baseball, as many others around here have, I hesitate to "advise". But I will share my $.02. If you are interested in the school, I don't see any harm in keeping the lines of communication open with them. Let him be the judge of your talent level and fit at the school. And I wouldn't respond with a "I don't play at the SEC level yet but I hope to by next year". I think a response along the lines of "Thanks for your interest coach! Here's my schedule. Good luck" would be sufficient.

game....

Be grateful that they are interested in you; and, perhaps, will be recruiting you down the road.

Go to see an SEC game (preferably at the best SEC and college baseball atmosphere in America), at Mississippi State (my son went there and we're from Chicagoland) in Starkville, MS., and see the level of play.

You can always red-shirt if you are a bit short on the ability level and have 3-4 productive years of baseball left.

Says a ton about your ability that an SEC team is interested in you. Don't knock yourself. Stay positive, work hard, be good to your mom and dad and brothers and sisters and your coach/coaches, and you'll get a chance to play with the "big boys".

quote:

Let him be the judge of your talent level and fit at the school. And I wouldn't respond with a "I don't play at the SEC level yet but I hope to by next year".

I agree with Beezer. It is not your call whether or not you are good enough but their's. Respond to the letter and see where that takes you

BTW, I responded to your PM several days ago so hopefully you received that

I'll just state the obvious to gametime,

you are correct ...
there are probably less than a 3 hs jrs in the country who could play SEC baseball today

that said ... a hs jr is 18 months away from arriving on campus - - -
that "covers" about 2 full hs seasons & 2 full summer seasons, plenty of time in the weight room, add a college fall season with individual instruction, and a truckload of happy meals & milkshakes.

college coaches make a living identifing guys that can "play" for them with 2 more yrs development ... suggest you give them some credit & get to work so you make them look that much smarter

"IF" ... you work hard enough maybe an ACC school will even take notice

Gotta agree with chairman. While you might not see yourself ready but someone thinks you have something to offer. Keep working hard and see where this leads you. Best of Luck!

I agree with Chairman, too.

I have to agree you shouldn't rule yourself out. There are probably guys you know who are just a few years older than you that are now D-1, but you can remember how they looked when they were HS juniors. Don't compare yourself to them now, compare yourself to how they looked at your age and stage.

That being said, you are still right to be thinking about this kind of thing honestly. Too many kids shoot for the big time and end up on the bench at a big-time program. They might've started for a mid-major, a D-2 or a D-3. It's great to be part of a big program, but most folks would rather play. Over the next 10 months you need to think about what's most important to YOU -- combining your baseball and educational goals.

In the meantime, don't eliminate any of your options. Keep all communications with any and all coaches POSITIVE. No one's asking you to brag, nor to give a self-critique. Just answer their questions. If you are fortunate enough to have more than one offer next year, THEN you can start cutting down your list!

Many schools cast a big net early in the recruiting process. As the commitment date gets closer they will scale back to those they are truly interesed in.

Don't read to much into it now. You are on their radar screen but a lot can happen between now and then.

I'm glad homebuilder said it because it's just what I was thinking. If YOU don't think you have the ability why would an SEC coach think you do? They are running a campaign. Your name probably showed up on a camp or showcase list. Don't think every letter you get means they are super interested in you. I know that sounds kind of harsh but hang out on these message boards for a while and you'll learn some kinda harsh lessons. What you should learn right away is that only the real blue chippers get "found" without making themselves known. For the rest it's a matter of marketing yourselves to schools you are interested in, working on your game and rolling the dice. If you are interested in this school, by all means pursue pursue pursue, but don't make baseball the only reason for your interest.

As we always tell players the proof is in the calls and letters (contacts)---let them, the college coaches/scouts) be the judge--it really matters not what you or I think --- it is all about what the college coaches think--thier thinking is the bottom line--let them tell you cannot play there--the advice given above is right on--send them your schedule

Surprised you don't have a high opinion of your ability.
You have to believe that you belong there and work your tail off to prove it.
If a coach thinks you can do it then you had better believe it too.

Keep the line of communications open. Allow the coach to make his pitch to you. While I’ll be the first to tell the player to find the right fit, don’t jump to conclusions and rule out a school JUST because it is in the SEC. No telling how many high school player rule out the SEC because of its great reputation and settle for a lesser conference. I will go out on a limb and say that there are many ACC players that could have played in the SEC.
Fungo

quote:

Originally posted by PopTime:
I'm glad homebuilder said it because it's just what I was thinking. If YOU don't think you have the ability why would an SEC coach think you do? They are running a campaign. Your name probably showed up on a camp or showcase list. Don't think every letter you get means they are super interested in you.

****Unless that letter starts with,"we have seen you play"

Touche' OLDSLUGGER!

Dont ever eliminate yourself from opportunities...there are plenty of others who will do that for you.

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by fungo: I will go out on a limb and say that there are many ACC players that could have played in the SEC.

lol - they prolly **** to *** the *** academic **** advisors & might jepordize their probat*** & eligibility if they ****


translation = "put away that jar of ever-clear"


.

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Gotta agree with chairman. While you might not see yourself ready but someone thinks you have something to offer. Keep working hard and see where this leads you. Best

Alot of good coaches see potential and know that a kid might be much better sometime down the road. I would always remember that if I were you. Don't dwell on how you are now, but how good you could be someday. Not only in baseball, but in life, too. Good luck!

If the coach has seen you either in person or at a camp/showcase, let him be the judge if you are, or will be a SEC caliber player.

Who nows, you may be better than you think, now go play like it.