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7 replies

Significance of attention from DI Camp Coach

P PA22DAD10+ posts
First I want to thank those resposnible for this web site. I have been reading it for several months now and have found the information provided to be invaluable in helping me to help my son attain his goal of attending college and playing baseball while getting an education.
My son is a 6'1" 175 lb '08 RHP. He is one of the better players in our area, but I realize here in PA, that, that may not mean as much as it does in the southern states. So, in order to see what baseball is like in the South, he attended a top DI college camp last week. The camp was outstanding with quality facilities and instructors. The following is an experience he had. Can someone please tell me if it has any significance.
My son was scheduled as the starting pitcher for a game on his 3rd day of camp. At the start of the camp he was moved up to a higher age group and would therefore be facing '05,'06, and 07's. Just before the game started the head coach of the college team , who was running the camp, showed up behind home plate to watch. My son pitched the first 3 innings and did very well. No walks, a few strike outs no hits no runs. After he finished pitching, the coach called him over and told him he did a real nice job, and that he has a great curve ball. He asked how he holds the ball and how he throws it. He also asked where he is from and how many innings he pitched in HS. After that the coach left. The next day he saw my son and complimented him again on his curve ball and told him to keep working on it. He called him by name and remembered where he was from.
Ok, all of you experienced people, how would you take this? I like to think that the coach has some interest in my son, and maybe was told by one of his coaches to come to the game and watch him. I realize that because of my sons age that the coach can not talk to him about going to school there. But he can watch him and follow him for the next few years until he can talk to him.
SO, Am I just dreaming here? Is this just wishfull thinking on my part? Is this coach possibly interested in my son? Does this type of thing happen often? Should he go to their winter camp and future summer camps? I am new to all of this please help.
Even if it means nothing, it was a great experience and confidence booster for my son to be complimented by a Coach from a top DI program.
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A AParent1,000+ posts
PA22Dad

First let me congratulate your son on what must have been a fine performance at camp.

It is not unusual for the head coach to attend the camp his school is putting on. It is great that he complemented your son and worked with him. You have every right to be proud. The first time a coach shows interest is one one those moments to treasure.

It is really hard to know just how deep his interest might be at this point. It's kind of like you talking to a pretty girl the first time and now you're curious if she would go out on a date with you.

Keep in mind a lot can happen in the three years before your son graduates. This includes staying healthy, academically eligible, etc. etc. It also includes other players who may come along in the next few years.

If this school is one in which your son has an interest in (that can change too) and it is reasonable for you time and economically to attend future camps I would suggest you do so. You have nothing to lose. Good luck
L lafmom5,000+ posts
PA Dad, IMO it does mean something and it doesn't. Obviously your son did well and did get his attention. You can use this to start a relationship with this coach and school if you/son have genuine interest. You would do this by calling/emailing, sending schedules and updates. However, I caution you to remember that there were probably many other kids there that impressed him as well as kids he has seen at other events, etc. There's a long way between a coach being impressed with a player and making an actual college offer. Don't ever put all of your apples in one basket IMO. Good luck to your son.
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
PA Dad,

In my mind it means alot. Why else would the coach say anything unless he was looking at a D1 talent? As others have said, it doesn't mean he is going to sign you, but it sure beats the alternative where you just attend a camp and nobody pays attention. Also, if he already knows your son by his first name and it appears you like their school, why not attend
camps there in the future? You can always attend other showcases/camps to make sure you are getting maximum exposure.
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
Sounds like a reason why the coaches run camps. Most big camps are run by the head coach and on the first day he tells the "campers" all about the school and their program.
I am sure if Head Coach noticed so did a lot of other coaches there.
Your son is young, but most probably will go down on their recruiting list to follow. But don't shut the door on other camps and other opportunities, as lafmom says, is a long way from first being noticed to the actual offer.
Let your son enjoy his time in HS and don't worry about it, if he is good, they will follow him.
Camps are money makers for their programs but also a good way for the Head Coach to get to see the players, as many of them don't get out to see them unless it is very close to home.
Good luck and welcome aboard!
Last edited by TPM
O OldVaman500+ posts
Without sounding wimpy, if your son comes away believing he did his best, if he comes away with confidence, it was money well spent.

A lot of times, we look for clues that a coach might recruit our kids. Of course, we want that to happen.

But sometimes, the kids need to feel as if they belong at a certain level, perhaps even more than they need the exposure to coaches. They need this confidence to improve.

That confidence is so important, because you'll need it when things get tough, whether it's in high school, college or pro.

My oldest is going through that right now. He had a miserable season in every possible way. He's still, three months later, putting the pieces back together. Even though he had a physical before the season, and is in pretty good shape now, we're going for an eye exam soon because, in his words, "if this is mental I want to know now."

He is enterring his junior year in college. He's a psychology major.

Enjoy the success from this camp. Build on it. It's too early to be wondering or worrying about anything.

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