Sophomore Contacting Coaches

There is no harm in filling out questionnaires, but truth be told they're a waste of time and the coaches don't read them. Just a ploy to get you on a mailing list to invite you to camps. 

As for the training. I think you need to leave that for the offseason and join a travel team. You're not really a baseball player unless you're playing baseball when its supposed to be played. You still want game reps and live ABs. Even if a coach were to respond to your email, they'd want to follow up and see you play somewhere. By joining a team a coach will also be able to better assess your talent and determine if said schools are the right fit or not and then contact them on your behalf. Start hitting the gym and training now, play HS, talk to your coach about your talent level and go from there. I'm not big on camps and showcases. Others can point you in a better direction, but the main point to take away from  this is: taking baseball season off in an effort to train for the next baseball season isn't a very good strategy, especially when you're trying to get recruited. 

Agree....taking the summer off is a horrible idea.  You need to be playing and seeing good pitching this summer.   The summer after the sophomore year is the start of the recruiting process, especially if you're hoping to end up at a D1.   What position do you play?  Height, weight?   You probably need to get some current measurables for anyone to give you real insight as to where you stand. 

Sorry for not providing enough information. I am a 5'10 180 lb corner infielder. I think it may be too late to find a summer team as they have already had tryouts. I will be playing for my highly ranked high school team and the summer team that they have. My idea behind taking summer travel ball off was that I would be able to train and add velocity while attending a college camp/showcase as well. I am planning on playing next summer for a good, high exposure team. Thanks for the advice though, and I will definitely try to get some game reps somehow this summer.

If you are going to a HA D1 then you also have to be pumping up your grades, and your ACT/SAT prep. That will be the first question that RC/HC's will ask.

You are still young, and have time to improve, but you need to get much higher than  a 75mph exit velo to attract attention from any college, let alone a D1. Corner guys generally are expected to bring a big bat with them. As far as I know, all official exit velos are measured off tees, and with a BBCOR or wood bat.

 Best to make sure that you have numbers that will be of interest before you show them, whether they be academic(GPA/SAT/ACT) of BB (60yd, arm velo, bat velo, ht., weight).

 I'm sure you know this, but a 1B can get away with a lesser arm velo, while a 3B needs to have a strong arm. Both positions need BIG sticks. 

Thank you and I am aware that my exit velocity is not good at all. I was very disappointed because I think hitting is my best tool and I wasn't able to show it at the camp. However, I truly do think that it had something to do with my elbow and that my number would be closer to the low to mid 80s had I been healthy.

Yeah, a bad elbow can screw up your swing, for sure. Get healthy, and try it again. Also get video of yourself swinging, and if you can get evidence of you hitting shots/bombs(video, verifiable stats, anecdotal) then it would help. Ideally, you want to be getting up in the high 80's at the very least as a corner guy by the summer. Coaches want to see a powerful swing.

If you can play corner OF then make sure to let them know. Gives them twice the amount of positions that you can be a possible fit at.

57Special - Do you think it's wise to contact a college coach expressing interest without throwing or exit velocity?

In your case no, because there is no need to do so this early. HA D1's, generally speaking, will not be recruiting sophomores. Late summer/Fall of Junior year would be the earliest I would contact them unless you have special circumstances, and by that I don't mean injury. 

   In other words, wait till you have something positive to show them, whether it be glowing coach recommendations, stats, awards, etc. 

   There are very few spots out there. You need to show outstanding BB and academic qualifications. Being just "one of the guys" at the HS level will not cut it. 

Read this article about taking summer ball off. It's in regards to pitchers but it translates rather well to hitters as well

https://treadathletics.com/summer-ball/

1. No harm in filling out questionnaire's, but there are items to fill out regarding metrics, awards, grades, ACT/SAT.  IF, your metrics and grades are not in line with what they're looking for, why bother right now.  You have time w Ivy's, strong P's with good grades will get offered as early Oct - Feb Junior year. Position players: they need to see you multiple times (tournaments, their camps etc).  If you are able to get your metrics in line and feeling good about your game, get to a few individual Ivy camps July-Sept of Junior year - over a few days in front of all the coaching staff they'll see tons of reps.  If they like you, you'll know within a few days after the camp.

2.  Get healthy.  Get your elbow looked at, could be an impingement requiring some therapy and rest.  Quite possibly your throwing mechanics may need an adjustment, and you may have weakness in an area of your upper back not allowing you leverage to make a good strong, healthy throw.  .  You're a solid sized guy, capable of throwing a lot harder.  Also, your elbow could be restricting the flow of your swing.

3. As a position player desiring to play in college you need to play summer ball - need reps, face diff situations, learn to play the game better every day, deal with the mental challenges of recovering from a bad play, and dealing with a few bad ABs.

4. Once your healthy and your metrics are stronger, then reach out to the Ivy's with video and grades/ACT.  FYI, a good target for the ACT is 31 (about the average for the HPY rosters).  Stronger scores improve your situation, but if you hit minimums that allow the Coaches to support you through admissions, it's all ABOUT, how can you help me on the baseball field!  These guys are baseball coaches whom happen to coach at an elite HA school.

5.  As mentioned as a corner infielder the college coaches are expecting a big bat.  Get stronger, and work with a hitting coach to refine mechanics and take your game to the next level.

6. Outwork everybody else and love the game.

7. Naval Academy and the other service academy's are active with Soph's right now.  Being a Mid D1 capable player is their sweet spot.  BUT:  You will serve your country. One of the best educations in the world.  When you exit the military after your 7-10 year commitment you will be highly recruited by the top company's in America.

8. Get healthy, get stronger, refine skills, play.

With the Naval Academy you need to attend a summer leadership program after your junior year in high school and try to conclude the Congressional nomination process by October of your senior year. In addition, each Member of Congress may have only five residents of their district in the military service academies at one time. Your senator may nominate you, so might the Vice President.