Verbal Commitment...what does that mean?

They committed to play for that program, but not " official" until they sign their NLI, National Letter of Intent. 

An unofficial visit is when a recruit pays for his expenses while on a visit. An official is where the recruits expenses are paid for by the program, usually, these days not until after he signs this NLI.

Coach_TV,

Tip.....Grab a tablet and read this NCAA document cover to cover while you are watching the start of the MLB season with your favorite team on your favorite large screen TV.   Everything you need to know to get started is here.     http://www.ncaapublications.co...downloads/CBSA18.pdf

This college bound parent 101 document will answer your questions from an NCAA perspective including all the lingo and jargon on page 30.    There is a lot to know and this is an easy read.   The tough stuff will come later as you really begin to understand this process.

As always, JMO.  Good luck!

In laments terms, it means the coach at XYZ has given an offer to a kid to come play baseball at their college.  Nothing is in writing and nothing is official until they sign the NLI as TPM said.  In this 1-4 year gap the player may not improve like the coach thought, the coach might leave and the new guy doesn't honor the agreement, the kid can just give up baseball without a penalty, etc...in other words a million things could happen.  The further out from graduation the kid is, the more likely one of these things will happen. 

In the meantime the kid has tweeted and posted and informed PG that he's thrilled to continue his education and baseball career at XYZ university.  This means that ABC university doesn't offer the kid and usually won't even look at the kid again.  So in August of the kids senior year when coach XYZ says "Sorry kid, it's not going to work out, we are pulling your offer", the kid is up a creek.  No one is following him anymore, and most high dollar spots are filled.

While there is a certain thrill to committing early, I have seen a wave of very high 1%'ers waiting.  They are waiting to see if that school/program really might be the best choice for them.  They are waiting until the kid is a little older and can make a more informed decision other than "I like the school colors", which is honestly something I heard come out of a kids mouth!  So to sum up, sounds cool, but might be a huge mistake.

One thing to keep in mind about verbal commitments is that it is seldom known outside the kid and parent what the “offer” they were given by the school was prior to committing. 

It’s easy for me to say now, with a 2018 that has his NLI signed for a great school with a good financial package, but don’t get hung up on freshman and sophomores with verbal commitments. You aren’t being left behind. Enjoy watching the boy play ball and support and help him where you can and where appropriate. These days will fly by.

Cheers.

Coach, this subject has come up frequently. I'd suggest a message board search would bring you the info (risks, rewards, minefields) you need to develop your understanding.

Official visits (paid by school) can only happen after first day of senior year begins. Unofficial visit (unpaid) can happen anytime.

NLI early signing is in early part of November senior year of HS. A NLI is only signed when athletic $$ are offered via a financial agreement. 

fenwaysouth posted:

Coach_TV,

Tip.....Grab a tablet and read this NCAA document cover to cover while you are watching the start of the MLB season with your favorite team on your favorite large screen TV.   Everything you need to know to get started is here.     http://www.ncaapublications.co...downloads/CBSA18.pdf

This college bound parent 101 document will answer your questions from an NCAA perspective including all the lingo and jargon on page 30.    There is a lot to know and this is an easy read.   The tough stuff will come later as you really begin to understand this process.

As always, JMO.  Good luck!

This was spot on... Thank you for sharing and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Thank you!!