What changes have you seen?

Biggest change I see is many more early commitments...as early as about now for HS juniors in some cases.

quote:

justbaseball,
why?

From a player's perspective, I really don't know why...been scratching my head on this one. But coaches are asking for earlier commitments...and they're getting them.

That must be basketball?

The earliest I've heard of in baseball so far is sophomore year.

Maybe I'll change my mind, but I cannot understand saying "yes" to even my dream school so early. Coaching staffs change, situations change, and I'd rather my kids keep their options open as long as possible. Sometimes the prince at the ball comes in a pumpkin.

quote:

Originally posted by justbaseball:
That must be basketball?

The earliest I've heard of in baseball so far is sophomore year.

Maybe I'll change my mind, but I cannot understand saying "yes" to even my dream school so early. Coaching staffs change, situations change, and I'd rather my kids keep their options open as long as possible. Sometimes the prince at the ball comes in a pumpkin.

JBB,
You know I agree with you 100%.

Verbal commitments are coming earlier and earlier and IMO they are just that verbal commitments.

I also think if parents just slowed down so would the coaches, and kind of get back on track to verbal commitments coming late junior year, senior summer, senior fall, senior spring.

I think there are a few websters here who have daughters playing college s****r or softball, so they can comment on the question asked.

Regardless of the actual process, I think there is a difference.
For many players (not all but many) the dream to play ball becomes a professional one. For some players, it is very important to where they go to school BECAUSE of the baseball program.
For many college coaches, the game becomes much more than a game. Recruiting the right players is top priority due to what is at stake. It can translate into successful camp programs, playoffs (no matter which level), championships, drafted players (which adds to their program) which can translate into $$ for the school or their conference.

So in that sense, there are huge differences in the recruiting process (maybe not by NCAA regulations) between softball and baseball, JMO.

quote:

Originally posted by Tiger Paw Mom:

For many college coaches, the game becomes much more than a game. Recruiting the right players is top priority due to what is at stake. It can translate into successful camp programs, playoffs (no matter which level), championships, drafted players (which adds to their program) which can translate into $$ for the school or their conference.

The big difference in your points between baseball and softball is drafted players. Almost all softball players will be done when college ends. Only a handful make Team USA or the NPF. National Professional Fastpitch is low rent and athletes can't make a living playing there.
The issues of conference titles, making NCAA's, and visibility for camps is all the same.

Softball has a much smaller number of elite programs. Half the WCWS teams usually come from the Pac 10. While the Big East is a major conference I won't hold my breath waiting for a team to make the WCWS. Also you will almost never see a college softball coach at a high school game. Almost all exposure and recruiting is done at showcases and ASA nationals.

quote:

Originally posted by TG:
Also, for those who may have been involved in softball recruiting what differences do you see between the recruiting between baseball and softball? The reason I ask is the ride limitations are the same. Softball has the same amount of rides as baseball. We went through the recruiting process with an '06 daughter.

I think you did a very good job at answering your own question.

quote:

Originally posted by Tiger Paw Mom:

quote:

Originally posted by TG:
Also, for those who may have been involved in softball recruiting what differences do you see between the recruiting between baseball and softball? The reason I ask is the ride limitations are the same. Softball has the same amount of rides as baseball. We went through the recruiting process with an '06 daughter.

I think you did a very good job at answering your own question.

I was looking for experiences outside my daughter's since it's softball and friend's sons who have gone the collge baseball route. Plus I was really looking for perceptions of changes in recruiting from the people who have been involved in this area over the years helping multiple players.

At the present time, I'm guessing the model we used for my daughter would be the same for my son other than baseball scouts show up for high school games.

Going back a few years, my Legion teammates and I had the ultimate exposure benefit free of charge. We played with a future first round pick who drew scouts to most of our games.

quote:

Originally posted by TG:
Going back a few years, my Legion teammates and I had the ultimate exposure benefit free of charge. We played with a future first round pick who drew scouts to most of our games.

This still happens today, a scout or coach shows up to watch a big prospect and someone gets their attention. That is why we stress to always be at your best.

Years ago (many), the only place to go to watch a player was during their season. Now, most coaches and scouts attend the events designed to give them opportunity to see more than one player at a time.
These events provide great opportunities for player to play against or showcase against good competition nationwide while important people watch.

College camp experiences can serve those purposes also.

These days there are more and more opportunities available, but the important thing is to make sure who you are paying will provide you what you are looking for and seeking to accomplish.

Most importantly, good grades and good test scores will be more important than they already are.