What does a letter to a JUCO Coach look like?

What age is your son?  It might be good to wait until you have measureables you can send.

3and2Fastball posted:

What age is your son?  It might be good to wait until you have measureables you can send.

He's a Senior this year. We realize we are a little late. 

Not sure how "basic" you are looking for...below showed up in a email received from recruiting service recently.  Good luck.

Organization of the letter

dialedin posted:

3and2Fastball posted:

What age is your son?  It might be good to wait until you have measureables you can send.

He's a Senior this year. We realize we are a little late. 

Unfortunately you are more than a little late.  The summer season is winding down.  You need to make contact TODAY!   Juco coaches can have you in for individual workouts.  If there's a school close to you that you're targeting, I suggest emailing the coach right away, give him whatever info you have, including links to the videos and see what happens.  Also, let them know what showcases you are attending.  If you can contact the people running the showcases and get a list of coaches who are scheduled to attend, that would be a huge help....especially if your son is just looking to play somewhere and isn't real particular about where he ends up.   At this point, any contact is good contact....I would get started today and see what kind of responses you get.     Good luck to your son!

Buckeye 2015 posted:

dialedin posted:

3and2Fastball posted:

What age is your son?  It might be good to wait until you have measureables you can send.

He's a Senior this year. We realize we are a little late. 

Unfortunately you are more than a little late.  The summer season is winding down.  You need to make contact TODAY!   Juco coaches can have you in for individual workouts.  If there's a school close to you that you're targeting, I suggest emailing the coach right away, give him whatever info you have, including links to the videos and see what happens.  Also, let them know what showcases you are attending.  If you can contact the people running the showcases and get a list of coaches who are scheduled to attend, that would be a huge help....especially if your son is just looking to play somewhere and isn't real particular about where he ends up.   At this point, any contact is good contact....I would get started today and see what kind of responses you get.     Good luck to your son!

Thanks, yes, we know we are way behind the 8 ball. Our summer team made a lot of promises that didn't pan out. That's OK, what's meant to be will be as far as I'm concerned. We just didn't want to send e-mails that sounded totally idiotic. Appreciate the info!

yes definitely late but not yet too late.   You can send stats from his Junior year of playing Varsity along with video and height/weight/GPA.   I would send emails, not letters.  Definitely time to hit some Showcases through the fall, for sure

Should we ask about attending any fall workouts the coach is having? Or is that too forward/offensive?

Dialed...

The letter structure Prospect2020tx provided is solid.  The only thing I see that may be missing is references... HS coaches, travel coaches, formidable instructors, scouts, etc.

This is one of the very rare occasions when I might disagree with Buckeye a bit...  but I would need to know a bit more about your son.   I read one of your other recent posts.  I know you state that you guys are knowingly late to the party and you state here that you don't have any stats but I didn't see any other info about your son at all.  Did he play V last year?  What happened with travel?  Did they play much at all?  How did he do?  Are there any measurables?  If not, it's not the end of the world.  Most JC's aren't really looking hard until senior year because they know they are the bottom of the totem pole with recruiting timelines.  So, if he truly doesn't have much info to share and he could benefit from more development, you may consider holding off on the letters for now.  I'll stop there until I hear more about his situation.  Then, myself and others can give more specific advice.

posted:

 

He did not play for his HS team last year. He elected to play for a HS alternative team. He doesn't have a great GPA so his HS coaches weren't going to support him. He's talented but the 2 seniors were equally as talented. He never would have set foot on the field and really needed the reps the alternative team offered to prepare for summer. He has played travel baseball since he was 9. He has coaches who would provide references; should we include their information? He has not been scouted (aside from the Pirates scout who spoke with him and took his name in his freshman year when he was catching the stud pitcher on the Varsity team who threw 95+ LOL! Due to his size the scout thought he was a Jr or Sr. ). His pop-times are usually well under 2.0. But that's coaches recording it; nothing in writing. He's a big, strong, athletic kid 6'2" 205. 

Edited to add: Summer team was a disappointment. He did play a lot initially but towards the end of the season playing time inexplicably lessened. Our understanding is that the other catcher, while not as comparable skill wise (at least not yet) has more "marketability". He plays for his HS (small HS but still) and has a strong GPA. The program wants kids who will become D1 or D2 commits. It will boost their program and attract future players. I get it. It's a business. 

I was worried waiting until we had solid stats from the showcases would be "too late" since we won't have them until late August/early September. On the flip side I worry about making NO contact; what's the point of the showcase if his name isn't even on a list? We literally have no idea what we're doing so advice from those who have been there is very much appreciated.

Ok, 6'2, 205 catcher just made this a little more interesting lol.  Also, I noticed you are in GA.  I'm not sure the lack of playing HS would be a major issue, it wouldn't be here in OH, as no college coach even saw my son play in HS as far as I know.  You mentioned his travel team.  It sounds like he played for a pretty good organization (you mentioned the D1/D2 thing).   If so, references from his travel coaches (or at least contact info) should absolutely be included. Even though they didn't play him a lot, you've probably got a pretty good idea whether or not they would say good things about your son.  Also, absolutely ask about fall workouts....again, and I assume it's the same down there, JUCO coaches can have kids do individual workouts.  Legitimate pop times around 2.0 will get him in front of coaches...the rest will be up to him.  Sounds like you've got a busy few months coming up.  Enjoy it!

Buckeye 2015 posted:

Ok, 6'2, 205 catcher just made this a little more interesting lol.  Also, I noticed you are in GA.  I'm not sure the lack of playing HS would be a major issue, it wouldn't be here in OH, as no college coach even saw my son play in HS as far as I know.  You mentioned his travel team.  It sounds like he played for a pretty good organization (you mentioned the D1/D2 thing).   If so, references from his travel coaches (or at least contact info) should absolutely be included. Even though they didn't play him a lot, you've probably got a pretty good idea whether or not they would say good things about your son.  Also, absolutely ask about fall workouts....again, and I assume it's the same down there, JUCO coaches can have kids do individual workouts.  Legitimate pop times around 2.0 will get him in front of coaches...the rest will be up to him.  Sounds like you've got a busy few months coming up.  Enjoy it!

His primary coach for summer is a good reference/contact. So we will include his contact information. Yes, it is a good organization overall. Just wasn't a good season for a number of reasons. Thanks again.

You shouldn't beat yourself up over being late. We have seen jucos continue to recruit kids through into their senior HS year many times. Heck, one of my kid's 2017 buddies just committed to a local juco a couple weeks ago.

Rising senior.  I don't think he's too late.  Maybe for the top programs, but for most he's probably fine.  I wouldn't wait for measurables.  An email expressing interest with a link to your videos should start the conversation.  Try a few you're semi interested in a no see what happens.  Then make necessary adjustments for your top targets.  Good luck.  

At this point its ok to send and email but I would personally start with a phone call so the coach knows he is serious.

dialedin posted:

posted:

 

He did not play for his HS team last year. He elected to play for a HS alternative team. He doesn't have a great GPA so his HS coaches weren't going to support him. He's talented but the 2 seniors were equally as talented. He never would have set foot on the field and really needed the reps the alternative team offered to prepare for summer. He has played travel baseball since he was 9. He has coaches who would provide references; should we include their information? He has not been scouted (aside from the Pirates scout who spoke with him and took his name in his freshman year when he was catching the stud pitcher on the Varsity team who threw 95+ LOL! Due to his size the scout thought he was a Jr or Sr. ). His pop-times are usually well under 2.0. But that's coaches recording it; nothing in writing. He's a big, strong, athletic kid 6'2" 205. 

Edited to add: Summer team was a disappointment. He did play a lot initially but towards the end of the season playing time inexplicably lessened. Our understanding is that the other catcher, while not as comparable skill wise (at least not yet) has more "marketability". He plays for his HS (small HS but still) and has a strong GPA. The program wants kids who will become D1 or D2 commits. It will boost their program and attract future players. I get it. It's a business. 

 

I was worried waiting until we had solid stats from the showcases would be "too late" since we won't have them until late August/early September. On the flip side I worry about making NO contact; what's the point of the showcase if his name isn't even on a list? We literally have no idea what we're doing so advice from those who have been there is very much appreciated.

OK, got it.  Much better info to work with.  So, sounds like he has a skill set and at least some recent reputable reference (the primary summer coach).  So, yes, contact schools prior to events this fall and try to establish some dialog.  If you have measurables worth sharing (i.e. sub 2 POP time), go ahead and do so but mention that they are not verified by a neutral third party but you will be attending showcase X to confirm and will send that info when you have it - makes for a great reason for follow-up dialog.    

When I mentioned scouts, I didn't mean to imply he was being scouted as an MLB prospect but often there are local scouts that keep track of HS and travel players who are college prospects but not necessarily MLB prospects.  They are part of a tight group that includes college RC's and HC's and they share information among each other regularly.  These guys can make for a great reference because they are usually considered a trusted source.

Is he considering playing HS his senior year or staying on his current path?  

You guys are on the right path with plan to contact schools ahead of time and get in front of them with the showcases and camps.  Videos don't have to be fancy but hopefully are fairly recent so they show his current skill set.  There are plenty of threads here on the topic of what a video should consist of - you can search those.  There is nothing wrong with asking the schools about opportunities to work out in front of them - this is sometimes feasible this time of year.  

You have time.  Execute your plan in the fall.  Then continue getting better, stronger, etc. and follow up.  To add to what others have said regarding timing, I have had several players work things out with JC's as late as July after graduation.  Not ideal by any stretch but not as uncommon as you may think.

JCG posted:

You shouldn't beat yourself up over being late. We have seen jucos continue to recruit kids through into their senior HS year many times. Heck, one of my kid's 2017 buddies just committed to a local juco a couple weeks ago.

Yep.  My son went the JuCo route.   Didn't commit until the night of the district championship his senior year (late May/early June).  After that it was a time crunch finding an apartment, roommate, etc with JuCo starting sessions in early/mid August (JuCo was 260 miles away).

You are NOT too late for JUCO, but you will certainly have to reach out to them and provide them basic video to get on their radar.  Most here in Arizona have already done their summer "try-out", but I also know many (dozens) that did not commit to JUCO until late in their senior year

cabbagedad posted:

dialedin posted:

posted:

 

He did not play for his HS team last year. He elected to play for a HS alternative team. He doesn't have a great GPA so his HS coaches weren't going to support him. He's talented but the 2 seniors were equally as talented. He never would have set foot on the field and really needed the reps the alternative team offered to prepare for summer. He has played travel baseball since he was 9. He has coaches who would provide references; should we include their information? He has not been scouted (aside from the Pirates scout who spoke with him and took his name in his freshman year when he was catching the stud pitcher on the Varsity team who threw 95+ LOL! Due to his size the scout thought he was a Jr or Sr. ). His pop-times are usually well under 2.0. But that's coaches recording it; nothing in writing. He's a big, strong, athletic kid 6'2" 205. 

Edited to add: Summer team was a disappointment. He did play a lot initially but towards the end of the season playing time inexplicably lessened. Our understanding is that the other catcher, while not as comparable skill wise (at least not yet) has more "marketability". He plays for his HS (small HS but still) and has a strong GPA. The program wants kids who will become D1 or D2 commits. It will boost their program and attract future players. I get it. It's a business. 

 

I was worried waiting until we had solid stats from the showcases would be "too late" since we won't have them until late August/early September. On the flip side I worry about making NO contact; what's the point of the showcase if his name isn't even on a list? We literally have no idea what we're doing so advice from those who have been there is very much appreciated.

OK, got it.  Much better info to work with.  So, sounds like he has a skill set and at least some recent reputable reference (the primary summer coach).  So, yes, contact schools prior to events this fall and try to establish some dialog.  If you have measurables worth sharing (i.e. sub 2 POP time), go ahead and do so but mention that they are not verified by a neutral third party but you will be attending showcase X to confirm and will send that info when you have it - makes for a great reason for follow-up dialog.    

When I mentioned scouts, I didn't mean to imply he was being scouted as an MLB prospect but often there are local scouts that keep track of HS and travel players who are college prospects but not necessarily MLB prospects.  They are part of a tight group that includes college RC's and HC's and they share information among each other regularly.  These guys can make for a great reference because they are usually considered a trusted source.

Is he considering playing HS his senior year or staying on his current path?  

You guys are on the right path with plan to contact schools ahead of time and get in front of them with the showcases and camps.  Videos don't have to be fancy but hopefully are fairly recent so they show his current skill set.  There are plenty of threads here on the topic of what a video should consist of - you can search those.  There is nothing wrong with asking the schools about opportunities to work out in front of them - this is sometimes feasible this time of year.  

You have time.  Execute your plan in the fall.  Then continue getting better, stronger, etc. and follow up.  To add to what others have said regarding timing, I have had several players work things out with JC's as late as July after graduation.  Not ideal by any stretch but not as uncommon as you may think.

 

I think he's undecided about HS. 

Thanks for the advice and guidance! 

dialedin posted:

 

I think he's undecided about HS. 

Thanks for the advice and guidance! 

OK, then, last thing...  I won't pretend to know the background.  But, if I am sitting in the chair of the college coach he is talking to, these questions are in the front of my head... 

"Things didn't work out for the kid with the HS program.  Things didn't work out with the travel team.  Coincidence?  What's up with this kid?  Not sure I'm buying that it is all about grades."  

So, a few things... make sure son is looking inward and addressing any aspect that may be attributed to his shortcomings (not talking about baseball skills or just grades directly).  Make sure he is owning it and has an active plan to correct it (whatever "it" might be, if there even is an "it").  If my discussion with player feels like he is trying to skate around it, I have serious doubts and reservations.  If player has a genuine response and is fully owning and acting on any necessary adjustments, I'm totally OK with this kid.  

That said, if the other two C's were seniors, I would also be wondering why player isn't jumping on the opportunity to get back with the HS program and win that position.

Best to you and him... please keep us informed of his progress.

CollegeParentNoMore posted:

At this point its ok to send and email but I would personally start with a phone call so the coach knows he is serious.

This is 100% correct. Pick up the phone and call them. JuCo coaches are approachable and easy to talk to.  It would help if somebody in your area with baseball cred would endorse your son. Someone that JuCo coaches in your area would know and respect.  Offer to have your son show up at their campus for a workout.  Or take the coach a handful of good players to workout. Just make sure they are good. JuCo coaches don't have much in the budget for recruiting. If somebody brings them players that can play, they appreciate it. But don't waste their time with players with marginal talent. You need to be realistic about this before you set anything in motion. I have gotten kids JuCo deals in Texas & Oklahoma by doing exactly what I just described so I know it can be done.

cabbagedad posted:

dialedin posted:

 

I think he's undecided about HS. 

Thanks for the advice and guidance! 

OK, then, last thing...  I won't pretend to know the background.  But, if I am sitting in the chair of the college coach he is talking to, these questions are in the front of my head... 

"Things didn't work out for the kid with the HS program.  Things didn't work out with the travel team.  Coincidence?  What's up with this kid?  Not sure I'm buying that it is all about grades."  

So, a few things... make sure son is looking inward and addressing any aspect that may be attributed to his shortcomings (not talking about baseball skills or just grades directly).  Make sure he is owning it and has an active plan to correct it (whatever "it" might be, if there even is an "it").  If my discussion with player feels like he is trying to skate around it, I have serious doubts and reservations.  If player has a genuine response and is fully owning and acting on any necessary adjustments, I'm totally OK with this kid.  

That said, if the other two C's were seniors, I would also be wondering why player isn't jumping on the opportunity to get back with the HS program and win that position.

Best to you and him... please keep us informed of his progress.

Yep - totally get what you're saying. There is a LOT more to the HS team. Nothing he has to skate around though. We aren't worried about that at all. As for the travel team it wasn't just him. The team disbanded. There were a lot of unhappy players and parents. We did finish out the season despite a number of players leaving. I don't know very many kids who stay with the same travel team for a long period of time so that's a non-issue. Most teams around here change every single season (coaches, management, players, etc...) 

We are going to work on helping him get communications out to the JUCO coaches and let him focus on the upcoming showcases. He has some time to chat with his HS coach as well. It will be interesting to see how that pans out.

Thanks again for the advice!