What goes in an initial contact letter?

Name, age, high school and graduation year, GPA, test scores, height and weight, throw/bat, positions played, honors received at high school level; high school head coach contact information; travel team and coach contact information, schedules for both; mailing address, twitter account, email address. Add link to any website profiles or to personal website. Most important, something particular to the school and the coach's program and a request for information on school's camps and the events he and his staff will be attending.

Thank you! That's why I love this site! Wanting to teach my 14 year old to do for himself, but since I've never done this before Dad doesn't know how to tell him to start!

PM sent...

Thanks! I appreciate the help!

2019Lefty21 posted:

Thank you! That's why I love this site! Wanting to teach my 14 year old to do for himself, but since I've never done this before Dad doesn't know how to tell him to start!

With a 14 year old you are the co-driver of this recruiting process.  You'll be able to teach letter/email writing for the next year or so, then you can let him have the wheel of his recruiting process.  Lots to learn, lots to manage.  Welcome to the site.  Great experience here.

I am copying and pasting from the links from the homepage of this site:

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by: Bob Howdeshell
High School Baseball Web

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One of the most common questions asked of me, and the High School Baseball Web is how do i go about contacting a college coach? What do I say in the first letter? Here's an example of what your first letter might look like.

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The following is an example of an introductory letter to a college baseball coach.

But first let me offer a few DO'S and DON'Ts

Like most of life "first impressions are important" that will apply here.

The letter does not need to be typewritten ... but it should be neatly done. If your handwriting is not easily legible you should probably type the letter.

I personally think that the player should write (or type) the letter. Mom or Dad can check it for content, neatness, clarity and spelling, but a letter written by the player shows initiative as well as offering a good life lesson.

Keep the letter brief .... this is just the first contact .... hopefully you will have plenty of time to sell yourself later. If your letter takes more than 3 to 4 minutes to read through it is too long. This will include the "Information Page" portion as well.

Do not address or start your letter "Dear Coach" To a coach this is like getting a letter addressed to "Occupant" or "Dear Resident".

Take some time to find out the coach's name. Most college athletic departments have internet websites. Under the baseball pages you will be able to find the head coach's name.

Good links to many college baseball websites can be found at:

• HSbbweb College Baseball Addresses

 

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SAMPLE INTRODUCTORY LETTER

Coach Daniel Wilson
State University
P.O. Box 3340
Collegedale, State 11220-3340

Dear Coach Wilson,

My name is Scott Smith. (no nicknames here) I am a high school junior, class of 2002.

I have recently started my search for a college to further my education. State University is high on my list of choices.

I wish to continue playing baseball in college. It is my hope to do so for a program like State Baseball.

I have enclosed a brief attachment which outlines my personal, academic, and baseball information.

It is my understanding that NCAA rules do not allow contact with a high school baseball player until July 1, after his junior year. It is my hope that you will have this information at the appropriate time.

Please send me any information regarding the Tiger (use team nickname here) baseball program, school admission requirements, financial aid, upcoming camp schedules, or any other helpful information.

I look forward to learning more about State University, and the Tiger baseball program.

Sincerely,
(sign the letter)

Scott Smith
110 Evergreen Drive
Cityview, State 16607

See Bio Letter Information

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Will send you a PM

One thing that has not been mentioned is why (besides baseball) you want to attend this school.   I would include information about a particular major, relative that attends (or attended), or other reason that demonstrates some familiarity with the college or University.  In my mind, wanting to play college baseball is a first step and very basic.  If I was a Coach I'd want to see that you've done your homework, know a little bit about the school, and are genuinely interested in something beyond baseball.

As always, JMO.

Very good point. I think that in compiling our list of schools we have done so in a manner that we can address this issue fairly easily. Although it will take a little bit more effort in customizing the letters, I think it will also show the coach some effort on our part so I like the idea! Thanks! It will mostly be size and location and degree program option oriented, as well as school's reputation and fit, I think just without too many specifics at this point. Two of the schools will have very specific reasons. One being we have a vacation home in the area less than 30 minutes from the school and the other being we have ties or program ties to coaches at 2 schools on our list. Would it be inappropriate to "name drop" to those 2 schools this early in the process?