"Will an e-mail and/or video/video link get you noticed?"
I'll be the first to say that you don't send video to get a scholarship offer. You send video in order to motivate a college coach to come see you in person. That is the goal. Video should be sent with a letter of interest as well as a schedule so they know where to find you if they like what they see on film.
Coaches WANT players that want to play for them.
I love the new "showcase" tournament format that is currently the standard during the summer and fall. Players get to play against top competition, on top fields, and in front of college coaches. Just playing at these events does not guarantee you will be seen. There will be 300 other kids that are just as good, fast, strong, smart, etc. How do you get noticed? I recommend to my athletes to contact coaches before they go to the showcase in order to tell the coach how to find them....
"My name is...., I play for ....., we will be playing on field 2 at 3pm, and I'll be hitting 2nd in the lineup and wearing jersey # 7. Here is a copy of my video so that you can see my swing before you come."
If they dont read your email or watch your video you are no worse off then you were if you didnt send it. BUT if they see it, they will be more likely to zero in on you. Do you hustle on and off the field, do you respect your parents, coaches, umpires, teammates, etc. What does your pregame prep look like? Who cares if you go 0-3, what did your at bats look like? Did you show your a$$ if things didnt go your way? Are you a leader? Etc...
The idea that "if you are good enough you'll be found" is naive. UVa has 4 coaches to cover the entire nation! Congrats if UVa is looking at your son. Does Texas, Arizona St, or UCLA know who you are? The Yankee's (or any pro team) have 1000's of scouts. Most colleges have between 2 and 5 coaches. They need as much help as possible.
The videos that I create for baseball players are all "skill videos" and typically do not show game film. This allows coaches to see players body, athleticism, arm speed, bat speed, footwork, etc. They can break down the kid and see mechanics from multiple angles in a VERY short video. Let me know if you'd like to see examples of my athletes videos.
Last part of my rambling! Remember that these kids are going to COLLEGE. Dont get so caught up in the D1, 2, 3 thing. There is more money available for high academics then there is for your ability to hit or pitch. I have worked with more than a few kids that have received over $100,000 in academic or merit based scholarship from D1 and D3 programs. Trust me when I tell you that their parents do not care in the least that their son is not getting a "baseball" scholarship!
Be Proactive, Be Persistent, Be Personal. Would you do nothing if you were looking for a job? Why would you want your child to do nothing in the search of where they will be getting an education that will lead them into adulthood?
Rich Prado
Play In School
College Recruiting Videos
804.852.8468
www.playinschool.com (click on the "alumni" link to see some of the athletes I've worked with)