April 19,2005

It happens every year about this time. Players and their parents, nearing the end of the junior season, are jolted into the reality of the college recruiting process whether they are ready or not. Most families are ill prepared to deal with the situation and usually make poor decisions or no decisions at all.

 For the first time this year, college coaches were allowed the luxury of one phone call to a junior prospect during the month of March.

 Also for the first time this year, coaches are allowed to make one in person contact with a  junior prospect on the student’s high school campus during the month of April.

 Did any coaches call you in March?

Have any coaches visited you on campus this month?

Are you receiving regular mail from any schools, hopefully with hand written notes?

 If the answer to these questions is no, and you are hoping to continue your playing days at a 4 year college, then you are officially running behind the pack in the world of college recruiting.

 Beginning at the end of May, the college scouting process begins to pick up steam for the class of 2006. Showcases and tournaments are held virtually every weekend. Some of these are “must attend” events for the serious prospect. Many of these are “don’t waste your time and money” events. Knowing the difference is of vital importance.

 Are you playing with a summer team? Are you attending any showcases or camps? Are coaches asking for your schedule?

 If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a million times: College Coaches attend showcases and showcase tournaments to “scout” players, not to “discover talent”. If you aren’t on a  coach’s scouting list, you are assuming that your talent is so obviously better than the other myriad of players out there as to stand out in a huge crowd. In other words: good luck my friend.

 Showcasing is also a matter of knowing your ability and targeting your audience. There are well over 1000 four year colleges playing baseball in this country. I believe most players can find a home if they make correct decisions.

 Juniors: it’s not too late to get on the radar screen, but it is time to get to work.

 Feel free to contact me with specific questions or to discuss your situation at rb@azdiamondreport.com or call 480-763-6868.

 RB