and do some research on each school you apply to. Establish an understanding of each roster
by position, coaching staff, recruiting areas/opportunities of each school. This will allow for
“targeted” recruiting based on each team “needs”. Your intro package should include personal,
academic, summer team information and any information that could lead to your prospective
recruitment. Make certain that you send your information to both the head coach, position
coach and the recruiting coordinator. Depending on the staff size, these coaches may be one
on the same. Possibly the most important piece is video. A simple video that will adequately
show your skill set. Throws from behind, defensive footwork, swing from side/back for position
players and possibly your 60 time. Catchers should show footwork, exchange, throws to all
bags, blocking & framing technique as well as the offensive piece. Pitchers should display their
delivery from all angles which would include the ability to see “action” on each pitch. Be sure to
include full wind-up, stretch and slide step in your video. Include arm velocity, exit velocity and
any other pertinent information that enhances your intro package.
The vast majority of college coaches are trained to be capable of making an initial basic
evaluation based on the video. This alone the video will not get you “recruited”, but it will be a
solid first step for a coach to make the determination if the next step of evaluation is prudent -
which is an “in-person” evaluation.
Ultimately this is what you want, the opportunity for a coach to watch you play “live”. Once you
have received that chance, take advantage of it!! If I may add a quick piece of advice here.
There are three things that you control regardless of talent level, which are Enthusiasm, Effort,
and Energy. Regardless of the result of your “play or practice” on any given day, control the
three “E’s”. Max out on these every day. Believe me, you will stand out on the field. Many
coaches will come to see you play without informing you or your coaches. Are you prepared for
that day? Honestly, you should play at the same level every day. It doesn't matter who is there
watching you. It is simply “how I play.” You have one chance to make a first impression - what
will it be? You want the evaluating coach to leave the field with the thought of “this guy has to
play for us. We need him in our program.”
Throughout this process, you will certainly be disappointed at times. You will not receive
feedback from all of the colleges you contact. Some may acknowledge. Some may not. At
some point, if you do not receive any feedback, it is probably time to move on. From a coach’s
perspective, you can imagine how many inquiries are received on a daily basis. Depending on
staff size, it can be very challenging to respond to all inquiries. Make certain to “refresh” your
list eliminating schools where mutual interest has not been established and possibly adding
schools based on how the process is moving forward.
It is also important to understand the cycle of the recruiting process. It is definitely the trickle-
down effect. The top schools secure their recruits then it “trickles down” from there. College
commitments are happening earlier and earlier. This becomes an issue when either side does
not fulfill that commitment. There has been some debate on how to address this issue;
however, currently, it is basically a verbal commitment with a handshake. A recruit could be
committed to a school for a few years, then after a coaching change, the commitment