10 Things to Remember
During the College Baseball Recruiting Process

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High School Player's Guide to College Baseball

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This article is a reprinted page from:
“The High School Athletes Guide to College Baseball” by my friend Jordan Kern.

Note that Coach JP’s additional comments are in blue.

Succeed In the Classroom – You must achieve certain academic requirements to be eligible to play college baseball. Don’t let poor grades limit your choices. Strive for excellence!
Think about it guys… if a coach sees the greatest shortstop ever but still can’t get him through the admissions office… its over for that player at that school. Whatever grade you are in when you read this, change your academic standards for yourself starting right this minute. Unless you are in the top 5% of your class, there are going to be some schools that you will be eliminated from… no matter how much you want to go! Get the grades is your best way to the most choices!

Keep An Open Mind – Even if you have your heart set on one college team, keep your options open with a wide range of schools on your target list.
What if the school of your dreams already has your best position(s) filled or has no roster space left or this, that or whatever. Get the grades & open your world!

Promote Yourself to College Coaches – Don’t wait for coaches to find you. Call, write or email to let them know you want to play for their team.
There are great players everywhere. Get a plan and communicate it…but do it the right way. Learn the rules to help yourself…this book is a gem and will help you…That I can promise!

Use All Your Resources – Get your parents, High School coach, summer league coach and guidance counselor involved in the recruiting process.
This is a big deal. If you don’t ask, you shouldn’t expect. Most guidance counselors are overloaded with kids and frankly may not even know your name.
Be the squeaky wheel and make yourself noticed in his or her office.
Get an appointment, ask for help, arrange a family meeting as well with any and all who can help… and do this well in advance because others are also needing the limited time and resources of these important professionals your resource.

Improve Your Entire Package – A good attitude, character, work ethic and hustle are all important attributes that college coaches look for in players.
Think about it from a coach’s viewpoint. They have to live with a team full of ballplayers for four years of their life too.. Why would they want to deal with some bonehead when they have choices.

Attend Showcases, Tournaments & Prospect Camps – These events are perfect opportunities to demonstrate your abilities to many college coaches and pro scouts. They also let you see how you stack up with other players in your area.

Most colleges and even pro teams have limited resources and time to see perspective recruits. Showcases and tournaments offer them the opportunity to see many players in one trip. It’s an opportunity for them to open a file on you and fill it in as they see you more than once.

Again, learn the rules. (The book’s glossary has all the answers to recruiting terms you will hear)!
High School freshman don’t need to be flying all over the country as most colleges are focusing on their more immediate roster-needs. Local, inexpensive showcases are great for younger JV players and will serve them well as they get used to what is expected after having been to a few by the time they become upper classman.

Explore All Resources of Financial Aid – Many students receive other sources of financial aid, not just athletic scholarships
My own son received $8,000 each year based on his academics. This alone got him into the school of his dreams and made it affordable for our family! So, get the grades and don’t get hung up on “baseball money”! – Money is money!

Learn About All Your Options – Become familiar with the different divisions and keep an open mind. Visit different campuses, use the internet to research college websites and ask questions. Remember, you are not only choosing a place to compete athletically, but you are selecting a new home.
Absolutely! – Ask yourself this, especially when you are on a campus visit, “If I trip over a coke can and ruin my shoulder on my first day of my freshman year, would I still be happy here for 4 years… without baseball”.

Set Goals And Deadlines – Make lists of academic and athletic accomplishments that you want to achieve during each year of High School.
A good idea. I would add that goals need to be honest, real & written down in large type then tacked somewhere where you can see it daily…maybe a bedroom wall.

One more thought… exceed your grasp…you are always capable of more than you think…compete here like you learn to do on the ballfield!

Have Fun – Play for the love of the game!
College and college baseball takes a lot more of your time than you can imagine when compared with your High School schedule… Not to mention being on your own, plus the rigors of a college classroom. Man, it is a load. It’s a blast and something unique to the college experience and something you will remember your baseball years all of your life. But like anything else this important, it’s tough!

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