College Recruiting

According to Coach Jake Boss, Head Baseball Coach at Michigan State University, There are approximately 500 high schools in Michigan with baseball programs. He says each team has an average of 5 seniors resulting in 2500 graduating senior baseball players every year. Meaning the competition to play baseball at the collegiate level is extremely competitive and when you consider recruiting that's done in surrounding states, the competition for a roster spot is even more competitive! The moral: College Coaches look for reasons to cross players off their recruiting lists. Following is a list of things that could affect your recruit ability: 1. Academics - DI & DII schools have only 11.7 baseball scholarships, therefore coaches will not take a chance on student athletes with poor high school academic records. 2. How hard do you play? Do you hustle at all times? Do you run on and off the field between innings? Do you spring to first base even on pop-ups or routine ground balls? 3. Do you have passion for the game? 4. Can you control your emotions when things aren't going well? Do you throw things? Do whine and complain? 5. Do you have self-discipline? 6. Do you pay attention to and have respect for detail? Is your uniform clean and your shirt tucked in at all times? Do you wear your hat correctly? Do you respect your equipment? Appearance can be a big turn-off to coaches. 7. Do you have a positive work ethic? Do you work hard during practice sessions? Do you work out on your own? Do you have an off-season training program? 8. Do show respect for the game officials? 9. Do you play with good sportsmanship and show respect for your competition? You never know whose watching. Scouts and college coaches often show up before game time and just sit in the parking lot to get an idea of how players conduct themselves. They want to see if players have pride in their appearance and wear their uniform properly. Do they seem enthusiastic about playing and getting to the field? You have an opportunity to impress someone every time you step on the field. Make it a positive impression, remember the college and pro guys are looking for reasons to mark you off their list, don't give them one by ignoring the details. Pre-game infield may be the most important part of the day. It gives the coaches an opportunity to evaluate your hustle, throwing arm strength and accuracy and foot work. Outfielders should always throw as hard and as accurate as possible to bases; infielders need to make hard throws so the scouts can evaluate your arm strength. Catchers must throw hard to all bases during infield and between innings. You may not get a single chance to handle the ball or make a play during the game. The shortstop may not get a ground ball the entire game or the catcher may not have to throw out an attempted steal. Outfielders may not have an opportunity to make a throw during the game so display your skills during pre-game. When batting, run everything out full speed. Sprint out of the box even if you hit a one hopper back to the pitcher or a pop up to short. Scouts want to see you run and they will be putting a clock on you every AB. They're not only clocking your foot speed but they will notice if you’re lazy and just jog down the line. A good reason to cross you off their list! Remember the volume of competition to play at the next level is immense! How are you going to separate yourself from the pack? Coach Bob Harris