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The Recruiting Timeline

by: Bob Howdeshell
High School Baseball Web




bullet This is a general lay-out of the schedule or "time line" that a high school baseball player can follow, in an effort to play baseball at the college level. This timeline was developed by getting input from former college players, parents, college coaches and high school and college academic advisors.

To the Player:
You will get very tired of hearing this ... but if you do not take care of your academics (grades) it will not matter how good you are on the baseball field, if your dream is to play college baseball academics are a part of the package!

 

Freshman (9th grade)

 

bullet Settle into the high school environment ... get to work developing good classroom and home study habits. Learn to manage your time.

September

bullet Play fall baseball, if available
bullet Long toss after school
bullet Run sprints and medium distance
bullet Read the articles on Making the High School Team follow this link

November

bullet Plan your winter baseball schedule
bullet Locate an indoor facility that offers "top level" instruction.
bullet If possible target and attend one (1) college Christmas camp
bullet Plenty of articles about Off - Season Conditioning here.

November - January

bullet Continue winter work-outs / get ready high school team try-outs
bullet Keep working hard on those grades

February - May/June

bullet High school season

May - July/August

bullet Summer league seasons
bullet Play the best and most competitive baseball
that is available to you. Best teams,
best tournaments, against the best the
competition possible

June - July

bullet Attend a college "week long" camp
bullet This is the best way to "get noticed" by
your favorite school. Many colleges sign players as a result of their attendance at the camps.
bullet HSBBWeb listing of College and Non-College Camps follow this link.
bullet Ask questions about camps on the HSBBWeb Message Boards

 

 

Sophomore (10th grade)

 

bullet Continue to "hit the books" hard your grades this year count as much as any other year.
bullet Follow the same off - season schedule as last year.
bullet Meet with your high school guidance counselor -- tell him/her of your desire to play college baseball ... you want to be "on track" with the required core courses, as well as other needs, such as foreign languages.
bullet Follow the same spring and summer schedule as last year.
bulletPlay as many summer baseball games as possible ... the more you play the more experience that you will get .. and the more you should improve.

July - August

bullet Attend a Pro Try-Out Camp in your area -- these will be listed in the message section of your daily newspaper's sports section.
bullet Start learning about Showcases and make contact with several of the directors -- find out if they may be interested in including you in one of their events.
bullet Check out the High School Baseball Web's Showcase Table for a listing of showcases around the country.
bullet Also visit the High School Baseball Web's Showcase Calendar for a listing of showcase dates and locations.
 

 

Junior (11th grade)

 

September
bullet Send out your first contact letters --
bullet Ask your high school coach to write letters to a few preferred colleges
bullet Include a copy of your fall schedule (if available)

SEPTEMBER 1

bullet Written contact by college coaches is allowed

 

bullet Register with the NCAA Initial - Eligibility Clearinghouse (your high school guidance counselor should have these forms)
bullet Register for the fall ACT / SAT standardized tests ... most students take these tests at least twice ... try to avoid the spring dates, as they may conflict with your high school season Request that your ACT/SAT test scores be sent to the NCAA Clearinghouse (there is a box on the application form that you check for this)
bullet Find more information about the NCAA Clearinghouse follow this link
bullet Continue the fall and winter schedule as you did for your freshman and sophomore years

DO NOT LET UP ON ACADEMICS

 

bullet Familiarize yourself with the NCAA admission / eligibility requirements NCAA Online or check with your school's guidance counselor

Feb -March

bullet Send out your spring high school schedule
bullet Prepare a videotape to be sent out when requested (do not send unsolicited tapes
bullet Plan visits to as many schools as possible this spring and summer
bullet Some schools have "Junior Days" during the spring season ... don't be shy write a letter to the coach and ask about them.
bullet All of these visits are "unofficial" this means that the college can not pay for any part of the visit. These are done on your own.

Summer

bulletFocus this summer should be on attending "Select or Advanced" College Camps.
bulletIn this environment you will be able to gauge yourself against some of the best players, at each camp. The college coaches will be able to do the same.

JULY 1st

bulletPhone contact from college coaches is permissible
bullet July is Showcase month.
bullet High School Baseball Web Showcase Table
bullet High School Baseball Web's Showcase Calendar for a listing of showcase dates and locations.
bullet Attend a Pro Try-Out Camp in your area -- these will be listed in the message section of your daily newspaper's sports section.  
 

 

Senior (12th grade)

 

July - August
bullet Seek out a team that plays fall "showcase" tournaments (pro scouts can be helpful with this)

DO NOT LET UP ACADEMICALLY

 

bullet Review core academic requirements with your guidance counselor. Make sure you are "on track"
bullet Send out your fall baseball schedule
bullet If you do not think you will sign in the early National Letter of Intent (LOI) period, usually the second week of November. Request information on Christmas camps ... especially from schools that you are most interested in .. or those that have shown an interest in you.

November

bullet Early signing period -- dates vary slightly from year to year -- Check on the HSBBWeb Message Boards for the current years dates
bullet Update college coaches on any changes to your fall schedule
bullet You can contact college coaches (by phone) at any time (prior to July after your Junior year they can not call you)
bullet Continue your fall and winter schedule as you have in previous years

Official Visits

bullet If you are offered an official visit -- prepare for your visit with a list of prepared questions. Be prepared for any questions the college may have for you.
bullet See the Recruiting Tips section for information about official and unofficial visits.

This is it! The year that you have been preparing for! ENJOY IT!

Good Luck

 

 
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Revised February 01, 2003 .