College Baseball Visits and Offers: Slow Down

A lot of what gets called recruiting is just events. A camp invite means they wouldn’t mind looking at him in a controlled setting as well as being a way for the college to generate revenue for its coaches. It is not a scholarship offer or even real interest. Don’t start going to every camp on the list until the tools are there unless you just want the experience. That’s just spending money.

When a real offer comes, slow down. I believe the visit is essential. Watch a weekday practice. Sit in the dugout to check out the atmosphere. How do they talk to their own players when nobody is recruiting? Ask about the incoming class at his position. Ask who is coming back. Does your personality match well with the coaches? Are they genuine people? Talk to the players and get a feel if they really enjoy being there.

During the visit, your son should do most of the talking. You are there, but you are not running the meeting. Guide him. Sit in the chair next to him and listen to what the coach has to say. Players get very excited and don’t have the experience of reading people.

If the only reason he likes the place is that they liked him first, keep looking. Feeling wanted is not the same as being a fit. Playing time, a degree he’ll use, and a staff he can trust are what you use to make a decision. Then, maybe, how nice the stadium is.