| Finding out a players "accurate" playing level and | | | | the most part, a neutral party who can usually |
| ability becomes difficult because most make the | | | | give a fair evaluation. |
| fatal mistake of overestimating their abilities and | | | | Academic Standing & Grades |
| as a result target the wrong schools. Coaches see | | | | The other factor which goes hand in hand with |
| thousands of players a year. You are either the | | | | playing ability is Academic Standing. The NCAA |
| right fit ability-wise or you are not. There is no | | | | has strict guidelines which must be met to be |
| way to "mask" this, so it is important to be as | | | | NCAA compliant. Once they are NCAA compliant |
| realistic as possible. | | | | they must meet the academic standing for the |
| For example: A senior high school right handed | | | | college. Junior Colleges and the NJCAA (National |
| pitcher throwing 78-82mph fastball with an above | | | | Junior College Athletic Association) have different |
| average change-up and breaking ball and very | | | | standards that are usually much lower than that |
| good control. This type of player has a great | | | | of Universities. |
| chance of finding a school to earn a baseball | | | | It is also important to keep in mind that just |
| scholarship and play college baseball. Statistically, it | | | | because the NCAA declares you eligible for a |
| would be asinine to target top 20 Division I | | | | Division I university, the actual university you |
| baseball programs or Division I baseball programs | | | | want to attend may have higher standards. |
| in general. Has there ever been a RHP (right | | | | Contact the admissions department on campus. |
| handed pitcher) throwing 78-82 mph that has | | | | College coaches do not have the time to answer |
| played at a major Division I university...sure. | | | | questions and complete every detail for each |
| But statistically the chances are extremely low. | | | | player interested in their school. |
| So, if your player's goal is to play college ball, or | | | | Narrowing Down The Search |
| earn a scholarship you should target schools | | | | Once you have established your ability level and |
| where there is a probability of getting selected. | | | | academic fit, it is important to research the |
| Make sure you get an honest, unbiased opinion | | | | schools you are most interested in and target |
| about your ability. Don't rely on the wrong | | | | them. Again making a "fit" a priority and not |
| sources, who have an emotional or personal | | | | spending time, energy, and money on statistically |
| interest, don't have the skills to assess accurately, | | | | low percentage fits. It is important to make a |
| or simply don't want to hurt your feelings. The | | | | physical list of possible Junior Colleges, Division I |
| hardest part of getting an "honest" evaluation is | | | | Universities, Division II Universities, Division III |
| getting a party that does not have anything | | | | Universities, and NAIA schools. As you develop |
| invested to give their opinion. Recruiting services, | | | | the list, you may have certain factors that are |
| camps, and showcases often times have | | | | most important to you. Here are a few that may |
| "agenda's" because they are all making a bid for | | | | be on your list: distance from home, cost of |
| your MONEY! Scouts or some private instructors | | | | attendance, and scholarships available. |
| are an excellent resource because they are, for | | | | |