RECRUITING
SHOWCASE/CAMPS DO'S & DON'Ts
WHICH SHOWCASES TO ATTEND?
1. Make sure you know which schools and coaches will be at the showcase. If it is unclear/unspecific, the decision makers will likely not be there. They will send a Grad Assistant or Volunteer Coach instead.
2. Make sure games will be played at the showcase. Non-private, pro-style workouts aren't often worth the money.
3. At least 1 full day of showcase. Preferably 2-day showcase. 4–6-hour showcases are not worth the time and money.
4. Avoid Independent showcases where 100-200 coaches are in attendance. Those coaches are there to collect money and are rarely searching to fill roster spots unless you are ELITE. Only go to these if the coach of a school you see yourself playing for privately reaches out to you and asks you to attend so they can speak with you at the showcase. If you are unsure, respond to the email and get to know the situation and how you may fit into their roster.
5. Know your talent level! If you are unsure, have a reputable coach/scout give you their honest placement feedback. If you are an NAIA level athlete showcasing in a D1 setting, you are doing yourself more harm than good. Compete and showcase at your level of play.
6. Spend the money to attend ONE PG OR Prep Baseball showcase per year. The only exception would be if you have massive improvements in your metrics between showcases. (ex: 6+ mph jumps in pitching/hitting velo) A year between these showcases allows time for true development.
WHICH CAMPS TO ATTEND?
1. The Cheaper the price the better the opportunity. Schools must charge a fee for the camp to avoid recruiting violations by have prospective athletes "working out" on their campus. Schools title these camps "Prospect Camps" to work around the rules. If you are privately invited to a school's camp, the cost is relatively low, and you think the school is a good fit, attend the camp.
2. Summer Camps are usually a waste as the decision-makers are generally traveling to figure out their current rosters. You will likely speak with Grad Assistants or Volunteer Coaches.
3. Attend Fall and Winter Camps at schools that fit your needs athletically and academically. Is the school personable and eager about you specifically in their invite? Are they recruiting your position?
5. Know your talent level! If you are unsure, have a reputable coach/scout give you their honest placement feedback. If you are an NAIA level athlete attending a camp in a D1 setting, you are doing yourself more harm than good. Attend camps where you will play and compete.
Reality Check
Less than 3% of High School Athletes play Division 1.
Less than 10% of High School Athletes will participate in athletics at the collegiate level.
WHERE DO I START??
Welcome to our college baseball recruiting page! Navigating the path to collegiate athletics can be challenging but having a structured and strategic recruiting process can make all the difference. By utilizing proven tips and guidelines, Dirtbags Midsouth athletes will be better equipped to connect with college coaches, showcase their talents effectively, and unlock more opportunities to play at the next level. Our goal is to streamline your journey, helping you stand out, build meaningful relationships, and ultimately achieve your dreams of competing in college baseball.
STEP 1
MAKE A LIST OF 30 TARGET SCHOOLS
Sit down with your family and make a list of 30 schools you can truly see yourself attending. This list may seem daunting at first but over your next 3-4 years, it will dwindle down drastically as you visit schools, attend camps, evaluate culture, learn of academic requirements, and evaluate finances.
Of your 30 schools:
10 should be JUCO or NAIA schools
10 should be D2 or D3 schools
10 should be D1 schools with no more than 5 Power 5 schools.
**Power 5 schools have the depth to be very selective in the athlete they are searching for and as such, tend to bring in 20+ year olds from the portal to fill gaps in their roster.
**As you build this list, keep in mind the distance from home you are selecting. As a rule of thumb, try to stay within 100 miles from home so the parents that never missed a game can catch your college games too without spending $2000 a weekend to travel and watch you play. There are the few exceptions based on school interest and program availability, but it’s important to be conscious of that!
STEP 2
BUILD A TARGET SCHOOL SPREADSHEET
Go onto the NCSA website and build a spreadsheet with the Head Coach’s first/last name, email, and phone number (if applicable), the Recruiting Coordinator’s first/last name, email, and phone number (if applicable), the city/state the school is in, yearly average tuition cost, and a few notes on why you like the school and why you would be an asset to the school.
Link to COLLEGIATE CONTACT INFORMATION
STEP 3
EMAIL FROM YOUR SPREADSHEET
Work off of the emails for the recruiting coordinators first if available and then the head coach if there is no recruiting coordinator listed. Create emails similar to the sample email template listed below.
BE SURE EACH IS PERSONALIZED TO THE CORRECT COACH AND SCHOOL. DO NOT COPY PASTE AND MASS SEND WITH NO PERSONALIZATION. COACHES SEE THOUSANDS OF EMAILS. MAKE YOURS STAND OUT IN A FUN, PROFESSIONAL WAY.
EMAIL TIMELINE/INFORMATION
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Start Early: Begin emailing college coaches in your Sophomore year. This gives coaches time to familiarize themselves with you as a potential recruit.
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Initial Contact: Send your first email in the spring or summer of your Sophomore year. Introduce yourself, highlight your accomplishments, and express your interest in their program. Be genuine and personable.
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Follow-up Emails: Every 4-6 weeks send updates on your performance, including statistics, achievements, and any relevant showcases or tournaments. Be sure to have high quality video and personalize each email.
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Email After Key Events: Follow-up with coaches after showcases, games or tournaments where you performed well. Include stats and high-quality video.
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Emphasize Specific Interests: In your communications, mention why you're interested in their specific program and how you could contribute.
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Stay Active: After your junior year, continue your outreach, but consider contacting coaches at the schools you are most interested in.
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Keep it Professional: Use professional language, make sure to proofread emails, and include your contact information in all correspondences.
SAMPLE EMAIL TEMPLATE
Subject: Prospective Student-Athlete Interested in [College Name] Baseball Program
Dear Coach [Last Name] / Recruiting Coordinator [Last Name],
I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Grade] at [Your High School] in [Your City, State]. I am writing to express my strong interest in the baseball program at [College Name].
I have been passionate about baseball for many years and have dedicated myself to improving my skills both on and off the field. As a [Position(s) Played], I have worked hard to contribute to my team, leading to [any relevant accomplishments, such as stats, awards, or team achievements]. I believe that [College Name]’s commitment to [mention any specific aspect of the program or school that attracts you, such as academics, coaching staff, or community] aligns perfectly with my aspirations.
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss my potential as a student-athlete at [College Name] and learn more about your program. I am eager to contribute both athletically and academically to your institution.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to connect with you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Your High School]
[Your High School Baseball Coach Contact Information, if applicable]
