I played minor league baseball for 4 years, and I have been giving private lessons for the last seven years. I have recently accepted an offer to be a volunteer assistant at Central Michigan University. I have worked with a world series champion, Little League players, and everyone in between. I cover topics from hitting and fielding instruction down to how parents should use the resources that are available to their kids, and what is going on in the MLB as well. I'll save you money, sanity, and your valuable time, while giving you information that is priceless.
School and Summer baseball:
These are times when coaches can come watch a player play in a live game situation with or without the player knowing they are there. Showcases can also provide live games but the player always knows people are watching and may be nervous. During your school season it is tougher for the coach to actually come watch because they are still playing as well. Unless your team goes deep into the playoffs coaches will see you the most in the summer time. What can you do to make sure you are getting in front of the right people? Make sure your summer team goes to the right tournaments. All teams are not created equal, some teams are put together by high school coaches simply to get players more playing time and help them get better and other teams are for the sole purpose of getting players exposure. Teams that are looking to provide exposure will usually do a lot of traveling in and out of state. These teams will go to major tournaments where there is a proven track record of college and pro scouts attending. Do your research, figure out what teams offer, where they go, how much they cost, and what that cost covers. Last but not least, check the roster. Although you want to be on a good team, you also want to make sure you are going to play. If you are a shortstop and the team you are thinking of playing for has a shortstop that is being recruited by numerous D-1 schools you might be better suited playing somewhere else. Do not get me wrong competition is good for players but at this point you want the maximum amount of playing time at the position you would like to play.
School ball is important because college coaches talk to high school coaches about their players and other players they have come across. School ball is a great opportunity to get your name out there with other high school coaches who will share information with each other and college coaches in general conversation. For example, how many times have you heard about a player from another school but you have never actually watched that player in a game. This happens with coaches too, but if a college coach gets their interest peaked they will get your schedule and come see you play. It is just like anything else, if you hear about it enough you have to go find out what it is about. Always be respectful of opposing coaches and always play hard. You never know who they know. During my playing career in high school and college I had numerous coaches tell me they liked my game and if I needed any help, please let them know and they would help in any way they could.
