I was wondering if it was a necessity to attend a showcase or play in person for the school you wish to play for if you want to be truly recruited by this school (past the basic questionares and form letters) Or does video along with stats and recommendations suffice? I know smaller schools on the opposite coast don't always have the budges to recruit out here, but does that mean I would have to physically go to them to get a serious look?

Thanks,
Just2Slow

Not too many coaches , if any, will sign a kid based on a video alone

TRhit –

Many of the questionnaires we received asked if a video was available. When they do, should you send one when you return the questionnaire?

BTW – will Skillshow be at Binghamton?

If they request one then send it--they will still want to see the player in action

No, Skillshow will not be at Binghamton

TRhit, this is the precise nonsense that you dispense that grates on me. The majority of schools you work with don't "sign" players to begin with. All they do, at the very best, is help them through the admissions process (which may include giving their name to the admissions director). Many of the schools you work with will enthusiastically work with a student based on a skills tape and a high school coach recommendation. Don't make these folks think that if Coach Babb from JHU sends them a personal letter (which he sends to scores of high school seniors) that they are being "signed". The only signing is with a NLI and that's the only commitment in this game. Each time I post these facts about DIII programs you have gone off on me and now I know why - you don't want to bite the hands that feeds you.

BUDDY BOY

It is truly getting sickening with your "act"-- I asked you to be a man and call me and we can discuss your problem one on one--I am still waiting for the call

As one poster noted--why do I bother!!!!
He is right --you aint worth it

I know the schools, Tom and you know I do. Why would I want to talk to you?

One last item - would you like me to post the PM's I have received from those who agree with my posts? You're just unhappy because I don't agree with your methods.

BUDDY

I could care less about your PMS--I mean PM's--

Methods-- I have none--

Those who might not agree with me--there are plenty but they do not act like you do--

Any other personal experiences or feedback, especially pertaining to the Division 3 schools. All would be appreciated.

My son is from Northern CA and attended a DIII out of state where the coach does try to see players as part of the recruiting process--in fact believes very strongly in that process. There are some variables in responding to your inquiry. If you are looking to attend one of the DIII's that does recruit nationally or is nationally ranked in baseball, in my opinion, you would be better off having the coach see you play. You will find out first hand if the coach thinks you can contribute, in what way and how the athletics might play a role in admissions. Also a good way for you to meet the coach to find out if that is a fit. The school my son attended was at a Stanford camp. Turned out to be a great fit for him academically, socially and athletically. Be happy to try and answer any other questions you might have.

Video, based on conversations with some coaches, is helpful to a coach in a couple of ways:
1) What does the player look like - believe it or not size matters to many coaches, and they like to see your body.
2) mechanics - how you move might intrigue a coach enough to want to see you play more or at least make some phone calls about you.

While few coaches like to go on just video to recruit you, some programs are void of money to travel to showcases outside of their area. In that case you need to go to them, as has been discussed many times on this site. But a video might make it worthwhile to actually go see you when you do make the trip to local showcase X.

The other thing is that most coaches do not like unsolictaed videos - one RC at a D-I school does not look at them - and he has a TV and VCR on his desk- unless he has at least heard of you. He did say that others look at them all - just to make sure they don't miss winning the lottery I guess.

I did write an article for my web site on it though, so that might be helpful for you as well.

http://www.athletesadvisor.com/toolsrecruit/video.htm - an old archived article but useful since has comments from a college coach.

Would be interested in hearing others experiences with videos. There seem to be a lot of up and coming services that are offering this as their main business or as an add-on to other showcases.