Son received first recruiting letter and a request for transcipts. He is only a freshman who was brought up during the fall league to fill in for current varsity players who couldn't make the game. The starting pitcher got into trouble and loaded the bases with no outs. The varsity coach decided to "baptize" the freshman and put him in. He only allowed one run (on an error) and pitched two additional scoreless innings. Well a top 20 Division I school was in attendance and took notice. Because of a prior injury the varsity coach decided to let him play freshman ball and not even pitch him for this season so he would be ready to go next season. I'm assuming that who ever took notice didn't even know he was a freshman.

Question - How soon can a college contact a potential recruit with a letter and request for information?

Congratulations to your son for getting noticed!

I believe that letters can be sent out starting Sept. 1 of the junior year. However, your son is allowed to write or call coaches whenever he wants. Since he has already received a letter, it would be a great opportunity for him to follow up with the coach, let him know how young he is, and express interest in the school. Have him call the coach at his office or email him (you should be able to find a phone number or email address online; if not, call the school's athletic office and ask for it).

He should keep up communications with this school by email and consider attending one of the school's camps so he can interact personally with the coaches and see the campus.

Best wishes to him as he proceeds!

Infield08 - thanks for the reply. We did sign up for summer camps at school. I'm thinking that colleges are requesting transcripts earlier now to see if they should even take the time to follow a potential recruit. The request by the college for his transcipts was good since it reinforced the fact that he has to keep his grades up. I have told my son that a lefthanded pitcher is good as gold but a lefthanded pitcher with a 4.0 gpa is worth his weight in gold!

Generally, I have found that college camps are overrated -- overcrowded, low level of player talent, more instruction than evaluation.

Get the player on the best travel team you can where they play in the best showcases (WWBA, Perfect Game, etc).

Prepare a marketing handout after attending a PG showcase where you can cite objective assessments of his skills. Also, have inexpensive business cards printed with his name, contact info on the front and, on the back, list his stats, travel team, coaches contacts, etc. Coach him to approach coaches after these events (never during the event), look the coach in the eye, thank him for the opportunity to meet, give a manly handshake, hand over the business card and say, "I want to play for you and lead SCHOOL NAME to a national championship." He might not get the scholarship in the end, but I guarantee he will be remembered and they will give him a look. It always amazes me how many kids are afraid to approach a coach and introduce themselves. This should be a brief meeting and the coaches want players with self-confidence. Being pro-active in the marketing of your son always helps. Good luck !!

And keep up the good grades -- it matters a lot, especially to schools that care about their players and their programs.

PS. go to the NCAA web site and read the rules. join baseball america, perfect game, other baseball evaluation orgs/newsletters. There is lot to learn.