What is more important in recruiting.. age or grade? Would a player still be considered for a scholarship if they waited a year after graduating? The example is a junior in highschool who is eligible to play 15u baseball because of a late birthday.

For recruiting purposes I suggest you play with your graduating class age as soon as you can.

Especially the summer before your senior year.

By the way ngkid, welcome to the HSBBW. You have found the perfect place to learn about the recruiting process.

Thanks for the reply. He is currently playing on 16u and 18u teams. I was just wondering if he had more options because he could play an extra year of travel ball? Do colleges only want kids right out of highschool?

Your son will be evaluated as a member of his graduating HS class...not by age. If you're thinking waiting a year is the best chance, I would suggest looking into JCs as the best route.

jerseydad gives good advice.

Good luck and welcome!

If you have a younger player, here are some other options to consider depending on the situation and interest:

Prep school for a year. Expensive, but there are many benefits academically and athletically. You have the traditional boarding type schools with a Post Grad year or the athletic focused programs like IMG in Bradenton.

Part time JC for a year. Less expensive and take no more than 3 classes at a time (9 hours per semester). This doesn't burn eligibility, but the drawback is you can't play for the JC. Some of these kids will concentrate on private instruction and development/showcases/and specific college visits including camps/workouts. They will join fall/spring/summer/men's teams to keep in baseball shape.

Colleges want good players who are also good students, so they can keep up with the rigors of the doing both at the same time.

Thanks for the information. My son is a good player but didn't decide he really loved baseball until he made the highschool team in 9th grade. He is playing as much baseball as he can but is still a little behind the others on the team. Hopefully he will be able to find someone to play with after highschool.

If you play hs ball in 9th grade and thru 12th, would you still be eligible at a prep school since you have played 4 years of hs ball. Just curious.

quote:

Originally posted by HitaHomer1:
If you play hs ball in 9th grade and thru 12th, would you still be eligible at a prep school since you have played 4 years of hs ball. Just curious.

Private schools aren't concerned with the state eligibility rules unless they compete under them. Privates with PG programs don't usually compete at the high school level. The play other PG schools, JuCos and elite high school programs from around the country. PG schools have their own championship.