Youth Inc. Recommends: The Do's and Don'ts to Getting Recruited in Baseball

So you want to get recruited…. where do you start?  

Many players go into the recruiting process unsure of the timeline, how to communicate with coaches, what team to play for, and more. From the MLB draft to playing NCAA, we’ve got you covered on resources to break down the do’s and don’ts.  

Here are seven resources to help you understand the “musts” for getting recruited: 

Can Anyone Get Drafted? 

What it is: Our best baseball resource, Coach RAC, explains the MLB draft process.  

Why we like it: RAC explains that players will get an email letting them know that they’re a prospect. Then, players have to report all prior injuries, get their eyes checked, and answer whether or not they truly want to play in the MLB. Some athletes get a prospect link invite in high school, and others get it in college.  

College Scouting Bureau's Do's And Don'ts 

What it is: A list of do’s and don’ts for recruiting from College Scouting Bureau.   

Why we like it: A big one? Don’t let Mom or Dad respond to emails from coaches for you. If you’re the one going to play, you also have to be the one to communicate. And most of all- don’t forget to include your name, where you’re from, and your grad year. They’re not going to track you down. Make it easy for them.  

6 Recruiting Pitfalls To Avoid 

What it is: Recruiting with Alex tells us the most common recruiting mistakes players make- and how to avoid them.  

Why we like it: Comparing yourself to other players is one of the worst things you can do for your self-esteem. He emphasizes focusing on yourself and what you do to stay disciplined in the process- without tearing yourself down. However, it can be helpful to look at what other players do WRONG, so you don’t follow suit.  

These Are The Major Mistakes Players Make 

What it is: Coach Dan Blewett gives us the five major mistakes players make that can impact their chances of being recruited.   

Why we like it: Number one: having a bad attitude. No coach wants to have a player with a poor attitude. Having a positive mindset, good body language, and hustling are all things that can tell coaches what your habits are- without even having a conversation.  

The 'Not So Secret' Secret To Getting Recruited 

What it is: The initial differentiator that coaches use to recruit players right off the bat.   

Why we like it: Pitching velocity can help coaches identify whether or not you are ready to play at a collegiate level. While it’s not the only differentiator, it’s the initial one. At today’s level of play, this is one way coaches identify prospects.  

Explaining 20-80 Scouting Scale 

What it is: An explanation of the 20-80 scouting scale that helps coaches “grade” players on performance.  

Why we like it: It gives us an understanding of what exactly recruiting coaches look for. 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is above average and 70-80 is well above average. It can give you a baseline and a goal to work towards when trying to get recruited.  

Are You Actually Good Enough For College Baseball? 

What it is: Coach RAC gives us his recommended baseline numbers for players who want to play in college.  

Why we like it: We see the 20-80 method in action and how we can apply this concept to our stats. RAC addresses exit velo, sprint speed, and arm strength and the benchmark numbers for this and different levels of play.