David Rockett Baseball Hitting Instructor
GETTING RECRUITED
Understanding the Recruiting Process
The first and most important thing you need to know about college recruiting is that it is an extremely inefficient process.
Every year great ball players go overlooked. This happens for a few reasons. First, college coaches place a premium on athletes with "projectability." Projectability refers to a player's potential to become a high-level baseball player based on factors such as size, strength or athleticism rather than their current playing ability. The second reason happens for a more simple, yet overlooked reason: Texas produces some of the most talented baseball players in the nation. Based on numbers alone, it can be easy to get lost in the mix. Because of this, it is important for athletes to recruit themselves.
HOW DO YOU RECRUIT YOURSELF?
You recruit yourself in two ways:
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Play the game at a high level. Hit for power and show athleticism in all aspects of the game.
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Create as much exposure for yourself as possible. Play as much baseball as you can. Play in showcases. Attend camps and try-outs. When the coaches aren't going to you, go to them.
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL IS SECONDARY IN THE COLLEGE RECRUITING PROCESS
Great players are the ones who perform at a high level against the best competition. Select baseball is going to offer a more competitive venue for showcasing your skills than your high school season. High school accolades such as All-District and MVP are important, but the talent level isn't likely to be as high when compared to summer tournaments.
Michael Rockett's one Division I scholarship offer came during the summer after his senior year. He later went on to become a Louisville Slugger All-American and was drafted in the 13th round by the Detroit Tigers.
RESPECT THE JUCO
The baseball player you are when you graduate from high school is not the baseball player you will be in a year. Your body is not finished developing. As you age your ability to add muscle will improve. With that in mind, if you do not receive any Division I offers while in high school, do not hesitate to play at a Junior College. Give yourself an opportunity to develop your skills through better coaching and a more muscular, athletic body.
HERE'S SOME PERSPECTIVE:
Rookie of the Year award winner, 2 time Gold Glove recipient and 3 time All-Star with the Tampa Bay Rays. He is one of baseball's brightest stars. Yet three years prior to being selected in the MLB Draft, Longoria finished high school with 0 Division I scholarship offers. He ended up attending Rio Hondo Community College before transferring to Long Beach State University and getting drafted in the 1st-round.
Longoria is a perfect example of someone who gave himself an opportunity to become a better ball player. He did not let others' judgment of his playing ability impact his willingness to continue working hard. He found an opportunity to continue playing the game - which is the most important thing a young player can do.
Evan Longoria received no Division I scholarship offers out of high school.