Parents should always be your number one fan, and their encouragement is a major factor in your journey. However, the world of baseball recruiting is complicated, so, in addition to providing support, parents also need to be educated on how best to help their child. The right assistance can lead you far, while the wrong one can spoil your opportunities without a second thought.
Allow the Player to be the Leader
Coaches of college teams want to hear from you and not your parents. Whether via email, phone, or face-to-face communication, you will need to initiate and guide the dialogue. An immediate red flag occurs when a parent introduces their child to a coach. Coaches want to see your level of motivation and your communication abilities; therefore, take control of the procedure.
Where Parents Add Real Value
Crumple your sleeves, parents! Here’s where parents make a real difference in baseball recruitment:
- Budgeting: Participating in showcases, playing for travel teams, and buying the right gear can take a toll on your finances. Collaborate with your parents to set achievable financial targets and work within the available resources.
- Deadlines: Applications for financial aid (FAFSA), eligibility registration, and campus visit windows all have stringent dates. Having a parent competent enough to monitor these details ensures that nothing is missed.
- Campus visits: Your parents can inquire about finances and other logistical matters during the visit; however, you should maintain control of the baseball recruiting conversation.
Academics Are Non-Negotiable
For you to obtain a Division I baseball scholarship, you need to finish 16 NCAA-approved core courses and get at least a 2.3 core-course GPA. Your parents can be the first to spot any potential eligibility problem by regularly monitoring your grades, but in the end, you are responsible for being on track towards graduation.
The Bottom Line
A player and parent working as a team is the winning combination in baseball recruiting. Have your first meeting to identify target schools, set budget limits, and establish decision-making timelines before baseball recruiting begins. Those shared plans will help keep emotions from dictating major decisions.