How to Ruin Your Own Recruitment to Play College Baseball
Susan Abe
Ya Can't Act Big League Yet
All of these examples, unbelievably, are real. They really happened. They are not "baseball myths." I tried to write this article from a serious point of view, but the sheer stupidity of some of these examples can't stop me from laughing or at least snorting derisively. And let me hasten to add that these are not guarantees. Somebody, somewhere might take you despite you following the "rules." Trash-talk about your current coach (or other previous coaches) to the college or university recruiting coach you're speaking with. In particular, question his understanding of the game's basic rules as well as his inability to recognize your remarkable talents and abilities. This is a huge mistake. Don't believe for a moment that the information won't get back to your coaches. Why wouldn't it? College coaches want to coach their team and to do so with trust. You've just demonstrated that you're not trustworthy. Don't run out a pop-up. Don't hustle on a routine play. You have idea how many college and professional scouts note a "lack of hustle" as much or more than they pay attention to your amazing batting average or on-base percentages. I'm not kidding. The energy and enthusiasm you project as you play shows your respect for the game and tells a lot about your reliability as a teammate. College coaches want to coach baseball, they don't want to "cheerlead" it. Throw your batting helmet across the dugout after you strikeout, and just generally throw a toddler's tantrum. Think about this: if college coaches wanted to coach little children, they'd have a t-ball team. Your ability to control your temper and deal with the game's frustrations speaks volumes about your maturity. College coaches want to coach their players on the skills and strategies of baseball, not life skills for preschoolers. Don't go to class. After all, it's your senior year - your last time to be a kid. The college will understand and they'll be looking at your grades from K-11, not now. No, they won't. Even if the coaches are willing to overlook your lack of respect, your lack of hustle, and your inability to control your temper, the university admissions office isn't willing to overlook your lack of a high-school diploma. Good luck in your senior year of high school. Have fun and be safe. Respect your coach, hustle on the field, control your temper, and go to class. I wish you nothing but success with both your future education and your baseball career. arg Publically, or even privately, disrespecting your coach is one of those huge unwritten rules of baseball.
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