Team recruiting for baseball will start long before the presentation of your skills at the game. That’s the moment when a team scout will have a look at your name in the virtual world. Before they decide to meet you in person, they will read your bio and scroll through your social media, forming an opinion about you.
Creating a Personal Brand
A profile is your digital resume. Set at least one account to public, use your real name, and write a clean bio that includes your position, graduation year, and school. After that, let your highlights speak for themselves.
When recording your baseball recruiting video, use a steady tripod, avoid filming through fences, and keep it to five minutes. According to NCSA, the main aspects college coaches consider when scouting a player are mechanics, speed, athleticism, power, and body language. Highlight these features in your video. Post your video to YouTube and share the link in every profile.
Stay Away from Red Flags
Social media is checked by coaches every day, and one bad post could terminate your baseball recruiting chances quicker than a fly ball dropping out of reach. Therefore, avoid:
- Profanities, offensive language, or discriminatory comments
- Pictures or videos of underage drinking or drug use
- Public airing of grievances regarding coaches, teammates, or playing time
- Arguments or heated exchanges within the comments sections
The only rule is: If you wouldn’t want a coach to see it today, delete it now, not later.
Being Proactive in Networking
Following programs of your target and interacting with their posts doesn’t logically mean that coaches will find you, right? So, don’t just stop at following and liking the posts. Go ahead and send a professional, concise, yet friendly direct message introducing yourself to a coach. Be sure to include your name, class year, position, GPA, and a link to your highlights.
For baseball, D1 coaches can send electronic communication beginning August 1, before your junior year. Starting September 1 of your junior year, verbal offers and off-campus contact are allowed. Familiarity with such timelines gives you the chance to reach out at the right time.
Final Thoughts
These days, your baseball recruiting team takes its first step in the virtual world. Your online presence must showcase not only your talent but also your personality and dedication. Be consistent in your actions, be positive, and always look to interact with the programs you have your eyes on. Coaches want to recruit players they can trust, and your social media is the first place where that trust is established.