Introduction

I know what you’re thinking:

“My son just started high school and we ALREADY need to think about the college baseball recruiting process?

The answer is…

It depends.

If your son already lives for baseball and is already dreaming about playing in college, then it’s not too early to start preparing for the recruiting process.

However, if your son still plays multiple sports (which is awesome!) and isn’t ready to think that far ahead, you won’t fall behind by waiting a year or two.

<aside> 💡 A Word of Caution for Parents - Playing college baseball needs to be your son’s dream, not yours. If you find yourself pushing you son in a certain direction, pump the breaks (I know firsthand that this is easier said than done, but do your best).

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This guide is for the parents of high school freshman who are already expressing a strong ambition to play baseball beyond high school (and for those players).

Here we go!

Understanding the Recruiting Timeline

Understanding the recruiting timelines for the various levels of college baseball will help you determine what action steps are necessary for high school freshmen. Here’s an overview:

• NCAA D1
  • Start scouting players during their freshman and/or sophomore years.
  • Start contacting players on August 1, before their junior year.
• NCAA D2
  • Start scouting players during their junior year.
  • Start contacting players after their junior year.
• NCAA D3
  • Start scouting players during the second half of their junior year.
  • Start contacting players after their junior year.
• NAIA
  • Start scouting players during the second half of their junior year.
  • Start contacting players after their junior year.
• NJCAA
  • Start scouting players during the second half of their junior year.
  • Start contacting players after their junior year.

<aside> 💡 Note: These are GENERAL timelines. There are programs at each level that start earlier or later than I outlined above.

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