This presentation will be given during the Central Washington University baseball Camp for high school kids. (Age 14-18) The presentation will be on what a college coach looks for in a player they are recruiting. The purpose of this presentation is to inform high school baseball players exactly what is expected of them if they are interested in playing at the NCAA level.
I. Introduction (3 minutes)
a) A brief introduction of the coaching staff at Central Washington University
i. What we coach (Pitchers, Hitters, Infield, Outfield)
ii. How long we have been coaching
iii. Our background in baseball. How long we have been in the game
II. The Program (3 minutes)
a) Tryouts are a long process. Usually taking 2 weeks for the first cut. Several months for the final roster to be made.
b) 28 players make the final roster. The remaining players become redshirts or are given a release to go try and play somewhere else. Redshirt players are expected to regularly practice with the team, just as if they had made the final roster. This will reflect on you making the team the following year.
III. What is expected from you? (8 – 10 minutes)
a) Total dedication. Baseball becomes your job at the NCAA level. As an athlete you aren’t allowed to work.
b) Our season is 9 months long. Starting the first day of school and ending some time in May. Not the normal 4 month high school season.
c) We have 56+ games a year and practice every day we aren’t playing. The commitment is enormous. You must be very time efficient.
d) You must have the “desire” to play the game every day
e) You must be able to balance academics and athletics to maintain eligibility. You have to maintain at the very least a 2.0 GPA and carry a class load of 12 credits per quarter.
f) Have to be a team player, “There is no I in TEAM”
g) Must have above average “baseball tools” A 5 tool player.
1. Be able to hit with either power or average.
2. Be able to bunt with above average skills
3. Run above average speed (4.7 in the 40 yard dash)
4. Have an above average arm (Between 80-90 mph)
5. Have great fielding skills (Rarely makes an error)
h) In order to even get looked at coming out of high school a player MUST have 2 of the above mentioned tools.
i) BE ABLE TO HAVE FUN- Its just a game!!!