What to Expect at College Baseball Camps
How to Present Yourself
Prior to Signing Up
You have targeted some colleges and completed your research. The school has your intended major, and the environment meets or exceeds your expectations. The camp has published dates, fees, and a signup link. Consider these items prior to entering your credit card information. These tips are generally for the prospect camps. Ensure you are signing up for the correct camp. Some schools also hold “youth camps,” which are more instructional than the prospect camps.
Do you know the coaches, or at least know their names? Do they know you?
Make them aware that you will be attending. Email, DM, or text them that you will be attending. Ask your current coaches to reach out to them, especially if your current coaches already have a relationship with them.
Decide if you will participate as a pitcher only, 2-way, or position player only.
You can usually register for any of those. 2-way players pay a little more since they will hit, occupy a field position, and pitch a few innings.
Register for your BEST position! In the games, you may have limited time at your actual position in the games. Shortstops usually outnumber every other position by a significant margin.
Ask if you can expect other coaches from nearby schools to attend.
Many times, other schools will be there too. (other divisions, etc.) There will typically only be a couple there.
Preparation
After registering, you will get your receipt, camp instructions, and usually a medical information form, and a waiver to return. Send those in early. It makes registration much smoother than having to sign forms at the registration desk. Follow up with the coaches 2 days before that you will take part at the camp. If you’re not familiar with the campus, look at Google Maps (or others), and check out the field location, parking, etc. Sometimes the camp coordinator will include the parking info in the information packet. Many schools charge for parking. It’s worth checking into. There’s nothing worse than getting back out to the car after a long day and seeing that ticket on the windshield.
The school will sometimes recommend hotels if needed, and you definitely want to be close to the field, especially for the multi-day camps. Eat a good breakfast and get there early.They usually either provide lunch or will have a break for lunch. Most of the camps include a T-shirt. If they don’t, wear something with your last name on it. Pack for baseball! Bring water, equipment, baseball attire, etc. Bring cleats, turfs, molded cleats, and sneakers. Some schools are very particular about what shoes you can wear on their field.
Arrival and Check-in
Check-in is usually pretty painless. Bring your gear. Parents don’t need to wait in line with the player, and they can go find a seat if they plan to spectate. Some parents leave, but a lot will hang around to watch. After signing in, you will get your team assignment and schedule. On the schedule, you will usually see a campus tour, a facility tour, and game times for your assigned team. Some will watch all the games, while others will leave and return. Either is ok. My experience is that they are usually running close to on-time, but the late games can go a little longer, depending on how many campers there are. Usually, everyone heads to the field after signing in for warmups.
Metrics
After warmups, they will usually want to knock out the 60 yard run first. Coaches will have the players run in pairs to help with performance. The coaches will record this as the first metric. After the 60, the coaches will gather the other metrics. They will capture infield and outfield velocity, pop times and throw down velocity for catchers, and general throwing accuracy. Once field time is concluded, the teams will go into their rotations based upon the schedule. Some will start tours, others will rotate through batting cage warmups, and games will begin.
The coaches are observing players the WHOLE time, even when not actively performing. Warmup with intention, play active catch, stretch, and any other prep routine that you have. I know of at least one school that uses their field cameras to watch after the camp to see how engaged the players were during the camp. Be social. Meet the other players and coaches. Shake hands. It’s ok to cheer on the other players and acknowledge strong effort.
After the camp is over, the director should send out the results for the player. If you don’t receive his metrics, just ask.
Games
The games are fun to watch, and the players are also having fun. At a couple of the camps, the school’s players cheered and helped in the dugouts. It was great for the campers to ask questions and get to know some of the team members. The school usually has Trackman going. It allows for some great feedback. If you are a parent watching, you can usually capture the metrics from the big screen to share later.
When playing, the coaches are evaluating skills, technique, and performance. That’s the easy part. They are also viewing how you carry yourself on and off the field. They are observing your interactions with the coaches and other players. They are also watching to see how you react when you make a mistake or have a poor at bat. Enjoy the games, but coaches love to see how you handle adversity.
Games will usually follow a “showcase” format, with 3 outs or 5 batters usually being the norm. This allows them to use pitching appropriately, manage time, and ensure they see everyone.
Departure
When getting ready to depart, make sure you thank the coaches. Shake their hands and look them in the eye. Be confident! You will see some players pulled to the side. Some will get some private feedback, etc. Remember, some campers are not old enough for the coaches to discuss recruiting yet. Some of the players there were specifically invited to attend that camp. Pitchers, thank your catchers. Catchers have a tough job catching all those pitchers at camp. You will probably see them again. There just aren’t that many around . . .
Afterward
After the camp, whether on the drive home, or after you get home, thank the coaches for the camp. Mention any specifics about the camp that will help them remember you. Email, post to X, DM them, etc. Did you like the tours? Can you see yourself attending and playing there? Let them know! Be excited about the opportunity.
Take some notes about the camp, campus, and coaches. As you continue on your journey, things will start to blur. Make sure you are clear on your desires. If you didn’t like it, that’s ok too. You’ve learned where you might not want to attend. That helps you narrow in on your search.
I hope you find this valuable. If you feel I missed anything or would like me to discuss another topic, please let me know in the comments or message me. If you are in the hunt, good luck!!