How to Turn Showcase Appearances into Real Recruiting Opportunities
Attending a showcase is like stepping onto a big stage—your performance matters, but so does how you present yourself before and after the event. If you want to turn those appearances into real recruiting opportunities, you need more than just talent; you need a game plan. Here’s how to make every showcase count.
Showcases are a huge opportunity for high school baseball players to get noticed by college coaches. But just showing up isn’t enough—you need a strategy to make the most of these events. Here’s how you can turn a showcase appearance into real recruiting momentum.
1. Have a Game Plan Before You Step on the Field
Showing up unprepared is like stepping up to the plate without a bat. Before the showcase, research which schools will be attending and make a list of those that interest you. Reach out to coaches beforehand with a short email introducing yourself and letting them know you’ll be there. This puts you on their radar before you even take the field.
💡 Pro Tip: If you have a highlight video, include it in your email so coaches can get a preview of your skills.
2. Stand Out with Your Play—and Your Attitude
Talent matters, but so does how you carry yourself. Hustle on and off the field, be vocal, and show good body language. Coaches aren’t just looking for talent—they’re looking for players who will add value to their program.
🔑 Key Insight: A coach may remember a player who went 0-for-3 but showed leadership and energy over one who went 3-for-3 but had a bad attitude.
💡 Extra Tip: Engage with other players and show sportsmanship. Coaches want team players who contribute to a strong locker room culture.
3. Make Sure Coaches Can Find You
A great showcase performance won’t help if coaches don’t have your contact info. Bring a one-page player profile with your name, position(s), GPA, SAT/ACT scores (if applicable), and contact information. If you don’t already have one, consider creating an online recruiting profile that includes your video highlights and stats.
📩 Quick Tip: Hand a printed profile to coaches after the event to leave a lasting impression.
💡 Bonus: Keep your social media clean and professional—coaches often check Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms for insight into your character and dedication.
4. Follow Up Like a Pro
The showcase doesn’t end when you leave the field. Within 48 hours, follow up with the coaches who watched you play. Send a short, polite email thanking them for their time, mentioning a highlight from the event, and expressing your interest in their program.
💡 Pro Tip: Personalize your email! Mention a specific interaction or play so the coach remembers who you are.
📞 Go the Extra Mile: If the coach responds positively, ask about their upcoming camps or team needs. This shows genuine interest and initiative.
5. Keep Grinding and Stay Realistic
Not every showcase will lead to an immediate scholarship offer, and that’s okay. The key is consistency—keep playing, improving, and reaching out to coaches. If a coach isn’t interested, don’t take it personally; focus on the schools that see your potential.
⚾ Reminder: Recruiting is a process. Stay patient and keep working hard!
💡 Extra: Track your progress. Keep a journal of who you’ve contacted, their responses, and what you need to improve on. Organization can make a huge difference in staying on top of the process.
6. Leverage Video to Supplement Your Showcase
Even if a coach can’t see you play live, a strong video can showcase your skills. Have a well-edited highlight reel that includes:
Defensive plays
Hitting mechanics
Base running
Pitching (if applicable)
📹 Pro Tip: Make sure your video is clear, concise, and high quality. Send it to coaches who showed interest but didn’t attend the showcase.
Final Thoughts
Showcases can be a powerful tool in the recruiting process, but they require effort beyond just showing up. By preparing in advance, playing with energy, making yourself easy to find, following up with coaches, and leveraging video, you’ll maximize your chances of turning a showcase into a real recruiting opportunity.
Ready to start your son’s journey to success? Book a call with me today to learn more about our services and how we can help you. Together, we’ll find the perfect fit to help him shine on and off the field.
⚾ His future is bigger than baseball—let’s make it count.
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About Alex
Meet your college baseball recruiting specialist: Alex Swenson.
As a high school baseball player, I navigated the college recruiting process all on my own. Despite average statistics, I landed a spot on a Division-1 baseball team Jacksonville University, where I became a 3-time team captain. Post-college, I became a D1 coach, scout, and recruiter at Georgetown University and Ole Miss, where we won an SEC championship.
After experiencing the process as both recruit and recruiter, I’ve successfully dissected the best strategies to connect with college coaches and draw offers from them.
Receive professional direction from Alex himself until your son commits to his desired school. A step-by-step action plan will be provided with strategic small-group coaching meetings every 2 weeks to ensure we are making progress. Included is a baseball networking platform that connects him to coaches, optimizes his exposure to scouts, alerts him to college camps and showcases, and MUCH MORE.