A freshman in high school starts out with the idea of going to college and playing college-level baseball. Throughout high school, this idea remains the same but you seem to lose track of time, something that we all take for granted, until it's gone. Could you have done something differently that may have resulted in the opportunities you had in mind? Is the process as difficult as it seems that we tend to procrastinate?

Student-Athletes

You have the skills, the drive, the motivation, and most importantly, you have the family support. What could possibly be missing that prevents this from happening? All of the resources are out there, what's the problem? There are so many opportunities available, so why are so many seniors up in arms by the time they graduate? Where did all of that time and planning go?

Who is responsible for this dilemma? No matter how you slice it, you and your parents play the most important role in your success. The outcome is the result of the actions you take and decisions you make. There are no rules determining correct or incorrect decisions, only that you make them. Success will not come on its own.

When it's all said and done, one of two things is going to happen. You will be actively recruited, or not. Unfortunately, the later is most common, but it does it have to be? No matter what the outcome, the world has not come to an end. Situations change but the vision remains the same.

Parents

Here are some important issues you should consider. An early start to the process will give you a huge advantage. There are so many things that can be accomplished as a freshman or sophomore, staying one step ahead of the game. Juniors and seniors will be faced with a more aggressive approach. Bottom line, there is no time like the present to take action. In fact, for many parents, starting is the most difficult. Not because they don't want to, they just don't know how to.

One thing is for sure, there is no greater reward than the experience as you take this journey. An American pastime and your son is in it. You will welcome the road ahead and take the necessary steps to ensure that your son is on track, and take full advantage of the opportunities available to him. They are out there, you just need to go and get them.

Alternatives

Where does the high school coach fit in? Well, every high school and coach is different. One thing is for sure, if they could ensure that every one of their student-athletes could get into college and play baseball, they would. Most coach's head straight to field, right after they leave their full-time job, spending more time with the team than they do with their families. For the most part, they do what they can with the resources they have. You may or may not get help from your high school coach, but you shouldn't rely on it.

There are recruiting companies who will jump at the chance to help, although, they come at a price. You need to weight the benefits. Many families are on a limited budget and you will need to set aside some funds for attending events that range from $50 for a ? day to large showcase events that could set you back up to $1000 for a weekend event. There are many issues to consider when deciding on which events to attend (i.e., skill level, grade level, budget, college interests, etc). These decisions should come fairly easy to you.

Most families will simply educate themselves on the process considering the alternatives. This is an excellent choice although it comes with great responsibility. Can you sacrifice the time and energy for the sake of your son's future? Of course you can, and most parents do. The question is, will you get started or will you follow that popular pattern of letting time get the best of you. If you can get over that hump, you will find success and dreams will come true.

The Basics

As a freshman, you should start a large list of colleges you would be interested in attending. As you grow and mature, your interests may change. Continue to work hard academically ? good grades will play a major role in the options you will have available by the time you graduate. As a sophomore, find a little time to visit a college campus or two, and familiarize yourself with the atmosphere. This will help you with your college list. Your junior year becomes a little more exciting. Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (Clearinghouse), in the event that you have NCAA I or II in your sights. Continue to maintain good grades and stay focused. A player profile and a highlight video should be provided to college coaches. If they can't see you in person, a skills video is an excellent tool. One way or another, a coach will not recruit you if they can't see you.

There are many other ways to get yourself noticed. Check to see if there are any colleges on your list that are hosting any camps or clinics. Go! Of course, play as much summer travel baseball as you can. Consider a showcase event. Many colleges look to these organizations for recruits.

Always check with your guidance counselor to make sure you are on track academically. You don't want to wait your senior year to find that you don't meet eligibility requirements. Most NCAA colleges have higher academic standards and if you have the tools that NCAA is looking for, you don't want academics to stand in your way.

Most importantly, set your goals high and keep your mind and options open. If you want to go to college and play college-level baseball, you can. The opportunity is there for everyone and you don't have to be a top prospect or a valedictorian to do so. Many high school graduates attend junior college and go on to four-year institutions, some even enter the MLB draft. All is good!!! After all, obtaining a college education and playing baseball is the goal.

What Next?

Start now! That's all it takes. One thing is for sure, four years of high school will come and go in a glance. There is no putting off for next year what you must be doing this year. This will be key to your success, and you can do it.

To find out how you can have all of the resources you need, visit www.baseballedge.org. Imagine having absolutely everything you need in one place, right now, at your fingertips. From academic requirements and recruiting guidelines, to college camp, clinic and showcase events happening all over the country. When you didn't know where to start before, you do now. Visit us today at www.baseballedge.org.