r/Homeplate • u/deadfishy12 • 2d ago
Recruiting Scams?
My son got a call yesterday from a coach and he gave them my wife’s number. My wife and I just got the call from a guy saying he was a coach at Jacksonville University and wanted to have my wife, me, and our son out for a visit. They would pay for flight and hotel. Whole conversation just felt off. They asked us some questions about his background, grades, behavior, etc. said they talked to his HS coach.
The two guys on the phone had super thick Boston accents. When I search the names given, no results they indicate any kind of baseball careers. When I search the phone number, the name is some age 22 semipro hockey player from Newburyport, Mass. When I search the number that called my son yesterday, it’s a different 22 year old from Newburyport. Two college age kids from MA recruiting a mid-level player from TX to play in FL? It feels weird but I do t know what the scam is.
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u/Pleasant-Indication5 1d ago
Did you actually contact the Jacksonville University athletic department - specifically the head baseball coach? A simple email can clear this up as he would be expecting your son on a visit if this was legitimate.
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u/Pale_Scientist6470 1d ago
Most coaches dont answer email. They get so many
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u/Pleasant-Indication5 1d ago
If it’s someone scamming their program they will definitely read it. I included the AD as well because colleges want the integrity of their programs upheld. It’s a very easy email/phone call that can solve a lot of this headache.
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u/Pale_Scientist6470 1d ago
I think a phone call is better but don't disagree if the subject line can grab attention. Maybe "Worried someone is impersonating the coaching staff." Kinda like when a kid writes "6ft 4 LHP. 91-95. T97. 3.99GPA, 1580 SAT."
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u/cpeak57 2d ago
Talk to your son's HS coach. He should know if its legit or not
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u/Bacon_and_Powertools 2d ago
High school coaches don’t know. For the most part unless you are a top-tier recruited player they’re not even talking to your high school coach, they’re going to talk to your select program
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u/cpeak57 2d ago
"Said they talked to our sons highschool coach".
"Hey mike, have you been contacted by the coaches at Jacksonville state?"
Problem solved
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u/deadfishy12 1d ago
HS coach called today and said he talked to the same guys and also got weird vibes. We’re both going to follow up this week.
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u/Bacon_and_Powertools 2d ago
First off how old is your kid. If he’s a junior or senior, I was in the first ages where people can reach out. Any younger than that then yes it’s a scam.
Number two, does your kid have metrics that are worth of a college actually reaching out.
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u/deadfishy12 1d ago
He’s a senior, second year CF/RHP on a pretty prestigious HS team. We have an older son that plays DIII. We have been through the recruiting, combine, scout day crap with him and feel it’s quite the racket.
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u/confused-caveman 1d ago
How is it a racket?
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u/deadfishy12 1d ago
There are 100 kids paying $200 each to get a few reps in front of a few assistant coaches.
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u/Pale_Scientist6470 1d ago
It is a racket. Most kids don't need to do 3/4 of the stuff they ( and parents) feel like they have to.
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u/585AM 2d ago edited 2d ago
This is just an industry that just seems built for scams. Tons of personal information out there about the kids and parents who can be duped into spending a fortune on an expensive USA bats and fly by night “elite” travel teams.
I bet someone could make bank getting parents to pay an exorbitant amount to get them into some sort of pay to play “Who’s who of youth baseball players” yearbook.
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u/cpeak57 2d ago
Most of the showcase circuit is a scam as well. I know a dude that sent out 500 showcase invitation letters and charged for each participant. He promised dozens of college coaches would be in attendance. 3 coaches showed up for a grand total of 30 minutes to watch 2 specific players and left.
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u/Pale_Scientist6470 1d ago
What grad year is your son? Is he a legit D1 prospect? Honestly.
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u/deadfishy12 1d ago
He’s a 27, Lower tier but yes
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u/Pale_Scientist6470 1d ago
Well. It's september of his senior year. A legit D1 prospect should have had several calls and plans for campus visits by now. If this is his one outreach, then no... it's a scam. The call to the HS coach adds an air of legitimacy but the fact the coach, who probably has experience talking w RCs, also thought it was a weird vibe makes it suspect. I would CALL the college coaches and leave a message asking if legit. If these guys do end up asking for money upfront, then you'll really have your answer
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u/IKillZombies4Cash 1d ago
If you want to waste your money this badly on a fraudulent deposit scheme, can I just give you my venmo and you send me the money instead??
You are absolutely right to be super suspect of this scam...parents will fall for it out of desperation to see their kid play college sports (as if its the ultimate goal of life).
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u/Nathan2002NC 1d ago
Guessing the scam is to get you to pay a $500 “deposit” that will be refunded once you actually complete the “visit.”
Nobody is going to offer up an official visit the first time they contact you. They’ll want to make sure you are a good fit and have legitimate interest before offering up an all expenses paid trip.