A Field of Dreamers

#2-Write Your Letters of Introduction

"So here's what we're going to do: You're going sit down and re-type this letter I brought, into an electronic file. This is the letter of introduction you're going to send to each of these schools on your list.

All you have to do is fill in the blanks specific to each school and you're done.

This will help you get on the radar screen of each program. In addition to this, you'll also have to fill out the Player Questionnaire that each program is certain to have. Some of these questionnaires will be online, and some will be mailed to you, but I want you to promise me that you will fill out each of them, and send them in quickly."

Austin nodded.

"All you'll have to do is locate the names of the coaches, their addresses and contact information, including phone number and email, enter them into a database, and print and mail the letters.

All of this information is available on the schools athletics website, but you may have to dig to get it all, as some of the schools do a better job than others in making this information available. When you find a school where the information is not on the site, all you need to do is pick up the phone and call the Athletics offices and speak to a coordinator. Most times they are happy to help you as long as you are polite in your requests.

Are you with me so far?" Kent asked.

Austin nodded his head.

"Ok. Please read the letter to us aloud," Kent said.

"Hi Coach (Name),

My name is (Austin Morin), and I am writing to introduce myself as a prospective student-athlete to your baseball program at (COLLEGE NAME).

I have followed your program for many years and feel I may be able to contribute to the future success of the program upon my graduation from (Park City High School) in 2009.

I am a left-handed hitting catcher (5'11", 165 lbs.) with strong blocking, receiving, and leadership skills. As a prospective member of your program, I am a passionate student of the game and bring a strong work ethic to my preparation and performance both on the field-and the classroom (insert GPA and ACT/SAT scores here). I know that I still have much to learn as I continue my development under your Program's leadership, and am confident I can continue to develop my game and be a strong contributor to the Team.

I have had a great freshman baseball season (insert stats at end of paragraph). Defensively, I've continued to work real hard on my blocking and receiving skills, and feel real good about where I am today. I have been working much on my swing, and really like the way I am consistently approaching my at bats. I know I will always have to work on these areas to perform better, and believe that if I were to earn a spot on your roster-my work ethic and the experience I gain from your staff will make me a better player-and stronger contributor to the Team.

I hope you will consider me for a roster spot on your 2009-10 team, and you will not regret your decision. I do want to continue my baseball career at catcher, but will play any position you feel I can best contribute. I also want you to know that I work very hard for the opportunities I am given, and will make you and your staff proud of your decision to let me earn a roster spot on your team.

In closing, I would like to keep you informed of my showcase schedule this summer, and progress, so I will forward you those dates as the events are finalized. If you are attending those events, I do hope you may have some time to come watch me play. I am playing for Coach (NAME) on the (name of team) team.

(INSERT COACH NAME)-Head Coach, (SCHOOL NAME) High School: (PHONE NUMBER)

(INSERT COACH NAME)-Head Coach, (TRAVEL CLUB NAME): (PHONE NUMBER)

Thank you for considering my qualifications as a prospective player. I hope to meet you soon!

Sincerely,

AUSTINMORIN (add space for signature)

Park City, UT

(Insert phone number)

Austin looked up as he finished the letter with a puzzled look on his face.

"I'm not on a travel team Kent."

"Well, perhaps you will be soon," he said. "I've got you a tryout on Saturday if you're up for it."

"With who?" Austin said.

"Utah Baseball Academy in Salt Lake City.

They've been around forever and are really connected to many of the college programs throughout the country," Kent said. "I know a couple of the coaches down there and they're always looking for good players for their teams. I mentioned your name and said that you've got a real good work ethic, so they'd like to have you come for a tryout for their summer and fall tournament teams.

Lots of what they do is local and regional tournaments and showcases, and some of the showcases draw some of the best college recruiters in the country. They aren't too expensive compared to other programs and if the player puts the time into his game and develops, they do a great job in getting your name out there to the college programs.

For the money, it's probably the best value you'll find in a travel team."

"Saturday work for you guys?" asked Kent.

Austin looked at his mom and me and said, "Can I?"

"Sure. If you think you're ready for a tryout, let's give it a try."

Kent slid a piece of paper over to me with the address to the facility. "Be there before 10 am on Saturday. I'll meet you there, and the tryout should take about an hour and a half."

"Now Austin, when do you think you can get these letters mailed out." Kent asked?

"I can do them tonight," Austin said.

"No. no....You've got plenty of work to do here Austin, so let's try to put a realistic date on it. Could you possibly get all these names and the letters ready to mail out by next Sunday?"

"Yes sir, I can do that!"

"Alright then," Kent said. "1 week and that's your word. No excuses. It's got to be done. I'll meet you at the Academy tomorrow, and remember to bring your catcher's gear, helmet and bat, ok?"

Austin nodded. He shook Kent's hand as he left our home, closed the front door and ran to his room – a Man on a mission.