Advertise on podcast: The Recruiting Roundtable

The conversation delves into the evolution of college baseball recruiting, the scouting and evaluation process, and the impact of new NCAA rules on recruiting. It also covers the recruitment of high school players, JUCO players, and transfer portal players, providing insights into the changing landscape of college baseball recruiting. The conversation delves into the intricacies of college baseball recruitment, emphasizing the importance of playing and enjoying the game, opportunities for movement and growth, physical preparedness, predictability, honesty, transparency, preparation, and fit for college baseball. Takeaways Recruiting has evolved with the use of technology and data analytics.The scouting process involves evaluating players' skills, character, and potential fit within the team. Play because you love itBe physically prepared and predictableHonesty and transparency are crucial in the recruitment process Chapters 00:00 Evolution of College Baseball Recruiting03:06 Scouting and Evaluation Process07:31 Recruiting High School Players09:31 Recruiting JUCO Players12:48 Transfer Portal Recruiting21:10 Impact of New NCAA Rules on Recruiting24:24 Navigating College Baseball Recruitment25:21 The Importance of Playing and Enjoying the Game26:19 Opportunities for Movement and Growth30:03 Physical Preparedness and Predictability38:57 Honesty and Transparency in the Recruitment Process48:53 Preparation and Fit for College Baseball

The conversation covers Coach Eric Cruz's journey to becoming the head coach at Nova Southeastern University, his background in baseball, the impact of influential mentors, and the transition from coaching to professional scouting. It also delves into the recruiting philosophy, common mistakes made by parents and players, and the implications of the new five-year eligibility rule in college baseball. The conversation covers various aspects of college baseball recruiting, including player evaluation, team dynamics, roster management, and the importance of finding the right fit for student-athletes. Coach Cruz emphasizes the significance of character, academics, and teamwork in the recruiting process, highlighting the role of showcases and camps in player development and recruitment. Takeaways Mentorship and influential figures play a significant role in shaping a coach's career.The new five-year eligibility rule in college baseball will change the landscape of recruiting and the overall brand of baseball.Patience is crucial in the recruiting process, and players and parents should avoid comparing their journey to others.Recruiting philosophy emphasizes the importance of finding players who fit the program's philosophy and are good people, good students, and willing to serve the community. Player evaluation and recruitment focus on more than just skill set, considering factors like character, academics, and teamwork.The importance of finding the right fit for student-athletes, emphasizing the role of showcases and camps in player development and recruitment. Chapters 00:00 Journey to Head Coach03:04 Transition and Influential Mentors07:19 Championship Pedigree and Coaching Philosophy08:13 Transition to Professional Baseball12:06 Recruiting Philosophy and Common Mistakes21:45 New Five-Year Eligibility Rule27:29 Recruiting Philosophy and Player Evaluation28:38 Evaluating Character and Team Dynamics29:33 Impact of Legislation on Recruiting Process31:08 Roster Management and Recruitment Needs35:43 Role of Showcases and Camps in Recruiting Process38:20 Advice for Players and Parents in the Recruiting Process43:20 Importance of Fit and Development Plan46:29 Pathways to College Baseball and Recruitment

Mike Silvestri discusses the importance of a personalized recruiting plan, proper evaluation, and targeted approach in the player recruitment process. He emphasizes the value of tools such as the digital player profile and readiness index calculator, as well as the need for credibility and targeted outreach. Mike also highlights the significance of avoiding misguided recruitment efforts and the need for a targeted approach and guidance in the recruiting landscape. Takeaways A recruiting profile is not a recruiting planExposure alone is not enough for player recruitment Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Recruiting Roundtable05:24 Tools for Player Recruitment11:21 Player Development and Real Recruiting Opportunities17:46 Avoiding Misguided Recruitment Efforts

The conversation covers the world of Division III baseball, including the opportunities it offers and the importance of effort and attitude. It delves into the coach's background, program overview, recruiting process, culture, player development, and preparation. Additionally, it provides insights into the recruiting timeline, strategies, and tips, as well as the non-negotiable traits for players. Takeaways Division III baseball opportunitiesImportance of effort and attitudeRecruiting process and timelines Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Division III Baseball07:32 Culture and Program Standards13:31 Player Development and Preparation23:30 Recruiting Timeline and Process41:27 Non-Negotiable Traits and Conclusion

The conversation with Jorge Perez covers his background, coaching journey, and the recruiting process at St. Thomas University. It delves into the program's culture, Team USA experience, Bobcat culture, player recruitment criteria, recruiting high school players, and the integration of technology in the recruiting process. The conversation covers the importance of data consistency in player evaluation, the use of technology for player assessment, exploring opportunities in NAIA baseball, the value of different pathways in baseball, and the support provided to players in finding opportunities. Takeaways Recruiting ProcessProgram Culture Data consistency is crucialThe use of technology in player evaluation Chapters 00:00 Jorge Perez's Background and Journey to St. Thomas University06:23 Bobcat Culture and Player Recruitment Criteria18:39 Recruiting Process and Technology Integration26:21 Exploring NAIA Baseball Opportunities32:37 Supporting Players and Finding Opportunities

The conversation with Tyler Younger, head coach of Gulf Coast State College, covers the world of junior college baseball and the recruiting process. It delves into the JUCO path, player evaluation, statistics, and the role of camps in recruiting. The discussion provides valuable insights for parents and players interested in the junior college baseball experience. Takeaways Junior College BaseballRecruiting Process Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background06:39 Recruiting and Player Development23:30 Player Evaluation and Statistics31:32 Role of Camps in Recruiting

The podcast features Cody and Cole Boisvert, freshman pitcher and catcher at Maryville University, discussing their recruiting process. The conversation covers the challenges, networking, geographical considerations, evaluation, effective communication, campus visit, parental role, efficiency, and the level of play in Division III baseball. Key takeaways include the challenges of the recruiting process and the importance of academics in recruiting. In this episode, you’ll hear: What it’s like to be a talented player who feels overlookedCommon recruiting mistakes families make earlyThe role film, academics, and outreach play togetherWhy recruiting takes time and consistencyWhat the commitment moment actually felt likeAdvice for players and parents still waiting for their opportunity

The conversation with Mikayla Santa Cruz covers her background in softball, the college transfer experience, and the importance of academics in the recruiting process. It also delves into the changes in softball recruiting rules, early recruiting pressure, the role of athleticism and academics in softball, priorities in softball recruiting, mentoring and consultation in recruiting, and the support available for softball players through Florida Diamond Recruiting Services. Takeaways Softball recruiting processImportance of academics in recruiting Chapters 00:00 Introducing Mikayla Santa Cruz05:18 How Michael and Mikayla Connected11:11 Changes in Softball Recruiting Rules18:47 Priorities in Softball Recruiting25:17 Equipped to Support Softball Players

In this kickoff episode of The Recruiting Roundtable, FDRS founder Mike Silvestri breaks down the evolving landscape of college baseball and softball recruiting. From roster reductions and the transfer portal to JUCO pathways and scholarship realities, Mike explains why the recruiting process has never been more complex and how families can navigate it successfully. You'll learn: Why D1 roster spots are shrinking — and where players are landing insteadHow FDRS evaluates, projects, and places athletes nationwideThe role of academic money, JUCO programs, and the "freshman impact" philosophyWhy managing expectations and starting early are now essential Whether you're just starting your journey or looking for clarity in a shifting system, this episode sets the foundation for what’s ahead on the Recruiting Roundtable.