Why Baseball Scouts Overlook You: The Truth About Bad Coaching

“Why Top Division 1 Programs Don’t Notice You: The Coaching Gap”

My memo:

Baseball, often referred to as America’s pastime, is a game of precision, strategy, and fundamentals. However, in recent years, the quality of instruction at the youth and high school levels has deteriorated alarmingly. As a result, many talented young players are being overlooked by scouts and top Division I programs. The simple truth is that these players are learning the wrong way to play the game. And the blame falls squarely on the shoulders of unqualified coaches who either never played the game at a high level or were simply not good at it. For those coaches who do know the game and teach it correctly, thank you. But for the rest—a reckoning is long overdue.

Why Baseball Scouts Don’t Notice You

Scouts are trained to look for certain traits in players: mechanics, instincts, and an understanding of the game. But too often, they encounter players who lack the fundamentals. The issue isn’t necessarily the players themselves but the way they’ve been coached. Poor instruction results in bad habits, and bad habits are a red flag for scouts. When a scout sees a player who can’t run the bases correctly, doesn’t know how to field properly, or has a flawed swing, they move on to the next prospect. Time is precious, and scouts don’t have the luxury of fixing problems that should have been addressed years earlier.

The Role of Make-Believe Coaches

The rise of unqualified coaches is one of the biggest issues plaguing youth and high school baseball. These "make-believe" coaches often have little to no experience playing the game at a competitive level. Some may have played in high school or lower-level college programs but lacked the skills to excel. Others have no playing experience at all but take on coaching roles to earn extra money. While some of these individuals may have good intentions, their lack of knowledge and expertise does more harm than good.

Here are a few common failings of unqualified coaches:

1. Improper Mechanics: Many young pitchers are taught incorrect throwing mechanics, leading to arm injuries and diminished velocity. Similarly, hitters are often instructed to use ineffective batting stances and swings, stunting their development.
2. Lack of Fundamentals: Basic skills like bunting, base running, and situational awareness are frequently overlooked. These are the building blocks of the game, yet many players never learn them properly.
3. Poor Game Management: Coaches often fail to teach players how to think strategically during a game. This includes understanding when to take an extra base, how to read a pitcher, or when to shift defensively.
4. Focus on Winning Over Development: Many coaches prioritize winning games over developing their players. This short-term mindset can stifle a player’s growth and lead to burnout.

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The Impact on Players

When players are taught the wrong way, they carry those bad habits with them as they move up the ranks. The result is a cascade of missed opportunities. High school players fail to catch the attention of scouts, and those who do make it to college often struggle to adapt to the higher level of play. In extreme cases, these players are cut from their teams or never make it off the bench.

As a former scout, I’ve seen it all. I’ve watched high school players with raw talent squander their potential because of poor coaching. I’ve seen players run the bases like Little Leaguers, fail to hit cutoff men, and flail helplessly at breaking balls. These issues aren’t the fault of the players but of the coaches who failed to prepare them.

The Cost of Private Instruction

Adding insult to injury is the rise of private instructors who charge exorbitant fees for lessons. Parents shell out $75 to $125 an hour for hitting or pitching instruction, often from individuals who have no credentials. These so-called experts market themselves as gurus but provide little value. In many cases, they teach flawed techniques that players must unlearn later, if they’re lucky enough to find a competent coach.

The Few Who Get It Right

Fortunately, not all coaches are bad. There are still many dedicated individuals who understand the game and teach it the right way. These coaches focus on fundamentals, instill a love for the game, and prepare their players for the next level. They are often former players who understand the grind of the sport and the importance of discipline and hard work. To these coaches, I say thank you. Your efforts are invaluable and appreciated.

A Call for Change

Baseball needs a cultural shift at the grassroots level. Here are some steps we can take to improve the quality of coaching and ensure that young players are learning the game the right way:

1. Better Screening for Coaches: Youth and high school programs need to implement stricter criteria for selecting coaches. Playing experience at a competitive level should be a prerequisite, along with a thorough understanding of the game’s fundamentals.
2. Coaching Education: Organizations like USA Baseball and the National High School Baseball Coaches Association should expand their coaching certification programs. Coaches should be required to attend clinics and pass exams to demonstrate their knowledge.
3. Accountability: Programs should evaluate coaches regularly and seek feedback from players and parents. Those who fail to meet standards should be replaced.
4. Affordable Private Instruction: There needs to be more regulation and oversight of private instruction. Parents should demand credentials and seek out instructors with proven track records.
5. Focus on Development: Coaches must prioritize player development over winning games. This means emphasizing fundamentals, giving all players opportunities to contribute, and creating an environment where players can grow.

My Bottom Line-

The failures of coaches to teach the correct way to play baseball are holding back an entire generation of players. From unqualified high school coaches to overpriced private instructors, the system is broken. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. By holding coaches accountable and prioritizing proper instruction, we can ensure that young players learn the game the right way. For the sake of the sport we all love, it’s time for a change. Let’s give every player the tools they need to succeed, both on and off the field.

I tackle some hard truths about youth baseball, the role of coaches, and why scouts and Division I baseball programs often overlook certain players. Drawing from my own years as a scout, I reflect on being tasked by top programs like Arizona, Miami, and Stanford to evaluate players they couldn’t personally see. Out of nearly 18 players I assessed for these schools, none met the high standard required to play at the Division I level. Every year the Baseball draft comes along in July, how many sign in your State?

For those that read my newsletter how many times have I said GO TO A Top Division 1 Program, and how many time I have said before buying lessons hitting or pitching, ask for the instructors qualifications. It's Your Money!

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