By Mike Penn

July 1^st : the magical day that junior's across the country wait for a call.  It signifies the first day in which Division 1 baseball programs can call recruits. 

So what does it mean if you didn’t get a call? Are you not going to play Division 1?   Don’t worry, because you are not alone.  For starters, I never got a call on July 1^st, but I ended up playing at Michigan.  I had a lot of friends in that same position.  Others went on to play NAIA and Division III.  Some of those players even went on to the pros after college. 

It is called a recruiting process for a reason.  It has a life cycle of its own.  For some it takes awhile and for some it is really short.  Regardless of whether one's process is short or long, it still remains a process.

It also depends on who you are.  Some players want to de done with it.  They like their school, the staff, the offer; it all makes sense.  Boom.  Commit.  The process is over with.  Nothing hanging over your head and you can work hard moving forward.

Others need a little more time.  They need to see the options.  They need time to develop.  Maybe you are a late bloomer, like I was, and you need to hit your growth spurt (6 inches between your junior and senior seasons). Others need to be seen.  Maybe you play at a small school or don’t play for elite travel team.  Maybe you just need some eyes on you.

Whatever the case may be, and whether or not you received a call on July 1^st or not, let the process unfold.  It is just that: a process. And for those who did not receive a call on July 1^st don’t panic, it might take you a little longer to find the right fit.

My advice, for what it is worth, is to find the right fit in terms of school, coach, and teammates.  Remember your job, whether you have already committed or not, is to be the best baseball player you can be.  Get better everyday and prove that you are worth that scholarship or that you are worthy of one.