Baseball: Playing Outside the Lines

Competition for scholarship money in college baseball is fierce, and rosters spots are not easy to come by at any level. How do you increase your chances of both? Get seen by the right people at the right time who also have needs that match your skill set. This book will explain the process and open your eyes to the steps of selling yourself to a college baseball program that is also the best fit socially and academically.

We roll the whole equation out into an easy to understand format: NCAA rules of eligibility, talking to coaches, choosing schools, evaluating programs, choosing exposure opportunities like showcase and summer camps and more (see chapter outline). We explain the pro’s and con’s of your options and think you will be able to answer the most difficult question on your own after you have read the book. Where is the best place(s) for me to apply and play college ball?

Ray is a respected writer and speaker on the topics of mental skills training and college recruiting. He holds a master of science degree in Sport Psychology from Florida State University and has worked with the FSU athletic department, the Houston Astros and many High School teams. He received an undergraduate degree from Hamilton College where he was captain of the baseball team. As a coach his experience includes two seasons with the highly regarded Florida High Seminoles (Tallahassee), Little League, Babe Ruth, and several other youth and high school programs.

In 1997 Ray wrote and published Baseball: Playing Outside the Lines - A Guide for College Bound Baseball Players, their Parents and Coaches. In 2000 the book was revised and updated. Now, after 1,000 sales, the 2004 updated and revised edition is now available with more content and exciting, in-depth interviews.

Past publications and organizations where his work have appeared include Golf Illustrated, The Boston Sports Journal, PONY Baseball, National High School Baseball Coaches Association, All-Stater Magazine and High Wired Sports Magazine. His past works include The Athlete's Advisor Newsletter, a subscription based publication for high school athletic and guidance departments and several contributed articles. In 2001 he was the web producer for HighWiredSports.com, a national high school sports web site covering 60 markets via a network of 300 local sports writers. Currently, Ray runs Athletesadvisor.com which provides educational information for parents & students regarding training, nutrition, college recruiting and has also authored over 100 articles on college recruiting, student athletics, and mental skills, and done extensive interviews with personal trainers at the professional & college level. In addition Ray consults privately for families in the middle of the college recruiting process.