09/19/2026
Episode 9 of The Recruiting Roundtable: Some excerpts below. Listen to the full episode by clicking on the link in our profile. A MUST LISTEN!
In the latest episode of The Recruiting Roundtable, Mike Silvestri sits down with John McCormack, the head coach at Florida Atlantic University and president of the American Baseball Coaches Association. Their conversation dives deep into the evolving world of Division I baseball, offering valuable insights for parents and players alike.
# # The Changing Landscape of College Baseball
John reflects on how college baseball has transformed since the early '90s. He recalls a time when he would attend high school games to scout talent. Today, the landscape has shifted dramatically. "You don't have to [show up randomly] anymore," he explains. With the rise of travel baseball and year-round scouting, much of the groundwork is already laid before coaches step onto the field.
# # The Importance of Relationships
Mike and John discuss the significance of building relationships in recruiting. John reminisces about his early days and how he met Mike at a game. "That doesn't happen today," he notes, emphasizing that today's recruiting is more strategic and less about chance encounters. Coaches now arrive with a target list, having done their homework through emails and scouting reports.
> "Back in '94, cell phones weren't a thing, computers weren't a thing. You had to go meet people to get lists and find out who was a good player." — John McCormack
# # Evaluating Talent
When evaluating players, John stresses the need for more than just skill assessment. He looks for how a player interacts with teammates, their body language, and their overall attitude. "Those things have to be in line. And then the baseball is the easy part," he says. This holistic approach is crucial, as college seasons are long, and team dynamics play a significant role in success.
# # Junior College vs. High School Recruiting
The discussion shifts to the differences in recruiting from junior colleges compared to high schools. With junior college players, it's about immediate fit. "It's plug and play,"
