Promote your program

One overlooked area of many high school baseball programs is marketing.  It’s a fact and somewhat depressing as well that baseball is not as popular as it once was in America for young athletes.  That has caused many good athletes to go away from baseball and give some other sports a try like lacrosse and spring soccer.  Throwing your hands up in disgust is not a long-term solution to that problem.  Actively promoting your program in ways that appeal to kids can reap rewards but it may require you to think outside the box and bring in some help from others, especially if you are not too knowledgable about social media.

Kids are all over social media these days in the form of Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.  Creating accounts can help spread the word about your program and highlight all the positive features it has to offer kids.  Not only does it create a sense of loyalty and camaraderie with your current players but it can keep kids in the lower grades abreast of what they will experience when they get to you.  Little things like that may keep those kids interested in your program and keep them in baseball.

Another great idea is to create a team video.  An example of one is here.  It was created by a player who is involved in the school’s TV studio.

If your school permits, make a video of your own.  Create a Facebook page.  Set up a Twitter account.  If you don’t have a clue about how to use social media, just ask someone.  Delegate it out to a team manager.  The point is, be creative and take action.

Have you done something along these lines?  If so, please share in the comment section.