Head Coach Jon Martin of Bates College is our latest addition to our Program Spotlights. He offered some simplified advice for players in the recruiting process and the best ways recruits interested in Bates College can contact him.
The Bobcats are an NCAA Division III school that competes in the New England Small College Athletic Conference and compete against teams in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, New York, and Vermont.
“Be patient. Enjoy the process. Learn how to compete.”
– Coach Martin, Bates College
Quick Facts
| School: | Bates College |
| Division: | NCAA Division III |
| Conference: | New England Small College Athletic Conference |
| Location: | Lewiston, ME |
| Student Population: | 2,000 |
| Website: | gobatesbobcats.com |
| Twitter: | @BatesBaseball |
| Questionnaire: | Recruit Form |
Recruiting Q&A – with Head Coach Jon Martin
What are your typical scouting methods?
We do it all. Showcases, tournaments, video, etc.
How do you recommend players contact you if they are interested in your program?
Email or message via any social media.
If a player contacts you, what are you most interested in?
Academic record. Baseball skill set.
Any general advice for players that want to play college baseball?
Be patient. Enjoy the process. Learn how to compete.
>> Read more: Recruiting Q&As from college coaches <<
Program Overview – Bobcat Baseball
In 2016, Head Coach Jon Martin took over the Bates College baseball program. Throughout his tenure he has consistently put together competitive teams, highlighted by a 2019 NESCAC Coach of the Year award. Prior to taking over the Bobcat program, Coach Martin had a long career in college baseball and several other organizations within the sport where he has produced several MLB Draft picks.
Bates College’s baseball team has access to excellent facilities both indoors and outdoors. The team’s home field features an outdoor batting cage, professional-style dugouts, and a top-notch drainage system that enables the field to be used as early as late March. When indoor practices are necessary, the team trains in the Clifton Daggett Gray Athletic Building. This building has ample space for a full infield practice and includes a batting cage for indoor batting practice.
The Bobcats host several camps throughout the year which are always a great chance for high school players to learn more about the program and coaching staff and showcase their talents. For the most up-to-date camp info, please visit the program’s website here.
School Overview – Bates College
Bates College is a private liberal arts college located in Lewiston, Maine, United States. Founded in 1855 by abolitionists, Bates College is one of the oldest coeducational colleges in the United States. The college has a rich history of social activism, and its mission is to provide an education that encourages intellectual exploration and critical thinking, while preparing students to be responsible and engaged citizens.
Academics: Bates College has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 1,800 students. The college offers a wide range of majors and minors in over 30 academic departments, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1, and over 70% of classes have fewer than 20 students, ensuring that students receive individualized attention and support from their professors.
Athletics: Bates College has a strong athletic program, with 31 varsity sports teams, known as the “Bobcats”. The college is a member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) and competes in Division III of the NCAA. The college’s athletic facilities include the Underhill Arena, Merrill Gymnasium, and the Garcelon Field complex, which includes a football stadium, baseball and softball fields, and a track and field complex.
Campus Life: Bates College has a vibrant campus life, with over 100 student-run clubs and organizations, including a student newspaper, radio station, and theater group. The college also has a strong commitment to community service and social activism, and students are actively engaged in various volunteer programs and initiatives.
The campus is spread over 109 acres, and the architecture of the college reflects its long history, with many of the buildings dating back to the late 19th century. The campus also features modern facilities, including a new science center, an arts center, and a state-of-the-art library.
Admissions: Bates College is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 12%. The college is test-optional, meaning that students are not required to submit standardized test scores as part of their application. Instead, the college considers a range of factors, including academic achievement, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Financial Aid: Bates College is committed to making its education accessible to students from all backgrounds. The college meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students, and over 40% of students receive need-based financial aid. The college also offers merit-based scholarships to exceptional students.
Alumni: Bates College has a strong alumni network, with over 25,000 alumni living around the world. Notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Rohde, former CEO of Citigroup Vikram Pandit, and former US Senator George Mitchell.
Students who are interested in learning more about the area, academic programs, admission requirements, and student life at Bates College are invited to visit bates.edu for more information.
Closing Remarks
Thank you to Coach Martin for taking to the time to fill out the Recruiting Q&A. His advice of “Be patient. Enjoy the process. Learn how to compete.” is fantastic, and we couldn’t agree more. The recruiting process can become complicated, frustrating, and stressful, so sometimes it’s beneficial to take a step back and simplify everything.
Players are often anxious to reach the end of their recruiting process understandably, but it shouldn’t be a distraction to the point that they are not enjoying their high school season, and the current stage they are in. Learning to enjoy the moment will lead to better performance on the field, and ultimately increase a players chances of achieving their goals.
Players interested in learning more about the program and introducing themselves to Coach Martin, are encouraged to follow his instructions above. We would like to thank Coach Martin again and wish the Bobcats the best of luck in their upcoming season.
