Assistant Coach Erik Carlson of Hamilton College gave us a look at his recruiting methods and offered some advice to players are they advance to the next level.
The Continentals are an NCAA Division III school that competes in the New England Small College Athletic Conference. The Colonials are led by veteran Head Coach Tim Byres.
“Get in the weight room, college baseball, especially at the Division 3 level is much more physical than it used to be.”
– Coach Carlson, Hamilton College
Quick Facts
| School: | Hamilton College |
| Division: | NCAA Division III |
| Conference: | New England Small College Athletic Conference |
| Location: | Clinton, NY |
| Student Population: | 1,850 |
| Website: | athletics.hamilton.edu |
| Twitter: | @HamCollBaseball |
| Questionnaire: | Recruit Form |
Recruiting Q&A – with Assistant Coach Erik Carlson
What are your typical scouting methods?
Showcases, College Prospect Camps, Summer Ball.
How do you recommend players contact you if they are interested in your program?
If a player contacts you, what are you most interested in?
Video, Measurable Stats (60 time, exit velo, arm velo, etc.) Schedules
Any general advice for players that want to play college baseball?
Get in the weight room, college baseball, especially at the Division 3 level is much more physical than it used to be.
>> Read more: Recruiting Q&As from college coaches <<
Program Overview – Continentals Baseball
Coach Tim Byrnes has been the head baseball coach at Hamilton College for over 15 years. During this time, he has led the team to many impressive achievements. In 2019, two of his players were recognized as all-NESCAC selections, and the team won their fourth consecutive game in the Jackie Robinson Classic against Utica College. Under Coach Byrnes’ leadership, nine of his players have received a total of 11 all-conference honors, and three have made the D3baseball.com all-region team. Hamilton baseball has achieved 165 victories under his direction.
Coach Byrnes’ players hold numerous program career records in categories such as batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, runs, hits, doubles, triples, home runs, runs batted in, total bases, stolen bases, ERA, strikeouts, and innings pitched. His leadership has also resulted in the setting of 13 individual and 14 team single-season records.
Before coaching at Hamilton College, Coach Byrnes was the head coach at Morrisville State College in 2005 and 2006. During his tenure, one of his players was recognized as a National Junior College Association of America (NJCAA) Division III All-American in 2006, the first such award in the program’s history. Byrnes’ players also earned two NJCAA academic all-America and two academic all-region honors.
Coach Byrnes himself played as an outfielder on the St. Lawrence University varsity baseball team and earned a degree in sports and leisure studies with a minor in education.
The Continentals host several camps throughout the year which can be a great opportunity for players to showcase their skills to the coaching staff. For the most up-to-date camp info, please visit the program’s website here.
School Overview – Hamilton College
Hamilton College is a private liberal arts college located in Clinton, New York. Founded in 1793 as the Hamilton-Oneida Academy, the college has a rich history and a reputation for academic excellence. The campus is set on over 1,350 acres of land in the beautiful Mohawk Valley, and the college is home to approximately 1,850 students.
Hamilton College offers a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, writing, and communication skills. Students can choose from more than 50 areas of study, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and fine arts. The college also offers a number of interdisciplinary programs, such as neuroscience, environmental studies, and public policy.
One of the unique features of Hamilton College is its open curriculum. Unlike many other colleges and universities that require students to take a set of core courses, Hamilton College allows students to design their own course of study. This means that students can focus on their areas of interest and take classes that are relevant to their future careers or academic goals.
The college also has a strong commitment to research and scholarship. Hamilton College has a number of research centers and institutes, including the Arthur Levitt Public Affairs Center, the Digital Humanities Initiative, and the Wellin Museum of Art. The college also offers a number of research opportunities for students, including summer research programs and independent research projects.
In addition to its academic programs, Hamilton College offers a vibrant campus life. The college has more than 200 student organizations, including clubs for sports, music, theater, and community service. The college also has a number of athletics teams, including basketball, football, soccer, and lacrosse. Hamilton College is a member of the NCAA Division III, and the college has a strong tradition of athletic excellence.
Hamilton College is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The college has a number of initiatives and programs that promote diversity and support underrepresented groups. The college also has a multicultural center, which provides resources and support for students from diverse backgrounds.
One of the strengths of Hamilton College is its strong alumni network. Hamilton College graduates are leaders in their fields, and the college has produced a number of notable alumni, including former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, author and journalist David Foster Wallace, and television producer Shonda Rhimes.
Hamilton College is a top liberal arts college with a strong academic program, a vibrant campus life, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. With its open curriculum and emphasis on research and scholarship, Hamilton College offers students a unique and personalized education that prepares them for success in a rapidly changing world. Whether students are interested in pursuing careers in the arts, sciences, or humanities, Hamilton College provides the foundation they need to achieve their goals.
Closing Remarks
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to Coach Carlson for completing the Recruiting Q&A. We completely agree with Coach Carlson’s advice that recruits need to prepare themselves physically for the next level, regardless of division. In college baseball, everyone is talented, and those that can gain a physical advantage by working hard in the weight room and during strength and conditioning work will see that translate to success on the field.
Again, thank you to Coach Carlson, and we wish the Hamilton baseball program the best of luck in their upcoming season.
