Sounds like he's in a great position. Doesn't he have a gut feeling yet?

All things being equal it's time to look at key questions like:

Where are the girls prettier?  Which school has the best food?

https://www.princetonreview.co...ngs=best-campus-food

Campus life (are athletes part of campus)

Food (on campus and off)

Nightlife...other things to do (movies, sports, culture)

Girls

Free Swag (gloves, shirts, shorts, gear, etc)

Class assistance/study hall

Travel (bus (quality of) and/or flights)

JCG posted:

Sounds like he's in a great position. Doesn't he have a gut feeling yet?

All things being equal it's time to look at key questions like:

Where are the girls prettier?  Which school has the best food?

https://www.princetonreview.co...ngs=best-campus-food

I think the problem is he has one school where he loves the facilities, one where he loves the coaches and one where he loves the classes.

The D2 had a volleyball camp the day we visited. That didn't hurt at all. And 60% women to 40% men, so the odds are good.

JCG is on to something.  If all 3 schools are making similar offers, you have to start looking a the little or not so little non-baseball things to help make your decision.  On and off campus dining should be taken into consideration.  What is the teacher to student ratio in his major?  What is the average class size?  How about the male to female ratio?  How far is it to the closest mall?  

Your son is in a good spot. Three schools recruiting him gives him options.

Question: Which school absolutely loves him?.....and the answer isn't all three. They all really, really like him. But one school always stands out. Which is it? It is important to identify that.

Here is an old compilation of questions I had in a file, obviously you can't ask all but pick and choose. I would also role play with your son and have him ask questions of you and or friends to become more confident and also work through the questions he feels important. Good Luck!

Questions for coaches

What kind of academic support does the college provide? (tutors, etc)

What is the team grade point average?

What is the team graduation rate?

What are some of the majors of team players?

What happens if I have a class and practice conflict?

What are your red-shirt procedures? Will I be red-shirted in my freshman year?

Does the scholarship cover summer school?

Will the scholarship cover a fifth year if necessary?

At my position, what does the depth chart look like?

Where do I stand on the recruiting list?

Have you seen me play? Where/when? How do I compare with others you have recruited in my position?

What are my scholarship opportunities?

How many assistant coaches are there?

How many freshman do you typically bring in, either as signees or as invited walk-ons, on average how many of them are still at your school 4 years later, and what are the normal reasons for leaving?

Are you happy with the University/administration? Are they supportive of the program and you?

Is the program fully funded? How many scholarships does the program have?

Ask specific questions regarding how much does scholarships change over the 4 years. What does a typical mid week starter get? A starting position player? A weekend pitcher?

Questions for Team Members

Does the coach teach at the school?

What is the morale of the team?

Does the team like the staff?

Is the coach interested in academics?

Do the athletes really have to go to all classes?

How long is practice?

Would you go to this school if you had to choose again?

What is the average class size?

What are the dorms like?

Are the professors accessible?

Do the athletic dept. tutors do a good job?

Pitching / Playing questions

Who is the pitching coach?

What is his pitching philosophy?

What is he looking for when recruiting a pitcher for the program?

What are the off season work outs?

How much rest does he want his pitchers to have in the off season?

Does he limit pitchers with pitch counts?

How many Freshmen pitchers pitch?

Are there any Freshmen starters?

How many Freshmen are redshirted?

Does the program recruit 2 way players?

Can a pitcher DH and pitch?

Are there any 2 way players on the roster?

Questions for Admissions

What is the average class size and ratio per professor?

Who teaches classes? (Professors, teacher assistants)

What is enrollment of college?

How is my major regarded?

What percent of graduates from my major receive jobs within three months of graduation?

How many fraternities and sororities are available?

What are the housing policies?

May I sit in on a class in my major? (as a guest)

How accessible are counselors to me?

Summary Question for Yourself

Did I have a good overall feeling about the school?

Would I go to school here if I wasn't going to play sports?

Will I fit into the athletic program?

Am I satisfied with the living arrangements?

Am I satisfied with the academic opportunities?

Question to the Coach, "can you move back the fence"

Bob

You're son is in a good position with his choice of 3 similar programs.  With baseball being mostly equal at three schools, I'd zero in on a couple specific things:

1) Chemistry with his position coach.   He is going to be spending the majority of his time with his position coach.  Does he like the way the position coach develops and rewards his players?  Has the position coach managed somebody who is playing professionally (if that is your son's end goal)?

2) Training.   There can be huge differences in how programs train and provide nutrition for their athletes.  Do you understand the training methodology they use?  If not, ask how their program was developed and what have been the results?   Do they require the athlete to do it their way or can it be modified in some ways?

3) Tutoring and academic help.   Depending on the program, there can be significant difference in academic assistance and tutoring.  Ask about the process to request a tutor or receive academic assistance.

4) Summer College Baseball Expectations - What is expected from the athlete for summer baseball.,  is it required?  Is there the capability to play summer baseball and do an internship?  Ask.

I think those are big questions as you try to seperate and evaluate 3 different programs.  Good luck!

Unless I missed it ... What is the frequency of bringing JuCo pitchers into the program? 

This isn't something you ask. It's something you do the homework on ... 

What percentage of pitchers brought in over the coach's tenure are taller than you?  Some coaches are prejudiced towards tall pitchers and give them the first (and more) opportunities to succeed. 

StrainedOblique posted:

Your son is in a good spot. Three schools recruiting him gives him options.

Question: Which school absolutely loves him?.....and the answer isn't all three. They all really, really like him. But one school always stands out. Which is it? It is important to identify that.

Here's the problem — on that point, I could cut out one school, which had basically gone dark on him for about four months then suddenly called with an offer. i feel like he's pretty clearly second choice for them.

Of the other two, the second D1 has been attentive for months. He has good connections with coaches, both on baseball and personally. In many ways I would say this one loves him.

The D2 complicates matters. The HC grew up in our hometown. He was the first to tell my son he could play at the D1 level (over a year ago). His best friend is my husband's cousin. His dad coached my son's youth coach, his HS coach and his private pitching coach. There is just a series of connections, both personally and in the game, that gives me a lot of comfort.

It's the farthest away, the most expensive (although affordable) and because of all those connections, the one that as a parent I absolutely would have no qualms about my son attending.

But it's not my decision, darn it!

I don't have any good advice, my Kid is just a 2021.  Just want to say I'm really happy for your son, he is in a great position to be in!

I think BOF pretty well has it covered! Great post. We need that list up top in Recruiting!

Good Luck Iowamom!

3and2Fastball posted:

I don't have any good advice, my Kid is just a 2021.  Just want to say I'm really happy for your son, he is in a great position to be in!

Thank you. It goes way faster than you think. Enjoy it.

BOF: Great comprehensive post.. one to look at before a trip and highlight points most pertinent.

Iowamom: Congrats to your son. While all three have good academics according to your post, is there one which is looked at more highly in the area your son plans to study ? Better job placement. Taking Fenway's last point, you can compare the summer leagues where team places its pitchers.

Iowamom23 posted:

StrainedOblique posted:

Your son is in a good spot. Three schools recruiting him gives him options.

Question: Which school absolutely loves him?.....and the answer isn't all three. They all really, really like him. But one school always stands out. Which is it? It is important to identify that.

Here's the problem — on that point, I could cut out one school, which had basically gone dark on him for about four months then suddenly called with an offer. i feel like he's pretty clearly second choice for them.

Of the other two, the second D1 has been attentive for months. He has good connections with coaches, both on baseball and personally. In many ways I would say this one loves him.

The D2 complicates matters. The HC grew up in our hometown. He was the first to tell my son he could play at the D1 level (over a year ago). His best friend is my husband's cousin. His dad coached my son's youth coach, his HS coach and his private pitching coach. There is just a series of connections, both personally and in the game, that gives me a lot of comfort.

It's the farthest away, the most expensive (although affordable) and because of all those connections, the one that as a parent I absolutely would have no qualms about my son attending.

But it's not my decision, darn it!

 

I am a believer that life send you a message sometimes. Your message is coming from that D2. Call is kismet or whatever, I believe life is telling you where to go. 

I don't have any insights; you're as well prepared as you can be, and the decision will be tough, given all you've shared.  Congrats to your son for his several options!

Congrats to your son for getting offers and having a choice. Great opportunity for your son to work on his decision making skills, weighing his options and hopefully making the best choice. Let us know what he decides on.

Iowamom23 posted:

JCG posted:

Sounds like he's in a great position. Doesn't he have a gut feeling yet?

All things being equal it's time to look at key questions like:

Where are the girls prettier?  Which school has the best food?

https://www.princetonreview.co...ngs=best-campus-food

I think the problem is he has one school where he loves the facilities, one where he loves the coaches and one where he loves the classes.

The D2 had a volleyball camp the day we visited. That didn't hurt at all. And 60% women to 40% men, so the odds are good.

Daughter is in the same boat Iowa-  She loves the coach in one location, but hates the facility.   Great facility but the campus is eh....loves the campus and pool but the team isn't competitive enough.  Shes having a hard time finding one she likes all 3.  AND then you have to see if they like you when you finally do.  I dont envy the kids having to make a decision!

Doesn't seem like a easy process!

Congrats on the options, it can be crazy considering all these factors to consider when choosing a school but it's worse when you feel like you've done enough and all you hear is crickets. I wish you and your son the best!

SanDiegoRealist posted:

Iowamom23 posted:

StrainedOblique posted:

Your son is in a good spot. Three schools recruiting him gives him options.

Question: Which school absolutely loves him?.....and the answer isn't all three. They all really, really like him. But one school always stands out. Which is it? It is important to identify that.

 

The D2 complicates matters. The HC grew up in our hometown. He was the first to tell my son he could play at the D1 level (over a year ago). His best friend is my husband's cousin. His dad coached my son's youth coach, his HS coach and his private pitching coach. There is just a series of connections, both personally and in the game, that gives me a lot of comfort.

It's the farthest away, the most expensive (although affordable) and because of all those connections, the one that as a parent I absolutely would have no qualms about my son attending. 

I am a believer that life send you a message sometimes. Your message is coming from that D2. Call is kismet or whatever, I believe life is telling you where to go. 

I would say that there is a heckuva lot of truth in what SanDiegoRealist is saying there.   

Yea, it does seem like the D-2 has a built in support system...How about the Alumni Assoc? Job/Career will be his next big move, so those connections may prove valuable...

StrainedOblique posted:

Your son is in a good spot. Three schools recruiting him gives him options.

Question: Which school absolutely loves him?.....and the answer isn't all three. They all really, really like him. But one school always stands out. Which is it? It is important to identify that.

Couldn't agree more.  A key question to ask yourself is, "at which program will he be a cornerstone in that recruiting class ?"  In other words, "where will he be one of their guys?"  

You cant overestimate how important this is.  The coaching staff wants "their guys" (that they recruit as freshmen) to succeed. It validates that they recruited the right guy in the first place (whether this is true or not). They will bring in JUCO guys every year to make "their guys" compete. But in the end "their guys" will always get the benefit of the doubt - and that goes on for 4 years !!

Directly from a former, legendary Stanford pitching coach who gave me this advice when I asked the same question you are...

'Coach, what areas of my game do you think I need to improve upon?'

With this question, you can see how well they know you and how honest they are with you - and you can get some free feedback before you start at their school.  Both of our sons asked this question to every single coach who recruited them.  Got some phenomenal feedback, nearly all of it useful.

Iowamom23 posted:

JCG posted:

Sounds like he's in a great position. Doesn't he have a gut feeling yet?

All things being equal it's time to look at key questions like:

Where are the girls prettier?  Which school has the best food?

https://www.princetonreview.co...ngs=best-campus-food

I think the problem is he has one school where he loves the facilities, one where he loves the coaches and one where he loves the classes.

The D2 had a volleyball camp the day we visited. That didn't hurt at all. And 60% women to 40% men, so the odds are good.

I would say coaches, classes then facilities in that order.  The coaches and classes determine if you'll be on the field....the facilities (other than maybe the weight room/strength guy) have nothing to do with it.

When I visit the College camps to select players for our International Goodwill Series, I look for the 6th Tool. What are the objectives of the players, does he ask questions, is he "going" thru the motions. Is he truly interested in learning and improving?

We have a "free" camp Sept 9th in Santa Rosa for players ages 14-18 from Northern California. Each player will learn to improve his game.

Bob

<rwilliams@goodwillseries.org>

Consultant posted:

I look for the 6th Tool. What are the objectives of the players, does he ask questions, is he "going" thru the motions. Is he truly interested in learning and improving?

Bob

<rwilliams@goodwillseries.org>

Son pitched an inning at a showcase two weeks ago — i think it was the 13th inning of a 15 inning game? Not his best day. Then a week later, went to a college visit with a coach who was there. Coach says one of the things he liked about son was that even in the 13th inning, he ran on the field and was chatting with people.

"So, did you know everybody there when you got there?" coach asks.

Son grins and says "I had friends when I got there, and I had more when I left."

I don't know how you quantify energy, but I'd call it a definite sixth tool.