College Fall Baseball - 2017

Plus 1

Understanding I didn't play in college, I think perspective is pretty important in time requirements of a student athlete.  When I went back to school at 24yrs old, I worked full time and was a full time student.  It wasn't that difficult.  Granted I was just an average student and only did what was necessary to get through.  Many students are in the same boat in regards to their time limitations. Not just student athletes.  Also, high school academics is more demanding on time compared to college.  One of the reasons I didn't succeed the first time in college is because of ALL the free time I had in college compared to high school.  Let's just say I wasn't productive with my free time =-)...  My son is on campus at 7:30a and gets home at 5:45p a majority of the year in HS.  That's over 10hrs a day on average not counting homework or workouts.  

I think a big piece is in HS everyone has a similar schedule.  In college, student athletes see all the "free" time non-student athletes have and might become a bit envious.  

Branson, do you know what the percentage of athletes is at your son's school?  At my 2017's it is 30%, which seems like a lot.  Though high academic, the school is highly invested in athletics, and I'm hoping and guessing that that, and the large number of athletes in attendance, will make the work burden seem a more normal and less odious.

About 30% as well. 

And it doesn't make the early a.m. lifts any easier!

I'll beg to differ on Real Green's high school academics being more time demanding than college.  Everyone is different and some take far less demanding majors or attend less demanding schools, but my guys have had a much harder time with the college academic workload.  

real green posted:

Understanding I didn't play in college, I think perspective is pretty important in time requirements of a student athlete.  When I went back to school at 24yrs old, I worked full time and was a full time student.  It wasn't that difficult.  Granted I was just an average student and only did what was necessary to get through.  Many students are in the same boat in regards to their time limitations. Not just student athletes.  Also, high school academics is more demanding on time compared to college.  One of the reasons I didn't succeed the first time in college is because of ALL the free time I had in college compared to high school.  Let's just say I wasn't productive with my free time =-)...  My son is on campus at 7:30a and gets home at 5:45p a majority of the year in HS.  That's over 10hrs a day on average not counting homework or workouts.  

There is a lot to this. I went back to school in my 30's and then law school. I worked full time and took 19 hours/semester and finished in 3 years with a 3.98 GPA (damned Roman History professor that wouldn't bump up my 89.4). This was with three kids (two of them very young) at home, as well. It was a lot easier than when I was a freshman in the 80's and had to deal with all the distractions of youth.

There definitely is a lot to it!  I went to night school myself.  Worked full time days.  Then did the 6pm - 9pm courses 4 nights per week for several years.

And I'll still say that playing college baseball at any level is like having a full time job on top of going to school full time.  It is a lot more demanding than playing high school ball IMHO. 

We'll feature this thread at the top of the forum until the end of the fall season.  Also, added 2017 to title.

Branson Baseball posted:

My youngest is heading back for his Soph college year on Saturday.  Coach just informed the team that mandatory weekday lifts are at 6:15am this semester.  My guy is venting...but I remind him that last year they were at 5:30am so at least he has a few more minutes sleep.  

Throw in those daily practices (Mondays are off!) and scrimmages and the "optional" conditioning days and "captain's practices", and you have a full time job. 

...

This is at a strong academic D3 with middle of the pack baseball. 

That's an eye-opener.  Is this kind of fall schedule typical at an academic D3?

I went to a UAA conference school 30+ years ago.  I didn't play sports in college, but had friends who did. Their schedules were pretty comparable to my kids' varsity HS schedules in 2017 (at a small HS).  Have things changed?  Are pre-meds and engineers at MIT, Johns Hopkins, etc. putting in these hours for sports?  (At such schools, I can't imagine coaches are discouraging players from picking demanding majors (?))

Chico Escuela posted:

Branson Baseball posted:

My youngest is heading back for his Soph college year on Saturday.  Coach just informed the team that mandatory weekday lifts are at 6:15am this semester.  My guy is venting...but I remind him that last year they were at 5:30am so at least he has a few more minutes sleep.  

Throw in those daily practices (Mondays are off!) and scrimmages and the "optional" conditioning days and "captain's practices", and you have a full time job. 

...

This is at a strong academic D3 with middle of the pack baseball. 

That's an eye-opener.  Is this kind of fall schedule typical at an academic D3?

I went to a UAA conference school 30+ years ago.  I didn't play sports in college, but had friends who did. Their schedules were pretty comparable to my kids' varsity HS schedules in 2017 (at a small HS).  Have things changed?  Are pre-meds and engineers at MIT, Johns Hopkins, etc. putting in these hours for sports?  (At such schools, I can't imagine coaches are discouraging players from picking demanding majors (?))

Check this out.  Tons of information.

http://www.ncaa.org/sites/defa...k_jan2016_public.pdf

It covers all sports, but I pull out some interesting stats re D3 baseball in particular:

 Median weekly hours spent on athletic activities in season = 34  (as compared to 37 for D2 and 40 for D1).  

Median weekly hours spent on academic activities in season = 36   (compared to 34 for D2 and 34 for D1)

Bottom line: at all levels college baseball players are VERY BUSY people.  especially during the season, they are going flat out! 

Ah, but what about the off season.  Well look at this.

Percentage who say they spent just as much or more time off-season as in season:   64 for D3 baseball players as opposed to 81% for D2 players and 75% for D1 players.

Bottom line, all year long, for the most part, these kids are busting their chops -- working almost the equivalent of two full time jobs. 

The level of burn out should not be surprising. 

But here's another striking stat.   The number of players who would prefer to spend MORE time on their sport at Division 3 = 50% and the number who would prefer to spend less time is only like 10%  (for males) -- though the survey doesn't break this down by sport.  

SluggerDad, thanks--some great info at that link!

Two things jump out at me:  One that the numbers are self-reported. That makes me think they may be inflated--most folks think they work more than they really do. (Not that athletes aren't busy people, but I teach at a non-flagship state university that has D1 athletics. The hours of academic work per week figures in this study seem VERY high, and I have no reason to think athletes in major D1 sports are any more studious than other college kids on average.). I wonder if the study and athletics hours reported are a little high?  Those with children playing sports in college please chime in. 

Second, it's scary to see D1 baseball players saying they miss an average of over 2 classes per week in season. A full academic load would typically be 5 or 6 semester classes, each of which meets twice per week (maybe three times for some courses).  If we assume 12 classes per week, players are missing close to 20% of their classes. VERY few of my students who miss one in five class sessions earn good grades. 

Also interesting that such a high percentage think they have a chance to go pro. That optimism is good in that it supports the drive to improve, but it's sort of like believing 90% of people are above average. 

Chico Escuela posted:

...The hours of academic work per week figures in this study seem VERY high, and I have no reason to think athletes in major D1 sports are any more studious than other college kids on average.). I wonder if the study and athletics hours reported are a little high?  Those with children playing sports in college please chime in. 

Second, it's scary to see D1 baseball players saying they miss an average of over 2 classes per week in season. A full academic load would typically be 5 or 6 semester classes, each of which meets twice per week (maybe three times for some courses).  If we assume 12 classes per week, players are missing close to 20% of their classes. VERY few of my students who miss one in five class sessions earn good grades. 

Also interesting that such a high percentage think they have a chance to go pro. That optimism is good in that it supports the drive to improve, but it's sort of like believing 90% of people are above average. 

Chico, some comments on your observations...

I think the academic work figures include classes, labs and study time.  Full time college student is roughly five courses.  So, maybe add in a lab and it's pretty typical, I think, to have around 20 hrs of class/lab/project/field work time plus study time.  So 35ish is about right.

Missing 2 classes per week in season - keep in mind that they know in advance they will be missing these classes so the necessary arrangements can be made to get any work assignments, lecture notes, etc.  Student-athletes have the extra incentive to meet required GPA to stay eligible so most make sure they take care of business.

High percentage  think they have a chance to go pro - This can be a tricky one.  It takes a high level of confidence, among other things, to compete successfully at the college level.  So, if you are confident you can contribute at this level, you are likely to think you can contribute at the next level, even though the odds say you won't.

You mentioned in a previous post "Are pre-meds and engineers at MIT, Johns Hopkins, etc. putting in these hours for sports?  (At such schools, I can't imagine coaches are discouraging players from picking demanding majors (?))"  If your son is looking at one of these majors, be aware that this is a huge factor to weigh.  It is somewhere between difficult and impossible to play college baseball while taking these majors at most schools.  There are opportunities out there but they are much more difficult to identify and sometimes the quality of baseball suffers significantly.  See Cal Tech, although things are looking better recently.  

Just as a point of reference, here's a study finding college students study on average ~17 hours/week. The NCAA study may include class time, which would bump things to ~29 hours... So if the NCAA figures include class time, then they aren't far off.  But I would be surprised to find major-sport D1 athletes are generally putting in ~5 or 6 hours /week more than average hitting the books. 

http://college.usatoday.com/20...-a-week-is-the-norm/

Not trying to disparage anyone. I have a 2020 (and a 2018 girl soccer player) and am trying to get a realistic picture of what they should expect. As a professor, I may be jaded about student work habits, I admit....

Good points CDad. I posted before I saw your comments. 

I have had some track and golf D1 athletes in my classes. You are correct that they try to plan for missed time.  That's easier in some courses than in others. MIssing 2+ classes a week during baseball season would be a real burden even for a good student.... (And maybe there are your extra study hours--catching up on missed work.)

Anyhow, I know it's a grind. Sorry if I was splitting hairs by geeking out over the numbers. 

Chico, At MIT the baseball demands are not as great as stated here, but the academic demands...well, you know.  The coach does not determine what a player can study.

As for "the quality of baseball suffers significantly," I don't think kids go to Cal Tech thinking they are going to play powerhouse baseball.  They are looking for a different kind of powerhouse while continuing to play the game they love.

One thing "regular" students don't have to do is travel for away games and continue to meet the deadlines for academics. I will say that the tutoring options for athletes are incredible though.

We dropped our 2017 off a week ago, and today we had our first conversation with him since then. After warming my heart by saying that he had been to the gym already today and would soon be going to hit with some upperclassmen, he talked about all the things going on and people he had met already, and then he told us "I am so excited about being here, and I can't imagine being this happy anywhere else."

Hold on, gotta put these on....     

I hope he keeps feeling that way, most of the time at least, and that all the other HSBBW 2017's do as well.

That’s great JCG.  I have been hearing the same thing from my 2017 who we dropped off last weekend too.  I tell ya — wish I could be 19 all over again.  Best 4 years.  While the boys have been throwing and hitting the gym almost every days this past week, its about to get real as fall ball officially starts tomorrow.  Excited for him...

Doing my usual "due dilligence" following the players from our HS program...  about now, the first few early rosters start showing up.  One of "my guys" transferred from a West Coast D2 to an NAIA across the country.  Their first fall roster just got posted.  79 players...  all decked out in new team apparel in their individual photos.  Yup, reality time.  Let the competition commence.

Dropped our 2017 at his D3 college this past weekend, so far so good. started workouts, lifting, throwing. Loves his classes/profs, and dorm/friends. "Best week of my life, mom!" Hope it stays that way. Best wishes to all balancing academics with athletics! 

Great to hear these stories. These are going to be some your sons best and most memorable times. Many will meet friends they will have for the rest of their lives. Some will meet their life partners. Some will forge friendships with professors that they will keep in touch with and start to build there network for their life after college. For most many will look back fondly at the next four years for the rest of their life. 

I've seen a number of comments in this thread and others that majors like pre-med and engineering are difficult if not impossible for college athletes.  Has anyone's son had those majors and how did it go/is it going?  Any other insights from those who have had kids in college who played?  My son is thinking about a biology major (maybe pre-med). I don't know if that will stick, but any perspective on this would be helpful.

Midwest Mom posted:

I've seen a number of comments in this thread and others that majors like pre-med and engineering are difficult if not impossible for college athletes.  Has anyone's son had those majors and how did it go/is it going?  Any other insights from those who have had kids in college who played?  My son is thinking about a biology major (maybe pre-med). I don't know if that will stick, but any perspective on this would be helpful.

Midwest Mom - In short the answer is....yes, it is possible.  My son played at an Ivy (42 games per year) and studied engineering. This was a major reason he selected an Ivy because he wanted to study engineering and play college baseball.  This engineering/difficult major/baseball topic has been covered previously, and you can find details by searching other threads on HSBBWeb.   There are a handful of folks on this site that selected an ivy, Patriot or D3 engineering schools for these reasons as well, and there are others that took a different path.  I've had many conversations with them,   It is not easy, but it can be done.   For my son, this was the best path for him.

It was totally by accident that we figured out my son might be able to do this, and we got help from an unlikely source.   He was in a D1 HC's office listening to the coach's offer.  The HC asked who else had offered and who else he was interested in.....typcial HC line of questioning for this situation.   My son mentions some D1s, a couple Ivys and Patriot League schools.  The HC goes on an Ivy/Patriot League rant telling my son that "they only play 42 games, travel less, practice less and play league games only on the weekends...and it is cold up there".   Well, that was about all my son, wife and I needed to hear because we were all thinking the same thing by the time we got back to the car.....sounds exactly like what we are looking for an engineering major.  This became my son's focus from that point forward.

Good luck!

Good luck to everyone this fall. 

If you don't mind me asking, how big have the rosters been for the fall season? Are the fall roster sizes matching your expectations so far? 

I understand that it will vary by school but I'm curious as to whether you had some expectation going in and whether that lines up with what your player is facing?

At LSU, there are 36 kids on roster with 1 not counting against the number as he had TJ surgery at the end of season and will miss next spring. 

By the way, this is son's 3rd fall there and I cannot remember more than just a few cuts being made between fall an spring. 

My son is a 3rd year at an academic D3. and a biochem major/pre med and says that her are 5 or 6 guys looking at pre med, pre pharm etc. A friend has a son second year at another academic D3 in Pre med.  My son does 2 sports, indoor track and baseball, with both practices usually scheduled outside class/lab time. I Think that this is a school policy. Yes, the student athletes can go into demanding majors but one has to choose the right school where the coaches know the players are aspiring professionals ... just not for the MLB. 

Thanks much Fenway and 2Boy. Appreciate the perspective. 

MWmom, along the lines of the "there are schools out there", I was helping a player this past year who wanted to play and major in engineering.  While a very good student, his focus was actually more on the playing part than the schooling part so the schools we targeted weren't quite top tier academic but still had decent engineering programs that allowed for playing ball.  Let me know if that info may be helpful.  Also, son is currently coaching at such a school.

CHF_Mom:  "Best week of my life, mom!" Has to make you feel good, particularly just after dropping him off! 

Regarding STEM/baseball:

Like Fenway, my son did engineering and baseball in college. He was on the 25 man roster in a highly competitive nationally ranked DIII all 4 years and made it through with a lot of discipline. There were lots of Friday nights where he was studying when his friends were out, so it is tough, but he hung with a lot of similar kids which made it easier. The coach also paired up the academic kids to room with each other when travelling so it was easier on them. The coaching staff also arranged for team academic mentors and my son became one when he was a Jr/Sr to help Freshmen and Soph's. 

Unfortunately we found out late in the recruiting process that STEM and baseball at most D1's are mutually exclusive except for Ivy's and a handful of others. If you are serious about STEM do your research early.

Exciting times for all of the college players and best of luck to them this fall! 

Echo the best week of his life comment, or in my son's words: "I'm stoked to be here."  No specific baseball news, other than he's hanging out with the guys.  looks like 35 guys on the "roster" with Coach planning to take 25 on the spring trip.

JCG posted:

We dropped our 2017 off a week ago, and today we had our first conversation with him since then. After warming my heart by saying that he had been to the gym already today and would soon be going to hit with some upperclassmen, he talked about all the things going on and people he had met already, and then he told us "I am so excited about being here, and I can't imagine being this happy anywhere else."

Hold on, gotta put these on....     

I hope he keeps feeling that way, most of the time at least, and that all the other HSBBW 2017's do as well.

He will soon find out his teammates are now his brothers. There is no time for frats as his fraternity is now on the diamond. They will now be the most important people to him for the next 3-4 years.  Work hard, push yourself and your experiences will last a lifetime. 

Midwest Mom posted:

I've seen a number of comments in this thread and others that majors like pre-med and engineering are difficult if not impossible for college athletes.  Has anyone's son had those majors and how did it go/is it going?  Any other insights from those who have had kids in college who played?  My son is thinking about a biology major (maybe pre-med). I don't know if that will stick, but any perspective on this would be helpful.

Midwest Mom:

Son is a junior chemical engineering at a high academic D1. Declared major freshman year.  Specifically looked at Ivy and Patriot league conferences in his recruiting because they seemed to balance academics and athletics the best and make STEM possible. Most have labs on Monday, which is off day. Other conferences that recruited him had much more travel, especially during the week. Make-ups often throw a monkey wrench into things. Son took a course in summer freshman year and takes a higher credit total in fall compared to spring, which seems to help. Where he's missing out is on summer internships, due to summer ball commitments. Not easy path to do. Takes a certain individual. Helps to have teammates studying sciences as well. 

Thank you Cabbage, BOF and Ripken.  You guys are great.  BOF, love how your son's coach paired him with like academic kids.  Really interesting approach and shows a lot of caring for the student athlete.  Cabbage, I will PM you. 

chf_mom posted:

Dropped our 2017 at his D3 college this past weekend, so far so good. started workouts, lifting, throwing. Loves his classes/profs, and dorm/friends. "Best week of my life, mom!" Hope it stays that way. Best wishes to all balancing academics with athletics! 

Awesome to hear.  My son has also adjusted well. Loves his school, profs, coaches and the rest of the fresh teammates.  Had an opportunity to come home this past weekend but chose to stay in school due to heavy school workload.  Happy he made the right choice.

Best of luck to all.

fenwaysouth posted:

Midwest Mom posted:

I've seen a number of comments in this thread and others that majors like pre-med and engineering are difficult if not impossible for college athletes.  Has anyone's son had those majors and how did it go/is it going?  Any other insights from those who have had kids in college who played?  My son is thinking about a biology major (maybe pre-med). I don't know if that will stick, but any perspective on this would be helpful.

Midwest Mom - In short the answer is....yes, it is possible.  My son played at an Ivy (42 games per year) and studied engineering. This was a major reason he selected an Ivy because he wanted to study engineering and play college baseball.  This engineering/difficult major/baseball topic has been covered previously, and you can find details by searching other threads on HSBBWeb.   There are a handful of folks on this site that selected an ivy, Patriot or D3 engineering schools for these reasons as well, and there are others that took a different path.  I've had many conversations with them,   It is not easy, but it can be done.   For my son, this was the best path for him.

 

Can vouch for Patriot League. Several teammates were Pre-Med.  A handful more were STEM.  It is possible there.

Ryan is doing well at Purdue, and they brought in a lot of players.  I'm not sure this will always be the practice, but since they had a new coach last year, I'm certain they want to have some competition.

rynoattack posted:

Ryan is doing well at Purdue, and they brought in a lot of players.  I'm not sure this will always be the practice, but since they had a new coach last year, I'm certain they want to have some competition.

Great school. My Dad's alma mater. My Mom and Dad met on campus. 

Matt Gibbs, was a year ahead of my son. He was a preferred walk on 6 years ago? He always was happy with his choice.

PlayWithEffort posted:

Good luck to everyone this fall. 

If you don't mind me asking, how big have the rosters been for the fall season? Are the fall roster sizes matching your expectations so far? 

I understand that it will vary by school but I'm curious as to whether you had some expectation going in and whether that lines up with what your player is facing?

 

I saw that Arkansas, which was mentioned in another post, has 43 on their roster. Though 3 freshmen PO's are already listed as R/S

For the new D3 parents, the fall season ("Nontraditional Segment") has the following NCAA limitations:
- maximum duration of five weeks
- maximum of 16 days of official practice/games
- one day of competition against another school (max two games)

Yeah, you're probably going to wish there was more.

NYdad2017 posted:

PlayWithEffort posted:

Good luck to everyone this fall. 

If you don't mind me asking, how big have the rosters been for the fall season? Are the fall roster sizes matching your expectations so far? 

I understand that it will vary by school but I'm curious as to whether you had some expectation going in and whether that lines up with what your player is facing?

 

I saw that Arkansas, which was mentioned in another post, has 43 on their roster. Though 3 freshmen PO's are already listed as R/S

That's one of the larger roster sizes I have seen in the SEC so far. Most that I've looked at have been around 34-38 or so. Granted, I only checked a few SEC and maybe an ACC team or two. 

Arkansas just hired a new recruiting coordinator (Thompson) this year who is replacing Vitello who took the Tennessee job. It will be interesting to see if they bring that many players in the next class or not. 

They also had some upperclassmen return instead of going in the draft but I don't know if that would have impacted their numbers for the fall.

Just thinking out loud here...

Ok, I guess one last random thought . I wonder how many of those may be trying to walk on? 

PlayWithEffort posted:

NYdad2017 posted:

PlayWithEffort posted:

Good luck to everyone this fall. 

If you don't mind me asking, how big have the rosters been for the fall season? Are the fall roster sizes matching your expectations so far? 

I understand that it will vary by school but I'm curious as to whether you had some expectation going in and whether that lines up with what your player is facing?

 

I saw that Arkansas, which was mentioned in another post, has 43 on their roster. Though 3 freshmen PO's are already listed as R/S

That's one of the larger roster sizes I have seen in the SEC so far. Most that I've looked at have been around 34-38 or so. Granted, I only checked a few SEC and maybe an ACC team or two. 

Arkansas just hired a new recruiting coordinator (Thompson) this year who is replacing Vitello who took the Tennessee job. It will be interesting to see if they bring that many players in the next class or not. 

They also had some upperclassmen return instead of going in the draft but I don't know if that would have impacted their numbers for the fall.

Just thinking out loud here...

Ok, I guess one last random thought . I wonder how many of those may be trying to walk on? 

 

Clarification questions - At what point does the roster get whittled down to 35?  More importantly, what is the exact status of a player if they fail to make the 35 man roster?  Are they prohibited from any and all team activities including coach run conditioning?  Also, as for R/S, my understanding is that a kid with any amount of athletic scholarship is "automatically" on the roster (or at least counted as one of the 35 max).  Is there any limit as to how many players can participate in the fall team activities before the cut?

FYI, Tulane brought in 15 freshmen and 9 transfers. 

Do your homework people. In my opinion, your child is your greatest investment. 

http://tulanegreenwave.com/new...-incoming-class.aspx

D1 rosters during the championship season cannot exceed 35. That includes RS players. They are all allowed to practice with the team.

Some of those players with scholarships may not make the team for becoming ineligible, it's inevitable that this happens in all programs.

If you see 43 on a D1 roster, just remember only 27 can have athletic scholarships, everyone else is a walk on, even those with academic scholarships.  Some coaches like big fall rosters, breeds competition.

If you don't make the spring roster, you are off the team.

my D3 school has 61 guys on the full roster, broke us up into V and JV practice rosters. 35 guys on the V roster (me included ) 16 pitchers and the rest position guys, let me tell you being a PO at most high schools doesn't prepare you for the practices you will have to go through in college, weve been practicing for a week and ive already done more than i did all throughout hs at practices, lots of running and arm care plus bullpens every few days or so. arm is a bit shot after throwing about 80 innings spring and summer combined but still competing to the best of my ability! throwing live for the first time tomorrow to real college hitters, should be fun!

Good luck!!

LHP2017 posted:

my D3 school has 61 guys on the full roster, broke us up into V and JV practice rosters. 35 guys on the V roster (me included ) 16 pitchers and the rest position guys, let me tell you being a PO at most high schools doesn't prepare you for the practices you will have to go through in college, weve been practicing for a week and ive already done more than i did all throughout hs at practices, lots of running and arm care plus bullpens every few days or so. arm is a bit shot after throwing about 80 innings spring and summer combined but still competing to the best of my ability! throwing live for the first time tomorrow to real college hitters, should be fun!

update on this : first outing was a success! threw 2 innings went 6 up 6 down with one backwards K from a fastball on the black. faced two of our top returning hitters and forced them both to ground out, no hard hit balls either so was a solid start to the intrasquad series we are heading into next few weeks! still getting acclimated to the intensity of practices but its getting better everyday!

Awesome stuff, Lefty! Keep rollin'!

Good work Lefty2017. That is a big surprise for many players there first fall in college.  Especially some PO I have known. Some were used to rolling out the day they pitched. 

Freshman, be in the best shape ofnyour life when you show up on campus. 

Question: seeing a lot of 2017 commitments showing up this week on PG site.   Are these true Walk-Ons who have made the fall roster?  Kids who got in the school on their own thru admissions and now have been officially invited to try out for the fall?

Just curious.  

#1 Assistant Coach posted:

Question: seeing a lot of 2017 commitments showing up this week on PG site.   Are these true Walk-Ons who have made the fall roster?  Kids who got in the school on their own thru admissions and now have been officially invited to try out for the fall?

Just curious.  

Seeing more 2017s committing to Power-5 programs past couple days on PG commitment page.   

Can Anyone cinfirm my theory above?   Only thing I can think of.  

#1 Assistant Coach posted:

#1 Assistant Coach posted:

Question: seeing a lot of 2017 commitments showing up this week on PG site.   Are these true Walk-Ons who have made the fall roster?  Kids who got in the school on their own thru admissions and now have been officially invited to try out for the fall?

Just curious.  

Seeing more 2017s committing to Power-5 programs past couple days on PG commitment page.   

Can Anyone cinfirm my theory above?   Only thing I can think of.  

Maybe, maybe not. I just think people think these programs have tied up their players years ahead. 

Reality is that these programs will have a lot more than 35 in fall practice.

Well, the 2 week official fall season is over at my kid's school.  All I heard from him was "I'm pretty happy about how well I played."  I'm taking that to mean "I did extremely well."  I guess we'll see soon enough.  It can't be very easy for players to establish themselves in such a brief time frame. Ditto for the coaches in projecting what roles they'll be playing.

Our official fall season just started on Sunday. today they have lifting and conditioning testing.  The boys have been informally working out together and scrimmaging amongst themselves for the past three weeks.  I’ve heard only positives, so hopeful for him. This weekend the team will host a scrimmage as part of parent’s weekend — so it will be fun to watch him throw an inning or two.

One thing I like... The coaches sit the players down in early October at the end of fall baseball to tell them where they stand heading into the spring and what is required/must be worked on during the winter. I’m sure that is quite common, but still think its good for the kids to know early where they stand.

Good luck to all freshman over the next couple weeks/months as they show their stuff and make an impression. Exciting and nerve racking times.

Great hearing players are doing well and enjoying the experiences.  Don't lose sight of the overall picture though.  Yes there will be players better than you, yes you will be better than some players.  Whatever the outcome give 100%.  Practice, workout and carry yourself on and off the field like somebody is watching you, because in reality it is probably true.  Keep your head up during those frustrating and not so good days.  Coaches and others notice how well you handle the good times as well as the bad ones.  Whether you make the starting 9, become a role player, or even a travel squad, enjoy the game and what it brings.  You will know when it is time to move on, but until that day comes, have fun!

Trust,

Great post!!!  How true that is. 

PlayWithEffort posted:

Good luck to everyone this fall. 

If you don't mind me asking, how big have the rosters been for the fall season? Are the fall roster sizes matching your expectations so far? 

I understand that it will vary by school but I'm curious as to whether you had some expectation going in and whether that lines up with what your player is facing?

 

42 in camp this fall.   Lots of competition 

TPM posted:

D1 rosters during the championship season cannot exceed 35. That includes RS players. They are all allowed to practice with the team.

Some of those players with scholarships may not make the team for becoming ineligible, it's inevitable that this happens in all programs.

If you see 43 on a D1 roster, just remember only 27 can have athletic scholarships, everyone else is a walk on, even those with academic scholarships.  Some coaches like big fall rosters, breeds competition.

If you don't make the spring roster, you are off the team.

To TPM's point I have seen the cut down to 35 handled all sorts of ways. The programs who do it right IMO make it clear to kids after fall that they don't have a role for them or their role will be limited.  Allows plenty of first and sometimes second year kids transfer (most often to juco) at semester. 

However I have seen several have 38-40 come back in Spring which I do have an issue with. Realistically only the top 25 or so play each Spring so no reason to split hairs on back end of roster

This from the D1 perspective 

Couldn’t agree more Trust...

Update on Ryno's Fall.  Purdue has 49 players this Fall.  He thinks he is in the running for one of the weekend starter's positions, and they had their one and only Fall Scrimmage against another team.  It was a Toronto Blue Jays Scout Team from Cananda.  Apparently, they travel and play a lot of colleges in the Fall.  Anyhow, it appears a lot of their kids end up playing college in the states, but they are still high school kids.  Ryan got the start and pitched 3 perfect innings with 5 K's.  I thought that was pretty impressive, until the rest of their pitchers pitched another 9 combined perfect innings, with another 11 K's!  I know they were a High School - All Star Team, but 12 Perfect IP with 16 K's still sounds pretty good.

Right now, he thinks he and his teammate who pitched 2nd in the game are in competition for the 3rd weekend starter spot.  Not sure what happens to the loser.  Long Relief? Early week starter? We'll see, but at least he is competing.

rynoattack posted:

 I know they were a High School - All Star Team, but 12 Perfect IP with 16 K's still sounds pretty good.

 

They are HS players from Canada... I wonder what the score would have been if it had been a Hockey game 

Congrats to Ryno and hope he makes the weekend rotation next year!

Son has a had a good couple weeks....throwing well....and he does have a bat back in his hands after not hitting last year.  He is hitting well for having not batted for so long...only 1K that I know of so far.  Had a so-so pro day...5 guys, HR, Fly Out to the Track, Ground Out, Double, Walk.   He did hit ok and also had the highest FB velo of the day of any pitcher.  Hasn't gotten any time in the field, which he had kind of hoped for, but thinks he's in the running for the DH spot....and maybe closer.  Should know more in a couple weeks, but he's happy so far and seems to be having fun...that's what matters

Got to see my first fall ball of the year.  Kid roped a triple off the fence in his only at bat (only 5 innings).....pitched an inning...threw strikes.  Had a K, a single up the middle....a pop up behind 2nd base that the 2nd baseman and RF both watched fall 4 feet from them....and a ground ball to SS that would have ended the inning but the throw was 12 feet short of the 1B....took a hop and allowed both guys to score.  Hopefully this isn't a sign that the defense is going to struggle again next spring.....but I guess they have some time....hope it gets figured out....it's tough on the pitchers.  

Buckeye 2015 posted:

Got to see my first fall ball of the year.  Kid roped a triple off the fence in his only at bat (only 5 innings).....pitched an inning...threw strikes.  Had a K, a single up the middle....a pop up behind 2nd base that the 2nd baseman and RF both watched fall 4 feet from them....and a ground ball to SS that would have ended the inning but the throw was 12 feet short of the 1B....took a hop and allowed both guys to score.  Hopefully this isn't a sign that the defense is going to struggle again next spring.....but I guess they have some time....hope it gets figured out....it's tough on the pitchers.  

Sounds like the defense is behind the pitchers............my son has the same problems.  He says that coach is moving kids around to get "depth" so if an injury occurs, they'll be prepared, but it is hard seeing athletic IF's trying to play OF, and SS's at 2nd, and DH's at 1B.  

But then again, it puts pitchers in the position to work out of holes....

It's a long baseball season and anything can happen until opening day.  I probably have seen 2 or 3 fall games/practices in the years my son was playing.  Mostly to satisfy my withdraws symptoms from lack of baseball.  I wouldn't read too much into what is seen the next few months, but that's just me.

Trust In Him posted:

It's a long baseball season and anything can happen until opening day.  I probably have seen 2 or 3 fall games/practices in the years my son was playing.  Mostly to satisfy my withdraws symptoms from lack of baseball.  I wouldn't read too much into what is seen the next few months, but that's just me.

I wouldn't either, if it wasn't for the fact that it's the third year of the same thing lol.  His face after the pop up dropped in between 4 guys was priceless.....and it was even moreso one pitch later when the SS threw the ball away on what was one of the most routine plays you'll see.  The luck he has with defense when he's on the mound just keeps going downhill 

Ryno got to pitch in his first intra squad on Friday, and he went 4 innings, allowed 1 hit, 0 BB, and had 5 K's.  He said the HC finally talked to him too, so I guess that's a good sign!  

For those freshman parents w/ pitchers who "follow" their son's ERA too religiously - be prepared... The statistician's favor the hitters - what you may call an error (drop between 2B/RF) is a *HIT*  and that throw by the SS->1B that is late because it hits the ground is an "Infield single to SS" ...  My favorite was BUNT single to pitcher and 2 runs scored because the 1b-man muffed the catch and the next throw.  I've seen the CF drop 2 balls in the same inning and both be called hits. Depends entirely on home scorekeeper who in some cases is not as baseball savvy as they should be. College ERA's must be taken with a very large grain of salt.

JohnF posted:

For those freshman parents w/ pitchers who "follow" their son's ERA too religiously - be prepared... The statistician's favor the hitters - what you may call an error (drop between 2B/RF) is a *HIT*  and that throw by the SS->1B that is late because it hits the ground is an "Infield single to SS" ...  My favorite was BUNT single to pitcher and 2 runs scored because the 1b-man muffed the catch and the next throw.  I've seen the CF drop 2 balls in the same inning and both be called hits. Depends entirely on home scorekeeper who in some cases is not as baseball savvy as they should be. College ERA's must be taken with a very large grain of salt.

Amen to this. Some of the things ruled hits are pretty amazing actually 

BackstopDad32 posted:

JohnF posted:

For those freshman parents w/ pitchers who "follow" their son's ERA too religiously - be prepared... The statistician's favor the hitters - what you may call an error (drop between 2B/RF) is a *HIT*  and that throw by the SS->1B that is late because it hits the ground is an "Infield single to SS" ...  My favorite was BUNT single to pitcher and 2 runs scored because the 1b-man muffed the catch and the next throw.  I've seen the CF drop 2 balls in the same inning and both be called hits. Depends entirely on home scorekeeper who in some cases is not as baseball savvy as they should be. College ERA's must be taken with a very large grain of salt.

Amen to this. Some of the things ruled hits are pretty amazing actually 

So true!

Former Lakepointe/Diamondkast scorekeepers? Sorry, we now return to your regular scheduled programming

2022NYC posted:

Former Lakepointe/Diamondkast scorekeepers? Sorry, we now return to your regular scheduled programming

That' too funny!

NYdad2017 posted:

FYI, Tulane brought in 15 freshmen and 9 transfers. 

Do your homework people. In my opinion, your child is your greatest investment. 

http://tulanegreenwave.com/new...-incoming-class.aspx

 

 

It's interesting, I just checked and they have only 40 on the fall roster. I mean, I say "only" but when 24 new players are brought in, I suppose i was expecting more.

2019Dad posted:

NYdad2017 posted:

FYI, Tulane brought in 15 freshmen and 9 transfers. 

Do your homework people. In my opinion, your child is your greatest investment. 

http://tulanegreenwave.com/new...-incoming-class.aspx

 

 

It's interesting, I just checked and they have only 40 on the fall roster. I mean, I say "only" but when 24 new players are brought in, I suppose i was expecting more.

A couple of the incoming freshman have already moved on. I believe some returning players also. 

This is not usually announced on Twitter, like commitments are, so you must do your homework. 

2019Dad posted:

NYdad2017 posted:

FYI, Tulane brought in 15 freshmen and 9 transfers. 

Do your homework people. In my opinion, your child is your greatest investment. 

http://tulanegreenwave.com/new...-incoming-class.aspx

 

 

It's interesting, I just checked and they have only 40 on the fall roster. I mean, I say "only" but when 24 new players are brought in, I suppose i was expecting more.

Are all players listed on the Fall Roster?  I ask, because Purdue's Fall Roster only shows the returning players right now, although there are 49 total players practicing right now.

Rynoattack,  it is probably just that the coach has not updated the site. Perhaps there are some players on the bubble or a walk on where their status has not been determined.

I am not sure of the coaching changes in D1 this year but I think the number is around 30.  These 30 changes will bring on more competition  via transfers and Freshman and typically more numbers than usual.  The nature of the sport!

BackstopDad32 posted:

JohnF posted:

For those freshman parents w/ pitchers who "follow" their son's ERA too religiously - be prepared... The statistician's favor the hitters - what you may call an error (drop between 2B/RF) is a *HIT*  and that throw by the SS->1B that is late because it hits the ground is an "Infield single to SS" ...  My favorite was BUNT single to pitcher and 2 runs scored because the 1b-man muffed the catch and the next throw.  I've seen the CF drop 2 balls in the same inning and both be called hits. Depends entirely on home scorekeeper who in some cases is not as baseball savvy as they should be. College ERA's must be taken with a very large grain of salt.

Amen to this. Some of the things ruled hits are pretty amazing actually 

I get through this by telling myself that it is easier for the scorekeeper to only frustrate me by charging a hit (or earned run) against my pitcher son versus the batter's Dad/Mom and the fielder's Dad/Mom mad by taking away a hit or charging an error.

Went to son's first fall game today. Nice to see the new freshman and what they can do, as well as meet the parents. Son started off the game with a nice 2-strike hit to CF followed by a stolen base after three or four pickoff attempts. Scored two runs playing about half the extra inning game. Funny when the manager from the opposing team came out around the fourth inning or so after son was HBP. Apparently the mgr (bench called pickoffs) was upset that pitcher wasn't following the catcher's commands.Mgr yelled "I call the game". (that was after 4 additional pickoffs to first). Beautiful October day in New England (my guess was near 80 degrees). 

Son is coming home this weekend for the first time, so I am sure I will get the full scoop then… but it sounds like his first fall baseball was a success.  Had his coaches meeting yesterday and found out that he is slotted to be one of the four starters this spring (provided he stays sharp this winter).  Real happy for him.  He is a grinder who has earned this.

MAM posted:

Son is coming home this weekend for the first time, so I am sure I will get the full scoop then… but it sounds like his first fall baseball was a success.  Had his coaches meeting yesterday and found out that he is slotted to be one of the four starters this spring (provided he stays sharp this winter).  Real happy for him.  He is a grinder who has earned this.

Congrats MAM (and to your son), that's awesome! 

MAM posted:

Son is coming home this weekend for the first time, so I am sure I will get the full scoop then… but it sounds like his first fall baseball was a success.  Had his coaches meeting yesterday and found out that he is slotted to be one of the four starters this spring (provided he stays sharp this winter).  Real happy for him.  He is a grinder who has earned this.

Congrats MAM, great accomplishment.  Lots of hard work paid off.

Son just finished his official fall practice.  It appears they will be able to replace much of the talent that was drafted last year on the offensive side.  All three weekend guys return so high hopes. Both back end bullpen guys were drafted, son found out after strong summer and fall he will either be the 8th or 9th inning guy. Between him and another to be settled in preseason in the spring.  Not too shabby for a 5’11 sub 90 guy

Son had meeting with coaches Monday.  Told him he's one of 3 guys battling for the DH spot, which has him pretty excited.  He had a great fall at the plate...after not having hit live pitching in a year and a half. His ability to get a bunt down and hit a SAC fly when needed seems to have got their attention.   On the mound they just told him he's going to be a huge part of the staff.  Again, great fall, used mostly as the closer, but at this point they haven't said exactly where  they will use him

Great to hear Buckeye,mI am happy for him. Go BGSU.

Ryno had his Fall Exit meeting yesterday, and they told him he will be one of the weekend starters.  (Probably the Sunday starter, because they bring back their 1 & 2 from last year, but that he has Friday stuff.)  They told him that he isn't a JC guy anymore, he is a Purdue guy, and they want him to take a leadership role with the team.  Asked him if he would sign this year, and he said he would if the opportunity arises.  Coach said that if he worked hard, they would both be happy.

My wife and I just got back this weekend, and we really enjoyed our visit.  Ryno seems to have adjusted well, and he is having a great time there.

great news!  congrats!

Great news I am very happy for Ryno. Looks like things are working out. Go Boilermakers. 

rynoattack posted:

Ryno had his Fall Exit meeting yesterday, and they told him he will be one of the weekend starters.  (Probably the Sunday starter, because they bring back their 1 & 2 from last year, but that he has Friday stuff.)  They told him that he isn't a JC guy anymore, he is a Purdue guy, and they want him to take a leadership role with the team.  Asked him if he would sign this year, and he said he would if the opportunity arises.  Coach said that if he worked hard, they would both be happy.

My wife and I just got back this weekend, and we really enjoyed our visit.  Ryno seems to have adjusted well, and he is having a great time there.

 

Ryno, that's fantastic!  Congrats to your son. Simply awesome. 

rynoattack posted:

Ryno had his Fall Exit meeting yesterday, and they told him he will be one of the weekend starters.  (Probably the Sunday starter, because they bring back their 1 & 2 from last year, but that he has Friday stuff.)  They told him that he isn't a JC guy anymore, he is a Purdue guy, and they want him to take a leadership role with the team.  Asked him if he would sign this year, and he said he would if the opportunity arises.  Coach said that if he worked hard, they would both be happy.

My wife and I just got back this weekend, and we really enjoyed our visit.  Ryno seems to have adjusted well, and he is having a great time there.

 

Great stuff! Congrats!

Sons fall ball World Series begins today. Last year we missed it because my wife had the nerve to plan a trip aboard without checking the baseball schedule. I remember sitting in a restaurant in Australia and getting updates. That will not happen this year, I will be at every game. 

This year the format changed because we lost time/practices due to the fires. So now they have added the extra days to the games. Five games over the next nine days. Work, what work? Laptop and cell phone in hand.

Last fall ball WS. Yikes, it's happening!

Picked Off posted:

Sons fall ball World Series begins today. Last year we missed it because my wife had the nerve to plan a trip aboard without checking the baseball schedule. I remember sitting in a restaurant in Australia and getting updates. That will not happen this year, I will be at every game. 

This year the format changed because we lost time/practices due to the fires. So now they have added the extra days to the games. Five games over the next nine days. Work, what work? Laptop and cell phone in hand.

Last fall ball WS. Yikes, it's happening!

The nerve of your wife not to consult the baseball schedule....  My 2018 is the youngest, our schedule will totally open up, thanks for the heads up on this...

Enjoy the games.

Picked Off posted:

Sons fall ball World Series begins today. Last year we missed it because my wife had the nerve to plan a trip aboard without checking the baseball schedule. I remember sitting in a restaurant in Australia and getting updates. That will not happen this year, I will be at every game. 

This year the format changed because we lost time/practices due to the fires. So now they have added the extra days to the games. Five games over the next nine days. Work, what work? Laptop and cell phone in hand.

Last fall ball WS. Yikes, it's happening!

I sense a good year for DH!  Have fun and watch out for those tennis players under the bleachers looking for their lost balls.  

cabbagedad posted:

Picked Off posted:

Sons fall ball World Series begins today. Last year we missed it because my wife had the nerve to plan a trip aboard without checking the baseball schedule. I remember sitting in a restaurant in Australia and getting updates. That will not happen this year, I will be at every game. 

This year the format changed because we lost time/practices due to the fires. So now they have added the extra days to the games. Five games over the next nine days. Work, what work? Laptop and cell phone in hand.

Last fall ball WS. Yikes, it's happening!

I sense a good year for DH!  Have fun and watch out for those tennis players under the bleachers looking for their lost balls.  

Will do! That's funny!

Please excuse the hijack, but curious about cuts made in fall to trim D1 roster down to max 35:

I would imagine cuts are done usually at conclusion of fall season, which for most clubs is November 10 or so?  Hypothetically, if a sophomore is cut early November of sophomore year, and he wants to continue to play ball elsewhere, does he have enough time to find another program the very next semester beginning January, two months later to begin his RS-transfer year of ineligibility?  

How about this: if the coaching staff knows the sophomore kid is not going to make the cut six weeks down the road in November do they help him out by telling him in October, so the kid can get going sooner on finding a place to play (JUCO) or RS-sit that coming spring?

But if he transfers to JUCO he can play that coming season however, yes?

I have seen it many times. However it usually results in the player dropping down a level or two. Some d3 rosters have 1 or two of these "drop downs". 

Many of these young men were getting more d3 interest during recruiting. Most I know of were walk ons at d1.

To add on to Bishops post. Son entered last fall with 10 HS recruits at a D1.  After this fall will be down to 3 or at most 4 of one decides to play. 

Most of these kids made the choice to depart on their own. All would have kept roster spots but no playing time with the exception of one who was dismissed for off field stuff fall of freshman year.  Most kids don’t want to sit on the bench. 

From what I have seen with kids leaving program. Those that continue to play and leave freshman or sophomore years go to juco.  After that they go to D2 or D3.  In either of those scenarios the player can play immediately 

Son's team had 7 freshman when he went in (including 1 walk on)....walk on didn't make it after freshman fall and one guy left after sophomore year when it became clear he wasn't going to get any/much more PT. 

His team has lost 3 or 4 others that either left on their own or left because of off field issues but overall turnover hasn't been nearly as bad as some of you guys on here have seen with your sons' programs.

Yeah on my sons former team, by and large, most players left of their own accord. A few left for other programs. Only one received the same amount of playing time. 

He was a starter as a freshman, but had a couple of off field issues, and he was having a tough time with the academics. He moved to another d3 in town. Started all three years there as well.

Coach only cut one that I was aware of. If you were a recruit, he would give you at least two years. 

Son's NAIA conference where he is currently a student assistant - just about every team that competes picks up a D1 drop or two over the break.