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2015 Infielder has interest from 4 excellent academic schools. They are in various parts of the country, Ohio-NCAC, Minnesota-MIAC,

Texas- SCAC, Texas- ASC. Son has visited one in Texas and will visit other Texas school in a week. The Texas schools are closest to home. Have to plan visits for other two. What should he consider about the different conferences? Are some conferences better than others to play in for exposure? What questions to ask coach? What is best possible scenario they can offer?

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First priority would be to go where he is wanted the most and where there is a plan for him,and of course which is the best fit for him overall. (academics, program, location, cost, etc) . I know the Texas schools are well scouted but not sure about the others. It really depends on the school and the program, is it at the top or the bottom of their conference ? Is it a program that has kids drafted? All of this is available publicly

 

My so pitched at his SCAC school's pro day and there were over 30 scouts in attendance,  but frankly I am not sure this is an area you need or should explore with the coach, I would be more worried about his chances of making the travel squad first. I know at my son's program not many Freshmen play so I would be more worried about this first. If he has the talent he will be noticed if he is at a successful program. 

My son pitched the last 3 years in the NCAC. In reality very few D3 players move on after college. It is not impossible, but not probable. Look at the teams that are interested in him. See were their players go and play in the summer. Are the players in local leagues, or they in leagues that will get them the exposure you want. In the NCAC, players are sent to several leagues. Usually the great lakes and the prospect. With a few players in Ripken. But these are usually the elite players on the team. The rest usually play locally.
Playing locally is not a bad thing either though. It allows a player to work on getting stronger and faster. With fewer games they can work out and work on their game. Plus nothing beats sleepung at home and eating Mom/Dad's cooking.
But if your son is going D3 the first consideration ahould be the education and not exposure. My son wanted to major in Chemistry or Mathmatics. He also knew he wanted to go to a Liberal Arts school.with those requirements he narrowes his baseball choices.
All the conferences have pluses and minuses.  Lat me know if you have any questions about the NCAc. I would be happy to help. I have a pretty good idea about which school is recruiting your son. Also you might head over to D3baseball.com,  they are the best resource for D3 baseball. Also visit their forums, d3boards.com.
P.S. I am posting from my phone so please forgive any grammatical or spelling errors.

Thanks for the great information as usual on this site! We're visiting other Texas school(Trinity) and Swarthmore next week which contacted my son a few days ago. btw I posted on Ask about colleges board asking about the Centennial conference. It is very necessary to visit schools to get a feeling for both. Other than great academics, my son wants the best balance of both.  Trinity's conference is much smaller, is that an issue to be concerned with?

Originally Posted by Batsmith:

Thanks for the great information as usual on this site! We're visiting other Texas school(Trinity) and Swarthmore next week which contacted my son a few days ago. btw I posted on Ask about colleges board asking about the Centennial conference. It is very necessary to visit schools to get a feeling for both. Other than great academics, my son wants the best balance of both.  Trinity's conference is much smaller, is that an issue to be concerned with?

Not for Trinity, They will probably continue to dominate the conference. The only thing they would have to worry about is if another school would bolt, and the SCAC would lose their Automatic Bid for the NCAA playoffs. Almost happened when the SAA split off. but they were quick to pick up schools and get back to the required minimum. But I cannot imagine a year when Trinity is not vying for at least a pool C bid. If the conference did lose the auto bid I cannot imagine, they would not be a strong contender for a Pool B bid. 

Playing in a smaller conference in a place like Texas where the schools are spread out is not a bad thing. It gives them more open dates to schedule tough schools and help build their SOS. (a tough thing to do in the West Region)

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