Hey, gang, lots of great comments, keep them coming!
To be clear, coaches were not making a "big deal" out of the JV program. Simply stated how it was going to be run. JV programs have been a topic of discussion that many (ourselves included) have concerns about. It was good to hear it addressed directly and it was something they wanted to address as they themselves acknowledged it can be a red flag. Most D3 conferences don't have a limit on the number of players (this goes for some other divisions, too), and, as has been discussed in other posts, they don't necessarily know who is coming until they are on campus. The schedule was published, with results. Played D3, D2, NAIA, and JUCOs. The "varsity" also played a Big 10 school.
To be certain, playing JV isn't the goal, nor should it be, but as a freshman pitcher it may be hard to get innings, so it is better than sitting on the bench, which so many do in other programs. Playing 25-30 JV games is definitely an expense for the school, but isn't an issue. As for the question about the number of players moving up and down between varsity and JV, that will remain to be seen as this is their first year. The good news is that son is a junior, and there is plenty of time to see what actually happens at this and other programs. Big shout out to College Baseball Insights, program, too! Very helpful!! As for the comment the coaches made about not expecting a reply soon after contacting them -- they will be in their season pretty soon and are recruiting 2023s. Not getting a reply right away is pretty common, many previous posters have said the same. Too many parents and athletes think if they don't hear something right away that there isn't any interest, which isn't necessarily the case at all. Regarding this particular school, coaches actually called him the week HS started last fall. They are interested (for now, anyway).
As previously stated, this visit was for academic and athletic purposes, primarily academic. The financials were part of the academic visit where numerous families were in attendance for formal presentations. Fact is that a lot of colleges are struggling financially, both public and private (he's considering both). Knowing that a school is on good financial footing is important to us, and may be for others, too, as there is less likelihood that academic programs will be reduced or eliminated, and the same goes for athletics. The school has about 1,100 students. Recently, it raised over $115 million in a capital campaign, far exceeding the goal of $80 million. School just unveiled a newly constructed athletic training center this past fall and has revamped numerous buildings and dorms -- all paid for by donations. None of the financials came from the student tour guide, that would be odd indeed.
Hard to know what's in the minds of coaches when the make their moves. They both held various positions at D1's, and those programs were successful in their respective conferences. Maybe the new HC simply wanted to become a HC and build his resume a bit. One of my cousins coached minor league ball in the Appalachian League for the same MLB organization for 20 years. Had plenty of opportunities to move up the ladder, but was happy where he was at (he also played 15+ years in MLB and won a ring). His father was the winningest coach in the history of the Cape Cod League (since surpassed). He, too, had plenty of opportunities to move up the ranks, but did quite well for himself financially outside of baseball (which he never played professionally). He was still coaching high school ball at age 86 when he passed away a couple of years ago. He simply loved baseball and teaching the game. Son's club and coaches are very well-connected, too.
About 40% of the student population at this school consists of athletes,
60+ players is indeed a lot. As stated, the coaches addressed this and are going to reduce the roster. They feel that a roster of that size is unwieldy and may actually be a hindrance in recruiting better talent. Also, as of today, there are two transfers in the program. One came in listed as a freshman and is now a sophomore, the other came in as a junior and is now a senior. I would suspect there will be more transfers going forward, but the academics will be a bit of a hurdle.
We don't get caught up in glamour too easily. Have a family full of athletes across many sports: MLB, A ball, AAA ball, NBA, D1, D2, D3, NAIA, National Teams, All-Americans (yes, even glorious D1). One played in a Final Four. I even played soccer in 4th grade (and was terrible).
Yes, son would be perfectly happy at the school without baseball. There are plenty of additional schools he's looking into, as well. His school is recruited very heavily for academics and has excellent outcomes. Playing a sport at a school that isn't an academic fit isn't going to happen in our family. 2024 also isn't caught up the various levels of play. He wants a great academic experience and education and to play some baseball and good time. Heck, he may choose not to play ball a year from now, and that's fine with us. Bottom line is that if he does play ball, there will be no transferring to another school just to play ball unless he wants to foot the bill himself.
Love the idea of a journal to record notes and thoughts! I think I read that in another post or two and am doing it. As for 2024, he enjoyed the day, then studied for exams on the trip home.