@PABaseball posted:… then when it comes to D3s I wouldn't even focus on the baseball. I would let academics and financing college drive my decision making and if he's in between a few I would let the baseball determine where I ended up, but that's just me. I would never walk into an expensive mediocre school just to be able to play baseball for a few more years
I think, In general that is very sound advice. I would say though that it is important to also heavily factor in the Baseball experience at potential D3 schools. The workload is a grind: long practices and mandatory lifting, plus of course the classroom work and studying.
There are D3 schools that almost never have underclassmen see the field, and some D3 schools that routinely redshirt underclassmen. There are D3 schools that have 50-60 players on their roster. Last I checked only 9 play at a time. It’s fairly routine to have only 10 or 11 position players get significant playing time in a given season, unless there are big injuries. It’s important to understand the NCAA rules when it comes to redshirting specifically at D3’s: Players cannot practice with the team if they are redshirted once games begin. Athletically, yes, you get five years to play four. You are also are paying for five years of College to get a four year degree if you are redshirted at a D3.
It’s important to know what you were getting into. If a D3 school shows serious interest, do the research. Look at previous season stats, see how many underclassmen got significant at bats or innings pitched in the last three or four years. Look at the roster. Is it loaded with JUCO transfers? How long has the coach been there?
College baseball can be a fantastic experience, but it is also really hard work. Try to be realistic about your chances of actually seeing the field, don’t think you’ll be the exception that proves the rule. To put in all the work in the fall,Then not be able to practice with the team in the spring (if you are redshirted) and/or to put in all the practice time in both the fall and spring and essentially just be a bullpen catcher for 2 to 3 years can be really tough. But a lot of players do that And still have a great experience.
…again do your very best to find out what are you are getting into, because D3 schools really vary as to how they go about doing things. All that to say, yes, I agree with the above statement. Put the academics first, as well as the financing and the culture at the school in general. If you are going to put in all that work, come away with a great degree and a great educational experience. However, if everything else is generally equal when it comes to the academics, really spend a lot of time factoring in the different Baseball experiences at different schools.