Expectations

Reading over some of the topics lately, I keep thinking about what expectations parents and players have of the recruiting as well as the college baseball experience.


Of the draft? Do young players and their parents fully understand what pro ball is and what it entails, which option makes more realistic sense when presented?

What expectations do you have after he arrives, has it been what you expected, knowing what you and son know now was it still the right choice, what would have you done differently and what would remain the same.

Our expectations were pretty simple, son was offered a scholarship and we expected the program to live up to that commitment, get him a summer ball assignment, and hope that the experience would be one that makes men out of boys, and we expected player to do the same, go to class, show up at practice and try to stay out of trouble. Most of all try to enjoy the experience as a whole, not all about baseball and not all about college. Our dealing with the coaching staff was honest and up front there were never any promises made for specific time on the mound, and no specific promise he would get drafted out of the program (though they did say they would all they could to help him to reach that goal if that is what he wanted).

My player got to college and had a bit of a reality check, as most frosh do. There's a whole lot of baseball going on but there is also a whole lot of other stuff as well, oh yeah, then there are classes and the expectation is that you should strive hard to make honor roll. You got a lot of things on your plate and not a whole lot of time in the day to cover it. Tough first semester but he settled in nicely. There were times he was unhappy and tired and just plain beat up mentally and physically after each season but ready to go again each fall. I will admit, after 3 years he was pretty tired of doing both. Looking back, I realize now that JUCO may be a very good option for many players.
Hoping we'll get a response here, information we post about our experience often makes the road less difficult for others.

One other very important thing, do you know the differences that coaches look for in players between divisions. Academic expectations as well? The days of hte thought that "my player can get in because he is very talented" don't always apply.