Buckeyfan - one additional question came to mind as I re-read your response. I did not realize that an athlete could REQUEST a redshirt status on their own, I assumed that was only an option if offered by the coach? My son is continuing to feel that his coach has written him off, and is not providing any guidance or direction on improvement areas or development, but because the number of pitchers is small, he expects to be kept active (not offered redshirt) in the event of an injury or other unforseen circumstance. If the season ends and he is never called upon to throw a pitch, is the year automatically classified as a redshirt year, or does that status have to be assigned by the coach? I would be interested in more details about redshirting (when can it be offered/requested, by who, etc.). If there is an NCAA reference I should refer to, would appreciate that pointer as well. Thanks very much!