Hi All,
A search I did on this topic gave some info, but I was hoping for a little more, and maybe some things to watch out for.
My son is a freshman at a large (6A) public school in Texas. He has always chosen baseball as his first sport but enjoys, and has done well in football. Both the HS head football and baseball coaches have been great about letting him do both so far - no concerns there. His grades are solid and he seems to be handling it all well so far.
I was just wondering a few things: Will not playing fall baseball hurt him in the long run (developmentally)? What problems have arisen from doing both in your experience? When he starts doing showcase stuff, will not playing baseball in the fall significantly hurt his exposure?
It seems from what I have read that doing both is fine, I just feel like I am missing something.
Background:
6'1" 180lbs
Football - named starting JV tight end (but told he may move up to Varsity in the next few games if he keeps learning the plays well)
Baseball - HS coaches know him from summer camps and like him - have told him to move straight into off season baseball as soon as football is over. Plays for good (nationally known organization) majors travel team. RHP/3rd/OF. Good measurables this summer, (but I understand not elite) - FB max 80, cruises 75-76 (pocket radar) with cutter and CU, 7.3 - 60, 80mph EV (off tee with -3). Has not showcased yet (waiting to have something really worth showcasing) but has consistently improved year to year.
High school has solid (borderline playoff level) football and baseball programs. Coaches are very experienced and have been great about him doing both. Football coach told him he thinks he could be a D1 kid in either sport. I think he has a legit chance of making JV baseball team as a freshman but who knows (very competitive for teams: 2 fresh/soph teams, JV, V).
I am aware he will have to keep working hard and getting better to play at the next level, but he seems to be motivated to do that and is on a good track so far.
I know a lot of this "depends" on our situation - I was just hoping for some experiences and things to keep an eye out for. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.