RJM posted:I know kids who played in the Centennial League and NESCAC who received D1 mid major offers. They knew they weren’t pro prospects. They were more interested in the best avenue to grad school than pro ball.
They knew they would start and probably star on a D3. They chose the best combination of their perception of baseball experience and academics. I know kids who played at these schools knowing it was ok to miss practice or a game due to academics.
Here’s a simple big picture, long term example. Do you want to play D1 baseball and get a UMass degree or play D3 baseball and get a Tufts degree? If a kid picks UMass he should get his head examined.
I understand what you are saying, but to me it is taking the easy road and they gave up on themselves and their dream after their senior high school year. I don’t respect guys who go that route simply for the “BMOC” effect. I get being “realistic” and knowing most players don’t get the opportunity to play pro ball, but you can’t tell me that if players have the chance to play at a school (let’s say Ivy or Patriot League in D1) of comparable value (educationally) they wouldn’t choose one of those schools if they had an offer to play over a D3 school. They likely did not have an offer from a school of that caliber and went the route you stated.