quote:You had a great career at Hofstra. Looking back, would you like it to play out the same way as it did?
For example, what is you opinion about going to a school that may be a stretch for a given player. Perhaps going to a southern school, competing and watching for a few years and then breaking into the lineup as they matured - would you trade that for the four year playing career that you had?
Great question:
Hofstra was a stretch for me at the time! I had all intentions of sitting for 2 years, playing hard, growing up (I didnt hit a real growth spirt until senior year of high school), and putting in my time.
But as you'll see on almost every college team, one big prospect fails out, two guys get hurt, one guy gets in trouble, and someone doesnt pan out to be nearly as good as the coaches thought he'd be.
Basically what I'm saying is that things can change. I got my first starts in college late in games as a pitcher.
A few freezing cold pinch hit at bats here and there. Then 12 games into the season we are 0-12, our senior second basemen strained his hamstring, so I got my first start at second base.
We won, I played ok, dont really remember, but hit a grandslam in my second start. And it was all over from there.
I say GO FOR the big school. If I hadn't gone D1 it would have been harder for me to play college summer ball ( I played in Coastal Plains League and NECBL, Virginia and Maine) and summer ball is the breeding ground for draft picks.
Take the shot on the big school down south or up north or that matter, the key is getting the foot in the door, once its cracked you can swing it wide open!
But I should also say, when going about the recruiting process do not limit yourself to go for it schools, make sure you have some local schools where coaches can actually take a look at you.
Because the #1 most important factor when it comes to getting signed is getting seen.
I was scouted one day by my college coach, and one day from my pro scout. I know that because I never met my scout, he saw me play my last weekend of my senior year at Hofstra. When first rounder Adam Ottovino was pitching and 29 other scouts were there to see him.
I played great, had the numbers to back it up, and it was enough for the scout to draft me.
http://nextgenerationbaseball.blogspot.com/ thats the link to the scouting report of the day that got me drafted. Scroll down a smidge lower than halfway and there will be my report.
This game is an amazing game, each players journey is differnet, and mine was one I wouldnt change for the world.
I hope I answered your question cleveland dad.
My personal email is Ricky_Caputo@yahoo.com all members of this community can feel free to email me anytime. I will do my best to give you an honest opinion on what ever question you ask.