quote:Originally posted by observer44:
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We have had two "preferred walk on" years at DI and three at JC...
Would piggyback on most of what has been said...
The PWO process differs for every school. We have seen it play out many different ways. Some do their homework take a calculated risk, find real opportunity and make the most of that chance.
On the other hand, Some walk in completely blind and get lucky and it is all a dream come true. Others do NOT do their homework, find the situation much different than they thought, get dinged and then blame the program. Some are purposely or accidently misled…..having few rules, the murky world of PWO leaves lots/everything to interpretation. Some teams bring in 35 guys for 35 spots…some bring in 50-70. And the numbers alone are only part of what you need to know.
As many have said here, baseball $ can be a real measure of worth. Lack of money can, in many programs mean less commitment, you need to know how that work’s and what that means.
Bottom line....nail it all down as much as possible…assume nothing…If you are going to take this route you had better do your research and find out exactly where you stand and how that specific program handles PWO’s.
Some of the questions to ask...
Is this a guaranteed roster spot for the spring?
What is the fall try out process?
How many people returning? How many How many people in fall camp? Preferred walk ons? Walk ons?
How many at my position? With my role?
How many cuts? When? December so I might go elsewhere? Or February when my options are limited?
Have preferred walk ons been cut? How often? What about in their second year? Do preferred walk ons stick and how do they do?
Have preferred walk ons earned scholarships in your program? How often?
Have preferred walk ons earned significant playing time?
Why me? What need do you see me filling in the program? Where have you seen me? (meaning in part… do you really know me well enough to answer all the questions intelligently)
44
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Excellent post and in our case all of the above were asked over and over again before the decision was made. Both the Coach and school have a great reputation. The reception and attention my nephew has been given is exactly the same (if not more) than scholarship recipients.
Not necessarily the case of a teammate who is walking on at a big ACC school where he was told he could come out in the fall and "see what happens". Was told "no promises". No way my nephew would have gone that route,the cost of tuition alone is $37K and even with a 50% academic scholly x's fours years.... At some point the kids have to learn that their dream might not be able to come true or it has to be altered. Mine did.