I used to post here a lot, but forgot my credentials so I'm starting over. So this really isn't my first (or 10th) post.
My son is a sophomore playing D3 baseball. The biggest surprise since he started playing college ball? The number of former teammates and other players who aren't playing after their first year of college. Dedicated, good players. They get to college and playing baseball just isn't for them. I can't say why, but I do have a few theories. And a very serious recommendation for the parents of high school players to have fun.
Why do kids who work so hard to get the opportunity to play in college, quit? I wonder if for some players, they just put so much effort into getting on a college team that the work required to compete in college is just too much. Are they burned out?
The competition is tough. Innings can be hard to come by. Doing all of the work and sitting can get a guy wondering if it is worth it. Because however hard it was in high school, it is more demanding in college. Yes, even D3.
There are more things to do in college. Not just the fun stuff, but the things which need to be done to get a job after college. Pressure is put on students much earlier than it was in past decades.
And above all, college is a time for change. What you think you want at 17 you just may not care about at 20. And that's ok.
Don't get me wrong, my son loves his team, loves playing. But it will take a lot of dedication to get through the next 2 years of college playing baseball. If he continues to play, I'll be there. If he decides to focus on other things, I'll understand. After all, it is his life.
So enjoy the magical baseball ride, no wonder how long it lasts. Don't miss the fun today worrying about the future.