It's been a family tradition to work full time for 1 year after high school and then attend college at age 19. This gives an 18 year old boy time to see the real world and grow up a bit before taking off for college. The idea is that he will take college a bit more seriously and understand how important a college degree really is after trying to make a living in the real world. Also, this will give him some time to figure things out while actually making some money (albeit not much) instead of "trying to find himself" in college as a young kid just out of high school and wasting his time and my money. Then when he actually goes to college he should have a better idea of what subjects he should major in college and be more focused since he is a year older and wiser. Anyway, that's how I was brought up and it worked for me many years ago (it was my experience that most freshmen in college don't have a clue). After having stated all this, however, I'm wondering if this same approach would have any negative effects on my son if we decided that he should go that route too. He also happens to be a very good high school baseball player and some colleges have been showing interest in him. Would a college baseball coach be willing to wait 1 year, or, will he just go after someone else and forget about him? That is, would my son be off the college baseball radar screen, or, could he still be considered a prospect 1 year later? Also, my son would continue to play baseball during the 1 year working period with either a legion team or an adult rec team so he won't get rusty - in fact he may even get bigger and better. My son is a right handed pitcher with an 85mph fb and is a rising senior in high school next year. Just wondering what might be the consequences, negative or positive, if he did this. It would be like a self imposed red shirt season with a 1 year coop work program. This is a very serious subject in my family and I would appreciate any constructive feedback. Thanks.....
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