How long ago was your son a college freshman baseball player? Fall 2014
What level was he playing? Juco, D3, D2 or D1? Something else? Mid Major HA D1
Did he stay at that school through graduation? If not, how many different colleges did he attend? Yes, Stayed
If he switched schools, why did he switch? NA
How much did your son play as a freshman? If he did not play, was he redshirted? If he was redshirted, when was he told about it? Started 51 of 51 games
What were the biggest surprises and challenges for your son freshman year? Eating: the campus dining halls closed before the end of practices/games. Meals on the road were not "satisfying" or plentiful. Some were just convenience or grocery store stops.
Overall, how was your son's experience as a freshman baseball player? Did it meet, surpass or miss his expectations? How about in regard to your expectations as a parent? Probably met his expectations, since they were spelled out pretty clearly to him early on. We enjoyed watching him play freshman year, went to as many games as we could, and absolutely hated hearing some of the other freshmen parents moan and complain.
Based on your son's experience as a freshman baseball player and your's as the parent, what advice would you have for the freshman player and his parent? As most said, player need to come to campus ready to play. Son played legion ball for the first time with his friends the summer before college, and it seemed like enough playing time. Mandatory study hall for freshman players probably saved his a$$. Make the time and effort to go to as many games as possible: you never know which game will be his last.
Did your son complete 4 years of college baseball eligibility? If not, why? No. Drafted after junior year, 5th round. Finished his degree online during Covid, after completing his 7th semester on campus (two years apart).
Notes: just reading my comments may make my son seem like a stud...starting in 51 of 51 games freshman year and getting drafted. The reality was, he was passed over by big program schools. A coach that passed on him (more than likely) suggested him to the coach of the school he eventually went to which was in a different conference. Although several schools were looking, he got ONE offer. I can't stress enough, players need to go where "they are loved" and where they can play. Summer teams: only played one summer in the Northwoods League after sophomore year and had a tremendous season. Was to play in the Cape after junior year, but landed in short season A ball in Vancouver.