Tagged With "D3"
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Re: Advice for a Freshman
Yep - son's first day at practice had 53 players show up (D2 JuCo). They eventually self cut to 35 (grades, medical-health, disillusionment) by the spring season.
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Re: Advice for a Freshman
I want to add to the above comments on being in the best shape of your life. Talk to your trainer or a nutritionist and find out the proper things to eat. It's easy to slack off a bit now since just graduated, a few months until college begins, you want to sleep in, relax, etc. Now is the time to develop good habits thus when college starts you can step right in and feel comfortable knowing your body and mind is where it is supposed to be. Proper nutrition and sleep will help build body mass...
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Re: Advice for a Freshman
Be VERY proactive in reaching out to your professors about you being an athlete. Learn which teachers are willing to work with you and which ones are more difficult.
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Re: Advice for a Freshman
1. Stay with your laundry, unless you bring it home to wash. Can't tell you how many people had shirts go missing. 2. Bring a microwave, I spent many nights in the student lounge studying and being able to make a bowl of soup or popcorn was a life saver. 3. Bring Shower Shoes, foot fungus is no joke! 4. Block out your study time. You may only have Monday night to study for your test on Friday. I would spend most of Monday making up half note cards with a key sentence on one side with a key...
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Re: Advice for a Freshman
You've seen tremendous advice thus far on the academic and athletic side. Don't forget about the social side, which has derailed more athletic careers than anything. Make good decisions, have fun but always stay in complete control of your actions. Earn respect by taking care of business in the classroom and on the field, not by being the life of the party. Align yourself with the upperclassmen that have taken this route and follow suit. Good luck.
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Re: What questions should I ask on a campus visit?
Questions to ask the coach during your unofficial visit When you go on your unofficial visit, one of your top priorities should be to ask the coach any questions you have about the school and the program. Before you go, write down your questions and keep adding to the list throughout your visit. When it’s time to talk to the coach, you’ll have your list ready to go, rather than trying to come up with questions on the spot. Here some examples of questions you might want to ask: What are the...
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Re: What questions should I ask on a campus visit?
To be clear, my son is just starting this chaos, so I have NOT been there and done that, but this is what I would like to know. 1. Am I required to live anywhere specific? Some schools have a baseball "house", others say in the dorms, others say they don't care, some make you room with a baseball player. 2. If I take THIS major do you think I can graduate on time or am I required to take summer or winter school? Do you have a cap on the credits per semester I am allowed to take? 3. Can I...
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Re: What questions should I ask on a campus visit?
Since you're going to a school with a new coaching staff, you might ask what drew the coaches to the college and what they like about it, plus what they would like to change moving forward and how you might fit into that new direction.
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Re: What questions should I ask on a campus visit?
Congrats to you!!! Hope one of those schools ends up being a great fit for you! As for questions, I think a lot depends on what you hope to accomplish as a student and athlete at said school. I know my son wanted to know about player development. What is their track record in terms of developing players? Do they do their best to provide all players multiple opportunities to perform in games and prove themselves? In terms of academics, do they support players who choose to challenge...
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Re: What questions should I ask on a campus visit?
Responses above are great. We had a discussion last week with a HC in which my son also asked: What is the team culture? What are you looking for in your 20XX class? Where would you see me fitting?
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Re: What questions should I ask on a campus visit?
What questions should I ask on a campus visit? Any chance you could throw in a rally girl with that offer?
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
A drastic difference in pitching? Compared to what? You will have two primary jobs in college; academics and baseball. You are about to find out how much you like/love baseball and how much you want it to be a major part of your life. Academics and baseball will fill most of your time.
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Congratulations on your college acceptance! I'll echo RJM, college baseball is like a second job. Second to college academics. Hopefully, you'll really like your jobs. My sons have played D1 and D3 baseball. Schedule wise, the most substantive difference between the two is the number of Spring games and the impacts (travel, missed classes, etc.) that occur. Fall (while technically a shorter practice schedule at D3 than D1...in reality, not so much) and Winter are pretty similar. And they are...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Terrific summary by Branson. But since the picture he paints is a bit bleak, I'll try to brighten it with a few upsides: 1 - You'll be spending A LOT less time in class, as much as 50% less. (If you're STEM it will ramp up later) 2 - Many kids who took AP or IB classes in HS report that college is actually easier. 3 - You'll be busy, but when you do have free time you'll be surrounded by great friends. 4 - College girls! 5 - No parents!
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
The thing about playing any sport in college is that it is a full time job. I hope your parents are generous and understanding. Most college kids can hold down 2-3 jobs and bust their butts in the summer, you can't. Summer will hopefully be playing with a summer league and winter you will likely be taking courses to make up the light load of credit you take during the fall and spring so you can keep up with baseball. 12 credits is a "full time student", but 12 credits won't allow you to...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
When I played I sometimes felt owned. I felt like I had very little time to myself. But I would do it all over again. My kids felt the same way. Most who play feel this way. Fortunately I had a girlfriend who thought a good time was hanging out at games with other girlfriends. Dont skip classes. Keep up with your homework/reading. Being up to date is half the battle. Never make the mistake of telling yourself you will catch up next week. Hopefully you have such a good time with college...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Just because they can doesn't mean you can. Stay focused. If you want to plow a straight row don't look where you have been but where you want to go. Be thankful for the opportunity. Earn it every single day. Good Luck
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Go into Fall in the best shape of your life. Be the Guy who comes in in shape and ready for the physical activity required. This will benefit both your academics and athletics. It will be much easier to study if you are not completely beat from workouts or practice. Stay in shape between fall and winter/spring work outs. When going home for the holidays do not slack or let up. stay in shape. Be ready to roll when you come back from winter break. I saw a lot of freshman come in out of shape...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Generally, every player that enters the college baseball environment is initially surprised at how competitive it is, regardless of level, and at the extent of time commitment. That said, if my deduction is correct, the school you are going to probably gives you the best chance at competing for playing time sooner than later. So, do everything you can between now and then to be prepared academically and athletically. The small average class size and school size will be in your favor when it...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
All the above have great answers and suggestions. I would add this. As a freshman work your butt off in everything, especially practices. If you assume everyone's talent is basically at the same level, if you give that extra effort (110%), that may make you stand out in coaches eyes. It may not happen on opening day but work hard, practice hard, be a team player with encouragement, and something good will come of it.
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Outstanding posts by all...2018 is headed to a top regional D3, so I am going to redirect him to this thread for him to read.
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
time management, time management, time management...you will have plenty of time to do everything if you use your time well. If you don't...it is going to be a problem. My son is a what would be considered a competitive D3, they are serious, they recruit kids who they feel have fallen though the cracks a typical fall ball week besides classes is 5x a week lifting / conditioning - this started around week 2 or so of school and is the whole school year. Finals week I believe they have off for...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
I am not sure if anyone mentioned it in this thread (it seems like the message is how tough the experience is) but I thought I would like to mention something uplifting as well. If you apply yourself and keep your nose to the grindstone, all the hard work and effort will have seemed well worth the effort when you find your way on to the playing field. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is more exciting or thrilling than that. My son's dream was to win a championship in both high school and college...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
I think you've gotten a pretty good idea on the biggest issue - time management!! My son struggled his freshman year with the time issues and had actually decided to quit baseball after the spring. He was about 12 hours from telling the coaches when a friend (former player, coach, etc) took him out to lunch and basically told him "hey, everyone feels that way after their freshman year". He stayed and is happy that he did. With regard to pitching that you'll see....answer these questions and...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
This is so true. It may seem like a Slog at times but the reward is so worth it. Baseball will end for everyone sometime in their lives. Just never let it be for lack of effort, in academics and athletics.
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
This concept may seem odd entering college baseball. It will make sense afterwards. A few years after finishing playing you will remember far more about the smiles and laughter on your teammate’s faces than the play on the field. You don’t play baseball forever. Some of your teammates will be friends forever. You won’t talk about someone’s great catch. You will talk about the shaving cream pie he took in the face.
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Spot on. I played beer league hockey with two college teammates last night. We talk about our kids, our jobs, our deteriorating bodies, how bad we played... If someone brings up the 1978 MACHC championship, it's time to call an Uber.
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
I love the positive posts in this thread. CD and RJM or so right.
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Here is a an article regarding a D1 baseball player. I would guess that other divisions aren't much different. This was posted on this site last year and I found it interesting. https://www.theodysseyonline.c...ball-the-16-hour-day
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
In answering the OP's question - the link JLC posted is a good indication of what to expect. My son's experience was similar. I've always maintained it's not just one full time job, but actually two - one as a student and one as an athlete. Though my son was not a pitcher (played 1B), that schedule was about what he had at JuCo and D2. Each day started a 5 am and he did not go to bed until after 10 pm. Spring was worse with an average of 4 games per weekend (a doubleheader each day) and at...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
A few comments on D3 pitching. My son finished high school last year, did summer ball with other college players -- D3, JuCo, and some D1 -- and it went well. It was not a big adjustment for him. His high school team was not particularly good, but they played against some of the top teams in the area. He faced a few pitchers who were hitting 90mph. Most were not. Same with the summer league. Most of the pitchers were in the low to mid 80s. Control still an issue for many of them. The fall...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Good thread, but going back to this question in the OP: Is there typically a drastic difference in the quality of pitching? I took a look at your league's stats from last year. The champion averaged 7.6 runs per game! Even the 8th place team scored 6.8 runs per game. Win your spot in the lineup and be prepared to mash!
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
FWIW, over Thanksgiving weekend I saw two 2017 HS grads (a PAC12 player and an Ivy player, home for the long weekend) at my son's baseball game. I asked them a version of the OP's question: "Is college baseball super intense?" The answer I got [from the PAC12 player] were that the lifting is way more intense. Not even close. The baseball work (at least in the fall) was described by both as not more intense [perhaps due to NCAA limits on fall practices?]. Maybe that will change in the spring?
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
This is a great thread and the one thing I see missing (at least I missed it) was the importance of mental toughness. My son who just got home for Christmas and I were talking about his time playing and he said the major difference to the guys who performed well throughout the season were their mental toughness. He said one of his teams top pitchers had nowhere near the stuff of some others, but he was a mental giant. No matter the situation he would control himself mentally and he was...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
So true BOF. While speaking to some former players the other day who are now in college they spoke about the importance of mental toughness.
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Couldn't agree more. Start off by understanding the game, learn the game and this is part of the building blocks for mental toughness.
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Mental toughness is always being prepared. Never shift into “Woe is me, I’m getting screwed, I’m better than him,” mode. Shift into “Stay mentally and physically prepared to deliver when you get your chance” mode. Successful spot appearances can turn into bigger opportunities.
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Re: Gold standard for D3 field/facilities
My son and I really liked the Washington & Lee baseball field in Lexington, VA when he was being recruited there. That was our gold standard as he considered other D3 schools. We have family friends who have played at Randolph-Macon (Ashland, VA) and Christopher Newport University (Newport News, VA) and I thought their field and facilities were pretty darn nice.
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Re: Gold standard for D3 field/facilities
It's close to being finished......but gotta think that Marietta College has got to be near the top with this gem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et5Zc_M2iag
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Re: Gold standard for D3 field/facilities
On the flip side it’s hard to believe this is a 70K per year top academic with a 1.6 billion dollar endowment. https://athletics.bowdoin.edu/...ities/files/baseball i guess “ You’re laughing at us now, but you will be working for us later” works for the program. They have an excellent, long tenured coach. I’m surprised he can’t push for more.
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Re: Gold standard for D3 field/facilities
Cal Lu baseball facilities and sports and fitness center are pretty impressive, as is the whole athletic side of the campus.
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Re: Gold standard for D3 field/facilities
Pomona-Pitzer's background view alone makes it one of the best https://www.sagehens.com/sports/bsb/Alumni_Field
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Re: Gold standard for D3 field/facilities
That looks pretty nice, plus a great Engineering program there.
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Re: Gold standard for D3 field/facilities
Gotta say this Dorm/Players Lounge at Swarthmore is pretty spiffy looking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ISyVaiH5y0
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Re: Gold standard for D3 field/facilities
NYU plays at MCU Park, home of the NY Penn League (short A) champion Brooklyn Cyclones. The good news is that It's a beautiful, new field with a view of the beach. The bad news is that it's almost an hour from campus.
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Re: Gold standard for D3 field/facilities
For petroleum engineering, yes, the other engineering programs I believe are similar to a 3-2. https://www.marietta.edu/progr...ineering-dual-degree https://www.marietta.edu/progr...etroleum-engineering I can tell you several ball payer have gone there to major in Petroleum Engineering, But few finish up in both Baseball for 4 years and a degree in Petroleum engineering.