Tagged With "D3"
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Re: 2018 Help!! What are my options?
I read over your first post, and it was my assumption that you are focusing on D1 programs. You did blame your coach for lack of training, but now I understand that you are taking personal responsibility. You have not responded regarding your grades or test scores which is the x factor in getting an opportunity to play college baseball at any 4 year program. I do understand that you feel you are a better player than some, have you ever gotten an evaluation on your skills? That more than...
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Re: 2018 Help!! What are my options?
Contact coaches directly. Be prepared to sell. Promote your best attributes. Be prepared to defend your negatives. Do not lie. Ask these coaches where you can get in front of them this summer or fall. If you call you have about twenty seconds to attract interest. It's the nature of a sales call. If you do well the conversation will go further. You will know if you're being blown off. If you email the coaches you're at the mercy of them returning an email. You don't have a lot of time to...
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Re: 2018 Help!! What are my options?
As far as grades my GPA is a 3.6 and I take the Sat next month, evaluation wise when I got an evaluation I was told to focus on D3 and Juco possibly sum D1 HBCU's (Norfolk ST, Coppin State, etc)
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Re: 2018 Help!! What are my options?
I went back and saw that you have made a post once before about this and asking if you should not play your senior season. Lots of advice as to play travel this summer but perhaps you played in front of the wrong programs. Good luck.
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Re: 2018 Help!! What are my options?
I'm sorry if I confused you in my post I'm actually located in Virginia.
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Re: 2018 Help!! What are my options?
Whoops! Confused you with someone else. Go to the D3.com website someone suggested. Click on teams. Click on region. Click on teams in your region. Find their league standing. Chances are if the top teams aren't after you at this point they're not interested. They recruit. Look at the .500 teams. What I posted about calling coaches still applies. You don't have time to waste. You should make your calling list over the next couple of days and be on the phone Wednesday morning.
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
You say you're going on an unofficial visit? Does that mean coach invited you to campus and will meet you there? If so, he is interested in you, and you'll find out exactly how strong his interest is once you get there.
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
JCG - Yes he did invite me to campus and we will meet there. He also had me sign up for an admissions interview later in the day.
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
Great, you'll find out the deal very soon. In the meantime, I would keep up contacts with any other schools you're interested in until you've made a commitment. Now is the time for D3 coaches to assemble their 2018 classes. Good luck!
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
C24, you are probably aware that there are no roster size limits in D3 baseball. That can mean that the coach's interest in you may not align with your interests in the program. He may want your strong academic credentials filling a roster spot, or your parents' ability to pay tuition, or a bullpen catcher, etc. I assume that you're looking for a fair chance to earn playing time. Unfortunately, most of the onus is on you to evaluate your chances of playing there. The coach may want you, but...
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
MIDATLANTICDAD - The coach has expressed to me that their all-region starting catcher is graduating this year. Also, one of my friends, a LHP, is entering this year as a freshman, and has told me that their backup catchers aren't very good and that he wouldn't want them to catch him. For these reasons I would like to think that I would be able to compete for a starting job early on. As for their roster size, they had 38 guys last year, but only 3 catchers, one of which graduates this...
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
Excellent. Sounds promising. Keep in touch with your friend about this year's recruits, and try to catch a fall intraquad game. You don't have to commit to anything during your visit, but it's ok to express your interest. Your decision date may be driven more by the application process.
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
C24, you have not mentioned whether this coach has seen you play. Has he and on how many occasions. Secondly, did this contact and request for transcripts come from the Coach reaching out to you or from you reaching out to the coach. Third, have you seen this team play? If so, being very objective, do you think you can compete as a freshman and in what areas do you need to improve to do so? Finally, I would not use your friend as a reliable reference for the teams catching needs. This needs...
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
infielddad - yes, he has seen me play in my team's most recent tournament. Second, the requests came from the coach, in addition to the UV being scheduled by him. Third, I have not seen the team play, but they won their conference and were in an NCAA regional this year. He has told me that he sees me as a very good defensive catcher, and that I will hit for more average than power at that level.
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
Exciting time for you! Midatlantic's first post is very good - points out some D3 realities. The info you are gathering is good also. But, focus on the high bar, not the low bar. That coach will be searching to find the catcher that can replace his all-region player who is graduating. Are you close to being that player? Is there good evidence that you can be that player in a year, two at the most? If not, the coach will be searching hard to replace him, despite whether you are there, and...
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
Thanks for this update. Does this program have a Fall ball schedule? If so, could you either reschedule your UV until then, or confirm a second UV with the coach so you can see them play and watch the coaches coach? While there might be some variability, making a Regional by winning their conference means they are darn good and well coached. You will have to compete at a high level, higher than you have to date (much higher probably). I don't say this to scare you away but rather to...
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
C24 great stuff! Congrats on the interest. I think the above D3 advice is excellent but wanted to add a few things based on our journey with our 2017, especially since you asked if anyone else has been in a similar situation... Yes, asking for your academic info is the first step, and indicates the coach is interested. Level of interest unclear, but interested. No coach ever offered 2017 without seeing his academic info and getting the thumbs up from admission. Some who did do that never...
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
My 2017 went through a similar process with a number of D3 academic schools. There is some great advice here in this thread. To summarize, in terms of what 2017 experienced, I would emphasize: 1. Do your unofficial visit during the time the team is practicing in the Fall. Ask the coach when that is and tell him you would like to watch a practice/scrimmage. There is a huge value in visiting in the Fall before applications are due and you can assess the school in session and watch your future...
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
C24, you have received some excellent advice on the D3 recruiting process. My son went through a similar process (2016) where he had strong interest and actually verbally committed to a D3 program only to not get through admissions, 33 ACT and 4.4ish GPA. Even though he had a strong desire to play in college we both knew it had to be a good fit academically. The D3 he committed to was a good fit for his major just couldn't get through admissions. So I guess what I am trying to say is that...
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
C24 - I agree with StandballDad that your intended major is a big part of this, and something you didn't mention. D3s from the Northeast tend to be very liberal arts focused, so I would keep that in mind. You are doing all the right things, and you seem to have a pretty good head on your shoulders. The thing that matters most to the coach is your playing ability and if he can get you admitted into the school. If you can do those two things you make his life much easier, he'll be a big...
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
I do not have much to add as the previous posts were very insightful and covered most the items I was going to. How far away are you from this school. Many have asked to reschedule the UV. You are not limited to only one unofficial visit. My son made several UV visits to the schools he was interested in. He was on campus multiple times as several of the schools. I agree with others that you should see the tam play. If the school is close enough you can visit on your own for a spring or Fall...
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
Just to give everyone an update, he actually offered me today, so I guess my question has been answered. Thank you to everyone who responded.
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
Congrats C24! The real work and decisions are just beginning.
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
This is outstanding news C24. You now have the opportunity to be part of that elite group of approx 6% of HS players that play NCAA baseball. http://www.hsbaseballweb.com/probability.htm 6% .......Think about that Congratulations!
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
C24 Congratulations I have a question though. Reading your comments it sounds like you might be capable of playing at a fairly high level. I can see why the coach there is so interested in you. Being a 2018 grad are you totally convinced about going to this DIII college. If so, that's great. It just seems kind of early to me, but maybe not. Maybe someone can help me here, I always thought most DIII recruiting was done during the senior year and not before. I used to coach at that level and...
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Re: D3 Coach talking to Admissions
PGSTAFF - Many high academic, highly selective D3's are ramping up their recruitment of 2018's right now through the end of the summer, particularly for those students who will be applying early decision and getting a push through admissions.
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Re: Headfirst? Stanford Camp? Unsure
Academics first....how has your son's search turned out if you don't mind my asking?
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Re: Headfirst? Stanford Camp? Unsure
My son had a very similar issue. He was a low 70's rhp late in his sophomore year. He went to throwing experts: Texas Baseball Ranch, AZ Baseball Ranch, and 212 Athlete to overcome his throwing issues, and develop a throw-training program that he could continue to work on. In 16 months his velo increased 12-14 mph. This is where I would put your money. Build the velo, then build the relationships one-by-one with the college coaches, at the schools that he is interested in. He attended...
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Re: Headfirst? Stanford Camp? Unsure
Your son has a great academic record! He's a fit academically for many, many schools...easily. Both Headfirst and Stanford have an extensive number of D1 and D3 academic schools. Either (or both) camps are a fit academically from my experience with our 2012 and this year with our 2016. Go to the camps/showcases where his schools are attending. Likely both of these camps could fit if his list is a national list of top D1 and D3 academic schools. The primary challenge I see based on your post...
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Re: Headfirst? Stanford Camp? Unsure
Thanks Branson....yeah, that is what I was afraid of. Not sure it would be worth the $1k to send him to HeadFirst if he's still under 80mph. Wouldn't do a lot of good to spend that kind of money if he won't draw any Interest. Maybe just pick a few individual college camps and go to them. I think 78mph and 155-160 is a possibility by summer, but not sure if that wld spur any interest from schools like Tufts, Emory, or Liberal Arts schools like Haverford, Amherst or Middlebury, etc. i was even...
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Re: Headfirst? Stanford Camp? Unsure
The Stanford camp is not only about being seen and getting on the radar, but it is a learning experience about what college baseball is all about, living in a dorm, etc. For the value I would recommend Stanford over Headfirst. You can do a search here and see all kinds of information on both of them. I would also look into the Academic Game at the Arizona Fall Classic. He may not make the team but just trying out and getting on their list will get him exposure. You are actually in a great...
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Re: Headfirst? Stanford Camp? Unsure
Here is the D3 map. I believe there is a more better one than this. BishopLeftysdad would have it. Gives you a good visual on where the schools are. https://maps.google.com/maps/m...b3b44&dg=feature
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Re: Headfirst? Stanford Camp? Unsure
I am going to come at this pretty directly. While I am a huge fan of the Stanford Camp, I would be concerned that, with its size and your son's velocity, he could get lost. On the schools listed, it seems unlikely to me that most of them are a baseball fit. CLU, P-P, Emory, Tufts, etc. and baseball for your son, at this level, seems remote. However, as BOF noted, there are top academic schools which most of us in CA. would be accused of calling fly over schools to get from our coast to the...
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Re: Headfirst? Stanford Camp? Unsure
Well said infieldad.....well said. I believe that is golden advice. I would attend the event that your son has the best chance to stand-out, and I don't think that is the Stanford camp. HeadFirst is more focused on traditional D3 schools. In the long run, he'll have some academic options but it would be nice to expand that universe and add some baseball in the mix as well. In addition, for some of the elite academic schools with low admissions rates your son will want beyond 1900. He needs a...
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Re: Headfirst? Stanford Camp? Unsure
AcademicsFirst, I would have your son do some research on the LHPs who are currently getting innings at the DIIIs he's interested in. Some will have Perfect Game profiles with their high school ht/wt and velocity numbers. He might even find some guys who have numbers similar to his. Of course, he'll have to dig a little deeper to find out how those guys have progressed since high school, but it will give him some context. His expectations of playing time are also a factor. His academics...
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Re: Headfirst? Stanford Camp? Unsure
Be aware that many D3 academics carry large rosters and/or JV teams. Tuition is typically expensive and many coaches aren't shy about encouraging lots of academically qualified kids to attend their school and try out for the program even if they are only marginally qualified from a baseball standpoint. If getting playing time is important to your son, make sure he has detailed discussions with each coach as to what his realistic chances are.
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Re: Headfirst? Stanford Camp? Unsure
There is such a wealth of information here. Great stuff guys. Infielddad's advice is spot on. The other thing to consider is the schools pitching program. My son's program routinely takes marginal D1 kids and develop's them into draft picks. What a lot of people may not see is that it also takes borderline D3 kids and develops them into solid contributors.You get that in D3 ball because of the larger rosters. They get there of course by their own hard work, which is in the weight room,...
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Re: Headfirst? Stanford Camp? Unsure
Thanks everyone...I knew I would get some great advice on here. The baseball team has a strength coach that works with them...as for his mechanics, he works out with a private coach and usually attends most of Jaegers camps. Bottom line is if he gets admitted to a school like UCLA, Hopkins, or Georgetown, he will probably go...and will just attempt to walk-on so he has some closure in his own mind. I don't see him deciding to go to some no-name school just for baseball. He has worked hard to...
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Re: Headfirst? Stanford Camp? Unsure
AF, at the time our son got recruited, the D3 program was an absolutely "no name" to us and most everyone in his school It was also a "no name" to what turned out to be his roommate, recruited from Northridge. Our son went on to be drafted from the D3. His roommate is now with the FBI. The school's baseball program is now the top ranked program in D3, thanks in part to the contribution of BOF's son.. I think I understand what you might have meant about name recognition but it is also the...
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Re: Headfirst? Stanford Camp? Unsure
AF - Go attend an Oxy and/or CMS game, take a look at the lefty pitchers, hopefully someone will be in the stands with a good radar gun. You might be very surprised at the true velocities....sub 80 MPH for lefties is not uncommon. There are very successful LHP in the Northwest Conference, even guys who made the All Conference team, who top out in games maybe at 81 - 82. The key is great location, movement, changing speeds, and maybe a funky delivery/arm slot. Good luck and keep at it!!
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Re: Headfirst? Stanford Camp? Unsure
Definitely no disrespect meant Infield. Yes, I probably get too caught up in the rankings myself and only think of the big names, I myself graduated from Northridge, so I know it's not all about the name. its just so much to think about. We were at OU this summer visiting my dad and went on a tour. He can get $8k/yr in merit aid which would make OU cheaper than going in-state, but as much as I love Norman, he wouldn't play baseball at that level and part of me would like to see him strive...
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Re: Headfirst? Stanford Camp? Unsure
UCDavis is a great school, and is at the bottom of the BigWest, however they are recruiting as high a level D1 player they can find. Infielddad knows as much about the program as any since his son coached there. I would not waste too much time considering them from a baseball, perspective. His target schools should be based on what major he is interested in, what you describe could be a number of the Maryland area schools, Washington College leading the pack. Fenwaysouth and some others...
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Re: Headfirst? Stanford Camp? Unsure
And BOF's post brings up another consideration... college club baseball. Schools such as Stanford, Cal Poly, Davis, UCSB, St Mary's, Cal, UCSD have club teams. This may be a great option if he has a challenging major and one of those schools happens to be a fit. http://www.clubbaseball.org/Teams.aspx
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Re: Advice for a Freshman
Get to all your classes other than ones you miss due to baseball. Do all your homework and reading on schedule. Most majors aren't that hard if you keep up. It can be a bear if you fall behind.
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Re: Advice for a Freshman
If your coach hasn't done so already, prepare a workout plan for the summer. You'll want to be in the best physical shape when you arrive on campus. The fall practices are basically the tryouts for the spring squad. And as mentioned, keep up on your school work. Once you fall behind it is difficult to catch up. Be ready for long days. My son's days started at 5 am for a 5:30 am work out, classes until 2 pm, then practice from 3-6 pm (sometimes later). Then dinner and any homework. In bed by...
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Re: Advice for a Freshman
If you are like most, there will be a lot of "firsts" when it comes to making your own decisions. You decide whether to go to class or not, whether to wake up or not, whether to party or not, whether to put the extra work in, whether to study sufficiently, whether to have a positive approach to things, whether to make right choices, etc., etc. Often, given the option for the first time, young men make a lot of the wrong choices. My advice would be to go into this determined to make the right...
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Re: Advice for a Freshman
Here is some advice based on my college track career. Admittedly it was 25+ years ago, but I think it probably still holds true. Class, class, class. Make sure you are attending class and keeping up with assignments. Its so easy in college to start to blow off class and assignments. I know right now your saying, yea no problem, but its tough to get to that 7pm class after having practice and weight room until 6pm. This needs to be you number 1 priority. Many schools will have...
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Re: Advice for a Freshman
You cannot assume that you will show up in the Fall and have a spot on the roster. As other have said , you need to show up in the best shape of your life, prepared to battle for a roster spot and battle for playing time. Many D3's will have 50-75 players in the Fall, with just 35 roster spots available. And keep in mind that the coaches are out scouting this entire summer, looking for players to replace you in your Sophomore season.