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I am looking for some honest advice. My son was a 2004 graduate, top pitcher for his HS team, won MVP and all-area honors. We did not know enough to promote him properly, he never attended any showcases during high school, only played summer ball with the high school's summer team for his coach. Did not get the greatest visibility until his senior year of High school. He went to one showcase after graduating, looked to be one of the top pitchers, got good comments, but no offers. He had already applied and been accepted to a top D1 engineering school in TN, with a full academic scholarship. He went on to school, spoke with the coach, who told him to come to a walk-on tryout. The coach was not very positive before the tryout, due to the fact that he already had 13 pitchers, lots of freshmen, with the majority RHPs. Well, tryout came and my son was told that although he looked good, his fastball was high 70s to low 80s, his changeup was "great" according to the coach, but his curveball lacked enough bite. Each pitcher trying out only threw 15 total pitches into a net, with no catcher in place. He said it was not one of his better days.
Well he did not make the team, which he was prepared to deal with, but greatly disappointed. Actually not one of the walk-ons was added.
My question is, should he even think about trying out again next year? Are there any summer leagues or showcases for kids that have been out of school for a year? He is a young

freshman, will turn 19 this summer. He is 6'2" and weighs about 155lbs, I think he is possibly still growing. Honest opinions/advice needed!!!
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My honest opinion: He's an engineering student with a full scholastic ride, and you want him to play baseball? Are you crazy? (Sorry, got carried away there.) Engineering is a tough, tough major - hard enough without any extra activities. I know it goes against the "religion" of the HSBBW, but I'd think long and hard before messing with what looks like a Really Good Thing your son has going academically. (Okay, flame away!)
Tiger....I agree with P-Dog.

My son is a freshman in an Engineering program and it is far tougher for him than he first thought.

Let your son gain some academic credits; gain some weight; work out in the summer and play in a competitive situation again; do well; and, come out for fall ball.

Not the end of the world....Work on the grades...Baseball comes to an end for many, many kids. Some never get the chance beyond high school or college for reasons no one can understand. That's life. They can take that "dream" away from you.

They can't take what is in your mind away from you.
Last edited by BeenthereIL
I strongly disagree with the above posters!

I have 2 degrees in Engineering, yes it's hard work, but not for the caliber student your son seems to be.

My son wants to go into either Engineering or Architecture. We have visited 8 different schools, D1 through D3, not a single coach or academic dean discouraged him from trying to do both. At each school we talked with several ball players who were majoring in engineering/architecture with success. A Coach we visited this weekend (strong D2) said he liked engineering students because they seem to pick up what he is teaching easier then others.

If your son wants to play ball and major in Engineering, I suggest finding a great Engineering school that has a team (MSOE for example). They will make the academics/Sports work out.

Caveat -- I am not talking about Top 40 Baseball programs.

Other Options, does his school have a club baseball team where he could play? Many schools have a varsity and a club team!

Final comment, High 70's low 80's FB for a D1 school seems a bit low. Summer ball plus hitting the weights (6'2 155 ) may help!
Last edited by BigWI

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