Advice ASAP with D1 offer

How hard does he throw? Was he seen last summer? Does he like the school? Is your son talking to other D1 schools? How seriously?

As far as I know, last time he was clocked was last summer at 85. But I have to say, since the he has grown 2 inches and 30 lbs. He hasn't been clocked since. Only opportunity he had last summer was a few local travel tournaments where he was asked to "guest play." 

He doesn't necessarily want to go to the school because it is too close to home (hope that doesn't say anything about me!!) 

And as far as talking to other D1 schools - not really.  Been receiving the standard camp invites and such, but none are as aggressive as the school that made the offer.

 It’s really hard to say. I think a lot of the premiere program’s recruit pitchers first, so there have all ready been a lot of right-handed pitchers committed to programs.  What criteria is he looking for outside of not in his state? What prompted the offer yesterday? How many right-handed pitchers have they committed for the 2020 class?  If it were me, I think I would get him in front of a gun in the next week to see what your working with. If he’s made huge gains you are safer was not taking this offer than if he hasn’t .  I’m just curious if he hasn’t been seen why a program made him a generous offer of the blue .

Welcome to the site.  There is so much to address in your post and only two weeks to do so .  Be aware that you can search threads here and find a ton of info for any recruiting question.  Congrats to him on the offer!

Answers to most of your questions require more questions.  Why does he aspire to go out of state?  Is that a dream with depth, something that has been researched?  Or is it more superficial - wants to get away from home, admires the power 5 schools he sees on TV for the CWS, etc.?  If he is targeting HA private universities, this won't apply but there is much written here about in-state vs. out-of-state costs and recruiting challenges for the recruit as well as the school.

Regarding the opportunity to showcase - you say he is playing football.  Is he still baseball sharp?  If he has not been also staying baseball sharp during football season, it's may very well not a good idea to attend a showcase, particularly as a P.   I say this from both a performance and arm safety standpoint.

That's just my point, he WAS seen by this school's head coach (when he was a freshman for that matter). I think he has a great deal of faith in his ability and potential I suppose? The coach asked us to visit a few weeks back - we did and he formalized the offer last night.

My biggest worry at this point is having him throw when he has only been throwing a football for the past few months!  I am not even sure a couple of weeks with him throwing every night will get him warm enough for Nov. 3rd.  Is it too risky?  It could hurt him to go to these showcases at not be at his best - no?

I would not.  If he doesn’t want to go to the school that made the offer, the answer is easy.  That said, there are no guarantees on another D1 offer.  That is VERY odd that a coach would make an offer when he hadn’t seen a kid throw for two years. 

IMO, yes, definitely risky and, as I said, risky from both a performance and safety standpoint.  As I'm sure you know, ramping back up for a pitcher who hasn't thrown in a few months is typically a few month process... throw short, stretch out, flat ground, pens FB only, mix off speed, get sharp, build velo back up, etc.  Shortcuts to this process are dangerous.  Your worry in regards to doing a showcase in two weeks are warranted.

To magnify concerns, pitching in showcase environment typically results in P's reaching back for extra.

Good points CabbageDad - and I think his wanting to go out of state are just to get away from home and relish in the glory of a "cool" D1 school. I don't think many 17 yr. old athletes have the ability to look at academics when it's the sports enticing them. I obviously want him to get a great education first and foremost....let's face it, how many go to the MLB? I just want to give him the exposure without hurting his opportunity.

I appreciate the advice both of you have provided. NOTHING is worth my son getting hurt over! I suppose he is so excited (because of the generous offer) and it just makes me wonder if more schools see him, would that make a difference.  

Oh, to be a parent. Damned if you do and damned if you don't.

I think it will be helpful to you both if you really drill down on a specific recruiting plan and target school list with more definitive rationale.  Part of the process, one of many steps is gaining a good understanding of the realistic issues and costs regarding the in-state/out-of-state thing as previously mentioned.  Perhaps he can just share with the D1 offer school that he wasn't prepared to make a decision in that timeframe and ask for a bit more time.  Meanwhile, also compile a list of questions for that school that will both better inform you and show mutual interest, while not committing when he isn't ready to do so.  Of course, the downside is that most D1 schools have a decent size pool of mid-80's RHPs to choose from to offer, so you may not get much of an extension. 

Concur with above comments.  GPA/ACT?  trying to gauge where he is... you will always be able to leverage having a D1 offer for other opportunities.  If he is a strong student, Ivy's like to recruit kids who have D1 offers.  

Totally agree with the physical risk involved here.  If baseball doesn't work out, your son has to like the school (whether in state or out of state)

I also believe a big unknown is where my son stacks up against the rest - and yes, I know this is the 25 million dollar question.  That is why I like the idea of getting him to a top notch showcase, so if anything, he can get hit with a little bit of reality. So, with that being said, any particular showcase/camp/tryout you guys would recommend?

I assume you live Delaware.  Where is he wanting to go statewise (south, 2 hours away, west coast)  I assume he aspires to play D1.  There is always the risk of bird in the hand versus the one that might fly by.  It is a risk for all of us but when you get the offer with a time attached it becomes very ramped up.  If it is a place he could not see himself being happy then the answer is clear.  If he just had not considered them, then maybe more looking into what they have to offer.  If it is level of play, then be careful.  They say the offers will dictate where you fit in and right now that is the only fit.  A showcase is not the only answer.  Does he plan on playing this summer since he only played a little this past summer?  If not, then he can't assume anyone else will see him.  There is something about being courted.  More information will get you more answers.  Congrats either way.

He hasn't taken the SAT yet GOV, but based on previous standardized tests, he should fare well.  As far as his GPA, he is a 3.75 at least.  His HS is very tough academically (not known for sports!!) and very small - like 60-70 in the graduating class.  As far as Ivy League, not sure he would qualify academically.  If they allow wiggle room for athletes, well, I think it would be ideal.  If I won the MegaMillions 

PITCHINGFAN, I don't think my son knows what he wants! I am just trying to be as informed as I possibly can be to help steer him in the right direction. He is very fortunate to receive this offer and he knows that...but I think it is too early to make a decision this big.

LetItGo posted:

PITCHINGFAN, I don't think my son knows what he wants! I am just trying to be as informed as I possibly can be to help steer him in the right direction. He is very fortunate to receive this offer and he knows that...but I think it is too early to make a decision this big.

Well I can agree that it is hard to make a big decision in a short period of time, you should also realize that a lot of D1 level 2020 right-handed pitchers have already committed at this point.

Then there is your answer.  Accepting an offer as a junior is not for everyone.  At the least, it should make for great talking points with him about what he is wanting.  When my son started getting offers, we had to have long talks about what he would take and from who.  I told him it was only partly his decision since I was paying for part of it.  It became clear real quickly what he would take and wouldn't and from who.  that cleared up a lot of the mud in the river.  Just know that an offer as a junior is the norm rather than the exception in today's recruiting scene.  As has been said on here, our teenage sons struggle with what they want to eat much less where they want to spend four years in college. 

Sounds like you have a talented son and perhaps there are more offers in the future.  I would sit down with your son and talk to him, find out what he wants and make a plan to get there.  He received a D1 offer with apparently not much dedication and focus to the process.  That’s not criticism, more an acknowledgement maybe your son is more talented than you realize.