Advice post HS ball

I see that no one responded to your post.

I frankly don't understand why you would be at this time considering a PG year for your junior player. At 6'2" and 185 with a 3.4 GPA, usually those that are less physically mature with lower grades consider that as an option.

JUCO may be a better alternative, JMO.

I believe the NCAA is instituting new rules in 2011 which may make it more difficult to greyshirt for more than a semester. 3finger?

I have a late birthday kid, too (won't be 18 until two months after graduation next summer). He's 6'3", 175, solid grades, etc....sent out some video and also threw a bit in front of people this summer...has a couple of options, now, to decide upon (a JC and an NAIA school) both in California.

I agree with TPM....if the desire to let him 'season' a bit is there, why not go the JC route? I've always believed in 'playing up', even if it's at the collegiate level.

Dear TPM, thanks for the reply and the question. The reason for my research relates simply to how very academically competitive colleges have become. For example: of the graduating class of 2010 from my son's high school that were accepted at the in state University (UNC-CH)..the average GPA of students was a (4.2). I am trying to seek information on alternatives should he not get into the college of his choice. He's big, passionate and works hard but he is NOT in the 2 to 3% that can make a living in baseball. Thanks and I welcome any and all input or criticism. TPM thank you.

Thanks Krakatoa, Don't know much about Junior colleges or the path to Junior Colleges and beyond. Typlically, how do the academics compare to 4 year schools? How is the college experience? Does anyone know the JUCOs with strong academics and strong baseball in the South East? Louisburg College is known for baseball? Academics has to come before baseball for us.

quote:

He is passionate about baseball, works out at a local University with the baseball strength coach, attends every camp he can. Works out wit

Blue;
if you can make it to the USA Baseball Labor Day tournament Sept 4-6, I will be there with our SSK teams and our coaches [pro scouts* and myself can discuss your questions w/ you and your son.

Everyday, I have players and parents w/ the same questions.

Bob Williams

Bob, USA baseball is right down the street from me.(figuratively) I will be sure to look you up. As the date gets closer I will send a PM. Thank you.

PM Coach May, he knows everything about baseball in your state and could guide you on your questions for area JC programs.

quote:

Originally posted by CADad:
I believe the NCAA is instituting new rules in 2011 which may make it more difficult to greyshirt for more than a semester. 3finger?

Yes, for D1. Oddly enough, it now easier in D2.

Let's take D2 (14.2.4) first, because it is simpler. In D2, a player won't lose a season of eligibility if he delays enrolling full-time for one calendar year. For example, if he graduates in May 2011, the one year period lasts until May 2012. If he enrolls full time at the next available regular academic year opportunity (probably September 2012), he's OK. In general, he needs to enroll full time at the next opportunity (except summer term) after one year has elapsed.

In D1, the new rule (14.2.3) applies to players who enroll full time after Aug 1 2011. As I understand it, a player who graduated in May 2010, must enroll full time by May 2011, or be subject to the following:

If he plays in a game after May 2011, and before full time enrollment, he loses a season of eligibility and has to serve a year in residence before he can compete.

So for this year only, a player could conceivably greyshirt for two semesters, provided he enrolled full time in the summer, thus beating the Aug 1 2011 effective date of the rule.

In this and following years, a player who hasn't enrolled full time within 1 calendar year of graduation can avoid the loss of a season by not playing in any baseball games once 1 year has elapsed from his graduation. I doubt that greyshirting at a JC for two semesters would be useful, since there may not be a good way to get exposure.

He's big, passionate and works hard but he is NOT in the 2 to 3% that can make a living in baseball. [/QUOTE]

Too much can change in a year let alone 4-5-6 years. I hope you don't tell him this

Dreams are nice but sometimes reality is better

Amen.

Thank you TRhit.

quote:

Originally posted by TRhit:
Dreams are nice but sometimes reality is better

We encourage the player to dream, and dream big.

From there, we seek to establish goals from those dreams.

From this, we seek tasks and activities among the many challenges for meeting those goals.

Every once in a while, I run across a student athlete who I believe has the perserverance that is neccessary to overcome the challenges.

And that, my friend, is the love for this great national pastime.

cheers
Bear

postscript: I hear you are feeling better. Good!

You are in a good area for JUCO baseball. Off the top of my head, Pitt and Louisburg are very close, and they have outstanding baseball programs. One other program that is growing is Patrick Henry CC in Martinsville, VA. Do a little looking into the JUCO route and I think you'll be happy with what you find locally.

quote:

We encourage the player to dream, and dream big.

From there, we seek to establish goals from those dreams.

From this, we seek tasks and activities among the many challenges for meeting those goals.

Every once in a while, I run across a student athlete who I believe has the perserverance that is neccessary to overcome the challenges.

And that, my friend, is the love for this great national pastime.

cheers
Bear

I love this.

Nice post Bear...

quote:

Originally posted by Bludevil_bk:

Academics has to come before baseball for us.

No TRUER words have ever been spoken. Younggunson is learning this difficult lesson the hard way. Hopefully reality can be the teacher and dream land can take the back seat.

As far as how does Juco academics stack up. If your son isn't a strong academic player, going JUCO would be the best route in that the courses taken are same type general ed. classes with not as much pressures that a 4yr school stresses. A JUCO will allow him to (hopefully) mature and learn how to study and excel in the classroom.

Thanks all of you.

My challenge is:
He loves baseball and can't go three days with out swining a bat, pitching or feilding a ball.
He is a hard working kid
He is a well above average student.

He takes honors and college prep courses, he attends one of the most competitive HS in the state. he is involved in Outward Bound leadership program and he coaches special olymics softball and basketball.

Just looking for the best environmnent for him to grow, learn and play ball.

quote:

Just looking for the best environmnent for him to grow, learn and play ball.

What you're searching for bluedevil_bk is the elusive --- "FIT"! "Fit" involves many things. Determining proper "fit" is difficult even if one has ALL the accurate information about your son and virtually impossible given the information provided by a "biased" parent (most are, me included). It will ONLY be AFTER your son has been involved in the athletics/academics of whatever program he/you select will you be absolutely sure the right decision was made. Research all avenues as best you can, remove all tints of rose colored glasses, and most important in my opinion is to keep your fingers crossed and throw some salt over your shoulder as he begins his journey.
Fungo

Blu, I read your message this morning and my jaw dropped...our situations are almost exactly the same. I've got many thoughts/questions on this topic as we try to figure out what to do, but don't want to post them here. Not sure how to use the PM thing, but if you do, feel free to message me and I'd be happy to talk offline.

Quote Fungo:

"and most important keep your fingers crossed and throw some salt over your shoulders as he begings his journey. "

This hits home Fungo. Now that junior is on his own 300 miles away that's about all the control I have over the situation.

Ditto fillsfan. My son is 8 hrs away, and it was very tough the first week away. I'd get up in the middle of the night thinking about him, and not be able to go back to sleep. Our only solace is that he is going to his dream school, and we know he is adjusting well. Finding his dream school was a needle in a haystack.

I've started reading "Don't Tell Me What To Do, Just Send Me Money" as a way to cope with this transference of power from us to him.

I hope you're coping better than I did.