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28 replies

Another Size Question

P 2014Prospect1,000+ posts
I have been reading through previous posts and have seen various answers regarding size, but I thought that I would ask the question anyway, so here goes.
My son is a 2014 who is not going to get much taller than he currently is due to a medical condition. He is 5.6 135lbs and will probably grow 1-2 more inches. He started playing on varsity as an eighth grader and is currently playing catcher and back up SS. On his summer team he plays SS. He passionatly loves the game of baseball and currently puts every waking moment into the game and has for many years. He is kind of fast (7.2 60) and has a pretty good glove, regular arm, and a pretty good pop time as a catcher. He is batting pretty well this season. What are the REAL chances of his finding a good college program to play on? His GPA is 3.95 and according to the plan test his predicted ACT is between 24 and 28. I am hoping somebody can help us to figure out some baseball schools that would be interested in our type of player. We have heard from one academic D3, but of course my son is hoping for a D1 or D2. Any advice would be appreciated!
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floridafanfloridafan5,000+ posts
If your son continues to strive to be the best player he can become and maintains the excellent GPA he currently holds, I am confident that if you are willing to consider a college throughout the USA, your son will be able to continue the game he loves. It may take some effort to get his name out there, but it can be done.
P PGStaff10,000+ posts
quote:
He passionatly loves the game


2014Prospect,

Sounds like he has one of the most important things going for him.

I don't think anyone can help figure out baseball schools or level unless they see him play. That said, based on your description, he should end up playing at some level of college. Maybe even DI if he gains some weight and strength which I'm sure he will.

Nice honest and realistic description. Best of luck.
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
Your son is young, and already has made varsity.

It doesn't matter who he has heard from and who he hasn't (can't yet for some programs), that will change. I don't really see why you should worry about that at this time.

Keep up the good work. As far as a showcase, that's up to you, however, why not give him another year or so to improve his skills.

JMO.
P 2014Prospect1,000+ posts
TPM
Thanks for your response. We are trying to start the college search early because we are concerned about the size issue and are thinking that his search for the right college fit might be a little tougher based on the size issue. The typical college baseball player seems to be 6'2 215lbs. Our son is not going to reach that size.

We did wait on the PG Showcase this year because it seemed smart to let him mature a bit more before he gets a PG rating.

We appreciate your input!
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
I get a kick out of everyone beginning the college search for one reason or another.

Just seems to me, because of your situation, it might be a bit better to enjoy rather than stress, which seems to me the norm these days. You can't control the size issue, so therefore if it me, I would kick back and wait, as you can't control his size, perhaps you might consider a conditioning weight gain program.

The typical college baseball player is not 6'2" maybe for pitchers for top D1 programs, but you would be surprised. Take a look at this one.

http://clemson.infusionsports.com/baseball-roster/
Last edited by TPM
observer44observer441,000+ posts
.
While he may be "hoping for D1 or D2"...and I would certainly not discourage that hope...I would suggest that a good fit (academic, athletic, financial, geographic, social...) which is in the end the real goal, will prove to be revealed by the market over time. For that reason until the level of interest has been clearly established I would suggest that the D3's and the NAIA's be given full consideration. IMO, No doors are to be closed until late. Far too many see the top end athletic schools as the only real option. As a result the rosters of the D3's and the NAIA's are filled with drop downs, many of whom chose poor fits in a blind rush to the dream, not reality.

Beyond that it is not the size of the player it is the size of the talent and the heart and the character of a player that dictates. Every player is a bundle of skills and challenges...size is but one of many considerations. Yes, some D1/D2 coaches use it too much as a measuring stick...but there are also many players who use it as an excuse.

Cool 44
.
P PGStaff10,000+ posts
quote:
Would you advise that he attend one of these now even though he is a freshman?


2014Prospect,

Any advice I might give you could range from great to terrible advice. So I try not to advise people regarding Perfect Game. Some might claim attending a PG event was very important while others might say it was a waste of time and money.

I can say that, for the most part, the more talented a player is, the happier they are about attending a PG showcase.

To answer your question, he should probably look at the underclass events. Remember that it's not about the event as much as it's all about how talented the player is.

Without knowing the player, no one can tell you that they can help him or that attending any certain event is all that important.

Hope you understand. Best of luck!
OB Ole Ball Coach100+ posts
As he is a 2014, you have a lot of time (believe me, a lot will happen between now and then). Baseball-wise, I would recommend that you work on his speed (arm speed, foot and bat speed) as much as possible. Speed is a heck of a weapon when a ballplayer has the skills.

This comment is more philosophical. In my opinion, there are a lot of great D1, D2, and D3 programs; likewise, there are some not so great programs at all levels. Don't shrink the field in the belief that that is the only way your son will succeed.

Find a good (academic and athletic) fit for him and for the family; there are boatloads of kids every year that went D1, but by sophomore year, transferred to a Juco to get PT and reposition themselves. Some kids don't mind having a "transition year" watching the upper classmen play; some view it as the ultimate personal insult. That could play into your sons decision too.
Coach_MayCoach_May10,000+ posts
There are many smaller guys that excell at the game. The bottom line is they can flat out play. No matter how big you are or how small you are its always going to come down to performance. Yes bigger guys will get a longer look, a quicker look, maybe more chances to fail to see if they can succeed. But the bottom line is if you can play you can play. I could give so many examples of guys but the one thing they all had in common was talent. They could hit. They could run. They could field. They could play.

Size matters if you let it. So just play the game and let your talent speak for you.
DaddyBoDaddyBo100+ posts
skills, passion, work ethic..those are the main requirements for a smaller player (from close experience Wink). Mine is at a D1..actually had a few choices there. At this age, just plod forward, both athletically and academically..see if anything changes.
Was in Central Florida area this past weekend..tons of colleges of all levels playing there for about 5-6 weeks. The old adage "if you have the slightest baseball skills, there is a place you can find to play at the next level" was certainly holding true in some of the games I witnessed. Razz
P PGStaff10,000+ posts
RJM,

Thanks for posting that.

One of my all time favorite people!

The first time we saw Chris we named him the MVP of our tournament and there is no doubt that he was the MVP. He's actually worked for us in the off season. His knowledge of the game, the players, and his other considerable talents make him one amazing individual.

He's definitely an exception. Actually I look at all players who reach a high level as being exceptions no matter what size they are.
RJMRJMHSBaseballWeb member since 2007
My son had a very good interaction with the Louisville team when they came to town. For a while he sat in the stands with the pitchers gunning and charting the game. They talked pitching with him. The next day they introduced him to Cates when the team arrived at the park.

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