At a crossroads in my career.

If coaches aren't willing to take a chance on you, are you prepared to realize that this may be the end of your playing career? 

One week is quick to decide you don't like teammates or coaches. The first week of college is a tough adjustment.

 

Why not tell yourself that you are going to give it some time, even if just a month. In that time, really focus on the positives. Surely there are some guys on the team you like, and surely you have been on teams where you didn't like every player. You'll find guys you do like, and you may get used to some of the ones who are now rubbing you the wrong way.

 

As for your injuries, I can't really comment on that aspect of your post.

 

I'm going to say this. If you quit, for whatever reason, there is a high probability that you won't step back onto a field given your injury history.

How serious are your injuries?  Are they of the season ending sort?  Or are they just of the "nagging"  variety?  Somewhere in between?  Have you seen a doc?  talked to the team's training staff?  

 

It's really hard to know what to advise you without knowing about the injuries and their real extent.  If  they are of the sort that requires serious rest, rehabilitation, surgery or therapy and your coaches's "treating you like dirt"  has to do with their being blind to the seriousness of the injuries  then that's one thing.  If, on the other hand, the injuries are of the nagging variety and the coaches's "treating you like dirt"  is a matter of  expecting you to practice and play through them, then that's a whole different thing. 

 

With the little you've said, it's hard to know what sort of thing you're dealing with and hard to know what to advise you. 

I agree with twotex....give it some time.  This is a new place with new people in a new situation for everyone.  Pull yourself together and focus on being a great teammate and a great student.

 

If you are injured, seek medical advice immediately....don't wait.  Talking about it is not going to make it go away. 

 

Good luck.

 

I would first want to know exactly what is going on in that shoulder and what the doctors say is your prognosis for recovery -- and on what time table, or if ever.  Regrettably, not all physical conditions can be successfully resolved.  Unfortunately I have way too much experience with that situation.

 

Given that you're already at the JuCo, a redshirt year is an option, as you can stay in school there through next year.  Possibly get well this year, play next year, and hope to catch someone's eye.

 

That's the positive hope.  The down side is, you may be told by doctors that things are not likely to get better, that the injury may nag at you indefinitely.  If that's the case, like many, many players before you, it's possible you'll be forced to accept that this phase of your life is over and that you should be choosing your college without regard to baseball.

 

First year of college is a tough transition with or without injury.  You are learning to balance school, baseball and some work.  You are away from many of your HS buddies for the first time.  College coaches are typically tougher than HS coaches.  The time commitment to baseball and conditioning is more than you've experienced in the past.  Feeling stress is understandable and to be expected.

 

I agree with others that having the new pain checked out is step 1.  Step 1a is to realize that what is done is done.  You had the injury issues and now you are where you are.  Forget about the schools you think you may have been able to play at.  Assess where you are now and determine how badly you want to try to play college baseball.  You have a current opportunity.  It's hard work but it can be very rewarding if you still love it.  If you decide to go forward, go all the way.  Buy into the team you are on.  Get healthy and earn your way back into getting the attention of your coaches.  Be a good teammate and understand that others are also going through a tough transition time.  Some are feeling more confident in their position and will show it with a bit of cockiness.  That's OK.  The team needs guys like that too.  If you continue with this team now and the injury continues to be an issue, you can redshirt and keep your eligibility while still learning what life with college baseball is like.  Just remember, moving on to a different school will likely include a new coach contacting the current coach, so give him all you have.  Participate as much as you can with respect to your injury situation. 

Best wishes.

Others have already given you good advice regarding your injury and your attitude toward the team, the coach, and baseball in general.  I'll just add two other comments.

 

Regarding your injury and the seriousness of it, keep in mind that you must advocate for yourself.  In other words, if you don't feel you're getting quality medical care at the school, you may need to go back and see your personal family physician and/or have him refer you to a specialist.  Many JUCOs typically may have only one athletic trainer for all of their sports teams, or maybe a couple of part-time trainers.  You will be largely responsible for your own treatment and care (doing what they tell you to do).  Consider getting a second opinion if the injury isn't improving. 

 

From an academic standpoint, be sure to stay focused on your studies and do the best you can managing your time so you do well in your classes this Fall.  If baseball is still a part of your plan at the end of this semester, and into next Spring and beyond, you'll need to make sure you are academically eligible for baseball whether staying at your current school or transferring elsewhere.

 

Good luck!

If you were my son heres what I'd tell you to do. Don't quit. Quitting is never, ever seen as a good way out. Rehab you injuries and get well. Work hard, once you rehab get back on your horse.

Thanks everyone for your responses. I really appreciate it.

I went to the doctor yesterday and I didn't get great news. I am done for the fall and possibly the spring also. No surgery is required right now so they're hoping the rest and some rehab will correct it. Not a great start to my college career but its time to put everything behind me, focus entirely on getting good grades and rehab.

Thanks again for the responses. Best forum and best advice.

 

At a crossroads in my career.

Who isn't?

Sorry to hear about the injury... sounds like your focus is on the mark.  Hopefully, more clarity will come during that time.

Remember it ain't over till the fat lady sings and you being so young she ain't done singing yet. Open door number two in your life.     

 

Best of luck. 

I would take the doctor's evaluation to the coach. Tell him you are rehabbing (and follow through) and will need to take the fall off, but that you are willing to be at every practice, help out with the team. Tell him you would like to see how you feel in the spring and consider a redshirt year, and you would still be with the team in your role. 

If he listens and grants you a spot on the team still, then do that. If he won't listen, then you won't have a team for right now. Let him be the one who quits on you. If that happens, then he's not the coach you want to play for anyway. You won't be quitting - he will.

Then rehab, keep your grades high, and make some money. When you are feeling better, start with a very slow progression back to throwing and hitting, preferably under the supervision of a very good physical therapist or trainer that knows what they are doing.

As for the "don't quit" advice (and I would not do that this early in the process - you haven't given it enough time): I understand that quitting after a half-hearted effort by the athlete is not acceptable and looked down upon. However, I know that there are coaches out there that will abuse players, and no one should put up with that kind of behavior. Ever. Rick at Informed gives good advice. But if, after giving every ounce of effort you have toward rehabbing, engaging with the team, trying to get along with the coaches, keeping your grades up, and the coaches are still treating you like dirt, then walk away, with no regrets. Make a plan to go somewhere else, and bring a mature attitude and good grades with you. Be proactive. Make your own plan, set your own standards. That way you can look a new potential coach in the eye and say - here's what I did - here's why I did it. But deal with you r immediate issues now. It's OK to quit when you have good reason, and after your effort has been 150%.