Which JUCO do you think has the best baseball program?
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Pretty open-ended question and very subjective. My opinion would be that a lot of that depends on the player, his personality type, goals, abilities and such. So many good one's in Texas that many variables can and will affect this.
San Jacinto - Traditional Power Nationally
Grayson - See San Jac above
Weatherford, Midland, North Central Texas, Navarro, Blinn,Angelina, Temple, Texarkana - All are very, very good programs with strong traditions
McLennan, Paris, Clarendon, Hill, Richland, Panola, Eastfield, NE Texas - Have been good and are solid options.
Gotta be a little bit more definitive in breaking down JUCO's in this state.
San Jacinto - Traditional Power Nationally
Grayson - See San Jac above
Weatherford, Midland, North Central Texas, Navarro, Blinn,Angelina, Temple, Texarkana - All are very, very good programs with strong traditions
McLennan, Paris, Clarendon, Hill, Richland, Panola, Eastfield, NE Texas - Have been good and are solid options.
Gotta be a little bit more definitive in breaking down JUCO's in this state.
be more specific is right. must also consider academics as there is a huge difference in quality even among those mentioned. also, slickfielder forgot to mention New Mexico JC who was the National Champs last year and Temple who lost to New Mexico in the region championship and is coached by Craig McMurtry former big league pitcher
fellow blue.... 
My son is attending Midland College if you have any specific questions, send a PM and I'll pass on my observations.
He enjoys the baseball program and the support staff (academic counselor, etc.) are great.
I am not knowledgeable enough about programs in general, but I can pass on what I saw in the programs he looked at and the one he chose.
My son is attending Midland College if you have any specific questions, send a PM and I'll pass on my observations.
He enjoys the baseball program and the support staff (academic counselor, etc.) are great.
I am not knowledgeable enough about programs in general, but I can pass on what I saw in the programs he looked at and the one he chose.
I understand that this is an open-ended question, but I'm just asking for opinions. Maybe I should have reworded my question, so you wouldn't take it verbatim. I just want an idea of which JUCO's are known for having a decent baseball program.
sent a kid to Midland..He among many others chose not to renew..Not sure why exactly,but he transfered to Weatherford and likes it so far. Lots of options out there..Go visit..I played at Blinn..Was excellent program and still is. Temple has really improved lately..
In my opinion, the "best" JUCO is one where your son will have an opportunity to play early -- for a coach with integrity....where he will have a chance to improve, while exploring the possibility that he can play at a higher level....at an institute that will prepare him to succeed as a student. Oh -- were you asking about win/loss record?
Let's face it, there are pros and cons to attending a JUCO ------ a different subject, I'm sure.
My son played at a D1 JUCO for 2 years. He had a coach that loved the game and worked his arse off to improve the field, the reputation of the program, the quality of the experience, etc. Before I list the "but" -- I understand that an 18 yr old's motivation is impacted by many things. Ok...but...the academic program at the JUCO was not very "rigorous" -- he cruised through with 3.4+, then found a "new world" of higher education as a junior at a 4-year school. He is doing fine...but others really struggle with the adjustment.
Will I encourage my younger son to consider the JUCO path? --- ummmmm, I dunno.
Sorry to stray from your intended discussion.
-PD
Let's face it, there are pros and cons to attending a JUCO ------ a different subject, I'm sure.
My son played at a D1 JUCO for 2 years. He had a coach that loved the game and worked his arse off to improve the field, the reputation of the program, the quality of the experience, etc. Before I list the "but" -- I understand that an 18 yr old's motivation is impacted by many things. Ok...but...the academic program at the JUCO was not very "rigorous" -- he cruised through with 3.4+, then found a "new world" of higher education as a junior at a 4-year school. He is doing fine...but others really struggle with the adjustment.
Will I encourage my younger son to consider the JUCO path? --- ummmmm, I dunno.
Sorry to stray from your intended discussion.
-PD
http://www.njcaa.org.
Here you can research each JUCO in Texas.
PD speaks volumes with his opinion...where he can play & improve.
First & formost are academics, without which there would be no program.
Regardless of anyones opinion on "the best baseball program", you & your son need to evaluate his "fit" at an given school. Does he have or need friends at a particular school? Does he want rural vs. more urban environment? Besides basic courses, which school (including instructors & coaches) are "connected" to his particular degree program or career direction at a 4 year school?
These are only a couple questions that will spark a million more...that may help him in determining the best baseball program, for him!
Here you can research each JUCO in Texas.
PD speaks volumes with his opinion...where he can play & improve.
First & formost are academics, without which there would be no program.
Regardless of anyones opinion on "the best baseball program", you & your son need to evaluate his "fit" at an given school. Does he have or need friends at a particular school? Does he want rural vs. more urban environment? Besides basic courses, which school (including instructors & coaches) are "connected" to his particular degree program or career direction at a 4 year school?
These are only a couple questions that will spark a million more...that may help him in determining the best baseball program, for him!
Based on the fact that my "exposure" to JUCO is somewhat limited to one part of Texas, here is my opinion of the strongest JUCO baseball programs in North Texas -- (baseball considerations only).
Grayson and North Central
Navarro, Angelina, Weatherford, and Texarkana
Richland and Eastfield -- D3
The others mentioned by slickfielder all have potential to provide a good baseball experience. I have a soft spot in my heart for the program at Lon Morris College, in Jacksonville (stay at it, Coach Stewart).
Grayson and North Central
Navarro, Angelina, Weatherford, and Texarkana
Richland and Eastfield -- D3
The others mentioned by slickfielder all have potential to provide a good baseball experience. I have a soft spot in my heart for the program at Lon Morris College, in Jacksonville (stay at it, Coach Stewart).
have to agree with what others have said about being best place for your son...if he's not playing, he won't be happy. Our son has been at Weatherford 1-1/2 years. Due to an injury, he was med redshirt and has struggled to come back this fall but has been working hard and is really beginning to regain confidence/strength BUT not soon enough for him to gain a 'playing' spot on team. Coach was honest (I felt) when he told son he could stay but probably wouldn't play so he suggested going to Eastfield where coach thought he had a better chance of playing. So, son is transferring to Eastfield for Spring semester. We have heard lots of good things about the school/academics & baseball program/coach. Son is excited which is nice to see. SO, having said all that, having a happy son is the best thing and I would suggest you look for a program/school where son is happiest. There are alot of choices out there and I'd look now. You don't mention what grade your son is in but regardless its not too soon.
best of luck
best of luck