My son was invited to a camp at BSC last winter. He was somewhat reluctant to go, wanting to attend a "big-time" university with major college football. But, he was blown away by the Birmingham Southern College staff and players. He and I rated the staff better than LSU, Miss. St., Bama, U. of So. AL, UAB, So. Miss., or any other we had researched. By far the best in our opinion.
I attended a camp there with about 20+ other parents in attendence. After talking to the players and coaches, there was not a parent in the bunch that didn't think BSC was the best place for their son to play baseball. You had to be there. I still feel that way, and I am most thankful that they wanted my son. Not only is he getting what we think is the best coaching available, they are instilling values in their kids that will last a lifetime. The academic standards are very high, but the teachers and coaches make sure players do well academically. No baseball player has failed to graduate from BSC in the last 10+ years due to grades.
Dan Jennings, VP of Player Personnel for the Florida Marlins, said the BSC staff does as good a job of coaching as anyone in college baseball, getting the most from their players. BSC is a D-1 program, playing Bama, Miss. St., Ole Miss, Ga., UAB and Washington State this year. They are probably favored to win the Big South Conference and make the NCAA Regionals. They have a potential 1st round draft pick on the pitching staff, and several other pro prospects.
One more thing, Coach Brian Shoop is one of only two NCAA D-1 coaches with a lifetime contract. The other is Duke's Mike Krzyzewski. They're both that good!
The one drawback to BSC is the cost. Very high.
"Associate with those who help you believe in yourself" - Brooks Robinson
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