College Fall Ball

MrsB ...

My understanding is that (at least for D-1) the teams do intra-squad only and are limited to the number of days they can actually have organized team practice. [I do know of at least one school in your conference who had scrimmage games with a local JUCO, but we learned later on that it can actually impact the number of games a team can play in regular season ... D-1 is limited to 56 games, I believe, and technically those scrimmages against a JUCO could be "charged against" that 56.]

Anyway, the teams are limited to a 30 day period during which they can have organized team practices. Which 30 days the team uses is not specified by NCAA ... but most schools use October. [Our son's school moved their 30 days to Nov during his 2nd and 3rd year since they didn't arrive at campus till the last week in Sept (quarter system) and they generally weren't ready to "play".]

Usually what you will find before and after that period are groups of less than 5 players working out, in an "unorganized" fashion. Pitchers generally do NOT throw to batters before and after that 30 day period. There may be restrictions on when and if the players can work with coaches other than during that 30 day period, but I can't remember for sure. We have actually seen teams have an intra-squad scrimmage without coaches when the 30 days expired.

I do not know the rules for D-2 or D-3 schools, but in your case, I didn't think that mattered.

BBMomma

The time period was what I was wondering about. Also, during that time, will they practice everyday? then intra-squad on weekends?

If I am not mistaken, the teams are limited to 6 days of activity a week by NCAA regulations. I know that is true in the spring, and I think it also applies to the fall.

From what I have seen down here, most teams have intra-squad scrimmages spread throughout the week, interspersed with practice. The way they did it at UCR, some days were devoted strictly to practices/bull pens and other days the players would practice part of the day and then have short intra-squad scrimmages towards the end of the day ... this was especially helpful so the pitchers could go against "live batters" (as opposed to the dead variety which aren't much of a challenge). The "week-end" scrimmages at UCR were limited to Saturdays, and then they would sometimes play for 12 innings, allowing the pitchers more opportunity to throw and try to extend their outings as the fall progressed.

Hope that helps, MrsB


BBMomma

I think it's the same for D2

so they can only workout so many hours and days in the fall? and then it's running and weights?

Don't know about the # of hours, but they are limited to 30 days of full team work. And I believe they are also limited to 6 days a week but am not positive.

BBM-

quote:

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...this was especially helpful so the pitchers could go against "live batters" (as opposed to the dead variety which aren't much of a challenge).

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NHBaseball

NHB ...

Glad you liked that!!!

From my son's experience (D-2) and talking to other college players' parents, it sounds like fall is all baseball; if not "official" practice, then weights, running, "voluntary" workouts, etc. My son did something daily, workouts or practice, 5-6 days a week, until close to Thanksgiving. This year they've been told they'll finish their official practices in early October, but I'm sure workouts in some form will continue until close to Thanksgiving.
Lots and lots of running, lifting, throwing, stretching...
All games are intersquad as playing real fall games cuts down on the total of 56 allowed games.

I believe the NCAA rules allow for 21 "official" team practices within a 30 day period in the Fall. If the team gets a week of rain, the 30 days is not extended. Also there is a limit on the number of hours per week which I believe is around 20 hours per week of official workouts and one off day is mandatory. Many teams will also finish the Fall schedule with an intersquad Fall World Series which is really fun and very high quality play. Good time for parents to plan a trip. The entire Fall will include extensive lifting usually around 6am and again in the afternoon. When the official practices are not taking place, the players will still be very busy in small group sessions with position coaches. Not much rest in the Fall

Infielddad ...

I agree with most of what you said but (1) know of one case where an extension was made due to extenuating circumstances and (2) pitchers will most likely NOT lift weights 2 times a day ...

I don't know the specifics about the # of hours permitted in a week, as it seems that UCR did more than 20 but I am not positive.

But all minor differences aside, fall is very busy for the players on and off the field ... plus they need to rememver that many players carry a heavier classload in the fall, and freshmen (especially) really have an eye-opening time when they try to juggle ALL of it.

Mary Ann and others...For those parents whose kids have gone through this, any advice that you think we should pass on, or should they just learn by trial and error?

Not Trial & Error....NOT trial & error

Advice, Advice, Advice

please share...I'm sure those who have been down this road...can give us insight..

Wouldn't recommend trial and error. They need to know they will have very different time frames and demands from the rest of the students. When others are socializing until 2am they need to know they have to be up probably by 5:30 to lift. Make sure they understand the importance of showing up in shape and that they have to budget time. Stay on top of classes from day one. Make sure classes, eating, baseball and rest are priorities. They will have a social outlet with the team. Stay away from Greeks the first semester if not longer. By 4-5 weeks they will be exhausted, worried about school, baseball and probably everything. Be a good listener. Hardest issue however is the player who gets behind academically and is trying to scramble to stay elegible while trying to play BB at a level they have never experienced before.

infielddad - That looks like a post that should be kept around for a while. I made my son read it.

Advise for college freshman athletes:
1.Don’t make excuses ….ever. Coaches hate excuses.
2.Listen to instruction. Be coachable.
3.Respect your coaches and the game. Don’t question authority. Follow team rules.
4.Work harder than you’ve ever worked before and act like you love it.
5.Stop and think before you do anything that might make your coach or teammates think less of you.
6.Make good grades. Attend all classes, use available tutoring, and keep up with your reading assignments.
7.Be responsible with money. No fines! Park where you’re supposed to, take out the trash, etc.
8.Eat good food and get plenty of sleep…if you want to get bigger and stronger.
9.Don’t worry. Do your best and let God take care of the rest.
10.Call your parents as often as you want…or at least once a week.

Advise for parents of freshman athletes:
1.Don’t be afraid to give your son a list of expectations before he leaves: good grades, hard work, and good behavior that will make you proud. Be loving, but firm.
2.Try not to feel hurt or worried if he doesn’t call at first. He’ll come around eventually.
3.Resist any urge to call his coach unless you’re concerned about your son’s health or safety.
4.Don’t make excuses for your son. When he messes up, let him face the consequences.
5.Keep him in your prayers. Always remember that God loves him and has a plan for his life.

Son has a team meeting the day they start classes, next day weightlifting starts (this is actually a one credit class), also next day unofficial practices begin (2 hours a day, run by team captains, no coaches on site), last week of September official practices begin.

Best advise I can give a player is to have fun at college, experience as much as you possibly can, you only get to do this once..

For the parents.. time to let go some, your sons (and daughters), this is there time.. They will make some mistakes, its part of growing up, they will call, they will ask for advise but let them spread their wings.. Also, after you drop them off, don't cry and fret for days!! Celebrate, celebrate the child you have raised, the young adults they have become. Your parenting days are far from over, they will call, they will need you, and they will be home soon..

Good luck to all the new college students out there!!!!!!!!!!

Great advice from TxMom and JustMom, and it fits our son's experience.

The only other advice: lose the girlfriend.

An ACC player was quoted last year as telling his friends when he arrived at school in August: "See you at Christmas". He was basically correct. Time for working on academics and baseball. Parents: time for lots of prayers. Leaving them behind at school is one of the hardest things you'll ever do, but you'll survive. We did a year ago. As JustMom in her usual wise way noted, time to let them go (they're going on whether we like it or not anyway).

It was noted on here last year that their last month or so at home can get kind of testy as they start flapping the old wings before they're out of the nest. My wife and I agreed with the poster who said it's God's way of preparing you for the parting.....they're so obnoxious, you know it's time for them to go!

TxMom and Justmom---

I couldn't have said it better! GREAT posts!

Best to all of my friends here who are "losing" their babies to college. Mine is a SENIOR now...yesterday (yes, YESTERDAY) I was in your shoes. And I have learned over the past three years to do as Justmom says: "Celebrate, celebrate the child you have raised..."

Let them fly!

I can only agree with PAMom, be happy in the child you raised because they have become an adult, mine is also a sr. this year but does have 2 years of eligible left and may need that extra time cause the transfer caused him a few credits....

I thing the biggest thing is don't wait to get on campus you son should be working out now, he should be throwing and running and working out....that way he won't look out of shape and tired upon arrival and can stand out in that very competitve college baseball group

Hokieone...

I just learned this weekend...that my son is breaking up with his girlfriend when he leaves...it's mutual...she's still in high school and he says she should feel free to go out and have fun...

And I'm sure he's thinking the same...

(every girl he's ever dated is still his friend...that's a pretty decent track record)

Really some good information here. It seems as if the moms are in touch with the situation. I guess we all have different problems as they go off to college because of the different set of circumstances surrounding each situation. For all the boys it will be an exciting time in their lives. It’s a step from boyhood to manhood. For some of our sons it will be a giant leap but for others it will be a smaller more controlled step. I still think all students stumble and struggle, or are at least challenged, with college. With some boys it might be the more difficult academics while others struggle with the increased social pressures. I know some boys have a difficult time adjusting to the more rigid time management placed on them as a college student/athlete.
Some parents view this time in their son’s lives as a sink or swim situation. I don’t see it as such. These boys are getting an education in life too and I think the supportive parent can be a big help. But before we can help them WE have to understand that our role as parents has suddenly changed. For the student that goes away to college, we can no longer be the restrictive enforcer that in the past set the curfew and banned certain CD and DVDs. That’s OK, because now we have the chance to be one of the more experienced, supportive, mature adult in their lives. It’s a great opportunity for us to offer our assistance in helping them cope with the realities of life. There are few things more rewarding than to get a phone call that says:“Dad, I need your opinion on something.”

Fungo

fungo, good post...

I've always heard that I'm working myself right out of a job...

not one of us made it to adulthood without a few bumps in the road...

Thanks all - I printed out this entire thread and will ask my son to read it -- one of the 'last things' I may be able to influence, based on what I am learning here....
Keep the advice/comments coming!

Having sent 2 off to play college baseball, I have to agree with all the great advice on this thread. Make sure they understand that an athlete leads a very different life from a "normal" college student. My boys were excited about that, but some of their teammates were shocked and dismayed.

Also, for those going to JUCO schools, they play a full schedule of games in the fall. It is just a shorter version of the spring season, with away trips, tournaments, etc. This can load up their fall even more, so beware.

hokieone

"Lose the girlfriend."

If I thought it would help, I'd have had you PM my son. But alas, it's too late. His money already is gone.

Wow. Lose the girlfriend? It looks like Babyback Momma's son didn't lose the girlfriend and he still did mighty fine. Choosing baseball, the sport where almost no one makes the majors, over a relationship? Now if it's a girl you don't like, I can understand.

Justmom, I'm sending you a private message over your beautiful post here.

Thanks to everyone who has shared. It really makes it easier to hear what other have gone through.

These posts covered just about everything... only one thing I would add ... the class schedule should not be too difficult this first semester/quarter. It may take a couple months for them to learn how to manage their time

Hi 123K mom....I sent you a private message...

This is the first time for sending mine off too, but I agree on the class schedule. Mine is only taking 13 hours (4 classes and a lab). May be 14 if "Weightlifting, Baseball" is a course.

He made 1 point under the required number on his ACT to skip a Math and Science course, and probably could have applied to the dean to go ahead and skip those courses, because his high school grades in Math and Science were very good, but we both agreed that he would go ahead and take the lower level courses just to get used to being at college.

One other piece of advice I would give to the "Empty Nesters" is make sure to let your kids know that before they decide to come home for a surprise visit, they may want to call first. Wouldn't want to walk in on mom and dad in the living room, or the kitchen, or the hallway, or the laundry room, or the basement. or the............

voicovr---

I can hear my son now (just in response to your POST!):

EEEEEUUUUUWWWWW!!!

voicovr ...

What's a basement?

Sounds like Hubby and I are missing out on something ...

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, maybe looking forward to when #3 leaves the nest.