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College Fall Baseball

C cowboyfan10+ posts
I'm sure this question's been addressed before, but I apologize as I couldn't find it in a search. What's history behind decision making to allow JC's to play 20 or so fall games vs other schools yet most, if not all other colleges (D1-3), etc. cannot? At least to the point where if they do, it counts against # of spring games they can play? Having watched it this fall, I see advantages/disadvantages. JC coaches quickly get to see their new team in competitive situations vs opponents, game experience, etc. However, they seem to lose out on some quality practice time running around playing multiple games. I hear bigger schools play multiple intra squad games giving more of their pitchers/players opportunity to get "game like" experience.
And a follow up...as if southern located teams didn't already have enough advantage, can someone address how it appears they seem to play more overall games in their season than schools up here? Also, I hear they play exclusively 9 inning games in south (Florida) whereas most of our schools play lot of 7 inning DH's, thus that's how their players get so many more innings/games?
Just wondering...thanks
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CPLZCPLZ1,000+ posts
Quite a few issues there.

The compression of the D1 schedule has made northern teams hard pressed to fit all 56 games into a 13 week schedule in the spring. The result has been that some schools, and the number is rising, have chosen to lighten the spring load by playing some fall contests. Scouts in particular really like the fall intercollegiate games over the intrasquad games.

Seven inning games are usually dictated by the conference and influenced by the schedule. Since southern teams can play midweek games right at the beginning of the season, northern teams are forced to travel south on weekends and can't play as many games as early as southern teams. That means they need to double up on weekends after the weather gets warm. These DH's often mean one 9 and one 7 inning game. This format is common in conferences that play 4 conference games in a weekend.

This year, the Big 10 is switching from 4 to 3 conference games on the weekends, and will more mimic southern schedules where they play one game each on Fri/Sat/Sun, all 9 inning contests.
N nc42dad500+ posts
I believe that JUCOs even have a limit as to the number of games they play in the fall. My son was playing some 14 inning games this fall which I am guessing, is considered 1 game versus 2. Not real sure on that though.

Any way you want to slice and dice it, the schools in warmer climates are always going to be at an advantage in baseball. Baseball, golf, tennis were not meant to be played in snow. Players from the North all dream about going South, but I never hear anyone from a place like Florida commenting that they would like to come play in Minnesota, at least, not in baseball.

Short of some serious global warming, there is nothing the Northern schools can do to help their cause - scheduling, 7 inning games, 9 inning games, more southern trips, etc. JMHO
T tralpaz100+ posts
NC, for the most part you are correct. I dont know if i would use the word always...For example, in TX this fall most schools have lost over 50% if not more of their scrimmages and w/os because of rain. Son's entire infield is underwater. They have been doing cage work and running for the most part. They have also had some real fun non convential practices too. I understand that the juco have to shut to down by 11/15 and most had planned on a 10/30 end.

getting back to your point, warmer is better. Their cage area is a very nice coverd outdoor facility behind the clubhouse.
N nc42dad500+ posts
Tralpaz-

Saying "always" is like saying "never." However, I still think the South is at a huge advantage. They deal with different weather issues but if you look at the big picture, my guess is that a school in TX/FL/CA is going to get outside a heck of a lot more than a school in MN. When I played out in AZ, we were "freezing" on the bench in February if it was 55 degrees. What are the odds of a 55 degree day in February up here? If it was 55, there is a good chance the field would be soggy and unplayable.
So we go take ground balls in the parking lot, right?
S soxnole1,000+ posts
The fact is that the northern schools lose as much as they gain by having the 13 week window. Players in general and pitchers in particular suffer from way too much baseball and way too little time for anything else.

Scheduling southern trips has become extremely difficult and in many cases the level of competition is affected by the scheduling changes.
CPLZCPLZ1,000+ posts
So, when you go to this teams schedule, they play 56 regular season games (not including conference tournaments or NCAA) plus intercollegiate games in the fall and are a D1?

The games don't need to appear on any schedule in the fall. Fall games at my sons school don't appear on any schedule, but are deducted from the 56.

I find it hard to believe that any school would risk an entire season being wiped out for NCAA violations by trying to sneak extra games in. After all, every school they play, would know about the fall games. Too many people would need to keep their mouths shut to pull that one off.
Last edited by CPLZ
B BobbleheadDoll5,000+ posts
quote:
think what is happening is that schools play one or two games in the fall and might have 56 spring games scheduled but never play all of them mostly due to weather. Most northern teams would be hard pressed to get 56 games in with our weather, days off, travel etc.



This would be my guess.
The weather in the South also has many games canceled. The rain is just warmer.

I tried to calculate the games played and it appears 53 games were played other than playoff. This was last year and I know this year they have played at least 4 games.
C cowboyfan10+ posts
thanks for all great responses. I guess I'm asking why rules are such seemingly only allow JC's to play 15-20 fall games followed by another 50 or so in spring?
And as far as weather disadvantage, I think more northern schools should consider going ahead and playing some fall games that count knowing it will be better weather and they're likely not going to get them all in in spring anyway.

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