Thanks. He's probably not a starter for them. He expects to be a middle relief situational guy this spring, so probably not too many cumulative innings. By other leagues, I'm thinking something like Valley League or Coastal Plains League.
T_Thomas posted:Thanks. He's probably not a starter for them. He expects to be a middle relief situational guy this spring, so probably not too many cumulative innings. By other leagues, I'm thinking something like Valley League or Coastal Plains League.
OK. So, he may be able to find a spot in the Valley but without a college coach recommendation and/or connection, and without proven college innings yet, I'd be a bit reluctant to go that route. Most P's there have that backing and therefore will likely get something close to what any innings assurances are agreed upon (barring early poor performance).
They will be scrambling for arms just prior to season when the "shuffle" happens. There will be some backing out due to spring innings, injury, tired arms, internship opportunities, etc. Depending on whatever other commitments he has made and how strong his spring is, he can re-evaluate then.
T_Thomas posted:Question about league placement:
As an unproven Freshman pitcher, my son jumped at the opportunity to play in the Valley League when it was presented. I think all of his teammates stayed and played within their local areas.
He took his lumps down there, but he grew up a lot. There was some other stuff that he had to put up with down there which made his summer difficult. I don't think he regrets the experience, but when I ask him if he's willing to go back, he says let's wait and see how this spring goes. I don't think he is willing to get beat up all summer again. He wants to feel confident that he will be a contributor.
Bottom line - I think any summer work is good work even if it's lower level where your boy will probably get more innings. He should talk to his college coach and see what he says.
If an offer comes that's great but he should be mentally tough enough to deal with all the baggage - being far from home, all alone, a host family or team situation that might not be ideal, etc. On the other hand, it's a great chance for a young man to spread his wings a bit and see the next level if he's ready.
Thanks for all the replies.
It's always great to get insight from those who've been there first hand.
The Cal Ripken League is a nice avenue for rising Sophomores. The travel is significantly less
(for the most part) than some other leagues (they usually travel before the rush hour and end games after). Cost was <>$300, they usually have host families for players.
What are your thoughts on a summer league for an incoming freshman? The ACBL has been suggested by his future college coach. He is also thinking about playing in a local adult baseball league. He's done with travel ball, doesn't want to do that, but wants to stay sharp. Input welcome.
Kimb27 posted:What are your thoughts on a summer league for an incoming freshman? The ACBL has been suggested by his future college coach. He is also thinking about playing in a local adult baseball league. He's done with travel ball, doesn't want to do that, but wants to stay sharp. Input welcome.
Many of the top established leagues don't take incoming freshmen. Even the ACBL only shows about 3 per team. Your son may want to look at the rosters and see who they were last year and what colleges they are going to now. Looks like it is only 6-8 colleges so there are probably pipeline connections. Will the future coach get him a spot?
A few other things... you can search threads on this site for something like "college freshman year" and "collegiate summer baseball" for several other opinions on the topic. It is often recommended for the player to show up in the fall in the best shape in his life and ready to compete for a college roster spot. So, for some, that is more training than playing, for others it is the opposite. Whether the player is a P or position player and how beat up their bodies and arms are after the last HS spring factor in as well. If a position player, I think it is important that he try to play at least some competitive ball toward end of summer so he will come in ready to compete.
Also keep in mind, this may be the last summer your son is able to stay at or close to home ever 
Kimb27 posted:What are your thoughts on a summer league for an incoming freshman? The ACBL has been suggested by his future college coach. He is also thinking about playing in a local adult baseball league. He's done with travel ball, doesn't want to do that, but wants to stay sharp. Input welcome.
We have a strong Legion organization in our area and my son really enjoyed his last summer before college having fun playing with his friends. I would encourage your player to get his reps in but try to focus on having fun. From here on out baseball will be like a job. A local adult league is a good idea if he thinks he'll enjoy it.
Kimb27 posted:What are your thoughts on a summer league for an incoming freshman? The ACBL has been suggested by his future college coach. He is also thinking about playing in a local adult baseball league. He's done with travel ball, doesn't want to do that, but wants to stay sharp. Input welcome.
Pros: ACBL plays around 35 games, so not a daily grind like many summer leagues. He will face NCAA (all divisions) and juco pitching. Will probably prepare him mentally for the fall.
Cons: Lots of time driving that could be spent in the gym. No guarantee of playing time/ABs. Schedule might interfere with summer employment (more so than men's league). Probably won't know anyone.
Can he live at home while playing in the ACBL? If so, would that be limited to specific teams due to travel time?
I see one player from your son's future school played in the league last summer. If son has made connections with players from future school, he could inquire about that kid's experience.
Any HS Senior preparing to play college ball would benefit from seeing/chatting/playing college level baseball.
There is a rude awakening for Freshmen players. What worked in HS doesn’t translate when playing with guys 3 years older.
Only in America do we focus on Age; That’s part of the reason that our ranks in the MLB are depleting.
Playing at the appropriate development level for future activity should be the norm.
I have HS Sr Pitchers playing with College players and HS Jrs and Sophs platooning as BB and Bull Pen catchers at the Summer College level.
Why do we dumb down our young men when others are pushing/challenging player development.
The College Dugout is an excellent training opportunity and provides the intelligence needed prior to stepping on campus.
mommy and Daddy have done their job; Let him learn from those who are already there.
just saying!!!!!!
NECBL is $250. Looks like it used to be $0, but recently increased to include a fee.
The Valley League fee is now $300, and hardship waivers are allowed. The league will now allow 2 rising frosh players if they are certifiable pro prospects, i.e., locks to get drafted. The details on the certifying are still being determined, but for example, we have a kid committed to a SEC school that they feel will be drafted somewhere around 20th round and will likely not sign; I suspect he will be approved but don't know yet. With MLB reducing the size of the minor leagues, there is a feeling that long-term, college baseball will become the training ground just as NCAA college football serves as a minor league for the NFL. There will always be minor leagues but the number of teams may contract greatly as time goes on, so summer wooden bat leagues will become more important....and they are a lot cheaper for the MLB, which is always about the money. It's a business.