There are a low number of full ride scholarships. Even if its true that some don't use it the mlb scholarship is a full ride and it's not for only one year. If you dont use it you lose it same as any other college student.
If you get a lot of money and a full scholarship also its an easy choice for most. Plus you get started earlier towards your MLB future. If you dont think you can play in the MLB, go to school because you probably won't make it in baseball.
If you dont get a lot of money and you're real good, you should go to school and raise your value. If money doesn't matter, do what you want. In fact, do what you want always.
Signable players get drafted higher usually. No two people are alike and life is a gamble. I don't mean Pete Rose kind of gambling. Your choice could be right and it could turn out wrong.
Our son, also is being looked at, and we are told could go in the top 5 rounds, I agree, that this is a BIG step in a young mans life, that can and will mold them forever. With all the things going on, I think these young men, should have STRONG influences, They are 18 most and don't have a CLUE what life has in store, MONEY or not. It shouldn't be about the MONEY..it should be about the love of the game, and that you are getting paid for what they love to do. They need to understand all the HARD work that is going to be involved, and travel, there is alot that the scouts DONOT tell them about life on the road. We as parents, friends, and everyone else, need to support and pray for these young men, they have been given a talent, and how they use it is the ???? at hand.
It seems to me that a lot of MLB player's sons go to college first... Scott Hairston, Nick Swisher, etc. I've always wondered if pro dads tend to encourage their sons in this direction based on their experiences. Any thoughts?
The Road Not Taken
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference
Robert Frost (1874–1963).
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference
Robert Frost (1874–1963).
...Nice observation.....
...check the in box
______________________________
I will make errors this season.
Write it down....Derek Jeter
...check the in box
______________________________
I will make errors this season.
Write it down....Derek Jeter
F.O.---
My very favorite poem!!! And, oh, such wisdom...
Is this heaven?...
My very favorite poem!!! And, oh, such wisdom...
Is this heaven?...
Robert Frost (1874–1963).
Who did he play for? (LOL)
Who did he play for? (LOL)
There are differing views on this subject and a very important one. The motivation to choose is simply a personal choice based on personal priorities. Being a parent of a player that was drafted in the 5th round out of high school, but chose to attend college instead, let me give you OUR process for attending college.
First, I say “OUR” because our son wanted his mother’s and my guidance throughout the process. He knew that I want him to play professional baseball as much as he wanted. Secondly his mother is a college graduate and I never attended college so he knew our advice would not be completely one-sided.
We tried to detach emotions from the decision which is very difficult to do. Secondly, we asked for advice from everyone. I was surprised that some former players that passed on professional baseball and went to college, suggested that he go pro. Other players that played professional ball suggested he go to college. You take all the information you can, look at your son, size him up emotionally, his maturity level, his attitude, his strengths, his weaknesses, and you set down with him and give him the best advice you can. You tell him the final decision is his and you will support him no matter what his decision. You look at each other and then he’ll ask the most important question in this whole process…… “What do you think I should do Dad?”
Best of luck,
Fungo
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
First, I say “OUR” because our son wanted his mother’s and my guidance throughout the process. He knew that I want him to play professional baseball as much as he wanted. Secondly his mother is a college graduate and I never attended college so he knew our advice would not be completely one-sided.
We tried to detach emotions from the decision which is very difficult to do. Secondly, we asked for advice from everyone. I was surprised that some former players that passed on professional baseball and went to college, suggested that he go pro. Other players that played professional ball suggested he go to college. You take all the information you can, look at your son, size him up emotionally, his maturity level, his attitude, his strengths, his weaknesses, and you set down with him and give him the best advice you can. You tell him the final decision is his and you will support him no matter what his decision. You look at each other and then he’ll ask the most important question in this whole process…… “What do you think I should do Dad?”
Best of luck,
Fungo
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
Fungo,
I gotta tell you, I religiously read many of the posts on this site as a parent trying to get as much education as possible to help my '04 and your post on this topic was exceptional. It shows that you and your wife had a realistic perspective on the draft or college thing and you have done what appears to be a tremendous job with your son.
We are doing the very same thing this spring. Son is a pitcher signed with ACC school and we're told will be drafted quite high depending on his spring so the decision is one we are discussing and thinking about often.
If you have any other insightful information, please pass it on, We want to soak up as much of this stuff as possible. By the way, mom and I are both college grads and that has a strong pull to the college ranks.
GLAKCO
I gotta tell you, I religiously read many of the posts on this site as a parent trying to get as much education as possible to help my '04 and your post on this topic was exceptional. It shows that you and your wife had a realistic perspective on the draft or college thing and you have done what appears to be a tremendous job with your son.
We are doing the very same thing this spring. Son is a pitcher signed with ACC school and we're told will be drafted quite high depending on his spring so the decision is one we are discussing and thinking about often.
If you have any other insightful information, please pass it on, We want to soak up as much of this stuff as possible. By the way, mom and I are both college grads and that has a strong pull to the college ranks.
GLAKCO
i was a 7th round draft....sorry to hear that but an education is far more than a baseball career will get you...college is an experience everyone should try...dont rush your life for things that wont help you in the long run....
jonesin,
Did you go to college or the minors?
Did you go to college or the minors?
Yes it is me and thankn you for the kind words. I really think kids should go to school IF and this is a big if they are cut out for it. Lets all e realistic here some kids are not for college. I don't mean this in a bad way but not all kids can handle the work. The bottom line is this you are either going to go to school and get an education to further your life after baseball or you are going to sign and roll the dice. Because no matter what anyone tells you this career is a HUGE gamble. You have to be both lucky and good. Timing is key. Ask 100 pro player who signed out of High School if they would have gone to school if they had it to do over again and 90 of them will say YES!
I was lucky I played 13 years and made a lot of money but I am 38 years old now and have a family and could not provide for them if not for my education. The money I made playing will not last for ever if I don't work to supplement it!
I was lucky I played 13 years and made a lot of money but I am 38 years old now and have a family and could not provide for them if not for my education. The money I made playing will not last for ever if I don't work to supplement it!
i did both
quote:
I was lucky I played 13 years and made a lot of money but I am 38 years old now and have a family and could not provide for them if not for my education. The money I made playing will not last for ever if I don't work to supplement it!
That is great advice. The recognition that you need the education as well as baseball is important. Do you believe that if someone understands this, plans for it, and will follow through and still wants to chase their dream, Should do so? Or do you still recommend school first? Thanks
I had a very interesting conversation with a former player recently, was in the business for 15 years and a World Series MVP. When asking about his options for college, he said in those days you really didn't think twice about it, although you knew how important a degree would be later on. It was grueling and at times he wondered if he would make it, but he worked like a dog. It takes a special type of person to go pro at such an early age but he was determined to take advantage of a free education while following his dream. He had no large signing bonus. He promised his mother that he would earn his degree and it took him 8 off seasons in which he did it. He said when you promise your mom something, you don' go back on your word! He has made a lot of money playing ball, but he is now a thriving businessman with a degree as well as a former ML player.
Fungo has given (as always) great advice. Each situation is different, based on personal priorities and personal choice. You ask 20 different people you will get 20 different answers. You are the only one who knows your son the best. You need to also feel comfortable with the fact that if your son does decide to put off college, will he be able to go later on if he has made that promise to you and himself.
Fungo has given (as always) great advice. Each situation is different, based on personal priorities and personal choice. You ask 20 different people you will get 20 different answers. You are the only one who knows your son the best. You need to also feel comfortable with the fact that if your son does decide to put off college, will he be able to go later on if he has made that promise to you and himself.
Now, for the other side. I just read that Khalil Greene has won position for starting SS for the Padres this spring. Greene graduated with honors from Clemson University in 2002. He played four years in college,earned his degree and only spent two years getting to ML.
I guess if you think too much about it, will drive you crazy!
I guess if you think too much about it, will drive you crazy!
Khalil Greene worked like a dog as well. Coach Leggett has a legendary conditioning program that some players take advantage of. Someone with Greenes talent and make-up would have a great chance to successfully make it down either path taken.
He is the exception to most of the rules. At 24 or 25 he has a degree, 1st round bonus cash and a major league shortstop starting job. Good work.
Is he still wearing that flat bill on his cap?
He is the exception to most of the rules. At 24 or 25 he has a degree, 1st round bonus cash and a major league shortstop starting job. Good work.
Is he still wearing that flat bill on his cap?
I still would send them to college first. A ery select few will really follow though and get their education. Besides that these kids by and Large are not ready to be lving on their own without any supervision at such a young age. I know every parent thinks their kid is the exception but to be honest I have seen way to many lives and careers lost to off the field problems caused by kids being to young to handle the pro life style. They may still make it to the ML's but will not be all they could be both on and off the field.
You are both right, Greene was the exception to the rule, a phenomenal talent. One will never know if not going straight from HS to minors, would he have been ahead of where he is now. The point was he has the best of both worlds and it must have been a pretty hard decision to turn down the draft so many times and stick with what he believed was the right thing to do for HIM.
