Division 2 and 3 colleges

Senior? LHP? RHP? Grades?
What steps have you taken for exposure? Camps, summer ball?

tigers10 - I'm assuming you're a senior if you're concerned about contact. I'm a huge fan of the JUCO system in TN. Have you contacted any of those coaches?

As far as DIII, there's one near me that I think would be more willing to take a chance on a pitcher "coming back" from surgery. It's Centre College in Danville, KY. They're not a strong school in baseball, but it could be an opportunity for someone like you to come back and be an impact player. Also, Asbury College in Wilmore, KY is a NAIA that is just beginning a program. They have recruited a large group of players, but no program can ever have enough pitching. The coaches there are quality men.

Are you sure your not open to somewhere outside of Tennessee. We love taking on cases like this with players who are recovering from surgery and people are scared of them as well as those "hidden" gems. That's what we do, develop talent, unlike the Orioles (ok that was a low blow, but true) :-)

I am a senior; right-handed pitcher; GPA of 3.2
and last ACT I took last year made a 21; have taken
the ACT again on 9/15/07, but do not know scores. I went to a Orioles open try-out in June prior to surgery and did well, even with my knee injury. I threw consistently 84-85, and hit 87 one time. Unable to go to other camps or play summer ball because of knee problem. Have played sumemr ball for high school in past, as required by coach. Thanks for any information or tips!

quote:

Originally posted by Tiger Paw Mom:
Senior? LHP? RHP? Grades?
What steps have you taken for exposure? Camps, summer ball?

Would like to talk with you more about your school and baseball program. Please let me know where to go from here.

Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by VJC Baseball:
Are you sure your not open to somewhere outside of Tennessee. We love taking on cases like this with players who are recovering from surgery and people are scared of them as well as those "hidden" gems. That's what we do, develop talent, unlike the Orioles (ok that was a low blow, but true) :-)

I have not contacted any junior college as of yet, as I wanted to be better health-wise before talking to lot of coaches. I didn't think I would get anywhere if I contacted them and told them I had just had knee surgery. Thought it would scare everyeone off, even though I've been told by coaches that I will be better than before come first of year. Any tips you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

quote:

Originally posted by lafmom:
tigers10 - I'm assuming you're a senior if you're concerned about contact. I'm a huge fan of the JUCO system in TN. Have you contacted any of those coaches?

As far as DIII, there's one near me that I think would be more willing to take a chance on a pitcher "coming back" from surgery. It's Centre College in Danville, KY. They're not a strong school in baseball, but it could be an opportunity for someone like you to come back and be an impact player. Also, Asbury College in Wilmore, KY is a NAIA that is just beginning a program. They have recruited a large group of players, but no program can ever have enough pitching. The coaches there are quality men.

Is the amount of available scholarship money an issue? There are a multitude of Tennessee colleges that would probably be willing to take a chance on a pitcher of your size. I think the NAIA programs are even allowed to work you out.

Keep in mind that there are many NAIA programs in Tennessee that are comparable to many DII programs.

What part of Tennessee are you from?

rhs - I would think now would be a great time to begin conversation with any school you might be interested in. JUCO signing period isn't until January anyway. The other schools are use to waiting until winter oftentimes after the field clears of the DI early signees.

Bizazz is right about the NAIAs in TN. Of course, there's a couple that can beat a majority of DIs as well. Those schools are as picky as most DIs and have a bigger pot to choose from. However, there's some just like the schools I mentioned that would be very willing to take a chance on a pitcher.

I'd keep working on my rehab and you certainly don't want to rush anything or go outside your physician and therapists recommendations. In the meantime, I'd be talking with and visiting any schools I'm interested. Once your rehab is complete and schools begin to show genuine interest, you want to be able to be in control of the situation.

quote:

Originally posted by rhstiger10:
He is wanting to keep on playing baseball,but no coach has contacted him.

I'm sort of just skimming all these replies so this has probably been covered a bunch already. Those who think that you can just do your thing and play games and "If you're good enough, they'll find you" are wrong. YOU have got to take control of who sees you and when. Showcases, camps, letters, phone calls are all a huge part of the process. Keep working hard and rehabbing. Good things will happen. Good luck.

I am from the West Tennessee area. The amount of scholarship is not the biggest factor in my decision. I will certainly be eligible for HOPE scholarship, and because of my mother's employment with State, I will get a discount on tuition. Of course, it will be a great help to my parents if I can get some type of baseball scholarship. The main thing is, I want to play college baseball, and I would like to begin looking at a 4-year college as opposed to a junior college. I am not ruling anything out at this point, due to my surgery and the fact many coaches may question my knee. Thanks for your help and input.

quote:

Originally posted by Bizazz:
Is the amount of available scholarship money an issue? There are a multitude of Tennessee colleges that would probably be willing to take a chance on a pitcher of your size. I think the NAIA programs are even allowed to work you out.

Keep in mind that there are many NAIA programs in Tennessee that are comparable to many DII programs.

What part of Tennessee are you from?

I'd suspect you'll need to attend a state school to take advantage of your mom's discount. That would rule out a lot of smaller schools. Have you made any inquiries at a place like UT-Martin. With the discount and HOPE, you might be able to try-out in the fall as a walk-on.

Most of the state schools, as well as private schools, have contact information on this website. I'd suggest sending an e-mail to the various coaches. Or, check their websites. A lot of them have recruiting questionnaires online.

Depending on how coaches perceive your abilities, you might stand a better chance at one of the smaller NAIA schools. As Lafmom said, the higher level programs can, and will, be picky. So think about that before you consider programs like Cumberland, Lee, Tennessee Wesleyan, or Trevecca. Freed-Hardeman, Lambuth, Bethel, and Union University all field teams in your area.

If you still want to play, go for it. But you need to also carefully consider the school. Not all student-athletes "fit" at certain schools. If you have specific programs in mind, I'm sure you can find a number of posters who will be happy to p.m. you with information. You might also consider posting this in the Tennessee Forum.