bbscout,
Thanks for recognizing the politeness.
I think money can be a big problem.
If people put themselves in the shoes of the organization paying out the “big bucks”, they might have a different view point.
Do you really want the kid who doesn’t think a million or more is enough?
Is it better if the kid comes from a rich family or a poor family?
Money can do strange things to people!
A poor kid might all of a sudden become satisfied and consider himself a success. His life style changes and not always for the best. His definition of success may not be the same one that the club has.
A rich kid might not think the money is any big deal. Will he work his butt off to get to the top? Will he be hungry enough?
I’ve seen poor kids go both ways. Here’s an interesting story, I’ll make it short as possible.
Carl Crawford
Carl grew up in Houston and didn’t have a pot to piss in. An outstanding athlete, he signed to play football at U of Nebraska. His uncle called us because no one outside Houston knew much about Carl’s baseball ability. His uncle told us that Carl would sign in a heart beat for $50,000 today. That was the winter before his senior high school year.
Carl went to an event in Ft Myers (world Showcase) that winter with the financial help of his uncle. He was the best player and athlete there. Now, everyone in baseball knew that Carl was a early round prospect.
I talked to some Scouting Directors who all thought Carl was a top round talent, but they were scared of his commitment to Nebraska. After all, Nebraska had never lost a football recruit to the baseball draft. Even Erstad played football at Nebraska.
I later called his uncle again and asked him, “What’s it going to take for Carl to sign?” He replied, “$1.3 million!” Things sure had changed over a few months and the $50,000 Carl would have signed for in a heart beat.
We talked his uncle into getting Carl to the National Predraft. Carl was advised against it, but we persisted that he needed to attend. Not to show his ability, but to show he was interested in the draft and that he was signable. After all, you don’t go from Houston Texas to Cedar Rapids Iowa two weeks before the draft unless you want to get drafted and sign. We won out over the adviser and Carl showed up.
He stunk up the place!… couldn’t hit a ball out of the infield even in BP. We felt miserable because we talked him into coming. All of a sudden that talk we gave about the importance of Carl being there just didn’t seem too positive.
On draft day Tampa Bay selected him with the first pick of the second round. Paid him a then record 2nd round figure. More than $1.3 million! I later asked Dan Jennings (then Scouting Director for Tampa Bay) if he was bothered by Carl’s showing in Cedar Rapids. Dan said, “No not at all, just him being there was enough for me.”
So now “poor” Carl, was no longer “poor.” How would he respond? Would he be satisfied like so many others who have fallen victims of the money?
Carl Crawford would have graduated from Nebraska either last year or this year. Instead, last year he was named to the American League All Star team. He led the league in stolen bases. He’s one of the best outfielders in the Big Leagues and maybe the youngest. Money should never again be a problem for Carl Crawford!
By the way, the first pick of the draft that year was also a Tampa Bay pick, who more than tripled Carl’s signing money. Maybe you’ve heard about him… Josh Hamilton.
It takes much more than money to make a big league player. In fact, I think that money has stopped some people from reaching the top.
Sorry for the length of this post, but thought someone might enjoy the story.
Happy Easter to all.
I think this decision is much different for a pitcher versus a position player. If I'm a pitcher I probably take the money with little thought....the downside risk of arm injury during the next 3 years makes the decision for me.
I think this decision is much different for a pitcher versus a position player. If I'm a pitcher I probably take the money with little thought....the downside risk of arm injury during the next 3 years makes the decision for me.
Pg,
An absolutely classic and riviting post. You are a fine writer. This is the type of dialog I was interested in when I created the post.
To continue with the theme of this thread, I don't necessarily see life always having right or wrong answers. I generally respect someone more for having a position and sticking by it than whether or not they happen to agree with how I see things.
An absolutely classic and riviting post. You are a fine writer. This is the type of dialog I was interested in when I created the post.
To continue with the theme of this thread, I don't necessarily see life always having right or wrong answers. I generally respect someone more for having a position and sticking by it than whether or not they happen to agree with how I see things.
It would be great for someone to truly study this issue and collect real evidence.
To me, as I have said, at $1.8 million, the decision remains easy to go to college... for a number of reasons.
1. My belief is that most players are better prepared for baseball success after college than right out of high school. In college, you are a bit sheltered and you can fail softly. In pro baseball, you are competing for a job in a near life or death (figuratively) situation. Fail, and you are done -- without college and without the experience of college baseball.
2. There are plenty of poor ballplayers (some who played in the big leagues) who sure could have benefitted from college. They got there bonus, uncle Same took half, they bought a few cars, a house and flat-out squandered a lot more.
3. There are lots and lots of people in this day and age (mainly with the benefit of a combination of street smarts and education) who make far more than $1.8 million over a relatively short period of time.
4.If you truly are good enough and go to college, that $1.8 million is likely to increase.
5. If you are not good enough, that $1.8 million is unlikely to last long enough to replace college, which the evidence seems to indicate you are probably going to forego.
As I said, I believe most people would be stunned at the number of poor ex-ballplayers out there who essentially are still trying to find their way in life after age 30.
To me, as I have said, at $1.8 million, the decision remains easy to go to college... for a number of reasons.
1. My belief is that most players are better prepared for baseball success after college than right out of high school. In college, you are a bit sheltered and you can fail softly. In pro baseball, you are competing for a job in a near life or death (figuratively) situation. Fail, and you are done -- without college and without the experience of college baseball.
2. There are plenty of poor ballplayers (some who played in the big leagues) who sure could have benefitted from college. They got there bonus, uncle Same took half, they bought a few cars, a house and flat-out squandered a lot more.
3. There are lots and lots of people in this day and age (mainly with the benefit of a combination of street smarts and education) who make far more than $1.8 million over a relatively short period of time.
4.If you truly are good enough and go to college, that $1.8 million is likely to increase.
5. If you are not good enough, that $1.8 million is unlikely to last long enough to replace college, which the evidence seems to indicate you are probably going to forego.
As I said, I believe most people would be stunned at the number of poor ex-ballplayers out there who essentially are still trying to find their way in life after age 30.
hmmm...
Going to college guarantees only the college experience, not success.
Taking a big signing bonus and not going to college guarantees only the baseball experience and not success.
Doing both guarantees the college and baseball experience but not success in either.
I know a guy with a degree in engineering who owns a Jiffy Lube. We all know of guys who played pro ball at some level who are now either instructors or HS coaches. Does that mean these guys aren't successful?
There are plenty of poor ex-ballplayers AND poor college grads out there who essentially are still trying to find their way in life after age 30. Percentage wise probably more poor ex-ballplayers, numbers wise probably more college grads.
If you do both do you double your odds of success or double your odds of failure?
Going to college guarantees only the college experience, not success.
Taking a big signing bonus and not going to college guarantees only the baseball experience and not success.
Doing both guarantees the college and baseball experience but not success in either.
I know a guy with a degree in engineering who owns a Jiffy Lube. We all know of guys who played pro ball at some level who are now either instructors or HS coaches. Does that mean these guys aren't successful?
There are plenty of poor ex-ballplayers AND poor college grads out there who essentially are still trying to find their way in life after age 30. Percentage wise probably more poor ex-ballplayers, numbers wise probably more college grads.
If you do both do you double your odds of success or double your odds of failure?
I have signed 7 players out of HS who recieved modest bonus checks that went back to college and recived their degrees after not making it to the Big Leagues. I have signed three 1st round picks over the years and all three are very well off, and will never have to work again unless they want to. Two of the three signed after their Junior year in College and the third signed out of high school and is still playing. None of the three went back to school, because they don't need to.
I signed out of high school and never made the big leagues, and have done better than most of my pals from high school who went on to college.
I have friends who are poor that went to college and I have some friends who are well off who did not. If you turn down $1.8 mill, which as PG said is only offered to about 15 guys each year you are showing me that you are 1.not very smart or 2. you are afraid of failing. In either case, I would never draft that player again.
I signed out of high school and never made the big leagues, and have done better than most of my pals from high school who went on to college.
I have friends who are poor that went to college and I have some friends who are well off who did not. If you turn down $1.8 mill, which as PG said is only offered to about 15 guys each year you are showing me that you are 1.not very smart or 2. you are afraid of failing. In either case, I would never draft that player again.
bbscout, also some parents just do not view a career in baseball as respectable.
Backdash, again a great post.
Jemaz, I know that it is an easy decision for you. However in all of your calculations you assume that the ballplayer will never go back to school or ever make any more money. That is a miscalculation on your part. 1.8 million in todays dollars is worth far more than 1.8 million 10 years from now. You make valid points, but then you beat a dead horse and over generalize to support your position.
Backdash, again a great post.
Jemaz, I know that it is an easy decision for you. However in all of your calculations you assume that the ballplayer will never go back to school or ever make any more money. That is a miscalculation on your part. 1.8 million in todays dollars is worth far more than 1.8 million 10 years from now. You make valid points, but then you beat a dead horse and over generalize to support your position.
bbrulz, Good post. We could look at it this way too.....after taxes, the player has around 1 million dollars. He then has an opportunity to make a lot more money in the game.He also has a separate package that will pay for his education should he need it. Go to college and then get a job and see how long it takes to save up 1 million dollars....cash.
Now, I'll never have to worry about this scenario. But I'd tell my kid to sign even for half that figure.
5 years of college at a very good school: $220,000.
1 $100,000 5-year CD.
1 $50,000 in a 1-year rollover CD
$100,000 in low- to moderate-risk mutuel funds.
$30,000 in your bank account.
That's a half million dollars. Given this thread, ONLY a half million.
I don't have 10 percent of any single category. And I'll bet there are plenty of other parents out there like me.
Any questions?
5 years of college at a very good school: $220,000.
1 $100,000 5-year CD.
1 $50,000 in a 1-year rollover CD
$100,000 in low- to moderate-risk mutuel funds.
$30,000 in your bank account.
That's a half million dollars. Given this thread, ONLY a half million.
I don't have 10 percent of any single category. And I'll bet there are plenty of other parents out there like me.
Any questions?
The parents who stress the importance of college over a $1 million+ bonus...haven't stressed the importance of college enough to their son to presume he would use the tuition package if it doesn't work out??? "Not working out" would happen within a few, maybe 5 at most, years. The kid's 21-24 years old and well young enough to return to education. I work in an office of 42 people; 7 started college after the age of 26.
There are several factors in the choice to not go to college when baseball doesn't work out, and I would think the primary one would be how many of those players would have gone to college and graduated in any case. The academic ability, desire, and motivaton from home to get a college degree aren't universal attributes for every player.
There are several factors in the choice to not go to college when baseball doesn't work out, and I would think the primary one would be how many of those players would have gone to college and graduated in any case. The academic ability, desire, and motivaton from home to get a college degree aren't universal attributes for every player.
I agree with PG and bbscout on this.
I have a college education. If my son were offered 1.8MM, I would advise him to take it and make more. If your goal is to make it to the big leagues, this almost assures that you at least get your cup of coffeee. How long that coffee lasts is up to you. trust your ability and take a chance.
While I agree this is a personal decision, it is not as personal as one wants to think.
I have a college education. If my son were offered 1.8MM, I would advise him to take it and make more. If your goal is to make it to the big leagues, this almost assures that you at least get your cup of coffeee. How long that coffee lasts is up to you. trust your ability and take a chance.
While I agree this is a personal decision, it is not as personal as one wants to think.
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/official_info/scholarship.jsp?content=guide
Here is a guide to this program.
Here is a guide to this program.
Your Chances of Reaching The Major Leagues
http://www.angelfire.com/vt/prospectwatch/index171.html
College vs. Pro
http://www.angelfire.com/vt/prospectwatch/index5.html
http://www.angelfire.com/vt/prospectwatch/index171.html
College vs. Pro
http://www.angelfire.com/vt/prospectwatch/index5.html
I didn't read all of the posts here...did read PG's and as always, very insightful and enjoyable to read. A very balanced perspective.
I want to offer a couple of thoughts:
1. No one should ever second-guess the decision of a given individual for their choices. Only they walk in their shoes and only they must live with the decision. One that I'm somewhate familiar with...John Mayberry Jr. I spent much of the weekend with him and his family. Grounded, solid, kind, good perspective, happy, not second-guessing themselves, truly outstanding people! Whatever their reasons, I'm sure they were good ones. I'm very proud to have my son play with their son.
2. Many of the best moments in my life were in college. Those experiences shaped the rest of my life in a very positive way. I met my wonderful, beautiful wife in college. I have no idea how to put a price on my college experience, but it was worth an awful lot. I don't think it would have been the same if I'd have gone to college when I was 25.
Take the money? I don't second guess anyone who took it and I don't second guess anyone who didn't. Its their decision and theirs only. Barring injury, if you're good enough, you'll make it either way. Make the decision for yourself, not based on what others may think. And don't look back. Its your life, have fun with it!
I want to offer a couple of thoughts:
1. No one should ever second-guess the decision of a given individual for their choices. Only they walk in their shoes and only they must live with the decision. One that I'm somewhate familiar with...John Mayberry Jr. I spent much of the weekend with him and his family. Grounded, solid, kind, good perspective, happy, not second-guessing themselves, truly outstanding people! Whatever their reasons, I'm sure they were good ones. I'm very proud to have my son play with their son.
2. Many of the best moments in my life were in college. Those experiences shaped the rest of my life in a very positive way. I met my wonderful, beautiful wife in college. I have no idea how to put a price on my college experience, but it was worth an awful lot. I don't think it would have been the same if I'd have gone to college when I was 25.
Take the money? I don't second guess anyone who took it and I don't second guess anyone who didn't. Its their decision and theirs only. Barring injury, if you're good enough, you'll make it either way. Make the decision for yourself, not based on what others may think. And don't look back. Its your life, have fun with it!
I would say that bbscout has a vested interest in kids signing. As for not drafting a player again, that is just silly. If the player is good enough, he will get drafted again. Would a team say that about, say, Mark Texiera? It's also vindictive, and I would say that if I were the player I would not want to play for that team. And, for folks who believe they are going to go to school and then make $50,000 a year for a long time, I would understand the reasoning to sign. If I'm in school, I would graduate with more hope and ambition than that and a better and broader perspective than just about any high school graduate I have encountered, including stud baseball players. But, again, there are factors more complicated that they first appear. Will the player save the money and let it grow or will he spend the bulk of it unwisely? Is he mature enough to deal with the rigors of pro baseball at 18, or would he have a better chance of success after three years in college? If he does fail in pro baseball, then what?
Like I said, the choice for our family would be easy, but different than what most have posted here. I do agree it is a personal choice. I will close with the fact that I know far more ex-players searching for their true calling in life than I know guys who have adjusted well to life after baseball, and that is both financial and otherwise.
Like I said, the choice for our family would be easy, but different than what most have posted here. I do agree it is a personal choice. I will close with the fact that I know far more ex-players searching for their true calling in life than I know guys who have adjusted well to life after baseball, and that is both financial and otherwise.
Take the $1.8 million. Can always go to college but you can't always play professional baseball.
Go to college if you're drafted after the 10th round and they give you 2 McDonald's coupons; $2000 bonus; a plane ticket; and, $850 a month for 3 months. What absolute nonsense pro ball foists on kids!
Go to college if you're drafted after the 10th round and they give you 2 McDonald's coupons; $2000 bonus; a plane ticket; and, $850 a month for 3 months. What absolute nonsense pro ball foists on kids!
quote:Originally posted by BeenthereIL:
Take the $1.8 million. Can always go to college but you can't always play professional baseball.
Go to college if you're drafted after the 10th round and they give you 2 McDonald's coupons; $2000 bonus; a plane ticket; and, $850 a month for 3 months. What absolute nonsense pro ball foists on kids!
You, sir, have nailed it!
quote:Originally posted by jemaz:
...5. If you are not good enough, that $1.8 million is unlikely to last long enough to replace college, which the evidence seems to indicate you are probably going to forego...
Unbelievable stupidity.
quote:Originally posted by jemaz:
... Will the player save the money and let it grow or will he spend the bulk of it unwisely?
...Is he mature enough to deal with the rigors of pro baseball at 18, or would he have a better chance of success after three years in college?
...If he does fail in pro baseball, then what?
The answer to all three of your questions is......it's irrelevant.
Quit clouding the issue.
Here is the question in it's simplest form.
Do you want college or college and 1.8M? Any other side issues are irrelevant to the question.
You have to be afraid of money.
jemaz, If a team spends 1.8 on you, They are going to make darn sure that you succeed.
Sark makes a good point. If you received a $1.8mm signing bonus last year, you would have been roughly the 10th pick in the draft.
That being the case, you would expect the odds of succeeding in the bigs to be much higher than normal.
That being the case, you would expect the odds of succeeding in the bigs to be much higher than normal.
I personally take the money.
A college degree is in the hands of 1/3 of all 25 year olds these days...you aren't all that distinguished with a college degree.
If you take the money, you have 1 mil in the bank, invest it, and you have more than enough to pay for any college you want to go to.
Additionally, how many first round picks are going to spend 7 years in the minors if things don't work out? I, personally, would hang things up after about 5 or 6 years if things didn't show signs of improvement, leaving me graduating college in my late 20s with a huge bank account...where's the downside?
Anyways, just my opinions. Again, this is assuming that if you take the 1.8 mil you aren't an idiot and you don't go off and buy 36 hummers...
A college degree is in the hands of 1/3 of all 25 year olds these days...you aren't all that distinguished with a college degree.
If you take the money, you have 1 mil in the bank, invest it, and you have more than enough to pay for any college you want to go to.
Additionally, how many first round picks are going to spend 7 years in the minors if things don't work out? I, personally, would hang things up after about 5 or 6 years if things didn't show signs of improvement, leaving me graduating college in my late 20s with a huge bank account...where's the downside?
Anyways, just my opinions. Again, this is assuming that if you take the 1.8 mil you aren't an idiot and you don't go off and buy 36 hummers...
quote:Originally posted by jemaz:
I would say that bbscout has a vested interest in kids signing. As for not drafting a player again, that is just silly. If the player is good enough, he will get drafted again. Would a team say that about, say, Mark Texiera? It's also vindictive, and I would say that if I were the player I would not want to play for that team. And, for folks who believe they are going to go to school and then make $50,000 a year for a long time, I would understand the reasoning to sign. If I'm in school, I would graduate with more hope and ambition than that and a better and broader perspective than just about any high school graduate I have encountered, including stud baseball players. But, again, there are factors more complicated that they first appear. Will the player save the money and let it grow or will he spend the bulk of it unwisely? Is he mature enough to deal with the rigors of pro baseball at 18, or would he have a better chance of success after three years in college? If he does fail in pro baseball, then what?
Like I said, the choice for our family would be easy, but different than what most have posted here. I do agree it is a personal choice. I will close with the fact that I know far more ex-players searching for their true calling in life than I know guys who have adjusted well to life after baseball, and that is both financial and otherwise.
Jemaz, For every Texiera there is a Kenny Henderson or Matt Harrington. Nothing vindictive about it.....if I feel a player is afraid,or not very smart, I don't want to draft him period, let alone give him a million dollars. If a kid turns down 1.8, he is already showing you he does not want to play for your team.
Rigors of pro ball????? I played for quite a while and never thought of pro ball in that respect. Every day was Saturday and every night was special.
I would bet you a steak dinner that if one of your son's was a first round pick out of high school, he would sign a contract and you would be smiling in the picture right next to him.
As long as I am spouting my opinions, here is one more. Does anyone realize how many first round picks who were drafted out of college went back and got their degrees?? I know 16 personally who never set foot in a classroom because they had very large bank accounts and never saw the need for it. Since most college 1st rounders sign after their Junior year of school and most are on the 5 year plan, they are in most cases two years away from graduation.
bbscout:
You may be right, but, still, I can't help but believe that if the boy truly is talented he will only increase his value in college and that the risk of injury in comparison is minimal. The greater risk, of course, is that the boy indeed is not good enough and college will expose him for what he is -- a player worth perhaps a whole lot less than $1.8 million.
You may be right, but, still, I can't help but believe that if the boy truly is talented he will only increase his value in college and that the risk of injury in comparison is minimal. The greater risk, of course, is that the boy indeed is not good enough and college will expose him for what he is -- a player worth perhaps a whole lot less than $1.8 million.
An 18 year old kid who is mature enough to invest his money as many have suggested will do fine whether he goes back for a degree later or not,
On the other hand an 18 year old kid who would blow the 1.8 million and not go back to get his degree as some have suggested may very well be the same kid who spends more time at the parties than in classs and ends up with a degree but little education. He will struggle either route his chooses.
Most kids fall somewhere in between.
There simply is no right or wrong answer. You can find regrets down any path you choose, or you can choose not to look back instead.
On the other hand an 18 year old kid who would blow the 1.8 million and not go back to get his degree as some have suggested may very well be the same kid who spends more time at the parties than in classs and ends up with a degree but little education. He will struggle either route his chooses.
Most kids fall somewhere in between.
There simply is no right or wrong answer. You can find regrets down any path you choose, or you can choose not to look back instead.
The decision has nothing to do with the 18 yr olds maturity. It has nothing to do with whether he blows the money or not.
The decision is made before you know any of that.
The decision is so fricking obvious that it is ridiculous to even talk about it.
I like PG's suggestion. Take baseball out of it. Some millionaire wants to give you 1.8M and you're going to say no.
Shake your head people.....too many cobwebs.
The decision is made before you know any of that.
The decision is so fricking obvious that it is ridiculous to even talk about it.
I like PG's suggestion. Take baseball out of it. Some millionaire wants to give you 1.8M and you're going to say no.
Shake your head people.....too many cobwebs.
Teacherman,
I agree completely with your thoughts on this subject. As far as the herd mentality---you could not be more right. This is a no-brainer. I am currently working with THREE college grads. who are making $30k/yr! That's alot of years to get to $1.8Mil.
I agree completely with your thoughts on this subject. As far as the herd mentality---you could not be more right. This is a no-brainer. I am currently working with THREE college grads. who are making $30k/yr! That's alot of years to get to $1.8Mil.
Teacherman
I see I as not clear as you misunderstand the side I have taken.
I would not hesitate to suggest they take the money and the opportunity now and get their degree later, and I feel a degree is of great value.
The point I was trying to make was that if a kid lacks the maturity to handle the situation he may very well lack the maturity to do well in college as well.
I see I as not clear as you misunderstand the side I have taken.
I would not hesitate to suggest they take the money and the opportunity now and get their degree later, and I feel a degree is of great value.
The point I was trying to make was that if a kid lacks the maturity to handle the situation he may very well lack the maturity to do well in college as well.
My opinion is that if you actually have the opportunity to make that amount of money AND it is your dream to be a professional baseball player, it is a mistake not to sign. Yes, it is possible that you may make more if you move up the draft list, but the odds of moving down are a lot greater than being one of the half dozen players who may get more than $1.8 million.
Reality is that it may turn out to be a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a lump sum like that. Of course, you also need to make sure you have good financial advice so that you don't blow it.
If your dream is elsewhere, I think then college is a reasonable option.
Reality is that it may turn out to be a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a lump sum like that. Of course, you also need to make sure you have good financial advice so that you don't blow it.
If your dream is elsewhere, I think then college is a reasonable option.
If someone turns down life changing money, unless they come from a wealthy family, I would have to question if they have the intelligence to even make it through college.
Interesting discussion. The issue of course is the player. Is he going to college primarily to continue his baseball career, or is baseball a means to get a college education? Now, if the answer is that the player is going to college primarily to continue playing baseball (continuing his dream), the decision making gets much easier.
My son signed out of high school for much, much less than the numbers thrown around. My only concern was that he get enough money that he could modestly live on for 6-7 years and not worry where his next meal was coming from.
As a family, we know the odds are not in my son's favor to make it to the show, but there was no doubt in our mind to support his decision to try.
He just turned 20. Daily, he's getting the best coaching available playing against some of the best young players in the country. Having primarily Latin coaches and teammates his first year,he's experienced cultures that he normally would have never been exposed to. He's told me more than once he has experienced "life" like none of his old friends.
What happens if he "fails"?. Matter of definition. He's already experienced more than most. He's a stronger person emotionally and is extremely focused. Even if he never gets his "cup-of-coffee", it's been worth it.
Now, back to practicality. A year from this November I believe is his Rule 5 draft opportunity. If his team elects not to put him on the 40 man, and he doesn't get drafted by another team, maybe the writing is on the wall for a possible career change, at the ripe old age of 22. He does have a scholarship set aside, so he has an opportunity to try something else. Will he make it? He already has in my mind. Take care to all.
My son signed out of high school for much, much less than the numbers thrown around. My only concern was that he get enough money that he could modestly live on for 6-7 years and not worry where his next meal was coming from.
As a family, we know the odds are not in my son's favor to make it to the show, but there was no doubt in our mind to support his decision to try.
He just turned 20. Daily, he's getting the best coaching available playing against some of the best young players in the country. Having primarily Latin coaches and teammates his first year,he's experienced cultures that he normally would have never been exposed to. He's told me more than once he has experienced "life" like none of his old friends.
What happens if he "fails"?. Matter of definition. He's already experienced more than most. He's a stronger person emotionally and is extremely focused. Even if he never gets his "cup-of-coffee", it's been worth it.
Now, back to practicality. A year from this November I believe is his Rule 5 draft opportunity. If his team elects not to put him on the 40 man, and he doesn't get drafted by another team, maybe the writing is on the wall for a possible career change, at the ripe old age of 22. He does have a scholarship set aside, so he has an opportunity to try something else. Will he make it? He already has in my mind. Take care to all.
NVR - Nice post. Good luck to your son in which ever direction he chooses to go!
PG is right. $1,800,000 is too much for an 18 year old to spend to pitch to aluminum bats, ride busses between Gainesville, Columbia, Oxford and Fayetteville; and hope to get to Omaha.
He is 1-2, sporting a 5.67 ERA and worked his way down to the # 3 starter job, hardly 1st round or 15th round numbers. He was expected to claim the #1 spot when the Gators signed him last fall.
He is simply not the pitcher he once was.
My kid did not have the choice Mr. Horne had. While he is having fun and earning a degree, I know the choice he would have made if he had it.
Mr. Hornes choice simply defies logic. I wish him well.
He is 1-2, sporting a 5.67 ERA and worked his way down to the # 3 starter job, hardly 1st round or 15th round numbers. He was expected to claim the #1 spot when the Gators signed him last fall.
He is simply not the pitcher he once was.
My kid did not have the choice Mr. Horne had. While he is having fun and earning a degree, I know the choice he would have made if he had it.
Mr. Hornes choice simply defies logic. I wish him well.
Just to set the record straight. I am not against those that choose to go to college and turn down a large amount of money to do something they love.
In fact, I have a lot of respect for those who go the college route rather than take the money.
I just don't always understand the logic.
Among other things, people go to college to enhance their ability to earn money.
When a club spends $1.8 million, that club expects the player to contribute at the Big League level. So in some cases the $1.8 million becomes many millions more.
To me when the worst case scenerio is receiving $1.8 million and not making it to the Big Leagues, that's not a life ender.
Going to college, flunking and failing to get the degree, and never getting the money or the chance to live out your dream, that is pretty sad.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I will say that if McDonalds offered my son $1.8 million in advance to skip college and flip burgers with a chance to someday own many franchises and if he changed his mind and wanted to go to school they would pay for it. Well, My son would have been in the hamburger business.
Of course, playing baseball is better than flippin burgers. If the only reason a person chooses baseball as a possible career is because of the money, they have one foot deep into failure.
When the game starts, there is no advantage to those with the biggest bank account.
In fact, I have a lot of respect for those who go the college route rather than take the money.
I just don't always understand the logic.
Among other things, people go to college to enhance their ability to earn money.
When a club spends $1.8 million, that club expects the player to contribute at the Big League level. So in some cases the $1.8 million becomes many millions more.
To me when the worst case scenerio is receiving $1.8 million and not making it to the Big Leagues, that's not a life ender.
Going to college, flunking and failing to get the degree, and never getting the money or the chance to live out your dream, that is pretty sad.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I will say that if McDonalds offered my son $1.8 million in advance to skip college and flip burgers with a chance to someday own many franchises and if he changed his mind and wanted to go to school they would pay for it. Well, My son would have been in the hamburger business.
Of course, playing baseball is better than flippin burgers. If the only reason a person chooses baseball as a possible career is because of the money, they have one foot deep into failure.
When the game starts, there is no advantage to those with the biggest bank account.
quote:Originally posted by PGStaff:
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I will say that if McDonalds offered my son $1.8 million in advance to skip college and flip burgers with a chance to someday own many franchises and if he changed his mind and wanted to go to school they would pay for it. Well, My son would have been in the hamburger business.
As far as analogies go I think you hit this one on the screws.
quote:you hit this one on the screws
Its down middle of the fairway...and very long.
No, PG's analogy is a Grand Slam Homerun. 
When you come to a fork in the road....TAKE IT!
PGStaff - I love your posts and I surely hope that you didn't think I was second-guessing anything you said. I am riveted to this website by posts from you, Fungo and some others...you provide such a great perspective on it all.
This thread comes up a few times a year and I don't think any minds are ever changed. I do know that while I thought for sure I would feel one way on the issue of signing for "X" amount of dollars, when the situation became potentially real, I felt very differently. Actually, my wife and I swapped positions. Our son did not have the option for the kinds of dollars discussed here, but he did have an option for a pretty fair amount and in the end, it was his decision, as it should be.
I've talked to a number of other websters who were faced with similar decisions and they went both ways on it. Its not easy and only one family/one player knows whats in their heart and should make such a decision for themselves. It isn't always about money and there isn't any real need for others to understand IMO.
This thread comes up a few times a year and I don't think any minds are ever changed. I do know that while I thought for sure I would feel one way on the issue of signing for "X" amount of dollars, when the situation became potentially real, I felt very differently. Actually, my wife and I swapped positions. Our son did not have the option for the kinds of dollars discussed here, but he did have an option for a pretty fair amount and in the end, it was his decision, as it should be.
I've talked to a number of other websters who were faced with similar decisions and they went both ways on it. Its not easy and only one family/one player knows whats in their heart and should make such a decision for themselves. It isn't always about money and there isn't any real need for others to understand IMO.