Mine is entering his Sophomore year so I wasn't going to respond to this.
However, as we have talked his response to this question has a slightly different slant than what many are saying so thought I would add it to the mix:
The most difficult part of year one WAS NOT the workouts or the academics. He was fortunate to have attended a very progressive private high school. They prepared him well academically thus found that transition relatively smooth!
The same was said about the baseball training and weight room work. His HS weight room workouts were required year around and began daily at 6:00am. No real change in College except a little longer on the field daily.
The eye opening part was the relative talent level of everyone on the Team. That being what it is, the business side of the game says as a position player you likely have players ahead of you who have been waiting their turn to play.
"The most difficult adjustment;" Realizing that as a Freshmen position player your job was to realize one; that playing time would be minimal, and two; your job one was to be, for the first time in your playing career, a CHEERLEADER for your teammates!
PrimeJr. found that to be somewhat rewarding but very difficult to pull off!
Many will truly find out how much they really love the game of baseball. In fact all of them will. In this thread if you read closely you will not find much talk about hitting home runs, doubles, making plays or striking out hitters. There is so much more to this thing called "Playing College Baseball" than "Playing Baseball." For these kids they will encounter many firsts. They will encounter more adversity on and off the field in a short period of time than they have their entire life. At least many of them will. They will be required to be men and expected to act like men. If they are not ready to do that they will struggle until they do or they are out the door. Every player is talented. In many cases the difference between those that play and those that do not play much to those that do not play at all is very very slim. And sometimes has nothing to do with actually playing the game.
The growth will be amazing. Both as a person and a player. Your son will become a man. He will either do that or he will not be playing very long. For those that do they will have a great jump on life in so many ways. And will have a sense of pride and accomplishment that they will carry with them the rest of their lives. Congrats to all of your young men and good luck this coming season.
The growth will be amazing. Both as a person and a player. Your son will become a man. He will either do that or he will not be playing very long. For those that do they will have a great jump on life in so many ways. And will have a sense of pride and accomplishment that they will carry with them the rest of their lives. Congrats to all of your young men and good luck this coming season.
Freshman year, too young to buy beer, but roommates got it anyway. He did not approve.
Junior year, turned 21, seems like him and his buddies like to pound a few beers. It bothers me that to him it seems to be a bigger deal than getting his driver's license or going off to college.
Being a light weight, I don't recall turning 21 mattered to me at all when it came to purchasing alcohol. One beer with me and the next thing, I'm sawing logs in the recliner.
We'll see how it affects his play and academics.
Junior year, turned 21, seems like him and his buddies like to pound a few beers. It bothers me that to him it seems to be a bigger deal than getting his driver's license or going off to college.
Being a light weight, I don't recall turning 21 mattered to me at all when it came to purchasing alcohol. One beer with me and the next thing, I'm sawing logs in the recliner.
We'll see how it affects his play and academics.
quote:We'll see how it affects his play and academics
Hoping he is fine.
47 days until opening day!!!!!!
I remember coming home from college after my first semester a very different person than I was when I first went to college a few months before. I started to learn how to live "on my own" and depend on myself. It was thus very difficult to transition back to my home life. It almost felt like I had regressed.
I missed my friends at college and was eager to get back into the routine at school that I had worked so hard getting into. I had to find a cage to hit at in the winter and a gym to workout at, of course never having my teammates there to work out with.
I enjoyed my time at home, but the transition BACK to home, was more difficult than I ever imagined.
Ken J
Author of "Going with the Pitch: Adjusting to Baseball, School, and Life as a Division I College Athlete"
I missed my friends at college and was eager to get back into the routine at school that I had worked so hard getting into. I had to find a cage to hit at in the winter and a gym to workout at, of course never having my teammates there to work out with.
I enjoyed my time at home, but the transition BACK to home, was more difficult than I ever imagined.
Ken J
Author of "Going with the Pitch: Adjusting to Baseball, School, and Life as a Division I College Athlete"
Going back to Prime9's comments, one of the toughest things for mine when he was a freshman was not only the intermittant playing time you get especially as a position player, but the fact that you have to be ready at all times ready to come off the bench and produce whether it be as a pinch hitter, runner or defensive replacement. If you screw up, you have to wait until your next opportunity and not let things affect your mental attitude. In the meantime you do have to be positive and be a cheerleader at all times. Some guys find out they are not cut out for this role, even for a year, as they have been stars all their lives. These guys usually quit or change schools, hence, the fairly high turnover rates in college ball.
It is funny "Three Bagger" that you made this comment because it was my exact story. I wasn't prepared to be a role player and I fought it for over 2 years. The amount of pain I put myself through didn't help anyone.
It took a long time to learn how to be a team player and commit myself to enjoying the game, even if I wasn't the All-American I thought I could be. It was amazing (and sad) to see how many guys on my team quit, got cut, or transferred. College Baseball is not an way road I really appreciate this site that highlights some of the roadblocks along the way.
Ken J
Author of "Going with the Pitch: Adjusting to Baseball, School, and Life as a Division I College Athlete"
It took a long time to learn how to be a team player and commit myself to enjoying the game, even if I wasn't the All-American I thought I could be. It was amazing (and sad) to see how many guys on my team quit, got cut, or transferred. College Baseball is not an way road I really appreciate this site that highlights some of the roadblocks along the way.
Ken J
Author of "Going with the Pitch: Adjusting to Baseball, School, and Life as a Division I College Athlete"
To your eyes, how has your son changed?
He put on about 20 pounds of pure muscle. Seems more mature and easy going than when he left. More confidence. Online roster lists him 35 lbs lighter than he really is. It was incorrect to begin with and now it’s way off.
How has the transition between high school and college been going?
He had two sisters go off to school before him and I think he listened to them. He appreciates the freedom and understands the responsibility. Well, he’s starting to understand the responsibility that goes with the new found freedom.
Also, in college the information flows from the coaching staff to the players on a "need to know" basis. I'd ask questions that he didn't know the answers to and he would say, basically, that when he needs to know the coaches will tell him.
Did they play fall ball?
Yes. Position workouts every day and intrasquads each day. Playing two games that count against the schedule against two other universities in Texas. The "RBI" club kept stats of each intrasquad game and posted them each night for fans and families to follow. This really helped a dad with serious baseball withdrawals!
How have workouts been going?
There was a lot of strength and conditioning before Fall Ball started. He said he'd never run as much in his life. The weight room has never been a problem for him but the running was tough. During fall ball they started at 2:00 and barely got back before the dorm closed for supper at 7:30.
Unlike a lot of the posters kid's schools, there weren’t mandatory 0700 workouts. The boys know what's expected of them and it's up to them to get their work in. They all do.
What are they most surprised by?
I think he was a little surprised by the speed of the game. A ball hit up the middle or in the hole is not necessarily a base hit anymore. The strength and speed of twenty-two year old men that he's competing against told him real quickly that he's at a different level and that he'll have to produce at that level.
He was also surprised by the degree of responsibility that the coaches give them. The coaches give them the total freedom to succeed or fail. They give them every opportunity and the tools to do either one they choose. No mandatory early morning workouts, no mandatory study hall. If you're smart enough and mature enough to be there then it's up to you to stay there.
What were they least prepared for?
I've asked him this twice and he says that he was prepared. He says he knew school was going to be difficult, baseball was going to be hard, competition was going to be fierce. He's adjusting well to all.
What has been really hard?
School, baseball, and the competition!
What has been really easy?
I just asked him again. He says nothing has been easy except sleeping and eating!
How has the mix of athletics and academics been handled?
I think this took a couple weeks to get used to but he came out with three B's and a P (in his pass/fail class). I think he figured out that he's a lot smarter than he gave himself credit for. I personally think he’ll need to develop better study skills to continue his success. (you heard me, Nick. I know you’ll be reading this!)
As mentioned before, there is no study hall. Coaches figure that you should be mature enough to use the resources available to you. The tutors are free, and the academic advising is free. All you have to do is ask for help if you need it.
Overall
He's really taken to the college gig well. We went to a party a couple days ago that his summer coach gave for the boys and families. I heard some difficulty in most of the parent’s voices when describing a phone call that they received from their kid sometime during the semester. They almost all called to express frustration, fear, homesickness, and questioning of their ability to continue. Each one of them got over it and they're all on their way to becoming successful students and baseball players. I didn't receive that phone call. He’s taken to college life well.
We all talk about the college “fit”. His choice absolutely, positively fits! He thought he wanted to go to a big state school but the school he is at was always in the back of his mind. He didn’t know if he had the grades/scores or ability to get in. When they made the offer there was no question. On the official visit he told the coach right then and there that he would enroll in August 2011. At this point it was absolutely the best possible choice for him. Oh, by the way, y’all with younger kids, tell them again what you’ve told them a million times – keep your grades up! Top grades/scores increases your appeal to ALL schools. You’ll have choices.
Playing time is still to be determined. They have 8 starting position players back from last year. Hopefully he can make the travel squad. Largely, this will be an apprentice year for him. He can learn from the older boys while he hones his own abilities and is ready to step up when needed. He knows that when called upon he better be ready and he’s doing everything he can to be just that.
He put on about 20 pounds of pure muscle. Seems more mature and easy going than when he left. More confidence. Online roster lists him 35 lbs lighter than he really is. It was incorrect to begin with and now it’s way off.
How has the transition between high school and college been going?
He had two sisters go off to school before him and I think he listened to them. He appreciates the freedom and understands the responsibility. Well, he’s starting to understand the responsibility that goes with the new found freedom.
Also, in college the information flows from the coaching staff to the players on a "need to know" basis. I'd ask questions that he didn't know the answers to and he would say, basically, that when he needs to know the coaches will tell him.
Did they play fall ball?
Yes. Position workouts every day and intrasquads each day. Playing two games that count against the schedule against two other universities in Texas. The "RBI" club kept stats of each intrasquad game and posted them each night for fans and families to follow. This really helped a dad with serious baseball withdrawals!
How have workouts been going?
There was a lot of strength and conditioning before Fall Ball started. He said he'd never run as much in his life. The weight room has never been a problem for him but the running was tough. During fall ball they started at 2:00 and barely got back before the dorm closed for supper at 7:30.
Unlike a lot of the posters kid's schools, there weren’t mandatory 0700 workouts. The boys know what's expected of them and it's up to them to get their work in. They all do.
What are they most surprised by?
I think he was a little surprised by the speed of the game. A ball hit up the middle or in the hole is not necessarily a base hit anymore. The strength and speed of twenty-two year old men that he's competing against told him real quickly that he's at a different level and that he'll have to produce at that level.
He was also surprised by the degree of responsibility that the coaches give them. The coaches give them the total freedom to succeed or fail. They give them every opportunity and the tools to do either one they choose. No mandatory early morning workouts, no mandatory study hall. If you're smart enough and mature enough to be there then it's up to you to stay there.
What were they least prepared for?
I've asked him this twice and he says that he was prepared. He says he knew school was going to be difficult, baseball was going to be hard, competition was going to be fierce. He's adjusting well to all.
What has been really hard?
School, baseball, and the competition!
What has been really easy?
I just asked him again. He says nothing has been easy except sleeping and eating!
How has the mix of athletics and academics been handled?
I think this took a couple weeks to get used to but he came out with three B's and a P (in his pass/fail class). I think he figured out that he's a lot smarter than he gave himself credit for. I personally think he’ll need to develop better study skills to continue his success. (you heard me, Nick. I know you’ll be reading this!)
As mentioned before, there is no study hall. Coaches figure that you should be mature enough to use the resources available to you. The tutors are free, and the academic advising is free. All you have to do is ask for help if you need it.
Overall
He's really taken to the college gig well. We went to a party a couple days ago that his summer coach gave for the boys and families. I heard some difficulty in most of the parent’s voices when describing a phone call that they received from their kid sometime during the semester. They almost all called to express frustration, fear, homesickness, and questioning of their ability to continue. Each one of them got over it and they're all on their way to becoming successful students and baseball players. I didn't receive that phone call. He’s taken to college life well.
We all talk about the college “fit”. His choice absolutely, positively fits! He thought he wanted to go to a big state school but the school he is at was always in the back of his mind. He didn’t know if he had the grades/scores or ability to get in. When they made the offer there was no question. On the official visit he told the coach right then and there that he would enroll in August 2011. At this point it was absolutely the best possible choice for him. Oh, by the way, y’all with younger kids, tell them again what you’ve told them a million times – keep your grades up! Top grades/scores increases your appeal to ALL schools. You’ll have choices.
Playing time is still to be determined. They have 8 starting position players back from last year. Hopefully he can make the travel squad. Largely, this will be an apprentice year for him. He can learn from the older boys while he hones his own abilities and is ready to step up when needed. He knows that when called upon he better be ready and he’s doing everything he can to be just that.
I think this is really good Stanwood. I can relate to what your son is going through and the new-found independence is an odd thing to be given after living the typical high school life.
Every player works out the difficult issues. I thought it was fascinating to read about how your son is tackling them. Thank you for sharing.
I didn't start this topic, but when I started to share my story I had a great hope that these types of conversations would be had.
Ken J
Author of "Going with the Pitch: Adjusting to Baseball, School, and Life as a Division I College Athlete"
Every player works out the difficult issues. I thought it was fascinating to read about how your son is tackling them. Thank you for sharing.
I didn't start this topic, but when I started to share my story I had a great hope that these types of conversations would be had.
Ken J
Author of "Going with the Pitch: Adjusting to Baseball, School, and Life as a Division I College Athlete"
Let me preface this with mine is at The Citadel so they take care of part of the normal problems or concerns. But they also add to it because he is only allowed to come home during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
What valuable info can you pass along to us parents of high school seniors regarding the transition to college life in general and college baseball in particular?
Playing summer ball at a high level will help prepare them for it. There is a huge difference between high school and college baseball. He went from being the best long ball hitter on his team to watching a 180 pound second baseman drive two out of the big field at Charleston in one scrimmage.
to your eyes, how has your son changed?
He has always been a big kid. Went in at 6'3" 230 but he came home a stout, physical 235. They are turning everything into muscle. We did not see it as that big because we have been around him on the weekends during the fall but his friends and even two exes (that was funny when they said to me he is built now).
How has the transition between high school and college been going?
The Citadel is a whole different life and the stuff is a lot to deal with much less the classes. Not being able to go anywhere in the afternoons or evenings. Having to stay on The Citadel campus 24/7 pretty much.
Did they play fall ball?
Yes. He did real well on the mound and earned a weekend starting role as a freshman.
How have workouts been going?
They are working out hard as expected.
What are they most suprised by?
The Citadel extras was the biggest surprise for him but I don't think you can prepare a kid for that.
What were they least prepared for?
Academics.
What has been really hard?
Stuff
What has been really easy?
He loves the baseball. Would not be there except for that.
How has the mix of athletics and academics been handled?
They have mandatory 3 hour study time every night. So that is taken care of.
What valuable info can you pass along to us parents of high school seniors regarding the transition to college life in general and college baseball in particular?
Playing summer ball at a high level will help prepare them for it. There is a huge difference between high school and college baseball. He went from being the best long ball hitter on his team to watching a 180 pound second baseman drive two out of the big field at Charleston in one scrimmage.
to your eyes, how has your son changed?
He has always been a big kid. Went in at 6'3" 230 but he came home a stout, physical 235. They are turning everything into muscle. We did not see it as that big because we have been around him on the weekends during the fall but his friends and even two exes (that was funny when they said to me he is built now).
How has the transition between high school and college been going?
The Citadel is a whole different life and the stuff is a lot to deal with much less the classes. Not being able to go anywhere in the afternoons or evenings. Having to stay on The Citadel campus 24/7 pretty much.
Did they play fall ball?
Yes. He did real well on the mound and earned a weekend starting role as a freshman.
How have workouts been going?
They are working out hard as expected.
What are they most suprised by?
The Citadel extras was the biggest surprise for him but I don't think you can prepare a kid for that.
What were they least prepared for?
Academics.
What has been really hard?
Stuff
What has been really easy?
He loves the baseball. Would not be there except for that.
How has the mix of athletics and academics been handled?
They have mandatory 3 hour study time every night. So that is taken care of.
This has been an excellent thread! Thanks much to all who have shared. It's nice to have some idea of what to expect. My son will be going off to college this fall. He is now in the middle of winter workouts with his high school team. He had hitting at 6:00 am today then running and conditioning after school. He wasn't really complaining but I told him to get used to it because this will be his life (and then some!) next year! His response? "I can't wait!". I hope he still feels that way this time next year because I can't wait either!
My question is perhaps better aimed at sophomores because I'm guessing the Spring is when we find out, but I'm wondering if there is much of a Freshman hazing process still going on? At one of the schools my '12 looked at, one of the players said the Florida trip can be pretty tough on the Freshman.
Any first hand experiences out there? I'm assuming its the usual carry the water jug/equipment/laundry type stuff but still curious.
Any first hand experiences out there? I'm assuming its the usual carry the water jug/equipment/laundry type stuff but still curious.
quote:Originally posted by RedSoxFan21:
My question is perhaps better aimed at sophomores because I'm guessing the Spring is when we find out, but I'm wondering if there is much of a Freshman hazing process still going on? At one of the schools my '12 looked at, one of the players said the Florida trip can be pretty tough on the Freshman.
Any first hand experiences out there? I'm assuming its the usual carry the water jug/equipment/laundry type stuff but still curious.
I haven't seen or heard of any hazing nonsense. The Freshmen can be assured of having the lions share responsibility for field maintenance, but that's about it.
College teams, for the most part, are run by professional people that have a job to do. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, is expected to contribute towards winning! If you have the time and inclination to expend negative energy on that sort of stuff, then you will probably soon be gone.
quote:To your eyes, how has your son changed?
We live in TX and he is going to school in SC, so I went over 2 months without seeing him until the end of Oct and their 3-game end of fall intrasquad. He went to school 6' tall and 180lbs. After the 1st month he lost 15 lbs and was skinny. He couldn't get enough calories in his body. He had to leave for morning workouts before the cafeteria opened, went to class and then individual work (which became fall practice) and by the time mandatory study hall was out the cafeteria was closed again for the evening. The training staff was actually concerned, but he has since put back on the weight and is solid as a rock. He's definitely gotten "man strong" and sadly I will admit to you (but not to him) that I can't "take him" anymore.
How has the transition between high school and college been going?
I think the actual baseball portion was an easy transition. He competed on a top summer team and traveled around the country playing against top talent. He played on a top class 5A high school team in TX with 5 other D1 players...so D1 competition was not overwhelming. That being said, by the end of fall practice he was starting to wear down...tendonitis in bicep/shoulder, sprained ankle, etc...his season lasted 10 solid months with about 2 weeks off in August. He needed a solid break.
His academic transition was OK...he's not the 4.0/AP type of student but made a solid 2.7 for the fall term.
To echo so many previous comments, the biggest adjustment was twofold...being away from home (far away), and the long days (05:00 to 21:00). That's a full day, I don't care who you are.
Did they play fall ball?
Yes, he played and did very well. It's going to come down to him and one other JUCO transfer for the starting SS job. His hitting started out great, but the more the coaches tinkered with his swing the more he started thinking instead of playing. He still was one of the fall hitting leaders.
How have workouts been going?
He says they are incredibly tough and don't really get easier. The better shape you get in the harder they push you. He can't argue with the results. Every measurable has improved, the most incredible to me has been his speed. He's gone from a 7.4 to 6.8 in the 60 and become one of the fastest guys on the team.
What are they most surprised by?
How much he misses home.
What were they least prepared for?
Living in a 12x12 room with another person, not having his close friends around, missing his mom and dad!
What has been really hard?
The grind...day in and day out in the fall with the season seeming so far away. Now that he's heding back in 2 days, at least he has the season to look forward to right around the corner.
The other hard thing was deciding in which summer collegiate league to play. He will be heading to the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) and cointinues to go farther away from TX. I guess that's what planes are for, but it sure is hard on my wallet!
What has been really easy?
Integrating into the team, he likes the guys on the team...that's crucial.
How has the mix of athletics and academics been handled?
So far so good...he's striking a balance, but with him, I hate to say it, but baseball comes first. He will give everything he's got for his coach and his team, but will sometimes take "a more casual" approach to his studies. One of his favorite saying from a senior on the tean is "Cs get degrees"...it's true but I don't have to like it!
Overall
I'll second Doubleday; that boy of his came back solid! And I think he's taller than you now too!
Just dropped mine off at school. Will see how it goes with no fall and minus his senior year of High School. He will be challenged.
quote:Originally posted by deldad:
Just dropped mine off at school. Will see how it goes with no fall and minus his senior year of High School. He will be challenged.
We've been thinking about you guys. Best of luck.
quote:Originally posted by stanwood:
I'll second Doubleday; that boy of his came back solid! And I think he's taller than you now too!
That's what he says too Stanwood, but the reality is that is the case only if he's wearing boots and I'm barefoot!
Speaking of solid...Stanwood Jr is a "beast"!