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I have a question that is facing someone I know;

The kid is a pitcher, I think he's pretty good, but that isn’t important to this discussion, it's up to the scout to decide if he is or isn’t. My question is: How much should a player disclose when initially contacting schools?

I know that’s a pretty broad question so let me give you some background on this kid and the discussion can branch out from there. He has Cerebral Palsy, not real bad and it doesn’t impact his pitching much if at all. The only real visible impact is that he can’t run fast.

Back to the question; should he be up front about it or treat it like he has his whole life, it’s just who he is, no excuses, no issues? I wonder if it would be a draw back or a plus.
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IMHO, if it's just who he is, then he should have no shame in being honest about it. Besides, if they want to see him pitch, I'm quite sure something will be seen by the coaches and they deserve his honesty and truth just as we expect it from them.

My mind raced to Jim Abbott and how he succeeded with unsurmountable odds with his birth defect. He now is a motivational speaker that teaches people they can overcome adversity and limitations to reach their dreams and goals.

This young man should go at it with every fiber in his body to show that he can succeed WITH this handicap if given the chance.

One of the valuable lessons that my son and I learned here on HSBBW was how important it was to get evaluations from coaches and/or possible former MLB players who will be honest about his ability and future. I know it helped us tremendously.
He should disclose all information.

If he ends up signing an NLI he will have to disclose prior to beginning school and will have to go thru a physical, bloodwork, etc. once enrolling. I would think not disclosing could be grounds for revoking a scholarship if the school so decided.

In addition, if he is good enough to be considered draftable out of high school, he will have to fill out medical questionaires from the MLB clubs anyway prior to draft day.
quote:
Back to the question; should he be up front about it or treat it like he has his whole life , it’s just who he is, no excuses, no issues? I wonder if it would be a draw back or a plus.


If he wants to be evaluated on his talent and academics, and not on his disability, then the answer is no. CP is a part of who he is, but it doesn't define him. It doesn't require disclosure up front and here's why. It's not a degenerative or contagious disease, and it's not a baseball related injury that can be aggravated with use.
If asked, he can probably turn it into a plus by being upfront just as he's always been, but I'd bet what the young man wants most is a fair shake without any excuses.
I sure would like to hear how this turns out for the young man. Please let us know what happens.
Last edited by spizzlepop
quote:
by ilvgdbb: He should disclose all information.

If he ends up signing an NLI he will have to disclose prior to beginning school and will have to go thru a physical, bloodwork, etc. once enrolling. I would think not disclosing could be grounds for revoking a scholarship if the school so decided.
whoa .. you're getting waaay ahead of yourself - a scholarship offer/the draft is "light yrs" down the road & may not even be on the road at all

this kid is merely writing intoduction letters

they contain ...

1) a brief introduction expressing interest

2) personal & coach's contact info

3) a baseball summary with a few stats



no medical history is necessary ... height & weight can even be omited
Last edited by Bee>
Maybe you guys are right considering that he is only initially contacting schools. If however he is contacted by schools and asked to fill out their questionaires I feel he needs to disclose the information if requested.

Many schools questionaires ask about past injuries and medical history. There is no need for him to hide anything IMO. If he has been successful to date, with his present condition, it says a lot about the young man and his commitment to excel.
quote:
by ilbb: If however he is contacted by schools and asked to fill out their questionaires I feel he needs to disclose the information if requested.

Many schools questionaires ask about past injuries and medical history. There is no need for him to hide anything IMO. If he has been successful to date, with his present condition, it says a lot about the young man and his commitment to excel.
sorry, you are delierious and need help

Baseball Questionaire -

Personal

Year You Will Graduate High School: 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 *
First Name * Last Name *
Street Address *
City * State * Zip Code *
Home Phone Number - - * * *
Email Address *

Date of Birth *

Mother's Name Mother's Occupation
Mother's College Attended
Mother's Business Phone Number - -
Father's Name Father's Occupation
Father's College Attended
Father's Business Phone Number - -

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Academic


High School
High School Phone Number - -
High School Address
City State Zip Code
Guidance Counselor
Guidance Counselor's Phone Number - -
GPA Class Rank out of
Best Score on SAT or ACT:
SAT Math SAT Verbal ACT
Expected Major at Winthrop Art Biology/Chemistry/Physics Business/Economics Computer Science Dance/Theatre Education English Environmental Sciences Family and Consumer Sciences History Human Nutrition Mass Communication Mathematics Modern Languages Music Philosophy and Religion Physical Education/Sports Management Political Science Psychology/Sociology

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Baseball


Height Weight Bat Left Right Switch Throw Left Right Speed in 60
Primary Position Secondary Position
High School Coach's Name
High School Coach's Phone Number - -
Junior College Coach's Name
Junior College Coach's Phone Number - -
Pro Scout(s) Who Can Recommend Your Baseball Ability:
Pro Scout's Name Organization
Scout's Phone Number - -
Pro Scout's Name Organization
Scout's Phone Number - -
Last edited by Bee>
Whenever the player does disclose his condition to interested parties, he probably should be fairly thorough in explaining the effects, if any, that his CP has on his abilities as a student-athlete. He could certainly put a positive "spin" on things, discussing the perseverance, mental toughness, and other character traits he has exhibited in order to achieve his goals. He also should explain that his condition is not degenerative so the coaches will not think his effectiveness as a pitcher could deteriorate as time goes on. Many people are unfamiliar with CP and may need to be educated so they don't assume incorrect things.
In terms of getting notice I wouldn't provide the information unless it's asked. If asked, be honest. When asked, as someone mentioned, spin it into a positive. Something like, "It hasn't affected me in adverse manner. It's made me an intense competitor who doesn't take his talent for granted. I attack life and baseball 100% every day."
Initially I was concerned I was giving bad advise but it seems the opinion has come around to my view.

Initially, get them to come see for themselves, then tell the whole story. I see it as a big positive for the kid. I'd hate for a coach not to take the time to take a look, or have someone who has seen him play provide feedback, before rejecting him because of what may be on a piece of paper and their perception of what it means.

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