Fundraisers

I have known of some kids who have sent letters explaining their situation to friends and family asking for support.  You would want to enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope to make it easy as possible for them to return.

That's a good idea.  Thanks!  I like the envelope to make it easier...

Some would question how many "can't miss" costly events are necessary for an incoming junior.  I know the timeline schedule is inching forward but typically, the summer between jr and sr is the biggest.

 

That said, I suggest getting 2015 more invested in the process by requiring he take up summer work to help fund some of these events that are designated to allow him to pursue his dream.  For us, anyway, we found that to be more appropriate than hitting up friends, family and businesses for these types of showcase events.  Now, if it were truly a once-in-a-lifetime, can't-afford, can't miss event, that may be different.  JMO.

 

PS- I scratched my first paragraph because I forgot about a past dialog with you and your son's current status.  Seems he has been to some great events and has much promise.  That said, I think it is even more important that he take up some work to contribute and keep things "in balance".

It may to be to late to start saving. But what about the kid getting a job?

Limited earning potential but our son earned several hundred dollars toward his recruiting events doing the ESPN magazine fundraiser. Of each $40 2-yr subscription he sold, he kept $30. Needless to say, you can only do this so often (he'll probably be done w/ recruiting by the time the subscriptions need renewal). It was very painless.

Good tips!  Son is trying to get a job.  After he returned from the PG Jr. National, he decided it was time to give up football.  Doesn't love it, loves baseball.  He has started mowing lawns, but this baseball thing has been costly.  I think we will check out the ESPN thing.  Son is hoping to get on at Texas Roadhouse as a bus boy.  He has several girl friends that work there, and they are trying to help him.

Just thinking that if money is tight, should he not be thinking about the JC route for two years, saving and then moving on to a four year later? The fact is that baseball is not going to fund much of college, so why go spending money chasing something that is not likely and stay local, save, and then head off? I see so many parents spend thousands of dollars that should have been saved for college. Saddling a kid with tens of thousands of dollars of debt is also not advisable. OK I will get off my soapbox now, but just a thought.

Good idea on the JC Route, and since son is a 2015, all options are open. I am worried about the cost of education, and I am aware of the fact that baseball scholarships are scarce and handed out on a percentage basis. However, I do find great comfort from the fact that my son is a good student, 3.81 GPA, has 8 college credits already, and is a really good kid.  It also doesn't hurt that he is a 6'4" left handed pitcher, so I think he'll be fine.

JUCO is not a bad way to go.  My son had a great first year at PHCC (Martinsville, VA).  Ended up as the starting DH and primary backup for 1B.  Played in 46 of 50 games.  Finished with a .303 batting avg, 2 HR, 7 doubles, 24 RBI's and 12 runs scored.  He was one of 4 freshman in the starting line up.

 

Compared to the other HS seniors he graduated HS with who went on to college baseball, he had the most playing time.  The other two went to 4 year D3's and barely had any playing time.

 

And quite a few of his JUCO teammates signed NLI's for 4 year schools.

Has he taken the act yet?  If so, what is his score.  Go ahead and put a resume together for college scholarships.  My oldest son made $500 a semester in scholarships and grants.  It was so nice to not have to worry about the money.  

 

Also, get as many letters of recommendation from various people on not just his baseball but his work ethic and character.

Thanks for the advice!  He will be taking the ACT in the Fall, and again if necessary.