Read the book, Official Visit. About 6 years old but very simplified in the process, should take a night to read, then give it to your son.
He should understand what a A,B or C recruit is before the process.
You have to make your son understand that ALL coaches have certain way of doing things and ALL want to make you feel special, especially those that have taken the time to come visit on their own time and dime. There's only one way you can tell if you are the number one guy being recruited for the position, that is by the amount of scholarship that you are offered.
There are also many, many players that tell coaches that their school is their number one choice as well.
Warriordad, I can see why your son is a bit turned off on this school. If your son's grades are good and he is sounds like the perfect size for a pitcher, he should have many choices. Now my son really had no idea where and what school to go to, just thought D1 because so many people said he was capable of playing there. If your son has some favorites, start researching their rosters to see where your son might fit in, whether they take mostly JC kids, kids from the south, etc. The number one thing though is the grades. We aren't even considering any D1s due to his grades no since wasting ones time. From all I've read on this website, it seems to me the JC route is the way to go. My son will be asking this coach why he doesn't hold on to catchers, we'll see what he says. I look at it this way, the big D1 schools have athletes banging on their doors so they can afford to be selective and over recruit.
PUHD,
In your sons situation does it matter about the catchers? There could be many reasons.
You have stated your son has few options, at this point importance should be being able to go play somewhere and strong improvement of his grades so he may be able to transfer out second year.
Was this your idea for him to ask? You want your son to take control of his situation, so I hope that it wasn't coming from you. If he asks and gets an answer you don't like, what will be the outcome, an argument?
Why is your son so angry?
In your sons situation does it matter about the catchers? There could be many reasons.
You have stated your son has few options, at this point importance should be being able to go play somewhere and strong improvement of his grades so he may be able to transfer out second year.
Was this your idea for him to ask? You want your son to take control of his situation, so I hope that it wasn't coming from you. If he asks and gets an answer you don't like, what will be the outcome, an argument?
Why is your son so angry?
Care should be taken to understand what the transfer options are coming out of a JC/JUCO.
I think you have to be a "NCAA qualifier*" coming out of high school in order to transfer before he gets his AA, as well as, meeting requirements of units and classes taken at the JC.
* complete NCAA Eligibility center and meet certain academic requirements.
I think you have to be a "NCAA qualifier*" coming out of high school in order to transfer before he gets his AA, as well as, meeting requirements of units and classes taken at the JC.
* complete NCAA Eligibility center and meet certain academic requirements.
Homerun04,
We don't know if the player is a qualifier or not. We only nkow half of the story.
Some players go to JUCO for one year because they need to grow and mature or want to get drafted and not wait 3 years, not necessarily because they have poor grades.
I am really not sure where the priorities lie. He seems to be concerned that son can't go to a D1 because of grades. Priority should be to improve upon that first, not worry about where all of the catchers went.
He's lucky that he is being given an opportunity.
JMO.
We don't know if the player is a qualifier or not. We only nkow half of the story.
Some players go to JUCO for one year because they need to grow and mature or want to get drafted and not wait 3 years, not necessarily because they have poor grades.
I am really not sure where the priorities lie. He seems to be concerned that son can't go to a D1 because of grades. Priority should be to improve upon that first, not worry about where all of the catchers went.
He's lucky that he is being given an opportunity.
JMO.
TPM, I just am concerned about sending him away only to want to come back due to problems with program or coach. We have some good JUCO in our area he could play at, he may be interested in them. Yes it was my idea to ask, he is currently a catcher, would that not concern you? As for the grade issue, he does not appear to be trying to bring them up even though his schedule is lighter this year. My son does what he wants to do and has for some time. I just got tired of fighting with him and decided he can lie in his own bed. If his mother would back me up this would not be an issue as he would not play sports until grades were all above Ds. This why I preach grades, grades, grades. It gives one options and in life and the more options you have the better off you are.
TPM, where do you find that book, "Official Visit". I could not locate on our library website.
quote:Originally posted by Pop Up Hitter dad:
TPM, where do you find that book, "Official Visit". I could not locate on our library website.
Try this:
Official Visit @ Amazon
by Ben Harrison (Author)
Barnes & Noble
I just want to add a little to TPMs last couple posts. PUHD, my son is at a JC, as an example of his day he was up at 5am and down at school by 630 for hour and half workout. then class, he only has one on T_TH rest of 14 units on MW_F. Anyway he walked in the door at 5pm after a 3 and 1/2 hour BB practice. It is 1030 and he had dinner and finished a paper that is due for english composition tomorrow. he worked on it for 5 and 1/2 hours , having already spending two nights on it. I just want to make sure you realize JC, JUCO D1 D2 D3 NAIA, they have one thing in common THEY ARE ALL SCHOOLS.Doesnt matter where they go if they dont do the work they wont play PERIOD. you fail a class at a JC and you do not have 12 units of passing classes per semester you dont play. DOesnt matter if you hit 50 HR you will not, can not be on the field. I was talking to some scouts at a game NUMBER 1 reason kids from JC dont ever see a D1 school: GRADES. my son had a teamate that UCLA expressed interest in. doesnt have grades. These kids just dont get it .
To piggyback on Fanofgame a bit, just as a reminder, many students at four year universities are taking some of the same classes that the junior college students are. There are many, many reasons for students to go to junior colleges, and it is a shame that somehow people think that the education they are receiving is inferior. If this were the case, then our JC's would not have transfer credit agreements with UC's. This is a clear path that many students take that is much less expensive, yet gets them to the same end.
The important thing is continuing to educate, and get to the next level academically and also in athletics. California JC's are high quality baseball. Don't know about other states. Fanofgame has stated many times that her son did receive collegiate baseball offer from a University, so her son is at that level. The financial part just did not work out. Don't get caught up in what others are doing. Do what is best for you and your family. Her son had a vision of what would work for him, and he is doing it, he is getting there on his own terms and good for him.
Academic scholarships are the key. We get caught up in the "travel the world" and play baseball theory, which is great - those that get to participate enrich their young lives beyond baseball for sure. But, if in fact for the most of us, if we would absolutely demand the grades, their baseball talent will do the rest, just a thought for you pre-high schoolers that might be reading.
It is hard for us to think beyond the players that are highlighted and spoken about by the talking heads, but there are a heck of a lot of great players out there that those guys are not talking about. Try to focus on your own goals, achieving them step by step, your own way.
I like Bum's byline: Believe, Plan, Do.
The important thing is continuing to educate, and get to the next level academically and also in athletics. California JC's are high quality baseball. Don't know about other states. Fanofgame has stated many times that her son did receive collegiate baseball offer from a University, so her son is at that level. The financial part just did not work out. Don't get caught up in what others are doing. Do what is best for you and your family. Her son had a vision of what would work for him, and he is doing it, he is getting there on his own terms and good for him.
Academic scholarships are the key. We get caught up in the "travel the world" and play baseball theory, which is great - those that get to participate enrich their young lives beyond baseball for sure. But, if in fact for the most of us, if we would absolutely demand the grades, their baseball talent will do the rest, just a thought for you pre-high schoolers that might be reading.
It is hard for us to think beyond the players that are highlighted and spoken about by the talking heads, but there are a heck of a lot of great players out there that those guys are not talking about. Try to focus on your own goals, achieving them step by step, your own way.
I like Bum's byline: Believe, Plan, Do.
PUHD,
I would be more concerned about son doing well in school than on the field. The reason I say this, in relation to what Fan said, I have a son who went to school and played baseball and it took a lot of discipline and hard work to stay focused. That about sums it up wherever you go.
I wouldn't be concerned about sending son away because he might have problems with the program or coach, I would be concerned about sending him away because he might not do well in the classroom. You are paying for him to go to school first, baseball second.
If you are tired of arguing with him why would you even care about any problems he might run into? Lucky he isn't mine, he'd be told to get a job and pay for his own education. I would have told him that he wasn't going anywhere until he proved that he earned it.
You can run this off and show this to your son. He shouldn't be mad at you, if it were my son his dad OR his MOM, would not allow him to play ANY baseball with D's. In our house extra curriculur activities were a priveledge after you did the most important thing, which was be a student in the classroom before a student of any game. You didn't have to be a A or B student, just put your best effort into the classrom. You made a comment about D1 coaches blowing smoke in your face with anomosity. Most likely your son was a D1 player but not a D1 student. Interest gets turned off immediately when they see poor grades, but you know that already.
I beleive that all kids should be able to follow their dream, but they have to learn that in doing so it doesn't come without paying your dues.
JMO.
I would be more concerned about son doing well in school than on the field. The reason I say this, in relation to what Fan said, I have a son who went to school and played baseball and it took a lot of discipline and hard work to stay focused. That about sums it up wherever you go.
I wouldn't be concerned about sending son away because he might have problems with the program or coach, I would be concerned about sending him away because he might not do well in the classroom. You are paying for him to go to school first, baseball second.
If you are tired of arguing with him why would you even care about any problems he might run into? Lucky he isn't mine, he'd be told to get a job and pay for his own education. I would have told him that he wasn't going anywhere until he proved that he earned it.
You can run this off and show this to your son. He shouldn't be mad at you, if it were my son his dad OR his MOM, would not allow him to play ANY baseball with D's. In our house extra curriculur activities were a priveledge after you did the most important thing, which was be a student in the classroom before a student of any game. You didn't have to be a A or B student, just put your best effort into the classrom. You made a comment about D1 coaches blowing smoke in your face with anomosity. Most likely your son was a D1 player but not a D1 student. Interest gets turned off immediately when they see poor grades, but you know that already.
I beleive that all kids should be able to follow their dream, but they have to learn that in doing so it doesn't come without paying your dues.
JMO.
TPM, that was a very good post! I must admit,that I am more concerned about wasting meager resources sending him to out of state school if in my opinion he isn't going to buck up and work in the classroom. At this point in time, I really don't care anymore whether he plays or not. The HS have such a joke of academic requirements you just about have to fluke 3 classes to be ineligible. He will play last year of HS ball and I will go watch other kids play after that.
iheartbb, is on the mark JUCOs are not inferior to the larger institutions. I know many good students who have gone to JUCOs with good educations. With the meager scholarships out there I am in same boat as Fan of Game, cannot afford the extra cost.
To my good friend FanofGame I am trying my best to ignore my son's contempt for me and am keeping a positive outlook. The real world out there will teach things we cannot.
iheartbb, is on the mark JUCOs are not inferior to the larger institutions. I know many good students who have gone to JUCOs with good educations. With the meager scholarships out there I am in same boat as Fan of Game, cannot afford the extra cost.
To my good friend FanofGame I am trying my best to ignore my son's contempt for me and am keeping a positive outlook. The real world out there will teach things we cannot.
PUHD,
I cant wait for the day, someday when you post something great that happened between you and your son. That will really make me happy. My son had a game tonight after being up late writing a paper. I am always asking what they do at practice and he says stuff, well today he played SS and hit third. He was 3-5 and no errors with some really great defensive plays.I am like now i know what your doing, your working hard and you are already better than 2 months ago. (I know I am bragging) > my point of writing this is after the game we were home having dinner and he told me he had arranged to make up his lab that he missed last Friday for a game, and that he let his coach know he would be a little late for practice tomorrow.He told his science teacher that he coulndt leave his math class early to make up becasue they are reviewing for a test. The funny part of this is he told me Mom my coach said "Matt take care of business and get here when you can" as my son was telling me he said "I think my coach is really into the school part"I about died (like Yeah).it was just funny. but the fact that my son took care of all that without me saying a word that is the best part of the day. So PUHD, it can and will happen when they start to actually get it on their own and they do it when we really Back Off. hard to do but we must. Thanks for calling me your friend that was a nice comment. I really for some reason have a heart for you and what your going through and want to see a healing with the two of you. Good night.
I cant wait for the day, someday when you post something great that happened between you and your son. That will really make me happy. My son had a game tonight after being up late writing a paper. I am always asking what they do at practice and he says stuff, well today he played SS and hit third. He was 3-5 and no errors with some really great defensive plays.I am like now i know what your doing, your working hard and you are already better than 2 months ago. (I know I am bragging) > my point of writing this is after the game we were home having dinner and he told me he had arranged to make up his lab that he missed last Friday for a game, and that he let his coach know he would be a little late for practice tomorrow.He told his science teacher that he coulndt leave his math class early to make up becasue they are reviewing for a test. The funny part of this is he told me Mom my coach said "Matt take care of business and get here when you can" as my son was telling me he said "I think my coach is really into the school part"I about died (like Yeah).it was just funny. but the fact that my son took care of all that without me saying a word that is the best part of the day. So PUHD, it can and will happen when they start to actually get it on their own and they do it when we really Back Off. hard to do but we must. Thanks for calling me your friend that was a nice comment. I really for some reason have a heart for you and what your going through and want to see a healing with the two of you. Good night.
Let me just say that this has been a great thread to read from start to finish!!! The desire of the regulars who post here is so evident in their quest to provide some absolute great advice to PUHD that it is no wonder why I continue to visit this site.
My hat is off to each of you who have posted here as I can sense (in black and white) how much you really want to help this family.
My hat is off to each of you who have posted here as I can sense (in black and white) how much you really want to help this family.
quote:Originally posted by mofireman:
Let me just say that this has been a great thread to read from start to finish!!! The desire of the regulars who post here is so evident in their quest to provide some absolute great advice to PUHD that it is no wonder why I continue to visit this site.
My hat is off to each of you who have posted here as I can sense (in black and white) how much you really want to help this family.
Ditto!
Mofireman, I surely wouldn't know what to do without the great advice from the good people on HSBBW. And Fanofgame I can see why you have such a good son. You are truly blessed. It is a relief to know how common our boy's traits are. My son was invited to go to Jupiter for that big event they are having next weekend. He wants me to foot the bill, says many scouts, etc there. Well there were a ton of scouts at the Area Code games too! Where did that get him?
Son got an invite on the computer for a baseball camp out of state, told school their academics were way above sons, so they could write son off their list. Besides, isn't it just a revenue tool for program?
Son got an invite on the computer for a baseball camp out of state, told school their academics were way above sons, so they could write son off their list. Besides, isn't it just a revenue tool for program?
quote:Besides, isn't it just a revenue tool for program?
INHO, when a college is holding a "camp," it is most definitely a revenue tool. The only problem I see with your question above is the word "just." Clearly there have been many a player who has first received noticed when attending a college's camp, so for the right player in the right situation at the right time, the college camp could be vital.
My point is, while these camps are most definitely a revenue tool for the program, I personally don't feel that they are "just" a revenue tool. We all know that these programs need to host these camps to help offset the decreasing budgets that most programs deal with. But I also know many, many players have either sealed the deal or at least put themselves on the radar by attending a particular camp.
Deciding to go to a camp is a very personal decision. Is my child at all interested in that school or another school in the area whose coaches may attend the camp? If it's an out of state school, what about the increased cost of tuition, travel etc? Does my child need the additional exposure at this time? What does the roster look like for the year my child becomes eligible? What are we looking to get out of this camp?
Personally, I feel that attending some camp's throughout the high school years is important, unless you're child is so good that they don't need it.
quote:I also know many, many players have either sealed the deal or at least put themselves on the radar by attending a particular camp
So true. My son was one of them.
I agree with going to a few college camps. My son wanted to go to one in so. cal. I told him so. cal is a tough market. he wanted to go, he had a 3.8 at the time and this was a UC. So we went, we had a free place to stay and basically just gas and food.
The camp was great. Great coaching, great drills etc. it was an awesome weekend. One of the most enjoyable exp. My son was a junior andit was Dec.after the camp my son knew he wasnt ready to play there yet. I personally emailed the coach (I have written this before) and asked where my son stood. Now this is a coach that is now at a top national pac ten school. He emailed me back and said "you are one of a few parents that ever email me after a camp and ask for an honest opinion. Parents pay alot for these camps and they never ask" he went on to say that my son needed to mature physically(my son very late bloomer), that he believd my son had the ability to play college ball, he said D1 at that time would be a stretch at this time, but if he continued to work hard and with the work ethic he had he said he very well could be down the road. I appreciated his honest feedback and My son took his advice and has continued to work hard.he is about 3 inches taller, 30 pounds heavier, and a lot better than then and hes a freshmen in college. So some camps are good . We also went to one at CAL. my son was invited, about 50 kids, IT WAS AWESOME. LOVED THE COACHES.again my son this time emailed the recruiting coach there several times. He was very responsive to my son, helped him a little in the decision making process and really a great coach. Cant say enough about that coach.So some valuable tools camps can be. I say go to some.Not everyone your invited to but pick 2-3 maybe.
The camp was great. Great coaching, great drills etc. it was an awesome weekend. One of the most enjoyable exp. My son was a junior andit was Dec.after the camp my son knew he wasnt ready to play there yet. I personally emailed the coach (I have written this before) and asked where my son stood. Now this is a coach that is now at a top national pac ten school. He emailed me back and said "you are one of a few parents that ever email me after a camp and ask for an honest opinion. Parents pay alot for these camps and they never ask" he went on to say that my son needed to mature physically(my son very late bloomer), that he believd my son had the ability to play college ball, he said D1 at that time would be a stretch at this time, but if he continued to work hard and with the work ethic he had he said he very well could be down the road. I appreciated his honest feedback and My son took his advice and has continued to work hard.he is about 3 inches taller, 30 pounds heavier, and a lot better than then and hes a freshmen in college. So some camps are good . We also went to one at CAL. my son was invited, about 50 kids, IT WAS AWESOME. LOVED THE COACHES.again my son this time emailed the recruiting coach there several times. He was very responsive to my son, helped him a little in the decision making process and really a great coach. Cant say enough about that coach.So some valuable tools camps can be. I say go to some.Not everyone your invited to but pick 2-3 maybe.
quote:Son got an invite on the computer for a baseball camp out of state, told school their academics were way above sons, so they could write son off their list.
Who wrote the school back and told them the player did not have the grades?
Dad or son?
quote:Originally posted by shortstopmom:quote:Son got an invite on the computer for a baseball camp out of state, told school their academics were way above sons, so they could write son off their list.
Who wrote the school back and told them the player did not have the grades?
Dad or son?
I was wondering the same thing. I doubt it was the player, as dad has stated he hasn't done much in the recruiting process.
The invite was for a camp, if they were recruiting son, they would have asked for his transcript.
I really can see why there might be a conflict going on.
Shortstopmom and TPM, dad told school no deal. If my son was interested, he could not be accepted due to grades even if he hit 1.000 and ran the bases like a Roadrunner.
Was the coach recruiting your son or was it just an invite for camp?
Regardless, you should have let your son respond and say no thank you. That was his responsibility. If he never responded than, oh well. There didn't have to be any reason given. If the school was recruiting your son, they would have made their own determination. If it was just a camp invite what did it maater?
For someone who states you are not involved, you do seem a bit involved.
My son was invited to a camp from a school he was interested in (and they in him), we knew he wouldn't attend because of the high cost involved (over 40K a year plus long distance travel). He didn't tell that to the coach, he just told them no thank you.
Regardless, you should have let your son respond and say no thank you. That was his responsibility. If he never responded than, oh well. There didn't have to be any reason given. If the school was recruiting your son, they would have made their own determination. If it was just a camp invite what did it maater?
For someone who states you are not involved, you do seem a bit involved.
My son was invited to a camp from a school he was interested in (and they in him), we knew he wouldn't attend because of the high cost involved (over 40K a year plus long distance travel). He didn't tell that to the coach, he just told them no thank you.
quote:and ran the bases like a Roadrunner.
My reason for asking the question is because I would suggest letting your son answer his own mail.
When dad/mom stands as a buffer inbetween the recruiting process and reality, sometimes the player doesn't fully comprehend the extent of the situation.
It is my opinion that the player should do most of the legwork because, after all, it is ( or should be ) his dream.
Also, if I may add as a footnote, there are reasons to go to a college camp other than just hoping to be recruited by the particular college. Some players like to go to actually learn something new and work on their skills. Its also a good place to get evaluated, to see other competition, and to meet new kids from different areas with the same interests.
TPM and Shortstopmom, as always you got me. I know my son would not be interested in going anyway and yes it was just one of those camps to make $$$. I really don't believe they had him on their radar. So yes I lost my cool there. Right now son is getting geared up for basketball so baseball is taking a second seat for now.
Son takes what few calls come in, I do not interfere, just question what did they ask. I get the impression the coaches are feeling him out, .i.e are other schools calling and what his academic interests are. Trust me folks, he makes his own decisions regardless of what I say.
Son takes what few calls come in, I do not interfere, just question what did they ask. I get the impression the coaches are feeling him out, .i.e are other schools calling and what his academic interests are. Trust me folks, he makes his own decisions regardless of what I say.
another 2 cents:
1. It might do your son good to hear from a coach's mouth "sorry son, we would love to have you play baseball for us, but you could never get accepted here with those grades..." Sometimes it does more good when it comes from someone else. It might get his attention.
2. Personally, I would not foot the bill for a PG event if he will not put out any effort in school or respect your advice on grades.
3. My son got attention at almost every camp he attended - got pulled aside and talked to by the coach, "we are interested in you" etc. Some followed up, some did not. The farther from home the more the "interest" seemed to fizzle. Only one far away school was willing to fly here to see him play again, but son told them he was not interested (for several reasons). In other words, if the school is far and the coaches can't easily follow-up to see son, I would think twice about the $$$ unless you feel pretty certain that he would be highly sought after by that school.
1. It might do your son good to hear from a coach's mouth "sorry son, we would love to have you play baseball for us, but you could never get accepted here with those grades..." Sometimes it does more good when it comes from someone else. It might get his attention.
2. Personally, I would not foot the bill for a PG event if he will not put out any effort in school or respect your advice on grades.
3. My son got attention at almost every camp he attended - got pulled aside and talked to by the coach, "we are interested in you" etc. Some followed up, some did not. The farther from home the more the "interest" seemed to fizzle. Only one far away school was willing to fly here to see him play again, but son told them he was not interested (for several reasons). In other words, if the school is far and the coaches can't easily follow-up to see son, I would think twice about the $$$ unless you feel pretty certain that he would be highly sought after by that school.
HitaHomer1, good advice on number 1. If he has heard from coaches in this manner, grades, its my opinion he always thinks things will work out his way. Nothing seems to bother him, except dad.
quote:TPM and Shortstopmom, as always you got me.
.....Pop Up Hitter Dad, not trying to " get you ",...just trying to help with what little I can.
Teenagers are hard at times and Lord knows they test our patience.
It's not until they're about 30 years old (
) before they recognize us " parents " actually kinda knew what we were talking about & that we had nothing but the best intentions for them. If they could only see what we know and realize what we have learned with our life experiences.....but they can't. They have to learn things on their own and we as parents have to take a soft back step and let things unfold. Not always easy to do because our natural instincts are to catch them when they fall.
quote:he always thinks things will work out his way.
He'll learn soon enough.
I hope he has a fun basketball season.
Senior year flies by! Treasure the moments and make good memories.
PUHD,
I just read this entire thread and I have to say you are one of the most honest and forthright posters I have experienced. I respect and appreciate your humility and open mind. To come on hear and admit your son's and your own shortcomings is amazing.
My son like yours is not as motivated as he should be about school. He does the minimum to get a couple of B's, some C's, and throws in a D here and there. Although he is slowly starting to apply himself more, it will take a couple of marking periods to get his GPA up to where he needs to be. He also is starting to get letters and, I think, it is going to be embarrasing for him to present his GPA and have some schools turn away.
Sometimes we parents have to let them fall without trying to catch them so they can feel the effects of their lack of effort.
Good luck to you and your son. If he takes after the old man he should be a fine adult.
I just read this entire thread and I have to say you are one of the most honest and forthright posters I have experienced. I respect and appreciate your humility and open mind. To come on hear and admit your son's and your own shortcomings is amazing.
My son like yours is not as motivated as he should be about school. He does the minimum to get a couple of B's, some C's, and throws in a D here and there. Although he is slowly starting to apply himself more, it will take a couple of marking periods to get his GPA up to where he needs to be. He also is starting to get letters and, I think, it is going to be embarrasing for him to present his GPA and have some schools turn away.
Sometimes we parents have to let them fall without trying to catch them so they can feel the effects of their lack of effort.
Good luck to you and your son. If he takes after the old man he should be a fine adult.
fillsfan, thank you for the support. Actually, what I'm most afraid of is son ending up like his dad. We each have our own qualities, I wish I had his confidence, and he had some of my forward thinking. We have given him the opportunity to play at the highest level and by golly we hope he doesn't let it slip by. If son wanted to quit tomorrow, we would accept his decision.
Shortstopmom, what I meant was you hit the nail on the head. I know you did not mean any disrespect to me. I appreciate all the good and tough advice. Believe me, my best friends have always been the people who make me realize I'm not always right.
Shortstopmom, what I meant was you hit the nail on the head. I know you did not mean any disrespect to me. I appreciate all the good and tough advice. Believe me, my best friends have always been the people who make me realize I'm not always right.