How does it go now.....

So this is going to sound somewhat counterintuitive, but I probably would talk to my son that he should pretend like there was no baseball offer to fall back on.  I understand your son has a tremendous baseball opportunity in a few years based off a verbal committment.  However, your 15-16 year old son still needs to continue to excel in the classroom and grow into his body because he will be competing against men in a few years.  I think if he focuses on these things and continues to play a high level of baseball (within financial reason) he'll be taking care of business.  Plus, this will position him well should there be a need for a contingency plan.   JMO.    

Fenway, that is pretty much our plan! Business as usual within reason, academics, getting stronger! Trust me as son has gotten stronger against better competition, his competitive nature has kicked in! He will not change anything he does on the hill just because he verballed!

Here's the single most important thing for you to consider for your son for the next two years.  He has absolutely no guarantee of anything from that coach and school to which he committed.  The entire advantage of his commitment is with the school right now because your son is "off the market" with respect to other schools and is not forging any relationships with any other coaching staff or program.

Until he signs his NLI in two years, he really doesn't have anything other than a non-binding "promise" that if he continues to progress at the projected rate over the next two year, that he will sign a scholarship at what was committed to now.

Realize that the coach and staff MAY not even be at the school in two years and that any incoming staff will have no obligation to even look at your son, yet alone honor a verbal commitment made.  Look at what occurred at Auburn and Alabama State recently on commitment "flips" when there was a staff change (both under very different circumstances).

Realize that the staff WILL continue to monitor your son's progress and may modify their offer as well as withdraw completely at their discretion.  They will continue to make offers to other players that play the same position as your son's and, if they can "do better", they will.

You need to have your son continue to do everything he has done to this point to get the attention and offer he received.

Congrats and best of luck.

After the NLI is signed in November senior year, possibly scale back.  However,  finish high school ball with a big bang.

As a position player parent, it really got my goat when parents/players thought they didn't have a commitment to the (summer travel) team after they verballed....just picked and chose which event to go to;  thought that after there was a verbal commitment, "why play travel ball"  (my son committed early and still played every chance he could).

Maybe work it out with the travel coach to find out when your son will pitch during a tournament, and come when needed, or leave early after his innings.  

College coaches still want to see their players play successfully.  If your son has interest from pro scouts, he needs to be available, on the field,  to be seen.

"Fast forward" 4 years.

Your son is facing a hitter in a playoff game to determine his team's entering the College World Series. He faced this hitter 3 years earlier in a Summer competition or at the Area Code games or tryouts.

He consults his diary as to "how to pitch" this hitter. The hitter's weakness, strengths.

Does he help his team win the game?      "True Story".

Bob

Thanks guys ! We don't really plan on changing anything ! He's worked really hard to get where he is, and at 15, has a lot more to do to get to college ball! Didn't pitch a lot of high school innings as a freshman (36) and figure that will go up as a sophomore, but pitched a bunch in summer and fall in travel and fall school ball. Not planning on backing away from travel ball, just not wanting to finish as many games as he did last year. Always looking for better competition and pitched 17u this summer so he knows the importance of pushing the competition level. Was just wondering if anyone who has been through this has any words of wisdom!? Love this website, love the lessons we've learned.....Thanks so much!!

Admittedly we did do some of exactly what you suggested.  After son committed he did not go to a few of the one or two day events that were 4-5 hours from home at some mid majors.  In those cases his team had plenty of pitchers still trying to secure a spot in college and not enough innings to go around. He felt it was a good opportunity for the other guys and he didn't need any innings.  

One thing he found was after he committed he got asked to pitch in some higher profile events, so in the end it probably evened out.   

I would recommend keeping things as normal and routine as possible but I wouldn't discount the change in perception from others around your son.  He might be the same kid, but he'll be a name with some notoriety and the expectations from others will change.  Just goes with territory and for some kids, the different type of attention is like water off a ducks back but for others, it weighs them down until they figure out its still the same game. 

In addition to sticking with routine, think about having your son set some short term goals to accomplish while still in HS.  So much of a young ballplayers motivation is driven by getting the opportunity to play at the next level. Once that is accomplished or it looks like it is accomplished, might not be a bad idea to find a new carrot. 

The D1 coach is counting on you getting to 90 (or so) before the NLI.  If he's at 90 now, relax.  If he's not, then work on that more than innings, wins, summer travel, etc.

If he hits 95+, then you are looking are the draft, and everything counts as far as what round he goes in.

Transition your thought process from "we" to "he." Yes, you help and support. But it's his experience.

Knew I could count on someone eliminating "we". He is calling the shots, even tho I am the facilitator!lol HE is still 15 years old and won't be 16 until April so it's hard to allow WE to be HE....i am trying for sure! When he committed, WE inquired of him his desires and HE made the commitment for sure! Dad told him I could figure out how to pay his share! At 6'2" HE looks down on me even when he is looking up to me! Appreciate the reminder and will try to eliminate WE! Thanks!

Catch1721 posted:

I would recommend keeping things as normal and routine as possible but I wouldn't discount the change in perception from others around your son.  He might be the same kid, but he'll be a name with some notoriety and the expectations from others will change.  Just goes with territory and for some kids, the different type of attention is like water off a ducks back but for others, it weighs them down until they figure out its still the same game. 

In addition to sticking with routine, think about having your son set some short term goals to accomplish while still in HS.  So much of a young ballplayers motivation is driven by getting the opportunity to play at the next level. Once that is accomplished or it looks like it is accomplished, might not be a bad idea to find a new carrot. 

 

 

All good stuff and appreciated! On the drive home from camp I explained to him the scrutiny and target that will be on his back this upcoming season....the competitive thing is just driven more the more as his success level has climbed. He pitched against a JUCO squad this fall with a lot of Venezuelans and was able to hold them at check, and he took great personal pride in that!lol His head is on straight, and he's a water off the ducks back kinda competitor! 

Nukes 13 likes pretty much tells it like it is for me.

He and you made a decision so why are you worrying about this stuff now?  Many people think that early commitment means less money to spend. Not true!

I dont mean to be harsh or a downer but I am not a fan of very early commitments unless the player is a stud and ranked top 20 in his class and given an offer that will cover most of his education.   I believe that this takes away a lot of what's ahead for the player and I don't believe that most really understand the significance of the cons of early committs.

Your son needs to keep up his game, work pretty hard at getting better at his position and keeping healthy  because reality is that there is always someone better that catches the coaches eye. Two years until he signs his NLI is a long way away!   Things change and that includes coaching positions.  Exposure is still important.

Lefty,

The advice I received and we pretty much stuck with after his commitment- keep working to develop, get bigger, stronger, faster, better, and go to every event the pro's invite you to-  these are free (other than travel)- you'll see great competition, who knows, he may be drafted high if he continues to develop.  I saw other kids continue to go to showcases where mainly colleges were there, and pay for them.  I never understood that when they've already committed. 

Question 2019 Lefty....not in same boat but just curious on what you think your son attended to get to the offer?  Showcases, etc.... I have a 2019 RHP, mid 80s (PG summer of 2016), extremely high spin rate according to track man (whatever that means),  named all tournament in two recent WWBAs for both hitting and pitching (0.00 ERA), good grades, very athletic build,  6'3", 180lbs.   We have not attended any showcases.   He has had zero contact from anyone except for the generic camp invites.   I know that coaches cannot contact 2019s yet so did you reach out to them?  Was it contact at a showcase?  Just curious.  Congrats to your son on this huge accomplishment!!  

stayfocused posted:

Question 2019 Lefty....not in same boat but just curious on what you think your son attended to get to the offer?  Showcases, etc.... I have a 2019 RHP, mid 80s (PG summer of 2016), extremely high spin rate according to track man (whatever that means),  named all tournament in two recent WWBAs for both hitting and pitching (0.00 ERA), good grades, very athletic build,  6'3", 180lbs.   We have not attended any showcases.   He has had zero contact from anyone except for the generic camp invites.   I know that coaches cannot contact 2019s yet so did you reach out to them?  Was it contact at a showcase?  Just curious.  Congrats to your son on this huge accomplishment!!  

What are you doing to contact coaches?  Is your son a pitcher or a position player?

How many pitches and what does he throw for strikes?

Understand his son is a lefty and once again most players DO NOT get commitments as a sophmore.

2019Lefty21 posted:

Knew I could count on someone eliminating "we". He is calling the shots, even tho I am the facilitator!lol HE is still 15 years old and won't be 16 until April so it's hard to allow WE to be HE....i am trying for sure! When he committed, WE inquired of him his desires and HE made the commitment for sure! Dad told him I could figure out how to pay his share! At 6'2" HE looks down on me even when he is looking up to me! Appreciate the reminder and will try to eliminate WE! Thanks!

I think you are making mistake to eliminate the WE anytime soon, your son will be a very different kid at 17 then he is today at 15. At 17 I still think it needs to be a WE but you are much smaller % of that WE...and you will be pretty much supportive and or facilitating the WE.

At 15 he needs parent, he needs to be ask for advise, what he is allowed to do and what is acceptable. You need to develop that open relationship, listen to kid and don't dismiss him, be willing to have conversation on a disagreement and not dictate. Those types of things will allow the relationship to get stronger, him to mature and in the near future when he is the primary or entire opinion that matters he will value your advice and counsel...at the end of the day YOU are the only one who gives a damn about the kid if he can't pitch anymore...never forget that.

TPM posted:

stayfocused posted:

Question 2019 Lefty....not in same boat but just curious on what you think your son attended to get to the offer?  Showcases, etc.... I have a 2019 RHP, mid 80s (PG summer of 2016), extremely high spin rate according to track man (whatever that means),  named all tournament in two recent WWBAs for both hitting and pitching (0.00 ERA), good grades, very athletic build,  6'3", 180lbs.   We have not attended any showcases.   He has had zero contact from anyone except for the generic camp invites.   I know that coaches cannot contact 2019s yet so did you reach out to them?  Was it contact at a showcase?  Just curious.  Congrats to your son on this huge accomplishment!!  

What are you doing to contact coaches?  Is your son a pitcher or a position player?

How many pitches and what does he throw for strikes?

Understand his son is a lefty and once again most players DO NOT get commitments as a sophmore.

Lefties are like Unicorns. 

Shoveit4Ks posted:

TPM posted:

stayfocused posted:

Question 2019 Lefty....not in same boat but just curious on what you think your son attended to get to the offer?  Showcases, etc.... I have a 2019 RHP, mid 80s (PG summer of 2016), extremely high spin rate according to track man (whatever that means),  named all tournament in two recent WWBAs for both hitting and pitching (0.00 ERA), good grades, very athletic build,  6'3", 180lbs.   We have not attended any showcases.   He has had zero contact from anyone except for the generic camp invites.   I know that coaches cannot contact 2019s yet so did you reach out to them?  Was it contact at a showcase?  Just curious.  Congrats to your son on this huge accomplishment!!  

What are you doing to contact coaches?  Is your son a pitcher or a position player?

How many pitches and what does he throw for strikes?

Understand his son is a lefty and once again most players DO NOT get commitments as a sophmore.

Lefties are like Unicorns. 

I know my husband is one but DK got moms genes.  

Nothing on contact to coaches....feel its too early.    Three primary pitches, 2 and 4 seam FB, CU, Curve.  Location, location, location has always been his forte.   Plays 3rd but have always known to play at the next level pitching is his best shot.  

stayfocused posted:

Nothing on contact to coaches....feel its too early.    Three primary pitches, 2 and 4 seam FB, CU, Curve.  Location, location, location has always been his forte.   Plays 3rd but have always known to play at the next level pitching is his best shot.  

Its not too early. Be proactive. You and your son need to sit down and determine what schools he is interested in based on HIS ABILITY, his current GPA and YOUR ability to afford to pay for school. Develop a resume, have video available if asked and summer plans.  

You cant sit by waiting for it to happen. There is plenty of information here based on how to go about doing that.

Work on developing 3 good pitches. 4 seam FB, off speed, breaking pitch if you feel that is what he will be recruited for college.

Showcases are not always necessary, thats your choice.

Shoveit4Ks posted:

TPM posted:

stayfocused posted:

Question 2019 Lefty....not in same boat but just curious on what you think your son attended to get to the offer?  Showcases, etc.... I have a 2019 RHP, mid 80s (PG summer of 2016), extremely high spin rate according to track man (whatever that means),  named all tournament in two recent WWBAs for both hitting and pitching (0.00 ERA), good grades, very athletic build,  6'3", 180lbs.   We have not attended any showcases.   He has had zero contact from anyone except for the generic camp invites.   I know that coaches cannot contact 2019s yet so did you reach out to them?  Was it contact at a showcase?  Just curious.  Congrats to your son on this huge accomplishment!!  

What are you doing to contact coaches?  Is your son a pitcher or a position player?

How many pitches and what does he throw for strikes?

Understand his son is a lefty and once again most players DO NOT get commitments as a sophmore.

Lefties are like Unicorns. 

I taught my son to throw right. Turned out he's left handed.    Who knew? What colleges look for a 6'2" lefty who touches 90 in high school anyway? It all worked out. He couldn't have played infield as a lefty.

Stay focused:  (PM if you have some ? you would like to ask me!). Sorry guys, missed the recent activity on this thread. We did NOT run the showcase circuit. Actually did one Dynamic baseball showcase this summer where my son got three ground ball outs on 8 pitches. He was 80-81 that day and as a 6'2" 14 year old, I was told not to showcase when there was nothing to show. Disappointed by the showcase we didn't do any more. Made 17u all tourney team at WWBA in lakepoint in July, and again at 17U in Fort Myers in October. Velo was 84 in Fort Myers and he had 10 ks no walks 2 hits in 5ip on 61 pitches. He pitched at 8:00 am day 2 of event, and although plenty of scouts saw him throw, other than a spike in camp invites...no real contact. We scheduled 2 nov/dec college camps just to get him in front of coach to get direct feedback. One (first) was his dream school and he threw 3 very strong innings in front of HC and PC on Saturday night. He got campus tour and an offer after game on Sunday. Coaches commented on his ability to pitch, to think on the mound about how to attack a hitter, and to correct on pitches when he missed when he threw it again. Said his velo was good (83-84) but at 15 with his size and frame they project him to see 90 as he develops and grows. I thought his strong point was his ability to locate 3 pitches and his mental approach on the hill, and that was what got him noticed at the camp! We just planned the camps to perhaps generate interest to get some folks watching next summer, but it turned out much better! Purpose of this thread was just to see how others have handled this scenario. I know what he has earned he can lose if he doesn't continue to develop and show what he can do in the future. Just thought we may not throw as many innings next summer as we did this summer trying to generate interest. 

2019Lefty21 posted:

Purpose of this thread was just to see how others have handled this scenario.

Son was in a similar situation. Position player. Having said that...

1. There is nothing like playing and competing at the highest levels on a consistent basis. So, so much to learn.
2. The D1 schools WANT to see continued competition at the highest levels on a consistent basis.
3. Assuming you're with a solid showcase program, the coach will minimize the innings accordingly...until the big events, e.g., Jupiter.
4. Do NOT discount the interest from the professional level. If he continues to grow and outperform, you'll want to be sure to demonstrate that on a consistent basis in front of the pro community.

You're mid-Atlantic, so I'm selfishly hoping your son is with the Canes. If so, talk to them and let them advise you (lord knows they know).