IL and WI schools

North Central College is in downtown Naperville. Great location! Campus is small but very nice, surrounded by historic homes.

The baseball field/stadium is really nice. They usually host our high school Supersectional. Don't know alot about the baseball coaches but a lot of local players go there and seem to enjoy the experience. DIII.

Concordia contacted my son. The coach seemed like he has things going very well. My son is going a different direction because of academic interests, but when he sent the coach an email to tell him that, the coach responded with a very nice email wishing him good luck. Just a small sign that he's seemed like a good guy.

This school was historically a "teachers college", but I know they have expanded their offerings. You may want to check into the particular academic program in which your son has interest to see what resources they have in that area.

I visited Parkside. The coach is a real cool guy. He has a plan and knows what he is talking about. He also has connections to the Majors like summer leagues and such. The weightroom is not the best but that can be worked around. They have a nice indoor arena where you can easily play long toss. Also in there are drop down cages. Overall, I really liked the attitude of the coaching staff and the direction they're headed. Academically, it's pretty easy. But if you're looking to go further in baseball, Parkside is a good school.

thanks for the insight on the schools!

Lefty

Coach Spiro at Concordia has done a real good job of building up the baseball program the last few years by being able to recruit better players from the area than the previous coaching staff. However , i have heard that he might be looking to move on to bigger and better things in the near future. Also imo , the conference that Concordia plays in doesnt seem to be that strong overall .

North Central plays in the CCIW which is a much better balanced stronger conference . I have heard nothing but positive things from the players families that i know that go there about the overall experience at North Central . I would consider North Central if i was looking to go D3 in the area.

mr nobody what have you heard about spiro possibly moving on?

Nothing more than the usual rumors. But if you are considering Concordia i would make it a point to ask Spiro directly about his future plans.

thanks for the heads up

North Central coach Fitzgerald is rebuilding the program. He seemed pretty focused on academics, more than most coaches. Large roster (up to 50). He told me that the school's policy is not to cut anyone. They have a JV schedule.

If you like the Chicago area you might also consider Elmhurst, North Park and Wheaton. All are in CCIW, one of the best D3 conferences. Best teams in CCIW now are Carthage, Ill. Wesleyan and Augustana.

What are some good junior colleges in the chicago area?

ristud13,

In the Chicagoland area, Elgin Community College has been very successful and a pretty steady program in re-building. Kankakee seems to run a pretty good program, too, and are always competitive.

I'm not as familar with any of the other programs but have seen them all play and most of these programs are competitive. Do your homework and find the one that is right for you!

Hope this helps.....