Is it time to get nervous yet?

Ringer1:
No need to get nervous. Tell Ringer1's DAD and Son to stay calm cool and collected.
Quit paying attention to the early signings.
There are more kids that will get to play at the next level than have committed to date.

Let me know how I can Help

I agree with LHPDAD on this. It's hard to ignore the early signings, but there are so many great opportunities that await the players who don't sign early. And some of those opportunities may not present themselves until midway through a player's senior season. Don't panic! There still is a lot of time ahead for your senior ballplayer, and a lot of schools looking for players.

quote:

Originally posted by LHPDAD:
Let me know how I can Help

Get my kid signed for me!!! You don't have anything else to do now the LHP Son has signed. Just joking.

I would hate to ask this question later and get the response of "You should be nervous and should have been for a long time now".

This whole experience feels like the start of a NASCAR race. While everyone tells you to be patient and not put the pedal to the floor, the one's that do are the one's commiting. You can understand.

I can truly understand.

Who's nervous?



The way I look at it is if it's meant to happen it'll happen.

Ringer1 you have a pm

quote:

Originally posted by LHPDAD:
I can truly understand.

I'll give you a call later

I was directed, by my spouse, to check out Ringer 1's post in an effort to keep me calm I think So, I guess this is the sentiment of many at this point in time. . . .

Ringer 1~ let me know if you find an approach that works for ya.

BB

Let me tell you...it is very "out of the ordinary" for players to sign early. Being in the Texas Baseball hotbed that we are, we tend to get caught up and over-anxious with all the excitement. College coaches would love to say that they are totally full by December as well, but reality is they are still looking for roster spots to fill as late as August with players getting hurt, changing schools, signing professionally, etc. My word of advice would be to continue contacting coaches at the programs you are interested in, continue to work your tail off in order to improve on both strengths and weaknesses, continue getting your grades where they need to be and prepare yourself for when that college coach does call so you are ready to make that decision. Good luck to all of you awaiting that call. It is truly a special feeling (early or late).

Chris:
Nice post

I am glad I am not the only one that is beginning to wonder. Hard not to be nervous!!

quote:

Let me tell you...it is very "out of the ordinary" for players to sign early. Being in the Texas Baseball hotbed that we are, we tend to get caught up and over-anxious with all the excitement. College coaches would love to say that they are totally full by December as well, but reality is they are still looking for roster spots to fill as late as August with players getting hurt, changing schools, signing professionally, etc. My word of advice would be to continue contacting coaches at the programs you are interested in, continue to work your tail off in order to improve on both strengths and weaknesses, continue getting your grades where they need to be and prepare yourself for when that college coach does call so you are ready to make that decision. Good luck to all of you awaiting that call. It is truly a special feeling (early or late).

Nice post, Coach A.

I don't think those words can be said often enough.

My son didn't finally sign his LOI until July.

Still plenty of time.

Re-read what Coach A said.

Very few sign early in the grand scheme of things.. we have been working to get players scholarships for college since 1989. Every summer we have 5-8 players on 18U team that have not signed anywhere (and this is as of June 1st) - but we have sent everyone to college on scholarship.

College coaches are looking for players all the time. If your son has the talent to play in college, he will find a place to go.

Things always have a way of working themselves out...

ringer1,
In my experience, if your son is hoping to play at a Top 25 type program or a D1 school that is perennially in the top half of their conference and he doesn't have some offers in hand, he should re-set his sights. Not every kid can play at the University of Texas, but I believe that there is a place to play for every kid that really WANTS to keep playing. Realistically, most of us as parents should think about how good we think our sons are as players, and then divide it by 2. If you will do that, you will probably find a college fit much more quickly. At least, it worked in our home that way.

One mistake that I believe people make is in the way they think of baseball scholarships in regards to decision making about college. We chose to look at it from the perspective that we were going to pay for our son to go to college no matter where he went or if he played baseball. Then, if he did get some financial aid for baseball, that would afford us a discount on his education. For whatever reason, that seemed to make things easier when trying to decide the best place for him to go to college to get his education.

but just because you may not be able to play at a UT in the coaches mind doesnt mean that the team you play for is not as good as a UT look at what UC Irvine did last year.

This is where the term "best fit" comes into play. Sure, many players can show up at a Texas or some other "Big State U" - but will they get to play? When will they get to play? For many they will end up sitting around a couple of years only to see the next Drew Stubbs pass up the pros and show up in their junior year. Then who will get to play? Of course, Stubbs will play 'cuz he passed up the pros to come to college!

You must be realistic and look for the right fit in terms of the baseball program (second) and the academics of the school (first). Sometimes, that takes time to develop. Patience, perseverance, and being pro-active will pay off.

Don't get nervous - get pro-active.

Nicley stated Natural

Those of you with experience.... 1. what do you think of the notion of passing up some small D1 offers and/or the prospect of being red-shirted, or worse (Who knows what with the new legislation) Versus going the JC route (large/full scholarship) and becoming one year mentally more mature and physically bigger,stronger, faster ect... and then work on finding a D1 or the "best fit" ???

2.Is it me or are some of these schools over recruiting /commitments ??? Does that happen??? is this common??? Why would they do that???

John G
You have a PM

Since we are talking about getting signed and finding the right "fit" for your son. Can someone post or send me a PM a list of good questions to ask the coach? We are going on a visit next weekend and I think it would help me if I had a good list of questions to ask.

quote:

1. what do you think of the notion of passing up some small D1 offers and/or the prospect of being red-shirted, or worse (Who knows what with the new legislation) Versus going the JC route (large/full scholarship) and becoming one year mentally more mature and physically bigger,stronger, faster ect... and then work on finding a D1 or the "best fit" ???

That's a very good route and less risky. Chances of playing time are much greater and with good connects to most four year schools for transfer after freshman or sophomore year.

There's only about 100-150 seats available in the Big 12 conference. Less than that at the Texas Big12 schools. Not many of those seats will see playing time as a freshman.

In general a Big 12 school will only sign one or two players per position (position players, not pitchers).

While likely difficult for your son to accept, a chance to play baseball at the college level AT ANY school, especially a juco for a full ride, is an awesome opportunity.

11'sDad, there may be a list of questions for coaches on the home page material here, and, you will find some if you search.

But, my advice, is LISTEN to the coach. He'll very likely tell you everything you need to know.

It may surprise many of you. But, most of those coaches have recruited players before. They know what to say.

Here's a link to the NCAA's guide to college bound student athletes. Page 23 has a list of questions.

2007-2008 Guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete

The music has started. Find a seat.

quote:

Originally posted by Uncle Ethan:
ringer1,
In my experience, if your son is hoping to play at a Top 25 type program or a D1 school that is perennially in the top half of their conference and he doesn't have some offers in hand, he should re-set his sights. Not every kid can play at the University of Texas, but I believe that there is a place to play for every kid that really WANTS to keep playing. Realistically, most of us as parents should think about how good we think our sons are as players, and then divide it by 2. If you will do that, you will probably find a college fit much more quickly. At least, it worked in our home that way.

One mistake that I believe people make is in the way they think of baseball scholarships in regards to decision making about college. We chose to look at it from the perspective that we were going to pay for our son to go to college no matter where he went or if he played baseball. Then, if he did get some financial aid for baseball, that would afford us a discount on his education. For whatever reason, that seemed to make things easier when trying to decide the best place for him to go to college to get his education.

Excellent advice Uncle Ethan.

Noticed that no one else outside of Texas has posted here so hope I am not intruding here.

Couple of things. Just because your son may not have an offer from a top D1 school may not be indicative of his talent three or four years from now. College recruiting is just like pro scouting - it is not a perfect science and cannot measure a young man's heart and determination, for example.

That said, I agree with Ethan about setting your expectations. Ours were just to play in college and nothing more. That really took a lot of pressure out of the recruiting process. Ignorance was also in our favor as we were not aware of July 1st for example or the significance of early signing or the hsbbweb for that matter. Although the hsbbweb is a great place, it also does a disservice sometimes imho. It gives the false impression sometimes that the majority of kids batted .800 in high school, threw in the high 90's, and/or have mutliple offers from the top programs.

The majority of kids have to work their butts off with comitted parents behind them imho in order to succeed. Here is the most comforting thing I can say to lessen the worries Ringer1. All that is required to play at the next level someday is decent talent and desire. Not overwhelming talent but decent talent. I am sure your son already falls into that category or you would not be hanging around this website for example. If you devote yourself to finding him a home at a D1, D2, D3, Juco, or NAIA that he is happy with, then I guarantee that the results will be to your liking. If you are waiting for the phone to ring, you may find yourself disappointed. Take the bull by the horns and it will happen

John G.,
The purpose of my post is not to tout my son but to illustrate a point. My son received offers from four D1 programs, three of which are perennial Top 25 programs. One of the programs is a big name, out of state program that has a reputation for overrecruiting and then sending players to JUCO at the end of the first semester. That prospect didn't thrill him at all. Some wanted him as a pitcher, some as a position player, and some said he could do both. They all promised that he "could earn playing time as a freshman." He chose to go to a JUCO here in Texas and LOVES it. It has undoubtedly been the best choice for him. He is focused on being a position player, which is what he really wants to do. He is working hard, making good grades, and playing games every week against great competition (in a recent tournament San Jacinto rolled out a 92 mph followed by a 94 mph pitcher). If your son is the type of player who is accustomed to playing all the time, JUCO is something you should seriously consider.

ClevelandDad,
Thanks for chiming in. Your comments are very helpful. Good luck to the Tribe and stay out of the Flats.

No player has signed anything. They can't. They can make verbal commitments which we know are not binding. Players can not sign until sometime around Nov. 10 and thats just a one week window. Then no player can sign until April 12.

ClevelandDad, you'd make a great Texan!

Right, Texan?

quote:

Originally posted by Vance34:
No player has signed anything. They can't. They can make verbal commitments which we know are not binding. Players can not sign until sometime around Nov. 10 and thats just a one week window. Then no player can sign until April 12.

Sorry, I knew what I wanted to say. Just came out different.

quote:

Originally posted by KellerDad:
My son didn't finally sign his LOI until July.

Still plenty of time.

That is what bothers me. I am not the kind of person who waits for things to happen at the last second. It makes me VERY uncomfortable. I'm not saying you are that way Kellerdad. You probably just handle it better than I do.

I cannot fathom(sp?) not knowing where my son (and my money) would be going until the last minute.

quote:

Originally posted by Uncle Ethan:
ringer1,
In my experience, if your son is hoping to play at a Top 25 type program or a D1 school that is perennially in the top half of their conference and he doesn't have some offers in hand, he should re-set his sights. Not every kid can play at the University of Texas, but I believe that there is a place to play for every kid that really WANTS to keep playing. Realistically, most of us as parents should think about how good we think our sons are as players, and then divide it by 2. If you will do that, you will probably find a college fit much more quickly. At least, it worked in our home that way.

One mistake that I believe people make is in the way they think of baseball scholarships in regards to decision making about college. We chose to look at it from the perspective that we were going to pay for our son to go to college no matter where he went or if he played baseball. Then, if he did get some financial aid for baseball, that would afford us a discount on his education. For whatever reason, that seemed to make things easier when trying to decide the best place for him to go to college to get his education.

We are looking at it the same way you and your family did. The main thing we are looking at is making sure the schools he is intrested in offer his degree and cost. My son knows he is not going to be a pro ball player so going D1 is not even an issue. Getting a quality education ranks number one on our list. But it would be nice to have some financial assistance. From what it looks like, he will get more money for his academics than baseball anyway.

Ringer1,
My son was approached by a Top 25 program on July 28 after his senior year (which was three weeks before classes were to begin), even though he had already signed with a JUCO. You have to get accustomed to the uncertainty - or settle on someplace now.

It's not a bad problem to have ringer, if I say so myself.

UE- Had your son applied to that college already? How did that work if he hadn't?

Dtiger,
He had not applied to the school. However, from all indications, it would have been no problem to get him in the school and into classes (although they probably would not have been the "baseball friendly profs" at that point). The school wanted him to pitch and he had already made up his mind that he wanted to pursue being an everyday player at JUCO. My main point was that from a timing standpoint, things can still happen very, very late in the summer after your senior year.

quote:

Originally posted by Ringer1:

quote:

Originally posted by KellerDad:
My son didn't finally sign his LOI until July.

Still plenty of time.

That is what bothers me. I am not the kind of person who waits for things to happen at the last second. It makes me VERY uncomfortable. I'm not saying you are that way Kellerdad. You probably just handle it better than I do.

I cannot fathom(sp?) not knowing where my son (and my money) would be going until the last minute.

My son had multiple opportunities, but didn't find the right fit until the last minute. It wasn't easy on anybody, my son included.