Junior College ball

My son went the JuCo route.  Was fortunate to be recruited by a D2 after two years of JuCo ball.  What you want to look for is how many players on the roster are from JuCo's.  It'll give you an idea of whether a coach even considers bringing JuCo players in.  About 1/3 of the D2 roster had JuCo transfers.

The advantage of JuCo players is they've proven they can handle the school work and playing ball as well as the experience the bring.  The disadvantage is they will only have 2-3 years of eligibility left.

At the Santa Rosa JC [finish 3rd in the State of California in 1990]

After the 1990 season 9 players attended Major Colleges.

Today, one is a Scout for a Japan Pro Team, One played in the MLB, another is the Chicago Cubs Minor League Director, another is the Assistant to the GM of the Texas Rangers and another is the SSK Promotions Director.

Bob

Of course I don't know your situation, but I do believe you are wise for exploring and acquiring additional information on JUCO's.

Yes, most definitely there are schools that have strong connections to the JUCO pipeline and to me it's always made sense - you "get" older, more experienced and in moat cases bigger, stronger, more mature men than you would with an incoming freshman.

Here is the "lesson" I have learned through my kids Experiences and decisions.

Kid A.) - good student with a 3.3 GPA - worked dilegently in the class room, zero issues in high school at all - just not a 4.2 AP kinda person. STRUGGLED with the SAT/ACT (never understood how one test could mean more than 4 years of hard work, must be some people making lots of money with the SAT). Talented enough to earn a partial scholarship at a D1 and had a wonderful career, played regularly and most importantly earned his degree. Has some college debt (even with his scholarships) and its less than the average student.

Kid B.) - exact same student as big brother; Kid A.). Only differences: Kid B.) had no D1s banging on the door (remember this) AND Kid B was adamant that they did not want college debt!..... as little as possible. Okay, no D1 interest but a DI JUCO loved this kid and provided a 2 year all costs paid scholarship in a place that is much warmer than Virginia.

Now, Kid B.) completes the 2 year JUCO deal, played defensively 99% of the time either pitching or playing outfield and hit in the top three slots of the line up ALL the time (even when pitching).

Comes out after 2 years in JUCO with a 3.2 and a very nice D1 offer, but will incur $19K a year in debt (even after the scholarship offer) in a much colder climate than Va.

Also has offer from NAIA with $6K a year in debt AND climate is much warmer than Va. 

Okay.... which option did Kid B.) pick? --- NAIA

Starts this fall, low debt, warm weather and the ability to still play, it was an easy decision because it was the best overall fit based on the players desires (even over a D1 opportunity).

So this is the "lesson" we learned, JUCO's are a GREAT fit for many players depending on your circumstances and needs.

I'm pretty confident you will find the right place - keep searching and learning.

We are still a long way from college having just finished freshman year of high school.  But, I am all about setting proper expectations and exploring all options.  I found it interesting that some schools have a significant number of jucos on their roster and others do not.  Schools in the same geographic area, recruiting from the same talent pool.  I just wasn't sure if there was something I should read into that as far as a kid being recruited out of high school.

As far as jucos are concerned, I would absolutely consider that option.  My goal is for my son to go to and graduate from college.  Period.  I know that as a kid who isn't particularly academically driven that he is more likely to do this if he is doing something he loves.  IE, playing baseball.  And he is more likely to do well in college if he has the potential of losing that something he loves.  And double bonus if it is somewhere close enough for mom and dad to continue watching him play. 

And I guess I should clarify.  He gets good grades.  His freshman year overall GPA is about a 3.6.  So he shouldn't have an issue getting into most colleges that he would be interested in.  

Forgetting the baseball aspect.... you pay much less for the first two years of undergraduate requirements at a JUCO, which are basically the same classes regardless of where any student attends.

Money can be a big part of the decision for sure. 

LivingtheDream,

Yes, there are definite patterns of schools that do and do not recruit JC players.  Roster searching will usually give great indication but sometimes you have to dig further.  Some schools only list the player's HS or home town and not previous school.  If you go into each player profile, sometimes more info can be extracted.  Generally, higher academic schools tend to stick with recruiting out of HS only but there are certainly exceptions.  As others have mentioned, lots of pros and cons to going the JC route.  There are many threads on the topic that you can search.  Or, of course, ask any specific questions you may have.  Here in California, the JC scene is usually quite competitive.  Son played at two different JC's over three years (one redshirt/injury year).  These are two strong baseball programs - the lowest fall turnout over the three years was 80 players.  He has played with and against several players who were drafted out of JC and each year, most of the sophomores go on to play at a four year school. 

If money's not a big part of the decision, good for you!

For what it's worth, JuCo has been a great route for my son.  Lots of PT in both fall and spring and zero debt.  Got in a good summer league playing against all the D 1 kids.  I know 4 kids that he played summer ball with that are coming back to JuCo from major D1 after Fr year due to no playing time and want another shot.  Having said that, another three he played with started at major D1 (Pac12/Big West) as Freshman.  Another was FOY P for mid level D2.  Go where you can play (and afford). 

Great info here,  my son will start at a JuCo in a 6 weeks,  top program known for placing kids after Fresh & Soph years. Had solid d2 offers but wants to try for a larger D1.  Nothing wrong with that but do your research and be realistic about the path and/or goals your son has and/or the physical ability he may or may not have. My LHP is a late bloomer and he will touch the ball in the fall & spring at this JC instead of more than likely sitting the bench at a D1/D2

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  There are so many kids that commit & transfer at these upper levels there is always the program that will reach into a JUCO to fill a need and many times they are contributing and impact players.  Do the research like we have done, by looking through a geographically area of interest, check the roster/stats so your son is prepared if he heads in this direction.

I've observed a couple of patterns. Like many facets of college sports, it's about relationships. JuCo coaches often develop relationships with a set of DI/DII colleges, and they help their players get to those schools. It helps the JuCo with recruiting, and it helps the DI/DII because the JuCo coaches are hand delivering developed players to their programs. And yes, some coaches are more active with JuCo recruiting than others.

One factor in that is academics. Higher academic schools tend to hold onto their players for all four years, and are less likely to get a JuCo kid admitted.

I think it's something your 2018 should be aware of, but it's not terribly important. Of course you can't anticipate everything, but I think you get a better idea about your chances of playing when you can look at an existing roster and think about where you would stand as the guys at your position graduate.