How many of your sons actually ended up at the school he dreamed to play for when he was younger?
If he did, did he play a significant role as a player or more of a benchwarmer? Did he stay, or did he finish somewhere else?
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This Question would be for the more experianced and much beloved old timer's.
But I'll put my 2cent's in.
Everybody's intitled to my opinion.
I really do not believe my son cared one way are the other were he played.
He did not have a dream school.
He knew when he visited and was offered a scholly, That was were he wanted to go.
It truly happened that fast, as far as his decision on were to attend.
But It took all the way till July after Graduation 06, To find the right spot for him. The right fit for him. EH
But I'll put my 2cent's in.
Everybody's intitled to my opinion.
I really do not believe my son cared one way are the other were he played.
He did not have a dream school.
He knew when he visited and was offered a scholly, That was were he wanted to go.
It truly happened that fast, as far as his decision on were to attend.
But It took all the way till July after Graduation 06, To find the right spot for him. The right fit for him. EH
quote:Originally posted by theEH:
This Question would be for the more experienced and much beloved old timer's.
But I'll put my 2cent's in.
Everybody's intitled to my opinion.
I really do not believe my son cared one way are the other were he played.
***the open door I awaited****
Some players use college, i.e college baseball as a training ground.
If you can't get a decent education at Anywhere University, and a decent non-baseball career, then you are of the "specialist" group that uses college baseball to be a Plankton researcher, because it is the only institution that offers it.
The kids who want to prolong their baseball playing days, and are not drafted early for bucks $$$ use college as a quasi-MILB system.
Any player tricking themselves with the academic aspect may not have pro baseball within them!!
Think about that!! Think clearly.........
I asked son to give me a list of 5 of his “dream” schools prior to the recruiting period. They were (in no particular order):
University of Tennessee
LSU
Mississippi State
Ole Miss
Alabama
We did unofficial visits to all of them --- he went to camps at two of them --- he was recruited by four of them --- and signed at none of them. He selected Auburn which was not on his list. While he didn’t play for any of his “dream” schools, he feels as if he made an impact when he played AGAINST them. Prior to being recruited, I cautioned him about focusing on one or two schools. Like theEH I knew “fit” was very important (thanks HSBBW) and the infatuation of the dream school can make a player and the parents ignore some obvious red flags during the recruiting process. He did focus all his attention on the SEC schools simply because he felt as if they were the best conference --- not uncommon in these parts.
We did our homework and everything fell into place and he had a great experience.
Fungo
University of Tennessee
LSU
Mississippi State
Ole Miss
Alabama
We did unofficial visits to all of them --- he went to camps at two of them --- he was recruited by four of them --- and signed at none of them. He selected Auburn which was not on his list. While he didn’t play for any of his “dream” schools, he feels as if he made an impact when he played AGAINST them. Prior to being recruited, I cautioned him about focusing on one or two schools. Like theEH I knew “fit” was very important (thanks HSBBW) and the infatuation of the dream school can make a player and the parents ignore some obvious red flags during the recruiting process. He did focus all his attention on the SEC schools simply because he felt as if they were the best conference --- not uncommon in these parts.
We did our homework and everything fell into place and he had a great experience.Fungo
quote:***the open door I awaited****
Have you been waiting for very long?
Everything in baseball is a training ground.
Quote:
Any player tricking themselves with the academic aspect may not have pro baseball within them!!
Probable not, there just a bunch of hack's taking up space on a roster??
Quote
The kids who want to prolong their baseball playing days, and are not drafted early for bucks $$$ use college as a quasi-MILB system.
Yes they should quit, Why prolong the inevitable.
Don't prolong your baseball Career, Don't even think about playing the game because you Love It.
That would be agains't everything baseball is about.
It's about Business and don't you forget it.
Quote
Think about that!! Think clearly.........
I have I like my way better!! EH
quote:Think about that!! Think clearly.........
Could be a drinking problem.........
Good question. JT,Jr. honed in on LC early, even though they did not hone in on him. I guess he's a homebody because LU (also in Lynchburg), was another school that interested him. As for fit--it could not be better, as he thrives on the smaller school setting.
My son did not have a dream school. He had a list of 25-30 schools that he wanted to investigate as best you can do from a distance. His #1 was UNLV and he became aware of the school while on a couple of bassketball tournament. The school he is at was 2nd as he was familiar with Charleston SC and a few of his friends went there. It met several of the criteria he had on his must have list.
He didn't get to contribute a lot but did show he can pitch agauinst top 20 schools. He mainly was in relief and hopes to get a bigger role in his JR year. He was one of only a few freshmen that got to play and he is hoping to get a better read on what the future holds.
There are other ways to continue playing ball than going to college. 4 yr college is probably one of the worst options if baseball is your only priority.
He didn't get to contribute a lot but did show he can pitch agauinst top 20 schools. He mainly was in relief and hopes to get a bigger role in his JR year. He was one of only a few freshmen that got to play and he is hoping to get a better read on what the future holds.
There are other ways to continue playing ball than going to college. 4 yr college is probably one of the worst options if baseball is your only priority.
Being from Madison WI we thought all major colleges dropped baseball in the early 90's in favor of a fully funded womens rowing teams 
so we had no dream school and had to start from scratch.
The problem with having a dream school is that in many cases the school may not need you or may not like your talent or you may not be able to gain admission academically
I prefer to see kids not have a dream school--it gives you an open mind
I prefer to see kids not have a dream school--it gives you an open mind
quote:Originally posted by rz1:
Being from Madison WI we thought all major colleges dropped baseball in the early 90's in favor of a fully funded womens rowing teams
But look how women's rowing is just blowing up world wide!!!!!!!
Rowing at UW-Madison is big time as in one of the top training facilities in the world. Baseball is a club team.
Porter Boathouse Highlights
A new three-story crew house for the UW men’s and womens’ rowing teams has been constructed on the site of the former crew house at the end of Babcock Drive along the shore of Lake Mendota. The previous 15,000 square foot crew house, which was built in 1967, was demolished to make way for the new facility.
The new 52,000 square foot crew house cost $8.56 million, which included Athletic Department program revenue bonding and $3.25 million in gifts.
Lake Level (1st Floor)
* Storage space for more than 100 boats and a boat repair bay.
* Raised two feet from previous crew house location to minimize flooding.
* 2 additional boat storage bays
Ground Level (2nd Floor)
* Main public building entrance
* Historical Displays
* Donors/Coaches/Rowers Hall of Fame
* Coaches and staff offices
* Team locker rooms
* Moving water rowing tank for 24
* Community meeting room
* Catering kitchen
Third Floor
* Three separate team workout rooms
* Sports medicine areas
* Exterior terraces
The unique state-of-the-art facility blends well with and compliments the classic architectural style of the adjacent lakeshore dorms and their wooded surroundings. The boathouse features a natural stone for the exterior walls and a lead coated copper roof. The building was designed to preserve and protect the beautiful mature oak trees in the neighboring lakeshore area.
To better accommodate the many pedestrians and bicyclists who use the popular lakeshore path, improvements to the existing path were made as part of the project.
Porter Boathouse Highlights
A new three-story crew house for the UW men’s and womens’ rowing teams has been constructed on the site of the former crew house at the end of Babcock Drive along the shore of Lake Mendota. The previous 15,000 square foot crew house, which was built in 1967, was demolished to make way for the new facility.
The new 52,000 square foot crew house cost $8.56 million, which included Athletic Department program revenue bonding and $3.25 million in gifts.
Lake Level (1st Floor)
* Storage space for more than 100 boats and a boat repair bay.
* Raised two feet from previous crew house location to minimize flooding.
* 2 additional boat storage bays
Ground Level (2nd Floor)
* Main public building entrance
* Historical Displays
* Donors/Coaches/Rowers Hall of Fame
* Coaches and staff offices
* Team locker rooms
* Moving water rowing tank for 24
* Community meeting room
* Catering kitchen
Third Floor
* Three separate team workout rooms
* Sports medicine areas
* Exterior terraces
The unique state-of-the-art facility blends well with and compliments the classic architectural style of the adjacent lakeshore dorms and their wooded surroundings. The boathouse features a natural stone for the exterior walls and a lead coated copper roof. The building was designed to preserve and protect the beautiful mature oak trees in the neighboring lakeshore area.
To better accommodate the many pedestrians and bicyclists who use the popular lakeshore path, improvements to the existing path were made as part of the project.
quote:Originally posted by FormerObserver:quote:Think about that!! Think clearly.........
Could be a drinking problem.........
YOU ARE WAY OUT OF LINE
Don't want this to get into a p***ing match and was looking for an answer to a question, no lenghty debate about reasons why players choose to play after HS.
The reason for this question, on another message board someone suggested that many players are willing to go to a program for nothing (maybe books, equipment) just to be a part of the team they cheered for all of their lives and don't mind sitting on the bench for most of their time.
I do not beleive this to be true.
The reason for this question, on another message board someone suggested that many players are willing to go to a program for nothing (maybe books, equipment) just to be a part of the team they cheered for all of their lives and don't mind sitting on the bench for most of their time.
I do not beleive this to be true.
Really....they said their sons "didn't MIND" sitting the bench? I can't even imagine my son saying that. It would seem to me that if you reach the level where you are talented enough to play at the collegiate level...part of the reason you got there is due to having a certain level of competitiveness in your make up that would make the idea of "sitting the bench" bothersome. Interesting.
TPM,
To demonstrate that some players would willingly sit on the bench for the baseball team of their "dream college," I think you need look no farther than your local high school. In high school, NUMEROUS kids willingly sit on the bench for their baseball team (and probably NOT their "dream high schools," either) and cheer it on. These are kids who may NEVER get a taste of field time. Some, on my son's team this year, were seniors who were told up front they probably wouldn't see the field...yet, they cheerfully stayed.
I suppose they also serve, who only sit and wait...
Although many would resent it, my guess is quite a few kids would willingly sit the bench to be part of the baseball program at their dream school...Anyone seen "Rudy?"
To demonstrate that some players would willingly sit on the bench for the baseball team of their "dream college," I think you need look no farther than your local high school. In high school, NUMEROUS kids willingly sit on the bench for their baseball team (and probably NOT their "dream high schools," either) and cheer it on. These are kids who may NEVER get a taste of field time. Some, on my son's team this year, were seniors who were told up front they probably wouldn't see the field...yet, they cheerfully stayed.
I suppose they also serve, who only sit and wait...
Although many would resent it, my guess is quite a few kids would willingly sit the bench to be part of the baseball program at their dream school...Anyone seen "Rudy?"
quote:Anyone seen "Rudy?"
I think "Rudy" didn't fall into the category "do not MIND sitting the bench". From what I remember, he knew it was an extreme long shot, but he was not satisfied and worked very hard to get noticed, respected, get to suit up for a game, and a little playing time ...which he eventually did. He wasn't content to sit the bench at Notre Dame, he worked his butt off and sacrificed a great deal to first make the squad...then to stay on the squad...then to get suited up...and finally get put into the game (mostly due to the respect he earned from his team mates due to his work ethic.) If he had just been "content"...none of that would have happened.
It is one thing if you work hard, but your talent is just not good enough to get you playing time. It is another to go to a school knowing you won't play and not MIND sitting the bench. Two different mentalities IMO.
quote:It is another to go to a school knowing you won't play
I think that's the key to this issue. I've known several kids that have gone to a school because it was their dream school or perhaps just a school they really liked for various reasons. They've been told up front their role and they've accepted it to have that opportunity. They accepted it because they believed they could prove themselves otherwise. I think few are happy sitting after they get there..... I mean you don't play college ball to sit on the bench. One of the reasons so many kids transfer or some just quit ball all together.
Rudy - ouch! ... that was the Tech gamequote:then to get suited up...and finally get put into the game
.
First of all, this was not my comment, it came from someone defending a program that carries a very large roster (larger than normal).
The reason the poster gave was as I stated above. Some just don't mind sitting on the bench, knowing they will get limited time. They just like being on the team.
What struck me as weird, is that here, most of us work so hard trying to get our kids to find the right school where they will have opportunities to play as much as they can.
I know at sons school there have been some players that didn't play that much. Either due to an injury, where they knew they wouldn't play anywhere else, transfers before draft year, and in one case a walk on catcher who was happy to attend bull pen because he knew he would not play anywhere else.
There is no right or wrong, I just wanted to know what you all thought.
When my son went to HS, no one was content sitting the bench. Seniors played if they were good, then the rest played depending on who got the job done. As far as the younger guys, they knew they would play when seniors left.
I agree with Luvbb, if Rudy was content, we wouldn't know who he was.
The reason the poster gave was as I stated above. Some just don't mind sitting on the bench, knowing they will get limited time. They just like being on the team.
What struck me as weird, is that here, most of us work so hard trying to get our kids to find the right school where they will have opportunities to play as much as they can.
I know at sons school there have been some players that didn't play that much. Either due to an injury, where they knew they wouldn't play anywhere else, transfers before draft year, and in one case a walk on catcher who was happy to attend bull pen because he knew he would not play anywhere else.
There is no right or wrong, I just wanted to know what you all thought.
When my son went to HS, no one was content sitting the bench. Seniors played if they were good, then the rest played depending on who got the job done. As far as the younger guys, they knew they would play when seniors left.
I agree with Luvbb, if Rudy was content, we wouldn't know who he was.
Bee...a little "Rudy" trivia for you that links Georgia Tech, Notre Dame and Penn State:
Late in the movie, Rudy's father is in Notre Dame's stadium for the Notre Dame - Georgia Tech football game. Before the game starts, and while his father talks about how wonderful college football is, the marching band on the field is playing Penn State's fight song ("The Nittany Lion", also unofficially called "Hail to the Lion"). This is because this scene was filmed during the pre-game activities at a Penn State - Notre Dame game.
Late in the movie, Rudy's father is in Notre Dame's stadium for the Notre Dame - Georgia Tech football game. Before the game starts, and while his father talks about how wonderful college football is, the marching band on the field is playing Penn State's fight song ("The Nittany Lion", also unofficially called "Hail to the Lion"). This is because this scene was filmed during the pre-game activities at a Penn State - Notre Dame game.
Luvbb and TPM,
We're in "heated agreement" on some points:
I certainly understand your interpretation of "Rudy," although I never looked at it quite that way...I always interpreted Rudy's motivation as a desire to become even the smallest part of something he considered grand, or potentially historic. For example, when Rudy asks Ara if he can suit up for one game his senior year, he confesses, "I've accepted that God made certain people football players, and I'm not one of them." Strangely enough, my youngest son and I were channel-surfing last night, bumped into "Rudy" and watched the 2nd half. My point is, if Rudy WASN'T content as a bench-warmer, and playing time was important to him...why Notre Dame and not Georgia Tech? (Sorry, "Bee," and any other "Rambling Wrecks" out there, I couldn't resist
I also agree there are many who, though never content to sit the bench, still choose to join a premier program (where their chances to play are always reduced) believing they will prove they can play with the very best.
However, most D1 rosters have over 30 players, fewer "suit up" for games, and still fewer actually play...or, at least, play often. I don't think all these kids, or even most of them, are "unhappy," or feel somehow victimized. I believe most consider themselves quite privileged and have made a conscious decision that they would rather be a small part of a premier program than "top dog" at a lower-tier one.
We're in "heated agreement" on some points:
I certainly understand your interpretation of "Rudy," although I never looked at it quite that way...I always interpreted Rudy's motivation as a desire to become even the smallest part of something he considered grand, or potentially historic. For example, when Rudy asks Ara if he can suit up for one game his senior year, he confesses, "I've accepted that God made certain people football players, and I'm not one of them." Strangely enough, my youngest son and I were channel-surfing last night, bumped into "Rudy" and watched the 2nd half. My point is, if Rudy WASN'T content as a bench-warmer, and playing time was important to him...why Notre Dame and not Georgia Tech? (Sorry, "Bee," and any other "Rambling Wrecks" out there, I couldn't resist
I also agree there are many who, though never content to sit the bench, still choose to join a premier program (where their chances to play are always reduced) believing they will prove they can play with the very best.
However, most D1 rosters have over 30 players, fewer "suit up" for games, and still fewer actually play...or, at least, play often. I don't think all these kids, or even most of them, are "unhappy," or feel somehow victimized. I believe most consider themselves quite privileged and have made a conscious decision that they would rather be a small part of a premier program than "top dog" at a lower-tier one.
quote:However, mostD1MLB rosters haveover30 players,fewer"suit up" for games, and still fewer actually play...or, at least, play often. I don't think all these kids, or even most of them, are "unhappy," or feel somehow victimized. I believe most consider themselves quite privileged and have made a conscious decision that they would rather be a small part of a premier program than "top dog" at a lower-tier one.
Sorry, I butchered your quote kb.
I thought the goal was to make it to the next leval and play.My son was told he would not play 1st yr and maybe 2nd [thanks hsbbw we asked right ? , and received honest answer
from d-1 coach]Son chose lower level d-3 becuase he could not be a cheerleader.
from d-1 coach]Son chose lower level d-3 becuase he could not be a cheerleader.
KB...I like your phrase:
BUT....I also like TPM's:
"if Rudy was content, we wouldn't know who he was."
quote:We're in "heated agreement" on some points:
BUT....I also like TPM's:
"if Rudy was content, we wouldn't know who he was."
quote:However, most D1 rosters have over 30 players, fewer "suit up" for games, and still fewer actually play...or, at least, play often. I don't think all these kids, or even most of them, are "unhappy," or feel somehow victimized. I believe most consider themselves quite privileged and have made a conscious decision that they would rather be a small part of a premier program than "top dog" at a lower-tier one.
KB....perhaps we aren't in disagreement over the general concept...maybe it is an issue of semantics. I think it is the word "willingly" or "content" that I find issue with. I think many players might be "accepting" of the fact that they are sitting the bench, because they understand better players are ahead of them on the roster...but that doesn't equate to them necessarily being "content" or "happy" to do it. I think they accept the fact for now, but are not content and still work hard to remedy the situation for themselves. Whether it is realistic or not...is another issue.
Re: Rudy and why he didn't choose Georgia Tech? I don't know...perhaps Bee> can answer that one!
that's a question that many have no doubt pondered ... the conclusionquote:why he didn't choose Georgia Tech? I don't know
3] Rudy's hs grades
2] Rudy's lifelong obsession with ND
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AND the #1 reason he didn't choose Tech
1] Rudy's dislike of sweet tea & grits
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TPM;
You always bring up great topics.
I'd say son kept open mind during recruiting process but he ended up at school of dreams and a school that he grew up near and was familiar with.
Being injured in summer ball right before freshman year in college, son was unable to play. But it drove him nuts not being able to play.
Now rehabbed and recovered, son has been working hard to improve and if he works hard enough and does his job well, he'll get a fair shot. If son is effective he will play.
Now my son has had childhood dreams of MLB and it is my son's goal, but son has had dreams of college ball, too, (and of course Rosenblatt Stadium).
So to answer the question, yes, son is at dream school. We'll see if he plays as it depends on his work and performance on the bump.
No, son is not content to ride the pine, but it is up to son to change that. And I think son will as he has drive to do so.
As a side note, just because a kid has a brain does not mean that they are not interested in MLB. My son has declared major and it was not even a major he had thought of until he took the courses and fell in love with it. I think son will get degree and pursue baseball as far as he can take it. I think a kid can do both. Knowing my son, I believe he will do both.
So yes dream school has been perfect fit and I don't know the end of the story yet, but so far so good. My kid would not leave his school for the world, he loves it.
Bee> Grits are GOOD, yum yum, but I agree sweet tea is nasty.
Mine would have choosen Tech over ND anyday. It's too cold up there.
You always bring up great topics.
I'd say son kept open mind during recruiting process but he ended up at school of dreams and a school that he grew up near and was familiar with.
Being injured in summer ball right before freshman year in college, son was unable to play. But it drove him nuts not being able to play.
Now rehabbed and recovered, son has been working hard to improve and if he works hard enough and does his job well, he'll get a fair shot. If son is effective he will play.
Now my son has had childhood dreams of MLB and it is my son's goal, but son has had dreams of college ball, too, (and of course Rosenblatt Stadium).
So to answer the question, yes, son is at dream school. We'll see if he plays as it depends on his work and performance on the bump.
No, son is not content to ride the pine, but it is up to son to change that. And I think son will as he has drive to do so.
As a side note, just because a kid has a brain does not mean that they are not interested in MLB. My son has declared major and it was not even a major he had thought of until he took the courses and fell in love with it. I think son will get degree and pursue baseball as far as he can take it. I think a kid can do both. Knowing my son, I believe he will do both.
So yes dream school has been perfect fit and I don't know the end of the story yet, but so far so good. My kid would not leave his school for the world, he loves it.
Bee> Grits are GOOD, yum yum, but I agree sweet tea is nasty.
Mine would have choosen Tech over ND anyday. It's too cold up there.
Rz1:
I feel your pain in regards to crew, but Madison is an awesome town. Son played there this summer and LOVED IT!!!! You folks are fantastic up there!!!!!!
I feel your pain in regards to crew, but Madison is an awesome town. Son played there this summer and LOVED IT!!!! You folks are fantastic up there!!!!!!
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It is one thing if you work hard, but your talent is just not good enough to get you playing time. It is another to go to a school knowing you won't play and not MIND sitting the bench. Two different mentalities IMO
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what about the kids that are promised playing time and don't get it?do they leave the school?i know thier are kids everywhere that sit the bench and continue to work hard as well.with 26 kids on a roster someone sits the bench and probably quite often.they might mind sitting but if it's for their dream school?another life lesson.sometimes hard work isn't enough,thankfully not that often.
It is one thing if you work hard, but your talent is just not good enough to get you playing time. It is another to go to a school knowing you won't play and not MIND sitting the bench. Two different mentalities IMO
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what about the kids that are promised playing time and don't get it?do they leave the school?i know thier are kids everywhere that sit the bench and continue to work hard as well.with 26 kids on a roster someone sits the bench and probably quite often.they might mind sitting but if it's for their dream school?another life lesson.sometimes hard work isn't enough,thankfully not that often.
quote:what about the kids that are promised playing time and don't get it?
Well, that is a horse of a different color, IMO, from what the initial discussion was about. I'm sure each kid in that situation knows what is best for him whether it be work harder to prove the coach wrong and get off that bench, or transfer to a different school. I would think the kid who is sitting the bench after being "promised" playing time wouldn't fall into the category of being "content" to sit the bench either. And you are absolutely right...sometimes hardwork just isn't enough.
Well if it will make you kids rest easier, I get to meet "Rudy" in Febraury and I can get the real scoop from him.
Since the Madison thing has hijacked this topic a couple times already, I just wanted to follow up on lhpmom's mention of the summer baseball there. I think it was July 2002 I was working near Madison and had an opportunity to see a Madison Mallards game.
I generally don't care for all the "crowd pleasing" nonsense between innings at minor (and major) league games. I just want to watch the game. But the stadium announcer had the crowd in stitches with most of his comments. I'll bet the one player from the other team with the white shoes didn't care too much for it, but I have to say, it was the most fun I ever had watching a game my son wasn't playing in.
Back to the topic a bit... my son's dream school needs to be near the coast so he can surf.
I generally don't care for all the "crowd pleasing" nonsense between innings at minor (and major) league games. I just want to watch the game. But the stadium announcer had the crowd in stitches with most of his comments. I'll bet the one player from the other team with the white shoes didn't care too much for it, but I have to say, it was the most fun I ever had watching a game my son wasn't playing in.
Back to the topic a bit... my son's dream school needs to be near the coast so he can surf.
TMM Dad:
Sorry I'm off subject again to Madison. My son had so much fun up there, great town, great people! And the announcer is awesome and very funny!!! Host parents and families are phenominal
Sorry I'm off subject again to Madison. My son had so much fun up there, great town, great people! And the announcer is awesome and very funny!!! Host parents and families are phenominal