Although the topic of this thread is obviously not geared towards what CD has said or what I will say echoing his statement, but nonetheless I feel that it is necessary for those that are reading this thread now and in the future.
First off, playing college baseball at any level is not a right, it is a priveledge. No matter where you play, the sport requires an unbelievable amount of hard work, dedication and preparation. Just because you are the best player on your high school team, or on your travel team, or in your area, or in your region, doesn't mean that you will be able to excel at the next level. There is nothing guaranteed for anyone anywhere.
The large majority of college baseball players around the country will never have the opportunity to be paid to play the game. There was recently a HSBBWeb thread that outlined a link saying that DI baseball players estimated that being a full time student-athlete is a 75 hour/week job. I think that it is way more than that. Playing a sport in college, especially baseball, goes far beyond the hours you spend on the field at practice, or the hours you spend in the weight room. Don't forget about the time you spend watching video, scouting, analyzing mechanical work, mental preparation for competition, eating nutritiously so that your body is ready for the grueling task of the season. The sport is often literally all consuming, 24/7.
The vast majority of college baseball players are playing the game simply because they absolutely love to play the game. I have been playing organized baseball since I was 5 years old. I have dreamed about playing under the bright lights on the big stage more times than I can remember. So has every other boy that has ever played baseball. I also realize that the actual chances of this happening are not in my favor. Have I thought about hanging up my cleats? Yes I have, many many times. I really believe everyone has. I see other aspects of life that are appealing to me and often times, the thought crosses my mind that maybe baseball is a barrier that is holding me back from those things. But then I think about it...what if I actually did quit? What if I stopped playing the game that I've loved my whole life to pursue other things? Would it be beneficial to my future? Yeah, it might be. Would I be able to do other things and accomplish other aspects of a well-rounded, fulfilling life? Yeah, probably. Would I be truly happy? No.
The true realization of what baseball has done for me came last spring, when my college team was eliminated in the playoffs. We were literally a game away from the College World Series, and lost on a walk-off hit in the 11th inning. I had just thrown 7 1/3 innings in the game and was physically and mentally exhausted. I just wanted to go home, go to sleep, and see my family and friends that I had been detached from for the months of the season. In our post-game team meeting I eyeballed my way through the faces of my teammates. Most looked drained after playing 6 games in 4 days. Most were staring at the ground, with obvious disappointment in the loss. In the back corner of the huddle was the collection of seniors. We only lost 5 guys to graduation last year, but all of them were important to the team and very much were the quintessential leaders that a coach would look for. One by one, I looked at their physical appearance and their facial expressions. And I broke down crying. It hit me then that they came to acknowledge that this was probably the last time they'd be participating in a competitive baseball game of this magnitude for the rest of their lives. Everything they had pushed for and worked hard for throughout their lives had suddenly ended. They lost something they love.
I realized then that I wouldn't be able to cope with that feeling, at least not now. Did those guys come out alright? Absolutely. One moved back home and is working at the bar/restaurant that his father owns (I assume he will take over). One moved to Long Island and is working in the finance department for a bank. One is taking graduate classes in hopes of getting a Master's degree in education. One is still here at school, and is a few months away from graduating with a double major in biology and chemistry. One is now an assistant coach for us, in charge of infielders and strength & conditioning. They have all moved on to other facets of their lives, and are completely happy with what they are doing. But they'll never forget the experience of playing college baseball.
My point, I believe, is a fairly simple one...no matter what level you are playing at, you have to love the game. If you love the game, never take anything for granted. If you never take anything for granted, you will enjoy every moment of your experiences. If you enjoy every moment of your experiences, they'll last a lifetime. I'll never forget the morning conditioning practices, or the bullpens I've thrown, or the sprints I've run, or the weights I've lifted. I'll never forget the bus rides, or the plane rides, or the nights in the hotels, or the locker rooms, or the dugouts. I'll never forget my first college outing, my first strikeout, my first win. I'll never forget my first walk, my first wild pitch, my first loss. I'll never forget my coaches, my opponents, my playing fields. I'll never, ever, forget my teammates brothers.
That is the reason you play college baseball. And, as BOF said, if you put in the time and the amazing opportunity to continue playing the game arises, then use it to your advantage. Do what you love, and don't regret it.
