LHP

It depends, is he 14 or 24?  Guessing somewhere in between😉

He’s 2022

That’s an important piece of info.  The timing is obviously not ideal but you can’t do anything about that.  I would just say, fight the urge to rush him back. Take your time, listen to the doctors and do the PT.  He can get an offer all the way up to late next summer if he is healthy. If you rush him back you could prolong the recovery, or worse.

Agree the timing was the absolute worst. The goal is to have him cleared here soon and begin building his arm back up and be ready by early September. I am just hoping there are teams still looking.

If he is coming off an injury and has not started a throwing program yet early September is way too soon to be throwing full effort off the mound.  That’s just my opinion but listen to your doctors and PT.

I tend to agree. We are just running out of time and it has me so nervous. Like I said previously, this happened at absolutely the worst time. I am almost to the point of just saying screw it and just focus on him going to college.

@Rockers posted:

I tend to agree. We are just running out of time and it has me so nervous. Like I said previously, this happened at absolutely the worst time. I am almost to the point of just saying screw it and just focus on him going to college.

I am very sorry that your son is hurt. Looks like in this point and time he may not be ready to pitch until spring. You don't really want to rush him back on the mound.

You have a great program with a great young HC in Charlotte, Robert Woodard, where I am assuming that you are from.  CUSA Coach of the year. Former PC for VaTech and UNC and an impressive resume. Might be something to look into as a walk on opportunity for next fall.

JMO

To the experts here.  Is this a situation where if the player strongly wants to play D1 he should look to go JUCO route?  That  way he can fully rehab his arm without a lot of pressure to get back into it quickly? 

@Dadbelly2023 posted:

To the experts here.  Is this a situation where if the player strongly wants to play D1 he should look to go JUCO route?  That  way he can fully rehab his arm without a lot of pressure to get back into it quickly?

Do you mean just go to a JUCO or go play at a JUCO and begin school?

Don't know the circumstances of the injury or doctors report so that's hard to say.  At this point the player has to fully recover but the good thing is he is a LHP with 3 pitches for strikes throwing 87 before this happened, so some D1 coach more than likely might take a chance, and I would bet it would be a mid D1 program more likely than a P5 if that was the original goal.

Just reinforcing what others are telling you...

On one hand, it does seem the ultimate in bad timing.  On the other hand, your son has the ultimate "pass".  As you know, he has what D1 schools are looking for - LHP w/ size, velo and command.  When he becomes healthy again, he will have ample opportunity, even at some very late hour.

If you step back from the heat of the moment, it should become more clear.  The way you screw this up is to rush any part of the healing and ramp up process.  And, on the other side of the spectrum, there is no reason at this point to be saying "screw it".  Yes, this very well may take him out of the mix at some particular schools but there are plenty that will be looking for late impact adds to their roster, particularly strong effective P's.  And at that point, aside from a late start, there are four full years of college eligibility (and beyond?) ahead of him.

Hello - thanks to all of you for your replies. It was exactly what I was looking to get out of this. I feel less anxious based on your feedback and sharing your experiences. I am all in for making sure he his 100% before we unleash him on the mound.

To date he has rested his arm 6 weeks and we are heading back to the doctor this week for another consultation. The goal coming out of this meeting is to get another MRI so we can ensure it is fully healed. From there we are hoping he will recommend physical therapy followed by a throwing program. I have no idea how long that will take maybe 2 - 4 weeks? That would put us around September 13 to get back on the mound. I need to make sure he participates in every major event this fall if possible. Do you recommend he goes to any camps?

@Rockers posted:

. I have no idea how long that will take maybe 2 - 4 weeks? That would put us around September 13 to get back on the mound. I need to make sure he participates in every major event this fall if possible. Do you recommend he goes to any camps?

Hello - I took some time to read the 9th grade forum but it is not clear to me why recruiting LHP’s is totally different . You would think schools would be drooling over lefties, but to be honest I don’t see it. The really good ones commit early and then there seems to be a big drop off in recruiting lefties.

I don’t have any experience in recruiting, was just relaying what I thought was interesting and possibly relevant information into your thread.  And to also just help steer you towards a recovery timeline based on progress and health and not to a specific showcase date.   I’m sure others will chime in who have experience in recruiting.

To quote you: “We had 14 Division 1 schools lined up to come watch him pitch.”.

To me, that seems like quite a bit of interest, isn’t it?

While not even close to what you are experiencing, we went through LL elbow a few years ago.  It wasn’t a stressful time but putting in the recovery time was hard because my son loves baseball and I love watching him play.  Not throwing much for about a month and not pitching for like 3-4 months was brutal at the time.  But looking back on it, glad we did the right thing and it also made him more focused on arm care and increased awareness when he needs to pull himself off the mound at the youth level.  The ultimate lesson that resonated with both of us is that he has many years ahead of him (even if just through HS) to enjoy baseball and only an injury will keep him from enjoying those years.  I think that also applies to your son at the higher level.  

I don't understand what you are looking for in numbers.  14 D1 scouts to watch 1 kid is incredible.  If you read the RHP's or non-pitchers parents notes, most of them would die to have 14 D1 scouts come watch their kid.  I don't see many LHP's who throw in the 80's and can throw strikes not getting signed at some level.

What do his travel coaches say?  If he was supposed to pitch in Atlanta, presumably the travel coach was in touch with the college coaches.  Have they heard anything further?  Have you asked them to check?

Hello - the travel ball coach did inform the schools that he had arm fatigue and was unable to pitch. I have not asked him to reach back out to those schools yet since he has been shut down. Once he gets the ok to move forward I plan to work with the coach on a marketing blitz to get his name back out there. I am just worried those schools have moved on.

Hello - I am not looking for any numbers. What I am worried about it time is ticking and it’s his senior year. You only get one shot at this.

@Rockers posted:

Hello - I am not looking for any numbers. What I am worried about it time is ticking and it’s his senior year. You only get one shot at this.

Not entirely the case, particularly when it comes to a kid like your son.  Let’s say the best thing for him is to take the entire fall to get healthy and then ramp up for high school season.  Worst case is that none of the D1’s he wants to attend have any interest in a big lefty throwing upper 80’s during the spring of his senior year.  You go Juco or you consider walking on at one of those D1’s where his abilities play or you maybe even take a gap year and cast your lot against the 2023 recruiting class.  The point we are trying to make is that his carriage does not turn into a pumpkin at midnight in the fall of his senior year…..unless he breaks himself trying to hit an imaginary timeline.

@Rockers posted:

Hello - the travel ball coach did inform the schools that he had arm fatigue and was unable to pitch. I have not asked him to reach back out to those schools yet since he has been shut down. Once he gets the ok to move forward I plan to work with the coach on a marketing blitz to get his name back out there. I am just worried those schools have moved on.

Wait.  He didn't have a stress fracture?

If you deceive a coach and he finds out, which he will because they ask for prior injuries or medical records, that's not good for your travel coaches reputation or for your son's future.

Don't read the 9th grade section, it's way outdated. As is most on this site.

My advice, go over the list with your son, contact those he is interested in and explain the circumstances, attend a few camps in December.

FWIW, I am pretty sure that the D1 dead period begins end of October. So you have a really small window to have your son show off his stuff, why would you rush him when returning from an injury?

@Rockers posted:

Hello - thanks to all of you for your replies. It was exactly what I was looking to get out of this. I feel less anxious based on your feedback and sharing your experiences. I am all in for making sure he his 100% before we unleash him on the mound.

To date he has rested his arm 6 weeks and we are heading back to the doctor this week for another consultation. The goal coming out of this meeting is to get another MRI so we can ensure it is fully healed. From there we are hoping he will recommend physical therapy followed by a throwing program. I have no idea how long that will take maybe 2 - 4 weeks? That would put us around September 13 to get back on the mound. I need to make sure he participates in every major event this fall if possible. Do you recommend he goes to any camps?

Son ('22 C) had similar issue. Was shut down 6 weeks from throwing. Once given the clear, he began Jaeger's 8-week onramp program for pro's. It's definitely a slower program, but better safe than sorry. Just my opinion, but I wouldn't take any less than 5 weeks. Not ideal for fall, but probably ideal for long term health.

Does he have a stress fracture or arm fatigue?

@Rockers posted:

... I am all in for making sure he his 100% before we unleash him on the mound.

....I need to make sure he participates in every major event this fall if possible. Do you recommend he goes to any camps?

Rockers, these remarks are contradictory and the second is unnecessary anyway.  14 D1 schools already interested and many of the same schools attend the "major events".  This tells you he doesn't have to participate in every event.  Also, trying to squeeze every event possible immediately following rehab from an injury is recipe for reinjury or worse.

It sounds like maybe you/he haven't dealt with a rehab after injury with the arm.  Make sure he is fully healthy.  Then, proper rehab.  Then, have him properly ramp back up with a throwing program and related fitness, continued rehab.  Then pens, gradually adding each pitch type back into the arsenal, rechecking health along each step.  Then simulated game with hitters in the box, eventually swinging.  Then, preferably some game action.  Then, he may be ready for an event.  Otherwise, he is likely to underperform and/or get hurt.

If he rehabs but doesn't get fully healthy enough for this fall (a distinct possibility), but then gets stronger over fall and winter, showing the typical increase in velo and body strength for rising HS seniors, he will still get PLENTY of attention then.  If rushed this fall and reinjured or ineffective because not fully ready, he will get little to no attention with the risk of permanency at that point.

Hopefully, you REALLY get it.

He's a lefty sitting mid 80's, he will always have an opportunity, especially if his velo creeps up past 90.

Let me see what happens today at the Dr and what the next steps are. From there I can share and get your feedback.

@Rockers posted:

Let me see what happens today at the Dr and what the next steps are. From there I can share and get your feedback.

Is he seeing a sports orthopedic specialist who understands arm injuries?

Yes sir and he has ties to local high schools as well. Pretty highly regarded around here. Actually did surgery on my dad.

My son tore his MCL and PCL followed by separating his shoulder falling during rehab. I took him to the same orthopedic center that handles all the pro sports teams in the area. I wanted nothing but the best involved in getting him back on the field.

When my son became coherent after shoulder surgery the ortho told him he would miss senior year. He told him he wouldn’t be throwing until May. My son stuck his finger in the ortho’ face. He said, “I’m going to be in the Opening  Day lineup March 15. You’re going to plan around making it happen.”

The ortho smiled and agreed. My son was in the Opening Day lineup. The ortho recognized he wasn’t dealing with ordinary motivation and work ethic.

So he will see a physical therapist Thursday and begin PT. Hopefully he can begin a throwing program. Doctor thinks at least six weeks to get back to 100%, which barely even leaves him time to play in a tournament. And that is if all goes as planned. At this point I don’t see anything happening cause normally they want to see a kid throw more than one time. Pretty much no shot at this point.

'My advice, go over the list with your son, contact those he is interested in and explain the circumstances, attend a few camps in December.'

"but there are plenty that will be looking for late impact adds to their roster, particularly strong effective P's."

Good advice above - maybe expand the list of schools and send out some info and be prepared to report during the high school season.  Check for any JUCO affiliations with the schools and see if these are reasonable alternatives if the rehab takes a little longer than expected.

I have been living by the motto D1 or nothing. I just don’t see the point wasting time at a JUCO and then trying to get into a D1. I think we just need to change our mindset that his career his done and it’s time to just move on.

Is that what he wants?  If he wanted a D2 or D3 school (recruited during the HS season, or walking on), would you support that?

Why is that the motto you live by?  And, what is it that you don't buy from those telling you he will have ample opportunity even next Spring and Summer, assuming he is healthy and continues to make the normal gains for someone that age?

@Rockers posted:

I have been living by the motto D1 or nothing. I just don’t see the point wasting time at a JUCO and then trying to get into a D1. I think we just need to change our mindset that his career his done and it’s time to just move on.

Whaaaat?! 

To me at the end of the day it’s all about getting a good education. Nobody plays baseball forever. It’s been our goal since the very beginning and I have seen to many kids/ parents try and go the JUCO route or some other means and they end up not graduating. Our time is up it’s as simple as that. It’s a dam shame.

Still don't understand.   Many D3s are the BEST academic schools in the country. 

I know a little bit about cabbagedad.  He definitely knows about this topic.  I think it might just be a down day for you.  A lot of people here telling you it's still doable. 

@Rockers As a parent I want you to try really hard to keep your chin up and not feel down about this, especially around your son.  The ship hasn't sailed. And with a lefty like yours, even if the ship does set sail,  they send a dingy to catch up with the ship.

Push pause on everything (including your emotions) until Thursday.  

@Rockers posted:

To me at the end of the day it’s all about getting a good education. Nobody plays baseball forever. It’s been our goal since the very beginning and I have seen to many kids/ parents try and go the JUCO route or some other means and they end up not graduating. Our time is up it’s as simple as that. It’s a dam shame.

The right college targets are a combination of the best academic, baseball, financial, social and cultural environments regardless of division.

With Covid, added years of eligibility, no sit transfers, the transfer portal and 23/24yo seniors (eligibility wise) it’s going to be real hard for a lot of freshmen and sophomores to get on the field at the D1 level the next couple of years. The freshman and soph who get on the field will be the top, draftable prospects.

Unless you see your son as a definite pro prospect it might be a good idea to look for alternatives. Ranked D2 and D3 ball is quality ball. JuCos provide a one or two year delay on the D1 decision.

I can understand maybe not wanting to go JuCo if your son is a top student. I was against it for my son other than taking a couple of courses per semester while delaying college entry and baseball for a year. But, in the big picture it doesn’t matter where a kid starts college. It’s about where he graduates.