Marine Corps & College Baseball

It may not matter if you're a difference making stud. Otherwise it's preferential treatment. It's something the coaches would have to deal with for four years. I would think at some point they would expect you to be a weekend producer. You can't produce if you're not there. Maybe the coach's dad fought as a Marine in WW2 and thinks what you're doing is admirable. 

When I was in college I ran track.  We had a few kids in the Guard.  I'm not sure how but they seemed to be able to work their monthly commitment around the season.  I think they had to additional time in the summer but they seemed to be able to handle both.  If there are schools that are pursing you I would suggest talking to them about this and being honest up front.  

I will say that I was in college when Iraq 1 happened.  The kids that were in the Guard were called up and had to drop out of school for a year.  When they came back 3 of the 4 of them decided they did not want to continue their participation on the track team.

That's outstanding son. Don't call yourself weekend warrior. Marine,  there is only one way Marines fight for their country and that's to win our battles where ever they're called. Follow your dreams and don't give it up.

Good bless and good luck to you and family.

Thank you, in advance, for your service. Best of luck to you!

KickingRHP,

Great question, and as JLC stated...thank you for serving our country in advance.

I've looked into ROTC and Reserve service with 2 of my sons, so I have a general sense of what it could take.  Frankly, I think it can be done but it is going to require you have an intimate knowledge of the real time committments up front for military, baseball and your college major.  

As you've probably discovered the Marines don't do anything half-assed or part time.  I suspect there is a greater time and personal committment than you think..   The same can be said for college baseball at any level even for a pitcher.   The time commitment is huge at most D1 programs and still rather large at other levels  What is going to make you or break you is what are you studying in college and the academic competitive level of your major .  If it is a very demanding major it is going to take an extraordinary person to do all three.   My oldest son decided against ROTC because he didn't see enough time to play D1 baseball and study engineering.  He was spot on as he barely had a life outside of school work and baseball..  My youngest son is pursing ROTC and decided against D3 baseball because he knew what his brotther went through and he knows he needs as much time for academics.

So, what next?  Again, I'd get a real and genuine sense of the time commitments (D1, D2, D3 level baseball), specific & real time committments from the Marines,and some level of time committment for your major.  Quantify it.  Is it greater than 40-50, 50-60 or 60-70 hours per week for 4 years?   Know before you make this decision so you have some level of expectation.  The reason I suggest this is because most people under estimate significantly.  This isn't high school.  

You've already committed to the Marines.  Over time the question could be is the college baseball reward worth the time & effort you put into.   I've known young men who aren't getting playing time leave the team because their time is better spent else where (academics, other sporting interests, business start-ups, etc...).  At some point you may be asking yourself that question and only you answer it.    

All of this is JMO, so take that for FWIW.   Good luck!

Thank You everyone for your support!

I plan on studying Exercise Science as a Major. Although I do have the ability to play baseball at the D1-D3 level, like you've brought up fenwaysouth, I doubt I'll have time. Perhaps I'll just pursue playing at one of the local JUCO's where (at least where I am) the programs are very relaxed. 

It hurts to forgo my dream of playing higher level college baseball but I have determined that I'm better off dedicating myself to the Marine Corps. 

I've also had the thought of possibly trying to be a assistant of some kind to a program as well. I think that I would be able to bring some valuable things back from the Marine Corps that could help contribute to a baseball program. The last thing I want is to be away from this great game.