I am noticing a few more guys around the age of 24-25-26 playing college ball. This is down in the southern region of the country. Is this becoming more of a thing to have freshman at age 21 kinda interesting
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It's not going to be top baseball programs with potential pro players. If a baseball player attends college he's targeting the draft at twenty-one. MLB franchises aren't interested in low level prospects in their mid 20s. Chances are if there are 21yo freshmen they're returning from military service or a Mormon mission. Sometimes you see older freshmen in college football who signed baseball contracts out of high school.
I would be curious to hear what division/level schools you are seeing this at. I see it at some of the remote JC's here in California where the coach is looking to roll out enough talent and is willing to reel in the guys who struggled with grades or other issues previously and are still hanging on to maybe some distorted version of "the dream".
As I say that, though, I guess all players have a different version
I have known a couple guys who did the opposite. Played minor league ball, didn't make it, then played college basketball on their 20's.
RJM, I'm with you, likely young guys who just completed 3-4 years of military service...
There is the decorated veteran who played/plays for Clemson and an ex Navy Seal currently playing for Northwestern. While this is for football; similar age group of guys.
When my son was playing at a D2 university one of his teammates was in his mid-20's (24 I think). He had played when he was 19-20, and then dropped out of college so he still 1-2 years of eligibility left. He was still playing adult league baseball in the interim. Not sure how the coach found him, but he lured him back to school. I think he was the oldest on the team.
Linfield has a 23 yo Freshman, ex Marine. LHP. Had his debut this past weekend and did great!
Son's team (d1) has 25 and 24 year old. 25 came last year as a junior. Was at a JC, then from what I understand, couple years no college then at son's school.
24 year old was hurt 2 years and will be done this year with a masters degree.
Supposedly 25 year old is a prospect. He can certainly hit like one. Glad he is on son's team
I know of a JC close by that had a 25 year old freshman. He was drafted out of high school, didn't sign, ended up with a kid and just worked and lived life for several years. He could still throw low 90's, so, he is playing now.
He has the right to play certainly, but, kind of sucks for the 18 year old RHP throwing 82 hoping to stick.