MLB Scholarship - Finishing College

I can't speak to schools using its money to fund returning athletes, but the MLB money pays for tuition  and the lowest room and board rate at the school up to the amount it committed (up to four years depending upon the players' status [hs, JC, jr, etc.])

That money is fully taxable, is a stated amount (make sure you get private school money if the player is or will attend a private college), must be drawn upon within a certain period of time from retiring/release, must be completed within a specified time from first draw, the player cannot be in default on his draft contract (e.g., playing out the contract or getting released), the amount is reduced by various "promotion" bonuses as the player climbs the ladder, and - unless the draft contract calls for it - ISNT indexed for inflation.

Different clubs either reimburse after the college has been paid or will advance. So,e clubs make it hard; others make it easy.

The amount paid - despite the obligation to pay - is astonishingly low as players don't take advantage.

TPM can share her story which should help alot. I believe Clemson goes above and beyond to accommodate their drafted players coming back to finish their degrees. I do not think mine will complete his degree before next summer so i will be following this thread.

Count me as a follower too.  Mine is a draft eligible soph at a very expensive private school and this is definitely a part of his decision making process.  Let the stories and the hsbbw knowledge begin!

Shoveit4Ks posted:

TPM can share her story which should help alot. I believe Clemson goes above and beyond to accommodate their drafted players coming back to finish their degrees. I do not think mine will complete his degree before next summer so i will be following this thread.

Clemson's plan applies to all players, whether drafted or not.  

MTH posted:

Shoveit4Ks posted:

TPM can share her story which should help alot. I believe Clemson goes above and beyond to accommodate their drafted players coming back to finish their degrees. I do not think mine will complete his degree before next summer so i will be following this thread.

Clemson's plan applies to all whether drafted or not.  

Clemsons Tiger fund applies to all athletes who were former scholarship recipients (I will report back if different). It covered his 32 credits needed to graduate plus a very nice monthly stipend.

Trying to get reimbursed from the scholarship plan is like trying to break into a prison, plus sons money from the Cardinals had been reduced because of his advancement.  Always ask a scout to produce the plan so you can be familiar with what it entails.

There are many schools who have similar programs. You might ask this during recruiting. Some do place a time frame on returning for any benefits.

Do not assume that any team drafting a player will give them what it costs to attend the last year or living expenses.  It's just another part of the negotiation process. Sons ML scholarship money was for tuition only.

Update: As i remembered, the Tiger Fund program applies to any athletes that was on athletic scholarship.

Please note that many programs will help the student athlete to finish school, but funding may come from different sources.

You can follow an article my son wrote about finishing his degree while playing pro ball

Update to story

Played in WBC Qualifier for Team Israel that advanced them to the WBC

Added to 40 man roster in November 2016

Played in Tokyo, Japan for 2nd round of WBC for Team Israel

www.chicagonow.com

search under

future sox/ Brad Goldberg

January 2016

Player Perspective 

Good luck to all

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Great article - thanks for posting!  And congratulations to your son!

I've read many times on this site about the very low usage of the MLB scholarship program and, correctly so, the difficulties pro players have in getting back into their studies.  While the MLB scholarship program is a good product (I guess it could be a little easier to access), the story referenced above (Brad Goldberg) and the support system set up by Ohio State demonstrate that this route is doable (albeit maybe not free).  I'm quite certain every ex-athlete support system at all the various universities won't be outlined here, but I do think this could be a very good option for those who have this type of support in returning to campus.  More stories welcomed.

2017LHPscrewball posted:

I've read many times on this site about the very low usage of the MLB scholarship program and, correctly so, the difficulties pro players have in getting back into their studies.  While the MLB scholarship program is a good product (I guess it could be a little easier to access), the story referenced above (Brad Goldberg) and the support system set up by Ohio State demonstrate that this route is doable (albeit maybe not free).  I'm quite certain every ex-athlete support system at all the various universities won't be outlined here, but I do think this could be a very good option for those who have this type of support in returning to campus.  More stories welcomed.

Understand that schools WANT you to graduate, so they will assist in helping in any way that they can. There is no sense putting in 3-4 years and not graduating. All but one or two of sons former teammates who were drafted completed their degree, coaches love to welcome back players who work with and motivate their current players. Important to note is that you do have to work this out when one gets drafted, with the drafting team.

It took my son longer than most to return, main reason being that in many off seasons he spent time in rehab after surgeries. He balked a few times when we brought it up, but in the end timing was everything and it worked out great for him.

The tough part is when tuition and room and board is very expensive and the team is only willing to give x amount of dollars to cover expenses or a bonus less than it would cost to go back to finish school.