Question about NAIA in general. Is NAIA generally considered lower level baseball then D3?
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IMHO, a tough question to answer. Here's why... there are many, many programs that can play at a national level - regardless of classification. There are some very talented D3 programs that play at a high level, maybe higher than other regional D1-D3 or NAIA schools. And, there are some NAIA programs that have national level talent, for whatever reason. I would put some NAIA rosters up against any other team. Pitching will be the most talked about variable, but there is high level pitching in many programs, across all classifications.
On the other side of the fence, there are some D1-D3 and NAIA programs that are not as strong as others. It really depends on the program, their recruiting efforts, their schedule commitments and their conference. GUN plays for a S.A.C. NAIA school that has won 2 national championships (1983 & 2009) finished 3rd in 2006, finished second in 2011. Over the years, LCU has enjoyed many wins over D1-3 programs.
That being said, I'd hate to rate one program over another, based on classification.
Too many variables... every year some programs go up, others go down. I know there are very few HSBBW members with NAIA players, but there are many D3 guys that can weigh in.
Good question, just hard to answer. Feel free to PM if you want specifics. GED10DaD
On the other side of the fence, there are some D1-D3 and NAIA programs that are not as strong as others. It really depends on the program, their recruiting efforts, their schedule commitments and their conference. GUN plays for a S.A.C. NAIA school that has won 2 national championships (1983 & 2009) finished 3rd in 2006, finished second in 2011. Over the years, LCU has enjoyed many wins over D1-3 programs.
That being said, I'd hate to rate one program over another, based on classification.
Too many variables... every year some programs go up, others go down. I know there are very few HSBBW members with NAIA players, but there are many D3 guys that can weigh in.
Good question, just hard to answer. Feel free to PM if you want specifics. GED10DaD
I agree with GED, there are some NAIA programs you could stack up against many mid-level DI's and they'd win: Oklahoma City, Lewis-Clark State, Lubbock Christian, Lee, and quite a few others.
NAIA schools can offer athletic scholarships, whereas DIII cannot, so that may steer some better players toward NAIA. However, that could be countered by it being generally accepted that DIII schools IN GENERAL would offer a better academic environment, therefore steering better players who also have higher academic ambitions to some DIII options. But again, there are some top-notch academic NAIA's whose affiliation with the NAIA is more because of religious or niche academic profiles. Like in any other division, the 'fit' variables are numerous and it really just comes down to each individual. I wouldn't cast aside any solid fit opportunity just because of affiliation.
More guys get drafted out of NAIA schools than DIII (roughly 2-3x more depending on year). In fact, Lewis-Clark State has had more guys drafted than many DI, DII, or DIII programs will ever dream of.
Here's a fun list to peruse - NAIA Players who have enjoyed a cup - or vat - of coffee: http://naia.cstv.com/sports/m-...c-rel/091005aaa.html
I have read that NAIA baseball is more in line with DII.
NAIA schools can offer athletic scholarships, whereas DIII cannot, so that may steer some better players toward NAIA. However, that could be countered by it being generally accepted that DIII schools IN GENERAL would offer a better academic environment, therefore steering better players who also have higher academic ambitions to some DIII options. But again, there are some top-notch academic NAIA's whose affiliation with the NAIA is more because of religious or niche academic profiles. Like in any other division, the 'fit' variables are numerous and it really just comes down to each individual. I wouldn't cast aside any solid fit opportunity just because of affiliation.
More guys get drafted out of NAIA schools than DIII (roughly 2-3x more depending on year). In fact, Lewis-Clark State has had more guys drafted than many DI, DII, or DIII programs will ever dream of.
Here's a fun list to peruse - NAIA Players who have enjoyed a cup - or vat - of coffee: http://naia.cstv.com/sports/m-...c-rel/091005aaa.html
I have read that NAIA baseball is more in line with DII.
That's true. Many NAIA programs are transitioning to the NCAA D2 ranks... i.e., Lindenwood and LCU are transitioning now to D2. Good point Krak!quote:Originally posted by Krakatoa:
I have read that NAIA baseball is more in line with DII.
GED10DaD
DLOCK,
I don't think it would be fair or accurate to suggest NAIA baseball is a lower level than DIII.
There are some very high quality NAIA programs like Lewis-Clark, Oklahoma City and the like that probably play from year to year at a level higher than the best DIII.
When we look underneath the top level of NAIA, there is a great competitive example not too far from you, in Jackson, Mississippi.
The 3 colleges there, one NAIA and two DIII play the Cowboy Maloney Series every year. It involves Bellhaven(a top 25 NAIA program) along with DIII's, Mississippi College and Millsaps. They are usually midweek games throughout the season and I believe they play each other 2 or 3 times during the season.
Millsaps and MC are both higher quality DIII's but not programs who are annually ranked. MC and Millsaps would be more in the 25-50 range each year, perhaps, but they are very good DIII programs, for sure.
The games in the Cowboy Maloney series are quite competitive. Millsaps had a streak of winning the series 4 or 5 years in a row recently, but the games/scores are usually always close.
MC and Millsaps as dIII's do not provide athletic scholarships. I am not certain about Bellhaven in terms of the number of scholarships it provides.
Hopefully this reference to a very good NAIA and 2 very good DIII's which compete every year will give you a useful reference point for your question.
I don't think it would be fair or accurate to suggest NAIA baseball is a lower level than DIII.
There are some very high quality NAIA programs like Lewis-Clark, Oklahoma City and the like that probably play from year to year at a level higher than the best DIII.
When we look underneath the top level of NAIA, there is a great competitive example not too far from you, in Jackson, Mississippi.
The 3 colleges there, one NAIA and two DIII play the Cowboy Maloney Series every year. It involves Bellhaven(a top 25 NAIA program) along with DIII's, Mississippi College and Millsaps. They are usually midweek games throughout the season and I believe they play each other 2 or 3 times during the season.
Millsaps and MC are both higher quality DIII's but not programs who are annually ranked. MC and Millsaps would be more in the 25-50 range each year, perhaps, but they are very good DIII programs, for sure.
The games in the Cowboy Maloney series are quite competitive. Millsaps had a streak of winning the series 4 or 5 years in a row recently, but the games/scores are usually always close.
MC and Millsaps as dIII's do not provide athletic scholarships. I am not certain about Bellhaven in terms of the number of scholarships it provides.
Hopefully this reference to a very good NAIA and 2 very good DIII's which compete every year will give you a useful reference point for your question.
I guess it would be a widely accepted statement that most D2's and NAIA's probably have enjoyed the reduction in D1 scholly players than most.
Since it was reduced to only 28 scholly players on a D1 roster Im sure most players (and parents) in today's economy must find another "level" of ball to play to help out financially. Thus, more talented players shuffling to NAIA making them more competitive.
Since it was reduced to only 28 scholly players on a D1 roster Im sure most players (and parents) in today's economy must find another "level" of ball to play to help out financially. Thus, more talented players shuffling to NAIA making them more competitive.
DLOCK;
NAIA is an outstanding baseball experience.
One my former players in the Korea Goodwill Series, Gary Adcock
is the Head Coach at Cal Baptist in Riverside California.
We recommend many of our Goodwill Series players to Gary.
Bob
NAIA is an outstanding baseball experience.
One my former players in the Korea Goodwill Series, Gary Adcock
is the Head Coach at Cal Baptist in Riverside California.
We recommend many of our Goodwill Series players to Gary.
Bob
Coming from the great state of virginia here is an example for you, here is 3 naia schools in the same state that would be a great example of naia.
UVA-Wise, Bluefield in most years can compete with D2 upper level D3 schools.
Virginia Intermont College (VIC), most years couldn't beat a lot of good high schools. So just to show you some of the differences, like previously said before depends on the program, the school and point of emphasis.
UVA-Wise, Bluefield in most years can compete with D2 upper level D3 schools.
Virginia Intermont College (VIC), most years couldn't beat a lot of good high schools. So just to show you some of the differences, like previously said before depends on the program, the school and point of emphasis.
NAIA here in Florida is pretty solid. Embry-Riddle is National Champs. Check out the Sun Conference. Southeastern also looks to be on the rise, (ranked last year and 2nd in NCCAA Championships). There is talent throughout the conference.
Also, just to add, the NAIA now requires a student athlete to register with the NAIA Eligibility Center. Their website is here Play NAIA.
GED10DaD
GED10DaD
