How much does it hurt a pitcher (91 mph) to not play High School baseball? What if they choose to play summer ball on a top team only? The summer team goes to many showcases amd has scouts there all the time.
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I think it hurst quite a bit, but probably not in the way you're expecting. High School can be 4 of the most wonderful years of anyone's life. High School students are going through so many changes in all aspects of their life at this time, you need to experience all you can and relish every moment. You'll build memories, and learn life lessons that will stay with you long after you've left school. College is much the same but on a different level. One thing is for sure, once you've completed school and have a real job (and responsibilities, a family, etc.) you'll look back fondly on your HS years, and probably think "Boy, I sure had it great back then".
If you don't play HS ball, maybe you won't be seen as much as playing on a top travel team, but there is so much more to HS baseball than just being seen. It becomes part of your identity at your school, you become part of a team in ways that is often missing on summer teams by playing with guys you've known for years, growing up together and maybe some (or most) of them don't play travel ball in the summer. Many of them might not have the talent it takes to play summer travel ball, who cares?
If you skip HS baseball, I think you're cheating yourself out of some wonderful experiences that you can't get back and probably won't realize what you've missed until its too late.
If you don't play HS ball, maybe you won't be seen as much as playing on a top travel team, but there is so much more to HS baseball than just being seen. It becomes part of your identity at your school, you become part of a team in ways that is often missing on summer teams by playing with guys you've known for years, growing up together and maybe some (or most) of them don't play travel ball in the summer. Many of them might not have the talent it takes to play summer travel ball, who cares?
If you skip HS baseball, I think you're cheating yourself out of some wonderful experiences that you can't get back and probably won't realize what you've missed until its too late.
quote:Originally posted by 06catcherdad:
High School can be 4 of the most wonderful years of anyone's life. High School students are going through so many changes in all aspects of their life at this time, you need to experience all you can and relish every moment. You'll build memories, and learn life lessons that will stay with you long after you've left school
High school does all that? I know home school kids that are building memories, experiences, and learning life lessons outside the HS classrooms.
OTOH, if you're a baseball player & you're attending HS, play on the HS team.
dbg, I neve said anything derogatory about home schooled kids. I didn't ever even refer to them. The young man asked about not playing High School ball, so it was pretty easy for me to figure out that he probably attends high school. I don't know about where you're from, but out here in California, you have to attend a high school to play on their team.
Since you brought it up, I'll agree with you that home schooling can be great for some kids. I'll leave it at that, if its ok with you.
Since you brought it up, I'll agree with you that home schooling can be great for some kids. I'll leave it at that, if its ok with you.
I will have to agree with CatcherDad and say that HS does do all that. I can't imagine my senior year not playing ball with my high school teammates. It was a great time and all I have is great memories of that time period and trust me, our team was nothing to brag about. IMHO, your obvioiusly a good player and should only make your HS team better, and last but not least is when you go back home 10-20 years from now and maybe revisit your old HS the feeling of pride you will have about playing for your HS is unmeasurable. Just my thoughts, Good Luck!
I just want to know if it hurts them being recruited. Will a school turn down a good player because he did not play high school?
Can't imagine a coach not looking at a kid cruising 91. If a kid is cruising 91 and has some size, Top 5 round prospect out of high school
On the other hand, can't imagine a kid cruising 91 and not playing high school baseball.
On the other hand, can't imagine a kid cruising 91 and not playing high school baseball.
One other side of the coin:
What do you tell the college recruiters regarding why you did not play HS ball?
I know I would want to know !
Why would you not play HS ball? If nothing else it gets you ready to play summer ball at a higher level.
As a player I would not wnat to be in a position where I have to answer questions as to why I didnt play HS ball
By the way this is on top of and in addition to all the other aspects as noted above.
Another thought--- what kind of competitor decides not to play HS ball especially if he has a 91 MPH fastball? The "good ones" want to play every day, anywhere, any time!!!!
What do you tell the college recruiters regarding why you did not play HS ball?
I know I would want to know !
Why would you not play HS ball? If nothing else it gets you ready to play summer ball at a higher level.
As a player I would not wnat to be in a position where I have to answer questions as to why I didnt play HS ball
By the way this is on top of and in addition to all the other aspects as noted above.
Another thought--- what kind of competitor decides not to play HS ball especially if he has a 91 MPH fastball? The "good ones" want to play every day, anywhere, any time!!!!
Perhaps we are looking at an eligibility issue here.
I know of an instance locally where the player can throw 90 (he is a catcher) and he has been kicked off of two HS teams already, because of attitude. I think he is receiving medical treatment now. I am with TR, how do you explain to the college coaches why you didn't play in HS.
Bottom line, if you are not home schooled and want to play in college, you need to be on you HS team.
Bottom line, if you are not home schooled and want to play in college, you need to be on you HS team.
When I said locally, I meant within the state, not down in the small town where we live.
Stats - I think the posts here are right on. Why wouldn't your son want to play on his HS team? I, too would want to know this if I was a college coach. Most kids that play ball at this level are dying to play and to be on the field as much as possible. A college coach wants to see that passion in a kid.
I also believe that many people undervalue highschool ball from an exposure standpoint. Our highschool had last year and I'm sure will have this year many coaches and scouts. Any opportunity you can have for exposure is good in my opinion.
I think you should rethink options if it's not too late.
I also believe that many people undervalue highschool ball from an exposure standpoint. Our highschool had last year and I'm sure will have this year many coaches and scouts. Any opportunity you can have for exposure is good in my opinion.
I think you should rethink options if it's not too late.
I know of at least half a dozen kids at my son's high school that play year-round travel ball exclusively.
I actually asked one of the parents why they didn't play for the high school and they said that they didn't want them on a team with a "lower level of competition", and the high school season would cut short two of their travel ball seasons.
I'm not saying it's right, but it does happen.
I actually asked one of the parents why they didn't play for the high school and they said that they didn't want them on a team with a "lower level of competition", and the high school season would cut short two of their travel ball seasons.
I'm not saying it's right, but it does happen.
quote:How much does it hurt a pitcher (91 mph) to not play High School baseball? What if they choose to play summer ball on a top team only? The summer team goes to many showcases amd has scouts there all the time.
It will probably hurt some. I'd suggest preparing to answer questions regarding the circumstances resulting in not playing in high school.
The cold fact is that a pitcher, who throws around 90, exhibiting success on a good summer team will have opportunities to play at the next level, but probably not the same ones as the same player who played for his high school.
We have lived that seniro. My son's High school did not have a baseball team. My son loves the game has been on competitive teams since he was a young boy. He is 6'2" 170 lb. and currently throws (cruising speed) 89 - 91.
He is a freshman at a CT. D-III school. A great academic school. A top ten Liberal arts school.
When my son was a Jr. in HS all the colleges he was interested in wanted to know what his schedule looked like for HS ball. Needless to say there was none.
It is very hard to sell yourself via just a showcase and/or a video. That's what he had to do.
As a HS student his grades were good...3.5 HS GPA with a 1390 SAT. Didn't matter..There was no HS ball.
One day a local scout called my house inquiring why my son wasn't laying HS ball. It seems he saw my son at a showcase and was on his to follow list. When I explained that he had no team the response was oh. OK..
Presently he is disappointed with the program at his school. He wanted to be a two way player but the coach refuses. Tells him he is just a pitcher now. (He also loves centerfeild)
He has actually complained to me about the "laid back attitude" of the coach. Seems to have no sense of urgency.
Sorry I have been ranting.
My opioion..play school ball no matter what.
It might be a bad news bear team but hey...he's playing.. If he throws well people will take notice. If he's a player people will notice.
Make it happen for him. I sure wish I did that for my boy.
He is a freshman at a CT. D-III school. A great academic school. A top ten Liberal arts school.
When my son was a Jr. in HS all the colleges he was interested in wanted to know what his schedule looked like for HS ball. Needless to say there was none.
It is very hard to sell yourself via just a showcase and/or a video. That's what he had to do.
As a HS student his grades were good...3.5 HS GPA with a 1390 SAT. Didn't matter..There was no HS ball.
One day a local scout called my house inquiring why my son wasn't laying HS ball. It seems he saw my son at a showcase and was on his to follow list. When I explained that he had no team the response was oh. OK..
Presently he is disappointed with the program at his school. He wanted to be a two way player but the coach refuses. Tells him he is just a pitcher now. (He also loves centerfeild)
He has actually complained to me about the "laid back attitude" of the coach. Seems to have no sense of urgency.
Sorry I have been ranting.
My opioion..play school ball no matter what.
It might be a bad news bear team but hey...he's playing.. If he throws well people will take notice. If he's a player people will notice.
Make it happen for him. I sure wish I did that for my boy.
THE most talented young man on my oldest son's team this last summer is being "home-schooled." Apparently, this boy will never play high school sports of any kind. Still he made the summer league's "All-Star" team and appeared in their ALL-Star game. It is my understanding that he is being regularly, if not heavily, scouted by MLB, as well as a few colleges. If he was in high school, due to his age, he would probably be a Junior this year.
Not only is this kid immensely talented, my son told me that he is the NICEST, MOST CONSIDERATE AND POLITE BOY HE'S EVER MET.
To me and my limited perspective, it seems like he's missed out on a lot by never going to high school and playing high school sports...but, his parents and he sure seem to be doing something right! To give you an indication of the selflessness of this kid and his parents, his best position (and, I gather, best hope for a college scholarship) is as a catcher, yet this entire summer, on his ONLY team, he played shortstop. He did this because we had another boy who was a pretty good catcher, but no one who could play a good shortstop. His family isn't wealthy and are hoping for academic/athletic scholarship(s) of some kind.
If this kid DOESN'T get a chance to play college ball, and some sort of scholarship assistance to help his family, there is no justice!!! They are a VERY classy family!
Not only is this kid immensely talented, my son told me that he is the NICEST, MOST CONSIDERATE AND POLITE BOY HE'S EVER MET.
To me and my limited perspective, it seems like he's missed out on a lot by never going to high school and playing high school sports...but, his parents and he sure seem to be doing something right! To give you an indication of the selflessness of this kid and his parents, his best position (and, I gather, best hope for a college scholarship) is as a catcher, yet this entire summer, on his ONLY team, he played shortstop. He did this because we had another boy who was a pretty good catcher, but no one who could play a good shortstop. His family isn't wealthy and are hoping for academic/athletic scholarship(s) of some kind.
If this kid DOESN'T get a chance to play college ball, and some sort of scholarship assistance to help his family, there is no justice!!! They are a VERY classy family!
Just a note on home schooling. A child who is home schooled is able to participate in activities at his school of residience, the school he would attend if he was in school. Home schooled kids are able to play in bands, sports or take AP classes. There may be fees involved, but the courts have ruled on this, so this kid could play in a HS baseball team if he wanted to.
quote:A child who is home schooled is able to participate in activities at his school of residience, the school he would attend if he was in school.
Same thing here. Additionally, I think they can play for any private school they want.
I did not want to discuss the school problems but I guess I need to.
The drunken cussing coach who is a convicted pedifile already has all his kids (15 boys and girls) playing ahead of my son on varsity. He has more wives than Saddam. But you are correct, my son needs to play for him and my boy says that he will accept Islam instead of having his head cut off. I have been ducking the coach cause I owe him $100 bucks that he says is for the team steroid fund although we all know it is cause he lost so much gambling against the team. Every time we lose he kills one of his players (not one of his sons or daughters). I guess my son needs to be taught how to sacrifice.
Morale of the story is that not every team is a good experience for a good player, even a player with a good attitude and ability. Transfer is not an option because of the high school experience mentioned on earlier posts.
Thanks to those that answered my question that it is a tougher road.
The drunken cussing coach who is a convicted pedifile already has all his kids (15 boys and girls) playing ahead of my son on varsity. He has more wives than Saddam. But you are correct, my son needs to play for him and my boy says that he will accept Islam instead of having his head cut off. I have been ducking the coach cause I owe him $100 bucks that he says is for the team steroid fund although we all know it is cause he lost so much gambling against the team. Every time we lose he kills one of his players (not one of his sons or daughters). I guess my son needs to be taught how to sacrifice.
Morale of the story is that not every team is a good experience for a good player, even a player with a good attitude and ability. Transfer is not an option because of the high school experience mentioned on earlier posts.
Thanks to those that answered my question that it is a tougher road.
Stats-
I would read very carefully what Sirguy wrote being that they have been there, done that.
Since you son is not gonna get all of the exposure to colleges that high school players will get, I suggest marketing your son's talents anyway you can. Try to get him exposure through showcases and see if you can get some newspapers to write some articles about him. If your son is any good, there is no way a good scout is going to turn him away, even if he hasn't played hs ball.
I would read very carefully what Sirguy wrote being that they have been there, done that.
Since you son is not gonna get all of the exposure to colleges that high school players will get, I suggest marketing your son's talents anyway you can. Try to get him exposure through showcases and see if you can get some newspapers to write some articles about him. If your son is any good, there is no way a good scout is going to turn him away, even if he hasn't played hs ball.
Can't imagine anyone not taking a look at a high schooler cruising 91.
That is top 5 round draft material for professional baseball, depending on your size and projectibility.
Not a lot of high school kids in America "cruise" at 91.
On the other hand, can't imagine not playing high school baseball where you are likely to "dominate" many teams you face.
As long as you are admitted by the Admissions Office, I don't believe anyone cares whether or not you've played high school ball.
That is top 5 round draft material for professional baseball, depending on your size and projectibility.
Not a lot of high school kids in America "cruise" at 91.
On the other hand, can't imagine not playing high school baseball where you are likely to "dominate" many teams you face.
As long as you are admitted by the Admissions Office, I don't believe anyone cares whether or not you've played high school ball.
Stats
I don't know about others but I find your last post a bit difficult to believe,
His conviction aside, you say girls are on the varsity. How is that?
You also make some strong accusations which I find difficult to believe.
I would be careful as to what you put in print---you never know who is reading and with the recent situation regarding coaches winning lawsuits against fathers a word to the wise might be sufficient
I don't know about others but I find your last post a bit difficult to believe,
His conviction aside, you say girls are on the varsity. How is that?
You also make some strong accusations which I find difficult to believe.
I would be careful as to what you put in print---you never know who is reading and with the recent situation regarding coaches winning lawsuits against fathers a word to the wise might be sufficient
TRhit,
Gee, the girls on varsity is the tough part of the story to swallow. <G>
OK, it really was monkeys, not girls, that played the infield. If you don't believe me, check out the Disney movie (can't remember the name).
Gee, the girls on varsity is the tough part of the story to swallow. <G>
OK, it really was monkeys, not girls, that played the infield. If you don't believe me, check out the Disney movie (can't remember the name).
We have all been duped !!!!
Another TROLL !!!!!!
Another TROLL !!!!!!
Not a troll, really have a good kid in a bad situation. Last year at a tournament a pro scout asked the scorekeeper who my son was. I was close enough to hear the conversation. The scout asked two things, what is his name and what high school does he play for.
Believe me, it is a bad situation and several good players already quit the team this year. Please don't ask more because it probably would get around and hurt my kid.
Believe me, it is a bad situation and several good players already quit the team this year. Please don't ask more because it probably would get around and hurt my kid.
quote:Originally posted by kjktj:
Just a note on home schooling. A child who is home schooled is able to participate in activities at his school of residience, the school he would attend if he was in school. Home schooled kids are able to play in bands, sports or take AP classes. There may be fees involved, but the courts have ruled on this, so this kid could play in a HS baseball team if he wanted to.
It depends upon the state in which the player resides as to whether or not he is allowed to participate in a public school's sports programs. In Missouri, a home schooler is NOT allowed to participate - it is due to a MSHSAA (Missouri State High School Athletic Assoc.) ruling.
MoDad
I do not think that your state is alone
I do not think that your state is alone
I don't know about our state, but in our city, kids that go to the technology magnet school that doesn't have athletics CAN NOT play sports at their home school. I have not heard of any home school kids playing at the public high schools.
Now, one of those travel teams I spoke of, mostly consists of home-schooled kids, and a few kids in public school. They literally have four seasons of travel ball.
Now, one of those travel teams I spoke of, mostly consists of home-schooled kids, and a few kids in public school. They literally have four seasons of travel ball.