Northwestern

I like the direction they are trying to go... Their non conference schedule last year was impressive, playing Duke, Missouri, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech...

They've alternated brutally bad seasons with .500 seasons the last 4 years... Evanston is essentially the north side of Chicago, and anything the program does is going to be vastly overshadowed by all things Cubs Cubs Cubs in that area.  Most of the Big Ten teams don't really draw all that well, but at least on the campuses of Iowa & Indiana (for instance) there is a little bit of hype going into the season...

Northwestern is a fantastic school, academically.  They seem to be struggling to get the very top players in Illinois to commit.  There is a ton of high school talent in Illinois, but the best of the best are going elsewhere.  It is tough when you are a Power 5 school and arguably only the 3rd best team in your state (Illinois State is on the rise) and Notre Dame is just 60-90 minutes from Chicago, too. A lot of their 2020 class seems to be from out of state... They only have 2 commits right now from their 2021 class so far

Leaves the Northwestern coaches in a tough spot.  Since they are so elite academically it is not the typical place you bring in JUCO guys.  The Northwestern staff has to bring in 2nd or 3rd or 4th Tier talent (relative to Power 5 schools) and develop them....

I meant to add:  just looking at Northwestern's admission requirements, 10% of applicants get in, you generally need a 32 on your ACT & a 4.0 GPA to get in.  While I would imagine that a top recruit who falls slightly below those thresholds can still get in, it is a daunting task to find recruits who combine elite athleticism & academics like that

Well, teams like Rice, Vandy, Cal, and Stanford seem to be able to get it done, even with very stringent academic standards. Michigan, too, recently. I just don't think of NWU when I think of Big10 athletic powerhouse.

3and2, thanks for the thoughtful reply. I noticed the dearth of '21 commits. Seems as though they have the pieces in place with new facilities and an energetic coaching staff, but two '21s seems like a low number at the end of summer. And yes, great school, great location. 

57special posted:

Well, teams like Rice, Vandy, Cal, and Stanford seem to be able to get it done, even with very stringent academic standards. Michigan, too, recently. I just don't think of NWU when I think of Big10 athletic powerhouse.

Football definitely drives the bus at NW - the new indoor facility on Lake Michigan is essentially a football project even though other sports will use it. It is pretty amazing, though. 

Just in our corner of SoCal there seem to be a lot of kids who are good students but talent tweeners (between Stanford and the Ivies). Seems that Northwestern could fish there with decent results.  

Anyone know if they are fully funded?  That could be part of their issue.

I know a lot. You can DM me. 

9and7dad posted:

Anyone know if they are fully funded?  That could be part of their issue.

I do not know - but would be very surprised if the B10 does not require all conference members to fully fund baseball scholarships.  It would be interesting to hear from anyone if that is not the case.

Big Ten has a minimum of 25% for scholarships. Every school manages differently but that’s the minimum. Accurate as of last year. 

MIDWEST MOM:  Do you think the fact that they only have 2 commits from the 2021 class so far is because they are waiting on ACT Scores?

Most probably it is the test scores.  Most high academic schools will not make an offer until they have the recruit submit test scores and transcripts.for an admissions pre-read.  If you look at most of the Ivy/Patriot you will see most do not have any commits.  

3and2Fastball posted:

MIDWEST MOM:  Do you think the fact that they only have 2 commits from the 2021 class so far is because they are waiting on ACT Scores?

I really don’t think that’s the case unless a kid is borderline bottom. They’re competing for talent and waiting for things to play out.  The academic barrier is not as high as the Ivy’s and some D3s although it is a factor if they think the kid couldn’t handle the academics. 

I've seen that only 10% of applicants get into Northwestern, and a 32 on the ACT is only the 25th percentile....I wonder how much below a 32 can an athlete go and still get in?

My son (2020) was recruited by them last year and attended their camp too.  The campus is beautiful and academics are top notch.  Also, the coaches are very positive supportive types.  They make very few offers without an idea of test scores and stated you needed at least a 1300 SAT.  Perhaps this is slightly flexible, but I doubt by much.  

The other challenge for them is VERY cold weather during most of the spring season.  I think my Florida-born son made up his mind otherwise when he saw the heaters along the dugout ceiling 😂

Most likely an 1150-1200 and a 26. It's also a sliding scale. A 4.0 with honors classes they can let the test scores slide. A 3.1 you're probably going to need higher ACT. If you throw 94 all bets are off. Walk ons are probably on their own. 

There are plenty of schools with very few or no 2021 commits, that shouldn't be a red flag. PG might also not be up to date. I know of one school with 5 2021s that only has 2 listed on PG. It varies. That being said the Big 10 is pretty tough and they are towards the bottom. You put NW in a different conference and they are probably more successful. It's still good baseball. Being surrounded by 3 very strong academic public schools with superior baseball in Michigan, IU, and Illinois doesn't help either, especially when ND is close enough to use the same airport.

They have their work cut out for them but as a recruit it's good baseball in a power conference with great academics in the safe suburban part of a big city. You have to see what other baseball options can compete financially and academically before making a decision. 

OskiSD posted:

My '22 attended camp there this summer and had a good experience on and off the field. I'm aware of the program's past struggles but the facilities are new and nice, coaching staff seemed full of positive energy, and the school speaks for itself. Does anyone have insights into the program?  Thanks very much in advance. 

Please feel free to message me. I have insight :-)

Midwest Mom posted:

Big Ten has a minimum of 25% for scholarships. Every school manages differently but that’s the minimum. Accurate as of last year. 

Big Ten schools also give 4-year scholarship commitments.

PABaseball, the commitments posted on PerfectGame are self reported. I could make a profile tonight for anyone and put them as a Vanderbilt commit and they will come up on the search. Nobody at PG (or PBR) is vetting these reported committments, they pretty much say so. Hence you can have a lot of variation in the accuracy of these commitment lists.

Here are some interesting numbers:

In 2018, only 2.6% of their athletic budget went to baseball

10 years budget shows a incremental increase

Compared to Indiana

Or Michigan, it will be interesting to see their 2019 expenses

In 2018, Compared to other members in the conference, only Rutgers and Penn State spent less.

2019 will be interesting,  the Equity in Athletics are submitted at year end. You can go to the Equity in Athletics Data Analysis Tool to review data once released.

57special posted:

Well, teams like Rice, Vandy, Cal, and Stanford seem to be able to get it done, even with very stringent academic standards. Michigan, too, recently. I just don't think of NWU when I think of Big10 athletic powerhouse.

Understanding the Vandy story would be interesting, consistent doormat until Tim Corbin arrived, how much do the financials impact success?

Northwestern

2018 Conference Comparison shows Vandy's budget

Versus Northwestern's budget

Midwest Mom posted:

3and2Fastball posted:

MIDWEST MOM:  Do you think the fact that they only have 2 commits from the 2021 class so far is because they are waiting on ACT Scores?

I really don’t think that’s the case unless a kid is borderline bottom. They’re competing for talent and waiting for things to play out.  The academic barrier is not as high as the Ivy’s and some D3s although it is a factor if they think the kid couldn’t handle the academics. 

I know several previous players and their respective ACT's.  Our guess is the avg ACT for the team is 29ish...which puts the roster avg ACT below HPY, but in line with the other Ivy's.  If HC sees a player he thinks can contribute and that player has a strong ACT 30+ he'll actively recruit him during Junior yr to help offset a big bat 27 ACT.  They do shop for players at bigger events outside of IL, and they like the AZ Junior Fall Showcase for P talent.  AND:  for some reason they are very slow to pay attention to solid players in the Northern Illinois area who are being heavily recruited and have the academic chops....very weird.

Much easier to get into ND than NW as a student athlete.

There is another member on this site whose son is committed to NW.  If the member doesn't feel comfortable piping in and there are substantive questions about their recruiting process I can PM the member to arrange a private conversation.   

EDIT: Adding.... Buddy of mine's kid and former player for our HS was actively recruited and offered by Ivy's and several Big Ten schools.  He was seen at a NW Camp summer incoming Sr yr, and offered on the spot.  He played all four years, albeit a supporting role his final two years.  He loved the experience!  The campus is beautiful, right on the lake, with access to the major train line to get into the city.  I live 20m north and attend a lot of the games.   

Gov posted:

……...

I know several previous players and their respective ACT's.  Our guess is the avg ACT for the team is 29ish...which puts the roster avg ACT below HPY, but in line with the other Ivy's.  If HC sees a player he thinks can contribute and that player has a strong ACT 30+ he'll actively recruit him during Junior yr to help offset a big bat 27 ACT.  They do shop for players at bigger events outside of IL, and they like the AZ Junior Fall Showcase for P talent.  AND:  for some reason they are very slow to pay attention to solid players in the Northern Illinois area who are being heavily recruited and have the academic chops....very weird.

Son knew a player a couple years ahead of him on his travel team that did have Ivy offers but selected NorthWestern.   He was a starting pitcher there all 4 years.   He could have easily been an Ivy SP as well for many years.  The family had significant money, so I don't think the baseball scholly was a drawing factor to Northwestern.  He had a younger brother (son's age) that took the same NorthWestern path but wasn't able to crack the lineup.   I suspect both kids got significant academic money at NorthWestern.   I know the younger brother scored a 35 ACT.

Their father was instrumental in introducing my son to Harvard's HC Walsh at PG WWBA back when my son first starting looking at HA schools.   This introduction would end up being a major turning point in my son's future recruiting efforts.    

Do agree with Fenway though, definitely some smart kids on the NW squad.  Know two players for NW who had 33 ACT's.... HC likely pairs the kids scores to enable admissions to work with him to strengthen his recruiting.  

I recall Yale's RC Tucker Frawley stating while he had a 31 ACT roster average, there were more players with ACT scores below the 31 than above.  So the ringer 33-36 players helped the overall recruiting process for Yale. 

Gov posted:

Midwest Mom posted:

3and2Fastball posted:

MIDWEST MOM:  Do you think the fact that they only have 2 commits from the 2021 class so far is because they are waiting on ACT Scores?

I really don’t think that’s the case unless a kid is borderline bottom. They’re competing for talent and waiting for things to play out.  The academic barrier is not as high as the Ivy’s and some D3s although it is a factor if they think the kid couldn’t handle the academics. 

I know several previous players and their respective ACT's.  Our guess is the avg ACT for the team is 29ish...which puts the roster avg ACT below HPY, but in line with the other Ivy's.  If HC sees a player he thinks can contribute and that player has a strong ACT 30+ he'll actively recruit him during Junior yr to help offset a big bat 27 ACT.  They do shop for players at bigger events outside of IL, and they like the AZ Junior Fall Showcase for P talent.  AND:  for some reason they are very slow to pay attention to solid players in the Northern Illinois area who are being heavily recruited and have the academic chops....very weird.

Much easier to get into ND than NW as a student athlete.

There is another member on this site whose son is committed to NW.  If the member doesn't feel comfortable piping in and there are substantive questions about their recruiting process I can PM the member to arrange a private conversation.   

EDIT: Adding.... Buddy of mine's kid and former player for our HS was actively recruited and offered by Ivy's and several Big Ten schools.  He was seen at a NW Camp summer incoming Sr yr, and offered on the spot.  He played all four years, albeit a supporting role his final two years.  He loved the experience!  The campus is beautiful, right on the lake, with access to the major train line to get into the city.  I live 20m north and attend a lot of the games.   

Gov,

I see what you are talking about,  it doesn't seem they've had much success getting players from the West, but this is only top level insights.

2019 - Distribution by State

2018 - Distribution by State

2017 - Distibution by State

2019 Distribution by Position shows a 50/50 split between under/upper class

2019 Team Roster Insights

33%  of the players were in-state  (10/19)

2 Juniors signed MLB

CollegebaseballInsights posted:

Gov,

I see what you are talking about,  it doesn't seem they've had much success getting players from the West, but this is only top level insights.

This seems to be evolving as the program is growing and diversifying. The 2020 class includes verbal commits from Arizona and Colorado. Northwestern had 3 senior draft picks this year.

Gov posted:

Midwest Mom posted:

3and2Fastball posted:

MIDWEST MOM:  Do you think the fact that they only have 2 commits from the 2021 class so far is because they are waiting on ACT Scores?

I really don’t think that’s the case unless a kid is borderline bottom. They’re competing for talent and waiting for things to play out.  The academic barrier is not as high as the Ivy’s and some D3s although it is a factor if they think the kid couldn’t handle the academics. 

I know several previous players and their respective ACT's.  Our guess is the avg ACT for the team is 29ish...which puts the roster avg ACT below HPY, but in line with the other Ivy's.  If HC sees a player he thinks can contribute and that player has a strong ACT 30+ he'll actively recruit him during Junior yr to help offset a big bat 27 ACT.  They do shop for players at bigger events outside of IL, and they like the AZ Junior Fall Showcase for P talent.  AND:  for some reason they are very slow to pay attention to solid players in the Northern Illinois area who are being heavily recruited and have the academic chops....very weird.

Much easier to get into ND than NW as a student athlete.

There is another member on this site whose son is committed to NW.  If the member doesn't feel comfortable piping in and there are substantive questions about their recruiting process I can PM the member to arrange a private conversation.   

EDIT: Adding.... Buddy of mine's kid and former player for our HS was actively recruited and offered by Ivy's and several Big Ten schools.  He was seen at a NW Camp summer incoming Sr yr, and offered on the spot.  He played all four years, albeit a supporting role his final two years.  He loved the experience!  The campus is beautiful, right on the lake, with access to the major train line to get into the city.  I live 20m north and attend a lot of the games.   

I'm surprised Notre Dame does not bring in more players from Indiana.

Notre Dame 2019 Distribution by State

Notre Dame 2018 Distribution by State

Notre Dame 2017 Distribution by State

fenwaysouth posted:

Gov posted:

……...

I know several previous players and their respective ACT's.  Our guess is the avg ACT for the team is 29ish...which puts the roster avg ACT below HPY, but in line with the other Ivy's.  If HC sees a player he thinks can contribute and that player has a strong ACT 30+ he'll actively recruit him during Junior yr to help offset a big bat 27 ACT.  They do shop for players at bigger events outside of IL, and they like the AZ Junior Fall Showcase for P talent.  AND:  for some reason they are very slow to pay attention to solid players in the Northern Illinois area who are being heavily recruited and have the academic chops....very weird.

Son knew a player a couple years ahead of him on his travel team that did have Ivy offers but selected NorthWestern.   He was a starting pitcher there all 4 years.   He could have easily been an Ivy SP as well for many years.  The family had significant money, so I don't think the baseball scholly was a drawing factor to Northwestern.  He had a younger brother (son's age) that took the same NorthWestern path but wasn't able to crack the lineup.   I suspect both kids got significant academic money at NorthWestern.   I know the younger brother scored a 35 ACT.

Their father was instrumental in introducing my son to Harvard's HC Walsh at PG WWBA back when my son first starting looking at HA schools.   This introduction would end up being a major turning point in my son's future recruiting efforts.    

Northwestern offers almost no merit-based academic scholarships, only need-based financial aid and athletic scholarships.

Son was recruited to NW as a freshman, but was told they don't make any offers until seeing 5 or 6 semesters of grades. In doing the research and talking to the coaches and ex-athletes (I have a vendor that specializes in hiring NW athletes!) I think you'd be surprised how lenient they can be for an impact player. I also got the impression that they don't fully fund the baseball program. Like maybe only 9 scholarships or so?? (I could be off on that.)

Also when we were there we went to a game at the beginning of the season and it was raining and about 35-40 degrees. Their stadium only seats about 300 or so if I recall and most of those seats were wet and empty!

Coincidentally his school will be playing them this season in April, I'm expecting it will be pretty cold still but hoping for the best!

BBMomAZ posted:

CollegebaseballInsights posted:

Gov,

I see what you are talking about,  it doesn't seem they've had much success getting players from the West, but this is only top level insights.

This seems to be evolving as the program is growing and diversifying. The 2020 class includes verbal commits from Arizona and Colorado. Northwestern had 3 senior draft picks this year.

It will be interesting if they increase their roster, the last 3 years 29 and 30.

KilroyJ posted:

Son was recruited to NW as a freshman, but was told they don't make any offers until seeing 5 or 6 semesters of grades. In doing the research and talking to the coaches and ex-athletes (I have a vendor that specializes in hiring NW athletes!) I think you'd be surprised how lenient they can be for an impact player. I also got the impression that they don't fully fund the baseball program. Like maybe only 9 scholarships or so?? (I could be off on that.)

Also when we were there we went to a game at the beginning of the season and it was raining and about 35-40 degrees. Their stadium only seats about 300 or so if I recall and most of those seats were wet and empty!

Coincidentally his school will be playing them this season in April, I'm expecting it will be pretty cold still but hoping for the best!

6 semesters is....three years, which is essentially the Ivy's traditional approach, right? All the more reason to take ACT/SAT as early as possible, as has been suggested in multiple threads on the site. Strange that Stanford/Rice/Duke commit kids so early.

OskiSD posted:

KilroyJ posted:

Son was recruited to NW as a freshman, but was told they don't make any offers until seeing 5 or 6 semesters of grades. In doing the research and talking to the coaches and ex-athletes (I have a vendor that specializes in hiring NW athletes!) I think you'd be surprised how lenient they can be for an impact player. I also got the impression that they don't fully fund the baseball program. Like maybe only 9 scholarships or so?? (I could be off on that.)

Also when we were there we went to a game at the beginning of the season and it was raining and about 35-40 degrees. Their stadium only seats about 300 or so if I recall and most of those seats were wet and empty!

Coincidentally his school will be playing them this season in April, I'm expecting it will be pretty cold still but hoping for the best!

6 semesters is....three years, which is essentially the Ivy's traditional approach, right? All the more reason to take ACT/SAT as early as possible, as has been suggested in multiple threads on the site. Strange that Stanford/Rice/Duke commit kids so early.

Stanford also decommits it’s fair share of kids in their Fall of senior year, seen that play out twice locally. Whether it was an admissions issue or they didn’t like where the player was at skill wise, they also commit guys early and part ways before NLI.

As a national contender, Stanford uses the same tactics as all the other big name schools to lock recruits up early, then watch the development and make the decision as their matriculation becomes closer as to whether to proceed with them.

2015 went to a Winter (Indoor) Camp there. We had lived in Illinois so knew what to expect from the weather. It was a different regime then (former HC there coached his 2 sons). NU recruited son for a while until they discovered (not hard to detect that he didn't hit for power. NU hitters had high strikeout rates, so it wasn't really a good fit for son. I know they were getting more facilities which it seems by OP are in place.

collegebaseballrecruitingguide posted:

Stanford also decommits it’s fair share of kids in their Fall of senior year, seen that play out twice locally. Whether it was an admissions issue or they didn’t like where the player was at skill wise, they also commit guys early and part ways before NLI.

As a national contender, Stanford uses the same tactics as all the other big name schools to lock recruits up early, then watch the development and make the decision as their matriculation becomes closer as to whether to proceed with them.

Other HA D1 schools that are baseball powerhouses do lots of the same.  Georgia Tech has taken plenty of Baseball players well below 3.0 GPA, with barely eligible SAT/ACT.  Regular students can't get into Tech without a 4.0 or higher and at least 1400 SAT. 

Vandy has the highest average SAT of any school in the country, beyond that of Harvard, Stanford, Yale etc.  I know kids going to Vandy for baseball that can't spell Vanderbilt.  This is not hyperbole.

I know who you are talking about Fenway of course as we had that conversation several years ago.  One thing to mention about the boys who went to NW you spoke about was that they were both multi sport athletes from a very prestigious private boys school that regularly sends high achievers to NW.  And just a really nice family too.