Just got an email offering son a "walk-on" at D1 school here on west coast. Apparently school ran out of scholarship. It is one of my son's picks..not the top..but could be if tweaked..what to do
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There are a whole lot of factors to be considered...what's the size of the team right now? Do you trust the coaching staff? Would your son want to go to that school if it weren't for baseball? Will the spot still be open in the spring? It could absolutely be the right thing, but you definitely need to know and trust the coaching staff to do it!
Terrific!
Now take a deep breath and relax...and think about this.
An invited walkon does not require any commitment by your son (i.e. no letter-of-intent to sign nor even a verbal commitment). The only reason I can think of to commit to the coach is if it aids in his admission to the school and its a place he really, REALLY wants to go.
Otherwise, I wouldn't cut off your other options by letting the word get out that he is "committed" to the walkon school.
Congrats. Its a good step forward.
Now take a deep breath and relax...and think about this.
An invited walkon does not require any commitment by your son (i.e. no letter-of-intent to sign nor even a verbal commitment). The only reason I can think of to commit to the coach is if it aids in his admission to the school and its a place he really, REALLY wants to go.
Otherwise, I wouldn't cut off your other options by letting the word get out that he is "committed" to the walkon school.
Congrats. Its a good step forward.
We've had limited but generally good contact with the recruiting coach. No contact with the head coach. He showed up briefly at a camp this summer but didn't really connect with my son. This is an emerging D1 school, great academics, expensive and beautiful campus. We definitely need to ask more questions...but not sure even what to ask? I mean is it fair to ask what kind of position they envision for my son
Congratulations!
It is absolutely fair to ask about where they see your son. You need to ask the same questions if not more and get to know all the coaches.
He will have to compete for his position and even more since you are playing the full bill. Good thing is that he has a upper leg on being a recruited walk-on and may get other benefits from that such as player housing and early regristration if they have it.
JBB is correct that you should keep you options open since they are not giving any money and most likely no NLI.
It is absolutely fair to ask about where they see your son. You need to ask the same questions if not more and get to know all the coaches.
He will have to compete for his position and even more since you are playing the full bill. Good thing is that he has a upper leg on being a recruited walk-on and may get other benefits from that such as player housing and early regristration if they have it.
JBB is correct that you should keep you options open since they are not giving any money and most likely no NLI.
Not sure what you mean by an “emerging D-1 school”. Emerging in what way? How many baseball scholarships are they currently funding? If they currently fund the baseball program at 11.7 scholarships, your son will start out on the lower rungs of the ladder and will be faced with some challenges when he competes for playing time against players on scholarships. However, if they are funding fewer than the 11.7 scholarships, this could level the playing field for your son.
By all means you or your son should ask where he fits into their program. This is VERY important. Wouldn’t you want to know the color and the price of a car BEFORE you sign the sales contract?
Let’s look at the baseball aspect of your situation ONLY. For sake of discussion let’s ignore academics, location, cost etc etc and JUST look at baseball. I suggest your son to not get caught up in the D-1 athletics. In my opinion most D-1 “walk-on” players would be happier at something other than a D-1 because they normally get more playing time and opportunities at a D-2, D-3, NAIA or JUCO. Most players that transfer from D-1s to other colleges report back they are pleased with their move.
By all means you or your son should ask where he fits into their program. This is VERY important. Wouldn’t you want to know the color and the price of a car BEFORE you sign the sales contract?
Let’s look at the baseball aspect of your situation ONLY. For sake of discussion let’s ignore academics, location, cost etc etc and JUST look at baseball. I suggest your son to not get caught up in the D-1 athletics. In my opinion most D-1 “walk-on” players would be happier at something other than a D-1 because they normally get more playing time and opportunities at a D-2, D-3, NAIA or JUCO. Most players that transfer from D-1s to other colleges report back they are pleased with their move.
Newcomer, I sent you a private message so maybe check that space if you don't get it via email notification.
Newcomer, I think no one should accept an offer in the early signing period if it's not a GREAT fit! This certainly includes a walk on UNLESS it is exactly where your son wants to go.
When my son was in HS, he may have actually received more calls after the early signing period than before. Many schools use that time to wait and see who's left and your son could quickly rise to the top for some programs.
Again, there are months remaining and no need to feel pressured to do something if it's not the right choice! JMO
When my son was in HS, he may have actually received more calls after the early signing period than before. Many schools use that time to wait and see who's left and your son could quickly rise to the top for some programs.
Again, there are months remaining and no need to feel pressured to do something if it's not the right choice! JMO
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Good advice from all as usual...Consider the fit...also seriously consider a place he will likey play...careful of cutting of other options...Couple other things to be aware of...
While it is a step in the right direction, a positive indication of ability, and potentially really nice opportunity (particularly as a great fit or dream school)...
I would contact the coach and find out EXACTLY what his perception of a recuited walk on is. Housing? Guanteed roster spot? How binding does he consider it? Does he have other players on this program? Do they/have they played? What happens if they get a mad rush of late top flight JC kids? Is my spot in danger? Be aware that such verbal agreements are not binding. Nothing is signed. I would want to be VERY clear on this. It varies between coaches/schools. The follow up is of course how much do you know and trust the coach.
Might indeed be a great fit but you want to know exactly what a recruited walk on is in the schools eyes....
44
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Good advice from all as usual...Consider the fit...also seriously consider a place he will likey play...careful of cutting of other options...Couple other things to be aware of...
While it is a step in the right direction, a positive indication of ability, and potentially really nice opportunity (particularly as a great fit or dream school)...
I would contact the coach and find out EXACTLY what his perception of a recuited walk on is. Housing? Guanteed roster spot? How binding does he consider it? Does he have other players on this program? Do they/have they played? What happens if they get a mad rush of late top flight JC kids? Is my spot in danger? Be aware that such verbal agreements are not binding. Nothing is signed. I would want to be VERY clear on this. It varies between coaches/schools. The follow up is of course how much do you know and trust the coach.
Might indeed be a great fit but you want to know exactly what a recruited walk on is in the schools eyes....
44.
I can't see any benefit to a WALK ON situation. No baseball money probably for both semesters and a next to 0% chance of making the team or atleasy playing. Making the team and the 25 man travel roster ??????
Son's dream school made that proposition (its not an offer) and we turned it down. Then they offered to put him on a nearby JUCO which we declined as well.
Find a school that will offer you some baseball money and academic money or sit out a year and look at going next year if that school is important to your son. There are a lot of schools keep looking.
In the NCAA there are no other benefits that a student athlete can receive legally from the coach such as housing.
If you got so much money you don't care about the cost then take your shot.
You can ask the coach about your son's playing possibilities all you want. If he gives you a definitive answer I wouldn't trust him. He can't make unqualified statements until the end of fall and even then things can get turned upside down. There are no quarentees in College ball.
Son's dream school made that proposition (its not an offer) and we turned it down. Then they offered to put him on a nearby JUCO which we declined as well.
Find a school that will offer you some baseball money and academic money or sit out a year and look at going next year if that school is important to your son. There are a lot of schools keep looking.
In the NCAA there are no other benefits that a student athlete can receive legally from the coach such as housing.
If you got so much money you don't care about the cost then take your shot.
You can ask the coach about your son's playing possibilities all you want. If he gives you a definitive answer I wouldn't trust him. He can't make unqualified statements until the end of fall and even then things can get turned upside down. There are no quarentees in College ball.
quote:I can't see any benefit to a WALK ON situation.
Bobblehead, Sometimes a walk on is given a guaranteed roster spot. "Walk on" varies from program to program. That's one of the reasons they need to ask coach to explain in detail what it means. I have known kids to take this "offer" even though there was no baseball money attached because it was their "dream school". For some, playing isn't the most important thing and money doesn't matter either. Each and every situation and what they're looking for is different.
I'm not in favor of walk ons, but for some it does work. Just important to have as much info up front as you possibly can.
He said it was not his son's dream school but rather one he was interested in.
There are almost 300 D1 NCAA schools so if he is not getting an offer then he should keep looking. Dosen't have to close the door on that school but there is no committment on either side. Most schools do get several walk ons and a very few make the squad. Some do but I don't see the odds being very good. You spend all that money in getting to this point so why would you not look for a great offer from a great school. I don't think my son would only be happy at that one school. He loves where he is and had a large baseball and academic scholarship. Makes no sense to walk on unless money means nothing and the academics are top notch name brand.
There are actually tons of schools my son would love why settle for a walk on. No coach will guarentee playing time to a walk on and even most of his signed players. The JRs and Sr get most of the playing time and a few freshmen.
There are almost 300 D1 NCAA schools so if he is not getting an offer then he should keep looking. Dosen't have to close the door on that school but there is no committment on either side. Most schools do get several walk ons and a very few make the squad. Some do but I don't see the odds being very good. You spend all that money in getting to this point so why would you not look for a great offer from a great school. I don't think my son would only be happy at that one school. He loves where he is and had a large baseball and academic scholarship. Makes no sense to walk on unless money means nothing and the academics are top notch name brand.
There are actually tons of schools my son would love why settle for a walk on. No coach will guarentee playing time to a walk on and even most of his signed players. The JRs and Sr get most of the playing time and a few freshmen.
Seems sort of strange to me that a coach is offering walk on status before the NLI period.
lafmom is correct -
a "recruited invited walk-on" IS being offered a spot on the team "without athletic aid"
he will live in athletes dorms etc.
just clear up with the coach the details of the "offer", making sure you're both on the same page - -
and, as it isn't costing him anything, I'd tell him
"thank you, I'll sure consider it, is there a deadine"?
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a "
he will live in athletes dorms etc.
just clear up with the coach the details of the "offer", making sure you're both on the same page - -
and, as it isn't costing him anything, I'd tell him
"thank you, I'll sure consider it, is there a deadine"?
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invited walk-on article
excerpt from the grand poo-bah's article:
"In the case of ALL invited walk-on players the acceptance of the initial offer to be an invitee is a verbal commitment. There are no binding written agreements involved. A player is free to sign a scholarship offer with another school after verbally agreeing to walk on at the first school. I will leave the moral and ethical debate on this issue up to the individuals and their families."
hope that helps
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excerpt from the grand poo-bah's article:
"In the case of ALL invited walk-on players the acceptance of the initial offer to be an invitee is a verbal commitment. There are no binding written agreements involved. A player is free to sign a scholarship offer with another school after verbally agreeing to walk on at the first school. I will leave the moral and ethical debate on this issue up to the individuals and their families."
hope that helps
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My son was an invited recruited walk on and there was no guarentee he would play. I don't call that amking the team. He was recruited for over a year and lots of phone calls and emails. Unofficial visit in December.
I did ask the questions and he had to make the team. Called a "A" level recruite.Possible scholarship money in 2nd semester if money was freed up. No guarentees.
The team my son is on had some invited walk ons. 43 players cut to 36. Not sure if walk ons were still there when the dust settled but even some of the signed players saw no play time. You have to have your eyes open when you get involved in recruiting issues.
From your articl:
" Keep in mind that the walk-on player will have to be clearly better than the scholarship players at his position to get significant playing time. This is just the way the world works. It's not always fair.
In many cases the invited walk-on player is given the use of the same resources as the scholarship players. Things such as weight room usage times, training staff, dorm assignments (the walk on will pay a dorm fee (board), use of the athletic dining room (again the walk-on will pay), athletic department tutors, athletic department academic advisors among other items.
NCAA non-scholarship players do not sign a National Letter of Intent. The LOI comes into play only when scholarship monies are involved "
I did ask the questions and he had to make the team. Called a "A" level recruite.Possible scholarship money in 2nd semester if money was freed up. No guarentees.
The team my son is on had some invited walk ons. 43 players cut to 36. Not sure if walk ons were still there when the dust settled but even some of the signed players saw no play time. You have to have your eyes open when you get involved in recruiting issues.
From your articl:
" Keep in mind that the walk-on player will have to be clearly better than the scholarship players at his position to get significant playing time. This is just the way the world works. It's not always fair.
In many cases the invited walk-on player is given the use of the same resources as the scholarship players. Things such as weight room usage times, training staff, dorm assignments (the walk on will pay a dorm fee (board), use of the athletic dining room (again the walk-on will pay), athletic department tutors, athletic department academic advisors among other items.
NCAA non-scholarship players do not sign a National Letter of Intent. The LOI comes into play only when scholarship monies are involved "
A few thoughts that lie in between some of the others here:
* Stanford's 2nd all-time hitter (batting average) was a walkon...not even invited...coach didn't even know who he was. Took him 2 years, but had a tremendous career in the final two years.
* Another occasional poster on this site has an invited walkon son at Stanford who pitched quite a bit last year as a sophomore...even started a couple/few weekend games. He's in the running to pitch a lot more this year.
* One of Stanford's all-time leading pitchers (by record) received no more than book fees...yet worked his way to the top of the rotation.
HOWEVER...a walkon of any sort faces a VERY HIGH mountain to climb. These were extraordinary examples of what is possible...but not at all probable. Beginning with day one, an invited walkon will be climbing up from the bottom rung of the ladder...35 guys above him on that ladder.
He will be the bucket-guy while others shag during BP. He will chase home run balls over the fence or foul balls into the stands. He will rake. He will drag the field. He may not get BP every day. He may not get to hit in intra-squads all of the time. He will catch bullpens. When the team travels, he probably stays back at school in the dorms with 7 or 8 others like him.
He will work harder than everyone, and likely get less reward than anyone.
And if he can put up with all of this and still demonstrate his talent...he ?might? play.
No, not everything I said is an absolute, but many elements are truth. And many kids still love it. There are kids on my son's team who haven't played one inning in two years yet they're still there. And they love it.
Do it for the "right" reasons if your son wants...a good school, a good location or good academics. Don't do it just to say you play D1 baseball.
Fungo is correct. Think hard about it.
* Stanford's 2nd all-time hitter (batting average) was a walkon...not even invited...coach didn't even know who he was. Took him 2 years, but had a tremendous career in the final two years.
* Another occasional poster on this site has an invited walkon son at Stanford who pitched quite a bit last year as a sophomore...even started a couple/few weekend games. He's in the running to pitch a lot more this year.
* One of Stanford's all-time leading pitchers (by record) received no more than book fees...yet worked his way to the top of the rotation.
HOWEVER...a walkon of any sort faces a VERY HIGH mountain to climb. These were extraordinary examples of what is possible...but not at all probable. Beginning with day one, an invited walkon will be climbing up from the bottom rung of the ladder...35 guys above him on that ladder.
He will be the bucket-guy while others shag during BP. He will chase home run balls over the fence or foul balls into the stands. He will rake. He will drag the field. He may not get BP every day. He may not get to hit in intra-squads all of the time. He will catch bullpens. When the team travels, he probably stays back at school in the dorms with 7 or 8 others like him.
He will work harder than everyone, and likely get less reward than anyone.
And if he can put up with all of this and still demonstrate his talent...he ?might? play.
No, not everything I said is an absolute, but many elements are truth. And many kids still love it. There are kids on my son's team who haven't played one inning in two years yet they're still there. And they love it.
Do it for the "right" reasons if your son wants...a good school, a good location or good academics. Don't do it just to say you play D1 baseball.
quote:Originally posted by Fungo:
I suggest your son to not get caught up in the D-1 athletics. In my opinion most D-1 “walk-on” players would be happier at something other than a D-1 because they normally get more playing time and opportunities at a D-2, D-3, NAIA or JUCO.
Fungo is correct. Think hard about it.
quote:examples of what is possible...but not at all probable
Justbaseball, I think you nailed it with that sentence.
O44 says: "consider the fit"
And lafmom "Each and every situation and what they're looking for is different."
All great advice.
I agree with justbaseball based on what we have seen at other schools. A CA D1 walk-on is a very very tough position to start out in. However, as others have said, there are a few advantages that some will value highly, such as admittance and housing. In many CA schools, just getting accepted to the D1 school of your choosing can be a challenge. Also on campus housing can be very limited. An invited walk-on can be offered a guaranteed admittance and reserved housing. Though nothing is paid for, having these advantages over the other students applying can be a major accomplishment. Add a chance at competing for a spot on the baseball team and it may be enough for some to say yes to the school of their dreams. Each player has their different priorities. The good thing is you can consider the offer without a need to commit. 
As the "occasional" (is that all I am??! I contribute a GREAT DEAL in the Ladies Forum!) poster to whom justbaseball is referring , I do agree with much of what people are writing here.
The only caveat is: when it works, it is out- of-this-world-wonderful, dream-come-true kind of stuff. So with all the caveats, if you dare to dream your dream, it may come true. More likely not than will, but still the possibility exists. So just don't dash people's dreams across the board.
Also, in my son's case, this is the school he wanted to be at "if the baseball didn't work out". He adores every facet of the school, as far as I can tell. So for him, taking the plunge probably would have been wonderful even without the baseball. There was honestly no school that even came close in his mind. So that is why it never felt like a huge gamble. Since the OP said that in her(?)/his case that school is not at the top of the list, the answer might be different for this one.
Also, I do agree that if possible, you want to keep options open. I would certainly be suspicious if a coach who was only offering an invited walkon spot, also wanted a firm commitment this early in the year.
, I do agree with much of what people are writing here.The only caveat is: when it works, it is out- of-this-world-wonderful, dream-come-true kind of stuff. So with all the caveats, if you dare to dream your dream, it may come true. More likely not than will, but still the possibility exists. So just don't dash people's dreams across the board.
Also, in my son's case, this is the school he wanted to be at "if the baseball didn't work out". He adores every facet of the school, as far as I can tell. So for him, taking the plunge probably would have been wonderful even without the baseball. There was honestly no school that even came close in his mind. So that is why it never felt like a huge gamble. Since the OP said that in her(?)/his case that school is not at the top of the list, the answer might be different for this one.
Also, I do agree that if possible, you want to keep options open. I would certainly be suspicious if a coach who was only offering an invited walkon spot, also wanted a firm commitment this early in the year.
These posts are indispensible. Thanks to all. We got a bit of clarification (second hand) that this is an "invited" walk on..not a "recruited". Son emailed the coach back with "I need to speak with my parents.thank you very much for your offer. etc." Still need to ask many of the questions here. Son's gut is that this isn't the exactly perfect fit. Not yet. Obviously, we'll know more once we have a conversation with coach. For those interested, I'll post again with an update.
quote:Obviously, we'll know more once we have a conversation with coach. For those interested, I'll post again with an update.
You will, and I'm interested.
I have every confidence that he will give you as much informationi that he can..........
And, the decision, regardless of the outcome, will be pretty obvious.
I undetstand the risks, Newcomer, my son took them, and, I bet it works out for you too
Ask a lot of questions, the go for it........
A recruited invited walk on is a player the coaches have been talking to and following for a period of time but didn't make an offer to. Sending out recruiting info and making allowed contact. They may have committed to other people for various reasons. In our case they wanted experiemce (Transfers). Even if they made him an offer they had signed too many LHPs. Your son could do a walk on but it doesn't make any sense . This is not your drean school so I would move on. Most players love where they end up and the ones who don't transfer. If you don't get any other committments then you can do the walk on. Don't sit back and wait to be discovered be pro active.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:
Even if they made him an offer they had signed too many LHPs. QUOTE]
I am sorry but who ever heard of having too many LHP's?
Newcomer - Research of who they have on their roster and when it looks like they are going to be drafted or graduate will help. Check who they are bringing in as 06' recruits and 07' recruits.
As a pitcher, they will always need as many as they can get as most teams have almost half of the team are pitchers. They also tend to get most of the money! Check their stats as to how the coaches use their pitchers, do they get a lot of pitchers in the rotation or only use a few.
There is also the fact that they may have a great pitching coach where he can develop, but it would be much better to have a great pitching coach and be able to actually get time on the mound in the games....
Are we having fun yet?
Even if they made him an offer they had signed too many LHPs. QUOTE]
I am sorry but who ever heard of having too many LHP's?
Newcomer - Research of who they have on their roster and when it looks like they are going to be drafted or graduate will help. Check who they are bringing in as 06' recruits and 07' recruits.
As a pitcher, they will always need as many as they can get as most teams have almost half of the team are pitchers. They also tend to get most of the money! Check their stats as to how the coaches use their pitchers, do they get a lot of pitchers in the rotation or only use a few.
There is also the fact that they may have a great pitching coach where he can develop, but it would be much better to have a great pitching coach and be able to actually get time on the mound in the games....
Are we having fun yet?