Opinions/Suggestions

quote:

SAT – 1740 – 600 Reading, 670 math. Retaking this weekend
ACT – 29 33/math, 32/reading, 30/Science and 21/English (On English section he ran out of time and could not complete that section. Will retake.
GPA 4.9/5.0

WOW! He seems a perfect fit for a Headfirst showcase. We never went to one, but they have a great reputation from what I read here.

somewhere - Welcome!

You son has a nice, smooth delivery. He looks like he knows how to pitch.

As a 2012, his size and velocity are still low for a D1-type recruit...most likely. An LHP with pitch-ability and command are advantages that often diminish the size and velocity standards sometimes applied to pitchers.

Sometimes all it takes is for one coach to see something he really likes. And of course there are D2's, D3's that are very good that may have more interest at this time.

His grades and test scores will help him to get a 'better' look by schools than most kids. That too is an advantage for him.

Chemical engineering? I, myself am an engineer so I sure do have an affinity for kids who want to go that route. It will be tough, in any college program, to take on that major while playing baseball...but I certainly wouldn't want to discourage you or him. I recently talked to a young lady who played basketball at Northwestern completing a degree in Economics and Applied Math. She went on to get a PhD and now works for a major oil company. I asked her how she did all of that..."Used 5 years instead of 4 to get that undergraduate degree." She thought that was really key.

Anyways, hope that all helps a little at least. Good luck and keep us informed about how it all goes!

quote:

Originally posted by justbaseball:
somewhere - Welcome!

You son has a nice, smooth delivery. He looks like he knows how to pitch.

As a 2012, his size and velocity are still low for a D1-type recruit...most likely. An LHP with pitch-ability and command are advantages that often diminish the size and velocity standards sometimes applied to pitchers.

Sometimes all it takes is for one coach to see something he really likes. And of course there are D2's, D3's that are very good that may have more interest at this time.

His grades and test scores will help him to get a 'better' look by schools than most kids. That too is an advantage for him.

Chemical engineering? I, myself am an engineer so I sure do have an affinity for kids who want to go that route. It will be tough, in any college program, to take on that major while playing baseball...but I certainly wouldn't want to discourage you or him. I recently talked to a young lady who played basketball at Northwestern completing a degree in Economics and Applied Math. She went on to get a PhD and now works for a major oil company. I asked her how she did all of that..."Used 5 years instead of 4 to get that undergraduate degree." She thought that was really key.

Anyways, hope that all helps a little at least. Good luck and keep us informed about how it all goes!

What he said.

I am an Engineer as well and I know I could not have handled college baseball and Engineering. That is just me however. We have several threads here that you should review regarding high academic majors and baseball. Hopefully, fenwaysouth will see this thread and comment as his son was an Engineering major at Cornell this year. It can be done and your son appears to have the grades and discipline to get it done. Like justbb said, welcome to the hsbbweb

Just a quick suggestion that you look at the smaller liberal arts colleges that have engineering. Many, not all, are D3 and therefore more balance between the academics and the athletic schedule. Scan the list of D3 baseball programs and cross reference for engineering. The elite academic D3s have the priorities in the right order and encourage athletes to pursue any major, even engineering.


Union (NY), Lafayette (PA), Swarthmore (PA) Trinity (CT) are top notch, smaller liberal arts colleges with engineering that come to mind in my neck of the woods, but there are others. Oh yeah, and Smith, but I guess he doesn't meet the crieria for that one and I am pretty sure they don't have baseball. (that was my poor attempt at college humor...sorry!)

Another thought are the 3/2 programs for engineering but I have no idea how that might impact his propsects for getting recruited, if a coach knows he is planning to do the 3/2 and will only be playing for him for 3 years, will it be a negative in tr ercruiting process?

PS, just re-reading my post. I didn't mean to imply that all the smaller LA colleges I mentioned are all D3 ...for example Lafayette isn't ....and I would add Bucknell to that list......I am simply stressing that the "engineering in a liberal arts context" at the smaller, more academic colleges might be a good core of colleges to consider if one wants to play a varsity sport and be a successful engineering (or pre med) student.

Right now, his grades seem to fit for many of those schools, assuming he has a strong curriculum of APs and honors. His scores are a good start but not a sure thing for the more selective of those schools. And, be sure he takes some SAT Subject tests, hopefully he is signed up for the June tests in math and science? If not, have him consider them in the fall if his list warrants it.

Somewhereinhouston,

Welcome to HSBBWeb. This is a great place to bounce ideas and to develop a plan. I agree with what most have posted here in terms of next steps to gain more exposure including PG, and HeadFirst. GPA (Grades PLus Athletics) is another showcase event with some mid-tier D1 & Ivy schools that have engineering. I believe they have a showcase coming up in Dallas. We had great results with HeadFirst.

In terms of TX, I really like Trinity University in San Antonio. Another poster (BOF) has a son going there next year. They are a very, very good D3 baseball program and a good engineering school from the research we did a few years ago. You'll have to look into chemical engineering specifics but it is a good place to start in IMHO.

At a much higher level, you really need to have a sit down with your son about academics and baseball if you haven't already. Straight up.....it is a rough road especially if it is chemical engineering. My son saw 25-33% engineering students change their majors after the first year. In a not so subtle way.....the Dean suggested they consider business or another major. The combination of engineering and baseball is pretty brutal but it can be done. What is very important is the coaching staff, support and flexibility.....every school is different and it is real important to understand where they differ. For example, some schools have mandatory study hall for freshmen or students with 2.5 or lower. My son's school has no mandatory study hall. It is assumed you will do the work. It takes a special kid to have the self discipline to get the work done without a coach looking over your shoulder constantly. Another topic to ask a coach is how do they handle mid-week games if your son has a chemistry lab? Just some food for thought as you start going through this process. One thing your son has going for him is that he is a pitcher. It can be a little easier on a student with a tough major if he is a pitcher rather than position player.

Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions.

quote:

Originally posted by somewhereinhouston:

2012 LHP/OF 5’ 8” 136#

Late bloomer and still growing (Barely shaves his fuzz).

Ehhh...I don't know. This may be his demise at the end of the day.



Sounds like you have a bright young man with a great future ahead of him.

Good luck!

Since you're grandfathered into the Texas Tomorrow fund you're going to need to find a state school in Texas. Probably a DII or DIII school. One of the best for engineering is University of Texas at Dallas.

With division II you'll have more options with: Angelo State, Tarlton State, Texas A&M International, Commerce, and Kingsville, UT Permian Basin, and West Texas A&M. I can't really speak for the DII engineering programs I listed.

Good luck! Looks like your boy is a great student with only great things in front of him.

quote:

Originally posted by somewhereinhouston:
He is attending the PG event here in Houston in June to get an unbiased view of his abilities and he will be playing this summer with the Houston Miracles.
Much will depend on his physical development over the next year. Part of me wants to just have him play at the tournament/showcase events and see what kind of interest he gets. Other part says I need to have a better plan.

There are many here that will tell you that you are not being active enough, I think that your plan so far is a good one. Showcase and play this summer and if he has potential he'll get attention. Sometimes you don't have to go looking beyond your back door.
The prepay plan is a good one and you have lots of good schools in TX.
This is however all about what he wants to do, not you, keep that in mind. If he wants to compete at the next level, he better show coaches he can, regardless of his attributes.

Thanks for your responses.
Ultimately he wants to play after high school to see where skills end up after he finishes growing. He stated that he would play for a Jr. college if it was a fit and the credits would transfer. He might generate more interest at that level.

BTW if baseball was not a consideration his plan would be to go to Texas A&M.

He is late to the game but it's not out of the question to find a team who will give him a chance on scholarship. I say go to showcases, camps and what not to get him out there for a chance but another route that shouldn't be looked down upon is walking on. Granted it's not a route that normally gives someone a chance to get in the lineup but it does give you a chance.

Good luck

quote:

Originally posted by somewhereinhouston:
BTW if baseball was not a consideration his plan would be to go to Texas A&M.

Don't forget that the Texas A&M Club Baseball team is another outlet to play at the next level. It's very competitive and tough to make the roster.

Texas A&M Club Baseball

PM sent

Thanks for all the previos replies.

Quick update
Son retook the ACT and score 33 composite. 35 Science and 34 math. He now has an idea of what a "blue chip" athlete must feel like. Good brain genes from his mother.

He has decided to attend the Headfirst showcase in Florida to see what kind of interest he may spark since many of the collages at the showcase have contact him from an academic perspective.

Hopefully if coach does have interest it may make it easier for the coach if my son already has been contacted by the univeristy admission department.

If nothing else he has already been accepted to Texas A&M School of Engineering.