Just an example,
Jake Locker QB for the Washington Huskies.
Plays Football but not baseball in College.
Played Summer College ball.
Considered one of the top prospect in baseball.
Whats his future in sport's.
I'm sure he'll make up his mind one way are another.
And I'm sure he is having fun doing it.
EH
Have you seen a college athlete's schedule? My daughter calls the season a break from the rigors of the offseason training. And the season is no picnic with missing a lot of Friday classes and often returning to campus late Sunday night. Those who can play two sports at the D1 level are phenomenal athletes.quote:Originally posted by Innocent Bystander:
Why shouldn't they have fun and play 3 sports in college as well? Why do we draw the line at 12th grade?
Thats simply not being realistic. Playing two is pushing it bigtime at the college level. There are only a handfull every year that do it and it is a real strain. I dont think anyone would be having much fun trying to play three sports in college.
Thought I would weigh in here since I started this.
My original post was that my kid loves playing multiple sports to the point that he tends to ignore the other sports during the off-season. I was simply unsure if I should push him to stay active in his off-season sports. In no way would I encourage him to stop doing what he loves.
I know two ex-major leaguer baseball players that have both said they played all sports in HS and would not do it any differently. One player thought that his best sport would be basketball, but it wasn't until his senior year of HS that it became evident baseball was his ticket. Three years ago a kid that was a senior in HS was a non-starter on our high school baseball team. After he graduated HS, his body changed and he became physically stronger and much faster. After 2 years of JC, he is now at a top D1 school. My point being that these HS Sophmores and Juniors are still going to change and may develop into something they are not.
My son never had played any football and is simply punting and holding this year. I doubt he has the same injury risk as the other players. He has played s****r for 10 years and had has zero injuries due to s****r. Worrying about injuries in sports is not the way to go through HS. He has gone through skateboarding, snowboarding, basketball, tennis, golf, and volleyball. He could have been hurt in any of those things (well maybe not golf), but the experience and enjoyment was well worth any risk.
If a kid doesn't want to play multiple sports that is fine, but I feel strongly that if a kid is considering it they should be encouraged to do so, especially if they are still growing.
My original post was that my kid loves playing multiple sports to the point that he tends to ignore the other sports during the off-season. I was simply unsure if I should push him to stay active in his off-season sports. In no way would I encourage him to stop doing what he loves.
I know two ex-major leaguer baseball players that have both said they played all sports in HS and would not do it any differently. One player thought that his best sport would be basketball, but it wasn't until his senior year of HS that it became evident baseball was his ticket. Three years ago a kid that was a senior in HS was a non-starter on our high school baseball team. After he graduated HS, his body changed and he became physically stronger and much faster. After 2 years of JC, he is now at a top D1 school. My point being that these HS Sophmores and Juniors are still going to change and may develop into something they are not.
My son never had played any football and is simply punting and holding this year. I doubt he has the same injury risk as the other players. He has played s****r for 10 years and had has zero injuries due to s****r. Worrying about injuries in sports is not the way to go through HS. He has gone through skateboarding, snowboarding, basketball, tennis, golf, and volleyball. He could have been hurt in any of those things (well maybe not golf), but the experience and enjoyment was well worth any risk.
If a kid doesn't want to play multiple sports that is fine, but I feel strongly that if a kid is considering it they should be encouraged to do so, especially if they are still growing.
I agree with what you have stated, however, the trend is earlier and earlier signings, which means you have to be ready earlier and earlier. Fall is the typical time when many juniors get serious looks. Senior summer is most important as well.
Here where I live, HS baseball preseason begins early february. I know that it begins later in other parts of the country. I am sure if he had to sit around until spring to begin baseball he would be climbing teh walls.
My son wanted to sign early, so that meant he had to be reasy early. I do beleive that what he did in his junior fall (tournies, competitive fall ball) helped him in that process. Lot so stuff to think about it you are pretty sure what direction you want to go.
Here where I live, HS baseball preseason begins early february. I know that it begins later in other parts of the country. I am sure if he had to sit around until spring to begin baseball he would be climbing teh walls.
My son wanted to sign early, so that meant he had to be reasy early. I do beleive that what he did in his junior fall (tournies, competitive fall ball) helped him in that process. Lot so stuff to think about it you are pretty sure what direction you want to go.
Our high school tryouts can't happen until the first week of March. The season runs from late March to late May. If a team goes to states they're playing into June.quote:Originally posted by TPM:
Here where I live, HS baseball preseason begins early february. I know that it begins later in other parts of the country. I am sure if he had to sit around until spring to begin baseball he would be climbing the walls.
My son still plays three sports and is involved with baseball from the week school starts in January through the end of fall ball the first weekend in November. In the fall he's playing fall ball on top of high school s****r. In the winter he's practicing baseball on top of high school basketball.
I can see how geography makes a difference. Fall ball here can begin august and run through december (holiday tournies). A few weeks off and then tryouts begin for baseball end of january, with a few weeks of practice before preseason mid february. Baseball is done by mid may and goes until june for county and state playoffs. Our playoffs go by district, region, county, state. Those that don't make the playoffs are already practicing with their summer team. Actually I remember a few folks being quite upset that some kids played s****r, never showed up for try outs or practice and then found a place on the team. Now one of the stipulations if that you have to come to tryouts and practice.
I do remember that son wanted to play volleyball, but it actually didn't overlap ab it, but played simultaneously.
I do remember that son wanted to play volleyball, but it actually didn't overlap ab it, but played simultaneously.
The last two fall seasons my son almost never went to practice. The team was based 45 miles away. I gave him a harder workout than the team provided. He produced. No one complained because he never missed summer practices. This fall he's on a local team. He doesn't miss practices unless the s****r team plays at night (three games, missed a practice last week).quote:Originally posted by TPM:
Actually I remember a few folks being quite upset that some kids played s****r, never showed up for try outs or practice and then found a place on the team. Now one of the stipulations if that you have to come to tryouts and practice.
quote:Originally posted by Coach May:
Thats simply not being realistic. Playing two is pushing it bigtime at the college level. There are only a handfull every year that do it and it is a real strain. I dont think anyone would be having much fun trying to play three sports in college.
My 14 yr old frosh works at baseball 12 months and is dropping basketball this yr because of all the time he has to put in practicing 2 sports. He has no desire to continue basketball and is getting annoyed by the pressure from sucker, track and basketball coaches. He wants time for homework, friends and baseball workouts. I see no reason to push him into doing something he might do very well but has no desire to do when he's already very busy and seems to know what he wants. If he was playing another sport he'd be making another kid sit who might actually WANT to play the sport.
My older son got sweet talked into playing basketball his senior yr and regretted it half way thru the season when the baseball team started getting serious and he was not allowed to participate.
If a kid wants to do it that's fine. And if he doesn't, that should be fine too. The kids that play 2 sports in college probably think it's cool too, but I bet the college coaches would rather have u play only one sport in college.
If a kid wants to play multiple sports then fine. But I think its only fair to be honest with kids. Lets cut through all the sugar coating for a minute. When you have kids working out all year , core work , agility work , hitting , speed training , long toss etc etc playing high level baseball in the summer and fall and they are talented to start with that is a pretty strong situation for that player. Now another kid is spending about 1/3 the time on baseball as that other kid. Unless you are very talented and super athlete you are working from behind. How many kids can put down a sport for 3 5 7 months and compete with other kids that train and work at a sport year round?
Now if your son is a stud and the game comes very easy to him fine. But your kidding yourself in todays baseball world if you think two equally talented players will remain equal in the above scenario at baseball. Its not going to happen.
So be honest with the kid. Tell him have fun and enjoy all the sports you want to play. But also make sure he understands that he is not competing against just the players in his home town. Or the players in his home county or home state. When it comes to college roster spots he is competeing against every kid in the US that wants a spot as well.
Again if they want to play multiple sports go for it. But put all the cards on the table. A four month player will not be capable of competeing with a year round player of similar baseball ability. Because the year round player will make huge strides over the course of his hs days. The ones that actually work at it and train at it.
And remember many of the players that are working at the game year round are pretty talented to start with. Yes have fun. Yes play as many sports as you want to play. And yes be honest with them and what they are going to be up against when push comes to shove. Basketball players that work at basketball year round will out perform ones that dont. You can say that these other sports help you become a better athlete. Yes they do. But working at baseball specific drills and the like make you not only a better athlete but a better baseball player.
12 month baseball players make huge jumps each year. The ones that are dedicated and consistent. They actually enjoy the training because they can see the results.
March to June - HS Season
July to Oct - Fall Season
Nov to Feb - Off Season
During the HS season everyone is working at the game. Good programs have consistent weight , agility , core and long toss programs.
July to Oct - Play on the weekends and work your butt off on the core , Long Toss , weights , agility , hitting , fielding etc.
Nov to Feb - No games intense core work outs , weight training (baseball specific) agility training , hitting etc.
Now contrast that to a player playing multiple sports.
Again I am all for kids playing as many sports as they want to play and having fun doing it. But be honest with them going in. You will be up against the wall competeing against other players that are getting after it year round. Sorry but thats a fact.
In my day this was not the case. Everyone played multiple sports. The better players did not widen the gap over the four years in hs. Now the players that work year round widen that gap considerably over the four years in hs. They come in a little better and they leave alot better. You can disagree if you want to thats fine. But I am just being honest from what I see year after year. The players that I coach that are dedicated and work year round at the game and the things that make you a better player grow leaps and bounds over the ones that do not and the ones that play multiple sports.
Have fun and do all you want to do. Just make sure the player understands reality and not make believe.
Now if your son is a stud and the game comes very easy to him fine. But your kidding yourself in todays baseball world if you think two equally talented players will remain equal in the above scenario at baseball. Its not going to happen.
So be honest with the kid. Tell him have fun and enjoy all the sports you want to play. But also make sure he understands that he is not competing against just the players in his home town. Or the players in his home county or home state. When it comes to college roster spots he is competeing against every kid in the US that wants a spot as well.
Again if they want to play multiple sports go for it. But put all the cards on the table. A four month player will not be capable of competeing with a year round player of similar baseball ability. Because the year round player will make huge strides over the course of his hs days. The ones that actually work at it and train at it.
And remember many of the players that are working at the game year round are pretty talented to start with. Yes have fun. Yes play as many sports as you want to play. And yes be honest with them and what they are going to be up against when push comes to shove. Basketball players that work at basketball year round will out perform ones that dont. You can say that these other sports help you become a better athlete. Yes they do. But working at baseball specific drills and the like make you not only a better athlete but a better baseball player.
12 month baseball players make huge jumps each year. The ones that are dedicated and consistent. They actually enjoy the training because they can see the results.
March to June - HS Season
July to Oct - Fall Season
Nov to Feb - Off Season
During the HS season everyone is working at the game. Good programs have consistent weight , agility , core and long toss programs.
July to Oct - Play on the weekends and work your butt off on the core , Long Toss , weights , agility , hitting , fielding etc.
Nov to Feb - No games intense core work outs , weight training (baseball specific) agility training , hitting etc.
Now contrast that to a player playing multiple sports.
Again I am all for kids playing as many sports as they want to play and having fun doing it. But be honest with them going in. You will be up against the wall competeing against other players that are getting after it year round. Sorry but thats a fact.
In my day this was not the case. Everyone played multiple sports. The better players did not widen the gap over the four years in hs. Now the players that work year round widen that gap considerably over the four years in hs. They come in a little better and they leave alot better. You can disagree if you want to thats fine. But I am just being honest from what I see year after year. The players that I coach that are dedicated and work year round at the game and the things that make you a better player grow leaps and bounds over the ones that do not and the ones that play multiple sports.
Have fun and do all you want to do. Just make sure the player understands reality and not make believe.
Let me add this. There are some kids that play other sports that put in the time at the off season sport. They work very hard and they do quite well.
Then there's the flip side of giving up sports. I've seen kids give up the wrong sport to focus on another. There's too much physical development or not understanding the development has ended to make early decisions on dropping sports.
There's a kid in our high school who gave up s****r freshman year to focus on baseball year round. He should have given up baseball to focus on s****r. He didn't start on the freshman team as a freshman. Given the depth of sophomore and freshman talent in the program I can't see him ever starting. His parents didn't understand the kid was only a rec ball stud.
In another situation a kid gave up baseball freshman year to focus on s****r and basketball. S****r was his love as a kid. This kid had a lot of potential as a pitcher. He threw hard through middle school relative to his age. He's now 6'3". As a junior he wasn't getting field time in s****r and quit to focus on basketball. He won't start in basketball as a junior. He could have progressed to be a varsity starting pitcher by junior year.
There's a kid in our high school who gave up s****r freshman year to focus on baseball year round. He should have given up baseball to focus on s****r. He didn't start on the freshman team as a freshman. Given the depth of sophomore and freshman talent in the program I can't see him ever starting. His parents didn't understand the kid was only a rec ball stud.
In another situation a kid gave up baseball freshman year to focus on s****r and basketball. S****r was his love as a kid. This kid had a lot of potential as a pitcher. He threw hard through middle school relative to his age. He's now 6'3". As a junior he wasn't getting field time in s****r and quit to focus on basketball. He won't start in basketball as a junior. He could have progressed to be a varsity starting pitcher by junior year.
How many 6'3 power forwards in HS have you seen? A ton of them. They believe that they are going to be the next Sir Charles. They give up football because they want to concentrate on basketball. I understand what you are saying. But this is the HSBBW. I am talking about kids whose first love is baseball. Kids who have a desire to play baseball in college but play other sports because they are fun.
Most kids I know that love baseball love working at getting better at baseball. Show me a baseball player that does not love to work at getting better at baseball and I will show you a kid that will not last very long at the next level if he indeed goes to the next level.
Most kids I know that love baseball love working at getting better at baseball. Show me a baseball player that does not love to work at getting better at baseball and I will show you a kid that will not last very long at the next level if he indeed goes to the next level.
This may be redundant,.....but perhaps worth repeating:
quote:" Play both sports until the competition convinces you otherwise!! "
Thats a great quote. Hopefully its not too late once your convinced. 
So you are saying kids should give up enjoyment, playing for their high school for a shot at the baseball pro lottery?
Not all 6'3 high school basketball players think they are heading to the NBA, in fact, most know they won't even play in college because baseball is their choice. They still play for every other reason except the notion of playing past high school.
College coaches love athletes, pro scouts love athletes. Go to a majority of college player bio's and look at their high school information. Littered with multi-sport accolades.
Not all 6'3 high school basketball players think they are heading to the NBA, in fact, most know they won't even play in college because baseball is their choice. They still play for every other reason except the notion of playing past high school.
College coaches love athletes, pro scouts love athletes. Go to a majority of college player bio's and look at their high school information. Littered with multi-sport accolades.
No that is not what I said. And I do not think any kid should give up playing any sport that they want to continue to play. And I never said anything about the baseball lottery.
I simply was giving the other side of the story. Athletes that can not play are just athletic players. Of course athletic players that can also play are very desirable players.
I think its important to tell both sides of the story. The marginal college prospect that plays multiple sports needs to understand what I am saying. Or at least hear it.
Its only my opinion. Everyone is entitled to their own side of the story.
I simply was giving the other side of the story. Athletes that can not play are just athletic players. Of course athletic players that can also play are very desirable players.
I think its important to tell both sides of the story. The marginal college prospect that plays multiple sports needs to understand what I am saying. Or at least hear it.
Its only my opinion. Everyone is entitled to their own side of the story.
quote:Originally posted by OLDSLUGGER8:
It can almost be perceived that baseball only kids aren't much of an athlete, but a skilled baseball kid only.
Ouch!
Try telling the pitcher who just went 9 innings cruising in the 90's, he's not athletic.
The Truth is, That baseball players have much more skills then most Athletes need.
How many linemen throw the ball.
How many basketball players hit the ball.
How many swimmer's catch the ball.
How many golfer's run to there ball.
Wide recievers catch, but do not throw.
And the list goes on and on.
EH
How many linemen throw the ball.
How many basketball players hit the ball.
How many swimmer's catch the ball.
How many golfer's run to there ball.
Wide recievers catch, but do not throw.
And the list goes on and on.
EH
I agree with Coach May 100%! The Lebrons of this world can do this an be fine, but the average kid might find out too late that his dream of playing college baseball got lost because he spread himself too thin. There are a LOT of kids playing college ball who took better athletes spots on the team because they earned it.
Lots of pro's and con's on each side of the fence here.
I dont think there is a simple right or wrong answer.
It is my hope that from this conversation the parents will open their ears a little wider and keep an open mind about the decisions that they are making with regards to their own athlete.
My best advice would be to HEAR what your athlete is saying.
Dont just hear what you want to hear.
Discuss things. Be adaptable.
Bottom line: There is no one right answer.
Different athletes, different abilities, different needs, different areas of the country: thus nothing is set in stone.
Kids usually know before us parents do when their peers are starting to roll ahead of them or when their peers are sliding backwards as far as ability and committment is concerened. Only the athlete knows what is going on inside of his own head and only he knows how much he is truely committed to a sport or how much he wants to continue to try.
If an athlete wants to play other sports, I hope as a parent that you will consider it.
If they decided to dedicate themselves to one sport,...( no matter how much mom/dad wants junior to play football, sucker, basketball, baseball ), I hope you will consider their wants, as well.
I see many pre highschool/early highschool parents who, imho, get too concerned/focused about the " college scholarship " down the road ( they push and push and push ) and they forget about the element of fun that comes with the game.
It truely has to be the athlete's dream and no one elses.
Coach May brought up a good point.
At what point in the life-timeline does someone decide they are a marginal or a high college prospect?
When is it too late?
This could probably be another good topic for discussion on the HSBBW boards.
Life is short.
Keep an open mind and listen.
Ya might just be suprised at whatcha' hear and even what ya don't.
I dont think there is a simple right or wrong answer.
It is my hope that from this conversation the parents will open their ears a little wider and keep an open mind about the decisions that they are making with regards to their own athlete.
My best advice would be to HEAR what your athlete is saying.
Dont just hear what you want to hear.
Discuss things. Be adaptable.
Bottom line: There is no one right answer.
Different athletes, different abilities, different needs, different areas of the country: thus nothing is set in stone.
Kids usually know before us parents do when their peers are starting to roll ahead of them or when their peers are sliding backwards as far as ability and committment is concerened. Only the athlete knows what is going on inside of his own head and only he knows how much he is truely committed to a sport or how much he wants to continue to try.
If an athlete wants to play other sports, I hope as a parent that you will consider it.
If they decided to dedicate themselves to one sport,...( no matter how much mom/dad wants junior to play football, sucker, basketball, baseball ), I hope you will consider their wants, as well.
I see many pre highschool/early highschool parents who, imho, get too concerned/focused about the " college scholarship " down the road ( they push and push and push ) and they forget about the element of fun that comes with the game.
It truely has to be the athlete's dream and no one elses.
Coach May brought up a good point.
At what point in the life-timeline does someone decide they are a marginal or a high college prospect?
When is it too late?
This could probably be another good topic for discussion on the HSBBW boards.
Life is short.
Keep an open mind and listen.
Ya might just be suprised at whatcha' hear and even what ya don't.
quote:quote:
Originally posted by OLDSLUGGER8:
It can almost be perceived that baseball only kids aren't much of an athlete, but a skilled baseball kid only.
Ouch!
Try telling the pitcher who just went 9 innings cruising in the 90's, he's not athletic.
I can't speak for those that have gone to the next level. My son is a 15 yr old freshman who only plays baseball. He is without a doubt an athlete. He played football one year (7th grade) and decided he didn't like it (he was the starting QB and played safety). He has always been the ace pitcher and played shortstop on his Major level travel teams. Since he stopped playing football, parents and current football players are constantly asking him why he isn't playing and saying how much they would love for him to play football.
All I am saying is that there are athletes out there who only play baseball. Just because that's all they play doesn't mean they are not athletes. Maybe they just don't have enough love for the other sports to put in the time and energy it takes.
Those who think multi-sports is the way to go then more power to you. The best reason I have heard so far is that it is fun. Some off the cuff thoughts...
Those that are arguing that multiple sports somehow makes you more attractive to colleges is a stretch imho. I don't remember which thread it was but someone posted that baseball coaches were scouting football games. I have never heard of anything like that before. Similar to high SAT scores, it is a necessary condition but in and of itself is not a sufficient condition. I think Bee> once made the point that coaches don't scout libraries first looking for ball players.
The best baseball players are the most attractive to colleges imho. Athleticism is an important factor but not the only factor. Using this logic, Michael Jordon should have been the best baseball player of all time. Who was the better athlete - John Kruk or Deon Sanders? Kruk was definitely the better baseball player although he did not steal as many bases as Deon (186 to 58). I know we can all point to Bo Jackson but I argue that he was a great baseball player in addition to being a great athlete. No doubt great athleticism adds to the package of a great ballplayer. Somewhere a player needs to have/develop the necessary skills. The best way to develop baseball skills is to play baseball.
Those that are arguing that multiple sports somehow makes you more attractive to colleges is a stretch imho. I don't remember which thread it was but someone posted that baseball coaches were scouting football games. I have never heard of anything like that before. Similar to high SAT scores, it is a necessary condition but in and of itself is not a sufficient condition. I think Bee> once made the point that coaches don't scout libraries first looking for ball players.
The best baseball players are the most attractive to colleges imho. Athleticism is an important factor but not the only factor. Using this logic, Michael Jordon should have been the best baseball player of all time. Who was the better athlete - John Kruk or Deon Sanders? Kruk was definitely the better baseball player although he did not steal as many bases as Deon (186 to 58). I know we can all point to Bo Jackson but I argue that he was a great baseball player in addition to being a great athlete. No doubt great athleticism adds to the package of a great ballplayer. Somewhere a player needs to have/develop the necessary skills. The best way to develop baseball skills is to play baseball.
quote:I don't remember which thread it was but someone posted that baseball coaches were scouting football games. I have never heard of anything like that before.
That would be me.
You may not have heard of it before, but with all due respect, that doesnt mean it doesnt happen.
quote:Originally posted by shortstopmom:quote:I don't remember which thread it was but someone posted that baseball coaches were scouting football games. I have never heard of anything like that before.
That would be me.
You may not have heard of it before, but with all due respect, that doesnt mean it doesnt happen.
Interesting and I agree (with all due respect) that because I have not heard of the practice does not mean it does not happen. Perhaps you might also consider posting the names of colleges (you are aware of) that recuit baseball players from other sports. Kids who were so inclined could send them their football and basketball schedules this fall and maybe they'll come out and watch them play.
I agree with Coach May when says that players get better over the winter. If a player is working out 4-6 times per week at hitting, running, throwing and strength he will be further along come Feb/March when the spring season starts than others who are not.
I believe you improve over the winter by working on particular parts of the game. You implement and hopefully maintain these improvements during the seasons. IMO it's hard to improve when you're facing hard throwers and nasty breaking balls, you hope that the work you did in the winter helps you competer better with them.
What I see in my small corner of the baseball world is that the top baseball prospects are mostly baseball only guys. I know of one top prospect who also is a top football prospect but that is the only one I can think of. This may be different in the south and west but in the Philly/NJ area that seems to be the case.
I believe you improve over the winter by working on particular parts of the game. You implement and hopefully maintain these improvements during the seasons. IMO it's hard to improve when you're facing hard throwers and nasty breaking balls, you hope that the work you did in the winter helps you competer better with them.
What I see in my small corner of the baseball world is that the top baseball prospects are mostly baseball only guys. I know of one top prospect who also is a top football prospect but that is the only one I can think of. This may be different in the south and west but in the Philly/NJ area that seems to be the case.
You missed my point on the kid being 6'3". It wasn't about being a high school forward. It was about the baseball potential he had as a pitcher being 6'3" and was already throwing hard relative to 8th grade when he stopped playing baseball. The kid has the tools to play college ball in one sport .... baseball. He quit the wrong sport too early. Had he not chosen to focus on a certain sport heading into college he would probably be a college baseball prospect now.quote:Originally posted by Coach May:
How many 6'3 power forwards in HS have you seen? A ton of them. They believe that they are going to be the next Sir Charles. They give up football because they want to concentrate on basketball. I understand what you are saying. But this is the HSBBW. I am talking about kids whose first love is baseball. Kids who have a desire to play baseball in college but play other sports because they are fun.
Most kids I know that love baseball love working at getting better at baseball. Show me a baseball player that does not love to work at getting better at baseball and I will show you a kid that will not last very long at the next level if he indeed goes to the next level.
I just browsed the program guide of our local D1 college. 75% of the roster played multiple high school sports. Many played only one or two years at varsity baseball and three or more varsity years at other sports. Some pitchers pitched 10-20 innings their senior year in high school, and some hitters batted .300 with 2 HR and 15 RBI. This small sample tells me that the recruiting does tend to look at athletes first. A college coach has a big ego and feels that they can change a very good baseball player that is an athlete into a great baseball player.
Two points that heven't been touched on:
1. Burnout. Nobody thinks it will happen to them or their kid, but it happens all the time. At some point a kid looks up and realizes what else they are missing. My opinion is that year round baseball before the age of 16 is something to stay away from.
2. The rest of thier life. There is a sacrafice that is being made by playing college sports. It will effect their earning power for the rest of their carreer. Looking at the D1 program guide I realized that all these kids with a GPA or 4.0 or greater in high school were taking easy majors so they could play baseball. Less than one graduating player per year ends up making a good living off of baseball. What about the rest?
Two points that heven't been touched on:
1. Burnout. Nobody thinks it will happen to them or their kid, but it happens all the time. At some point a kid looks up and realizes what else they are missing. My opinion is that year round baseball before the age of 16 is something to stay away from.
2. The rest of thier life. There is a sacrafice that is being made by playing college sports. It will effect their earning power for the rest of their carreer. Looking at the D1 program guide I realized that all these kids with a GPA or 4.0 or greater in high school were taking easy majors so they could play baseball. Less than one graduating player per year ends up making a good living off of baseball. What about the rest?
Don't go here. Each sport is unique. It will turn into a ****ing match. I would argue if you put the best baseball player on a s****r field he would be instantly stripped of the ball. If you think s****r is so easy let me explain. When I asked my son what two years off from s****r did to his ball handling skills, he responded it ruined them.quote:Originally posted by kbat2012:
That's why the best athlete in the football, basketball, S0CCER could never hit a baseball. Baseball athlete is the best all-around athlete in sports.
We're a baseball first family. I played college ball. Here's my response to this statement ....quote:Originally posted by kbat2012:
Baseball athlete is the best all-around athlete in sports.
rotflmao
The best all-around athlete depends on how you define athlete.
If it is the guy with the best hand-eye coordination, then golf and baseball are at the top.
If it is the guy that has speed, quickness, power, stamina, and reactions, then the guy playing multiple sports is the probably best athlete.
My son will enter the HS baseball season in the best shape of the year after his football and s****r workouts. He will be in far better shape than every year round baseball player that has done the offseason school program. His baseball skills will be back to top level in about 3 weeks.
If it is the guy with the best hand-eye coordination, then golf and baseball are at the top.
If it is the guy that has speed, quickness, power, stamina, and reactions, then the guy playing multiple sports is the probably best athlete.
My son will enter the HS baseball season in the best shape of the year after his football and s****r workouts. He will be in far better shape than every year round baseball player that has done the offseason school program. His baseball skills will be back to top level in about 3 weeks.
Scouts and college coaches don’t attend football games to find baseball players. However, once a player is recognized as a prospect, it is very common for scouts to attend football, even basketball games to see that prospect perform. I used to do it myself. Therefore, yes scouts and recruiters often ask for football, basketball schedules.
I once went to a football game in the small town of Center Point, IA. to watch a kid play football. There were no football scouts in attendance (that I know of) because there were no football “prospects” playing in that game. There were four baseball scouts at that game, though. They were all there for the same reason.
Once a player is recognized as a prospect, scouts want to learn as much as possible about him. While they would much prefer to see that player in baseball, they can still learn things from watching him do other things. It also gives them the opportunity to visit, show interest and observe parents as well as the player.
This doesn’t mean there is an advantage or disadvantage for the player in playing other sports. But if there is money involved (draft or scholarship) those who are responsible will want to see and know everything humanly possible about a kid.
Question… How many times has your player while being recruited talked to college recruiters about things that have nothing to do with baseball? Ask them!
College recruiters and scouts want to know as much as possible about the players they recruit or draft. Fishing, hunting, other sports and other activities are common topics. Most often they are trying to figure out if the player can communicate and if they actually like the kid. Players who have trouble communicating are harder to coach, thus less likely to succeed. All things being equal, the determining factor can be how much they like this kid. They are the same as the rest of us and all things being equal do we favor those we like the most?
Baseball talent is fairly obvious in most cases. All the other stuff then becomes very important.
I once went to a football game in the small town of Center Point, IA. to watch a kid play football. There were no football scouts in attendance (that I know of) because there were no football “prospects” playing in that game. There were four baseball scouts at that game, though. They were all there for the same reason.
Once a player is recognized as a prospect, scouts want to learn as much as possible about him. While they would much prefer to see that player in baseball, they can still learn things from watching him do other things. It also gives them the opportunity to visit, show interest and observe parents as well as the player.
This doesn’t mean there is an advantage or disadvantage for the player in playing other sports. But if there is money involved (draft or scholarship) those who are responsible will want to see and know everything humanly possible about a kid.
Question… How many times has your player while being recruited talked to college recruiters about things that have nothing to do with baseball? Ask them!
College recruiters and scouts want to know as much as possible about the players they recruit or draft. Fishing, hunting, other sports and other activities are common topics. Most often they are trying to figure out if the player can communicate and if they actually like the kid. Players who have trouble communicating are harder to coach, thus less likely to succeed. All things being equal, the determining factor can be how much they like this kid. They are the same as the rest of us and all things being equal do we favor those we like the most?
Baseball talent is fairly obvious in most cases. All the other stuff then becomes very important.
Quote:
"My son will enter the HS baseball season in the best shape of the year after his football and s****r workouts. He will be in far better shape than every year round baseball player that has done the offseason school program. His baseball skills will be back to top level in about 3 weeks."
Possibily his baseball skills could be higher if he trained for baseball all winter.
Plus there a far better off season programs that what the schools have to offer.
I am not saying one is better than the other just that working at one sport most of the year makes you better at that sport.
"My son will enter the HS baseball season in the best shape of the year after his football and s****r workouts. He will be in far better shape than every year round baseball player that has done the offseason school program. His baseball skills will be back to top level in about 3 weeks."
Possibily his baseball skills could be higher if he trained for baseball all winter.
Plus there a far better off season programs that what the schools have to offer.
I am not saying one is better than the other just that working at one sport most of the year makes you better at that sport.
BLP I couldn't disagree more.
In fact most BB coaches don't care about anything but BB.
SSMOM's biline always makes me want to change a couple words.
You play 2 sports until the coaches tell you you can't. Competition doesn't dictate whether you play a sport it is skill level and if you are playing a sport that interfers with practice or BB games the coach should tell you to make your mind up which one you are serious about.
Our coaches wouldn't let you miss a practice or be late ubless you had an excuse that they accepted in advance. Being on time meant an hour before a game and half an hour before a practice. We are talking not 1 min late. Didn't matter if you were the best player or not.
Every year the coach told the players that if they wanted to play golf they could not be on his team. One guy was on the NIKE JR golf tour for 2 years and gave it up to play BB. That was a 17U elite team. He did get a scholarship to play college ball and had some pro interest. He was an amzing athlete.
BB coaches care about BB skills. Bios are often inaccurate and are given by the player.
My son played 5 years of BKTB in HS and didn't play BB in HS his last year. He concentrated on his elite BB which was far more competetive and demanding.
Coaches are fuuny because they only care about BB. They give scholarship money and expect a return on their investment.
If your son can play another sport and not miss practices and games then go for it but realise that if you injur yourself you may have jeprodised your college scholaship. I have seen thsi several times.
Coaches also have to deal with players who are upset by guys not puttong 1005 into the BB team. While they are grinding at practices and games you had better be there evey min.
When my son wanted to play varsity BKTB at his HS which is a BKTB power house we talked about it and he understood what the consequences were. He in fact injured himself in an important game and fortunately it was not serious. He still went to BB practices and hobb;ed around for a month. This was just before he was heading to college. I was concerned that the offers might be withdrawn but he was 100% before leaving for college. I have seen guys sustain serious injuries in other sports. My son only gave up other sports in his SR year but he knew BB was his ticket.
In fact most BB coaches don't care about anything but BB.
SSMOM's biline always makes me want to change a couple words.
You play 2 sports until the coaches tell you you can't. Competition doesn't dictate whether you play a sport it is skill level and if you are playing a sport that interfers with practice or BB games the coach should tell you to make your mind up which one you are serious about.
Our coaches wouldn't let you miss a practice or be late ubless you had an excuse that they accepted in advance. Being on time meant an hour before a game and half an hour before a practice. We are talking not 1 min late. Didn't matter if you were the best player or not.
Every year the coach told the players that if they wanted to play golf they could not be on his team. One guy was on the NIKE JR golf tour for 2 years and gave it up to play BB. That was a 17U elite team. He did get a scholarship to play college ball and had some pro interest. He was an amzing athlete.
BB coaches care about BB skills. Bios are often inaccurate and are given by the player.
My son played 5 years of BKTB in HS and didn't play BB in HS his last year. He concentrated on his elite BB which was far more competetive and demanding.
Coaches are fuuny because they only care about BB. They give scholarship money and expect a return on their investment.
If your son can play another sport and not miss practices and games then go for it but realise that if you injur yourself you may have jeprodised your college scholaship. I have seen thsi several times.
Coaches also have to deal with players who are upset by guys not puttong 1005 into the BB team. While they are grinding at practices and games you had better be there evey min.
When my son wanted to play varsity BKTB at his HS which is a BKTB power house we talked about it and he understood what the consequences were. He in fact injured himself in an important game and fortunately it was not serious. He still went to BB practices and hobb;ed around for a month. This was just before he was heading to college. I was concerned that the offers might be withdrawn but he was 100% before leaving for college. I have seen guys sustain serious injuries in other sports. My son only gave up other sports in his SR year but he knew BB was his ticket.
I dont know if I would agree with the othner athletes being in far better shape then a competitive baseball player. Your avg. player who just goes to practice maybe.But the serious players I know do a lot of training in the off season. My son and many of his friends have gone to personal trainers 3 times a week. they do running, sprints, weights, pylometrics, my son went to a playce where professional athletes went and he was in very good athletic shape and continues to be.
Maybe your thinkng basball players just run a little and play baseball, that is just not the case anymore for a serious bb player they have to work their bodies out to become stronger , faster, quicker etc. Fillsfan dont agree with you on that statement.
Maybe your thinkng basball players just run a little and play baseball, that is just not the case anymore for a serious bb player they have to work their bodies out to become stronger , faster, quicker etc. Fillsfan dont agree with you on that statement.
quote:Originally posted by fillsfan:
Possibily his baseball skills could be higher if he trained for baseball all winter.
Plus there a far better off season programs that what the schools have to offer.
I am not saying one is better than the other just that working at one sport most of the year makes you better at that sport.
This is really the root of the issue. How much better would he be? Are you risking burnout or overuse issues? And if you are recruiting, and you think he could be better if he played full time, wouldn't you take that into consideration?
This argument has run its course. I' m sure for every baseball player who got injured playing a different fall sport, a baseball pitcher playing fall ball injured his arm or elbow and wondered if it would happen the other way around. The kid goes around high school once in his life, let him live it the way he wants so he will have no regrets later.
Great athletes are born, not made.
Great athletes are born, not made.
quote:Originally posted by Blprkfrnks:
My son will enter the HS baseball season in the best shape of the year after his football and s****r workouts. He will be in far better shape than every year round baseball player that has done the offseason school program. His baseball skills will be back to top level in about 3 weeks.
As I posted earlier I am all for multiple sports, but make no mistake about it, it DOES come with a penalty. You will compromise your baseball skills by playing other sports, the question is how much, and how much you can afford. This question can only be answered by the individual player based on his objectives. Again most will never play college baseball so who cares. If you have the aspirations to play beyond HS then you have to weight your natural talents vs. the competition.
You are misguided to assume that your son will be in top-level baseball shape in 3 weeks. He may be in usable or functional form, but being in top level hitting shape takes months of work. I would argue that to be an elite hitter you never stop hitting. Top level pitching takes months of work, and to be an elite pitcher means you must always be throwing. (except for planned shut downs)
IMO the perfect advice continues to be “let the competition decide for you” (thanks Ssmom!)
PG Staff
I sent you a pm
I sent you a pm
I'm not sure what s****r has to do with the conversation. The person compared baseball players to all other athletes. I'll stick with rotflmao.quote:Originally posted by kbat2012:quote:Originally posted by RJM:We're a baseball first family. I played college ball. Here's my response to this statement ....quote:Originally posted by kbat2012:
Baseball athlete is the best all-around athlete in sports.
rotflmao
I am a baseball addict, I played college S0CCER.
Here's my response to your statement ....
rotflmao