For the record, the freshman outfielder I used as an example is not my son. Just a highly rated prospect that I saw play in high school a couple of years ago that I hope gets a shot at some playing time this year.
BOF,
D1 drop downs makes a lot of sense. Our state has free tuition for in state students (does not include room or board) so roster spots in state are very competitive at the two D1s. Many in state students go to one of the in state D1 schools and are cut, even those fortunate enough to receive an athletic scholarship. They compete with players coming from California, Arizona and texas.
Originally Posted by Prepster:
By the way, some of the most inspiring players I've ever seen have been bullpen catchers. These guys toil long hours doing what their title suggests, rarely ever seeing the field during a game; but, it's not unusual for them to be among the most upbeat, spirited guys on the team. The combination of their dedication and enthusiasm frequently makes them among the most admired guys there.
It takes a very special level of commitment and character; but, it can be a very fulfilling and appreciated experience during one's college years.
I agree, but this was a bullpen catcher who was told he would redshirt. If this is the school I am thinking it is, typical.
Buyer beware!
Originally Posted by TPM:
I don't think Aleebaba's son decided to go to where he is going, as a walk on catcher to catch bullpen for 4 years and not play. He made it quite clear what his sons ultimate goal was as far as college baseball is concerned.
In Florida, the state awards money for tuition and with pre pay college options, you don't necessarily need a scholarship to get onto a team as a walk on to help support tuition payments.
However, with a scholarship restraints the way they are, and a 35 roster limit, most coaches at these big programs are pretty sure who is going to contribute and who will not.
I know that one program in particular takes on catchers as walk ons or gives no scholarship and never intends to use the player for any other purpose. I was just suggesting if the player really wants to play, it might not be for very long at this program, if he doesn't care, then it really doesn't matter but it is NOT the same situation as Aleebaba's son.
This thread shows how diverse walk-on status has become these days. To any future reader of this thread I would say, do your homework and make sure your kid will get a fair shot if his ultimate goal is playing for a big-time program. However, even having done the homework I am very concerned that my son could be left out and not get as much playing time in college as he desires. No way to know until the time comes.
If it was me I would have probably picked a different program that gave me a higher probability of getting on the field, but it's not me. It is his life and his dream and we told him the risks. All we wanted was for him to go to a good academic school, which it is. We believe he is mature enough to make the decision, and all we can do at this point is support him and encourage him. That does not mean we don't have huge concerns, but I assume those would be there whether he got a small 1 year scholarship offer or not.
Thats a great post Aleebaba. FWIW - you've defined good parenting in this process - which may be the hardest part of all. The only part that we can control is the advice we give our kids. Just my $.02
I have read this entire post and it has really hit home with my current situation. My son is a 'preferred walk-on' that agreed on this in the early signing period. He wanted to go to school where he is and also received quite a bit of academic money (valedictorian). He has lived in freshman housing, benefits of tutors, etc. that all of the scholarship players have received. But, as a parent, nothing is worse than having to wait until February 13th to see if he is on the 35 roster. He was promised at the official visit that he would be. But, he was also told at Christmas that he was still in the running for a spot. It's definitely a situation that I would not want others to have to go through. My son kept his word after turning down several other D1 offers in baseball and football offers. I know most are thinking, 'dad, you are an idiot' but I figured that since he busted his tail to get the academic money he should get to decide where he wanted to play. Now, he has to wait and see if he has made the right decision as far as baseball goes. As far as academics, he made the Dean's list and is in pre-med classes.
Overthehill please keep us posted and good luck.