Most replies on this subject. written by those who have already made this choice, are heavily slanted in the direction of the choice they made. Most of us posters are only a year or two past that decision point.
Over time, I hope that we will continue to visit this site so that in 5/10 years, after our sons' decisions have played out a bit more, we can offer advice based more in longer-term experience. Seems like TR is one such example.
For us, so far so good. I sincerely hope that our family feels the same way next year, in 5 years, in 10 years. I wish the same for the others, no matter their decision. Everyone has their reasons and did the best they could at the time they had to decide. Talking about it now for 2005 is probably a good thing as its not a decision that is easy to make and not one that should be made hastily.
quote:
of the HS players drafted how many go back to college and get their degree ?
TR,
It doesn't matter. If one doesn't have the discipline to go back and get a degree, then shame on them and they probably don't have what it takes to make it any way. The point is that the opportunity is there. The fact that life happens and many do not go back is something that I can learn from and be concerned about. I would never be so tight rumped that I let it rule my entire decision making process. That is inevitably what these conversations come down to.
I understand that many feel that a college degree is the be all end all of life. Some of us do not. That is why it is an individual decision.
I just get disturbed when the discussion turns to "well what if you don't make it? Life is over". Let us turn that around, "what if you flunk out?", "what if your degree is in psych and you want to be a plumber?" Life happens everywhere. JMO
I appreciate the sentiments of those that think college is most important. It is just not the only part of the equation for some of us who are more of risk takers.
quote:
Originally posted by TRhit:
bbscout raised a very good point and a very interesting one-- of the HS players drafted how many go back to college and get their degree ?
In college I think the percentage is in the 70% range for those who get their degree in 4/5 years
Tom, Actually, my question was what pct. of College kids that sign go back and finish their degree. How long they take was not something that I needed to know, just what pct. eventually recieved their degree
There is a group of high school graduates that put their college plans on hold everyday and for that, thanks. They turn pro every day.
I struggled for a long time about whether "I" would permit my son to forego college, temporarily, to try to make a career in professional baseball.
Most of what I learned about this subject, I learned here.
The decision to go to college and play baseball is easy.
Honestly evaluating your son's professional baseball is difficult.
Will he have a chance to make it "the show".
Or will he just help them have players to field a team.
For a while it seemed that high school players with rare talent have the best chances of making it to the major leagues.
Now it seems that college juniors and senior chances have increased in the recent drafts.
I think this is likely a function of the quality of the talent pool in a particular year and economics.
We went through the college recruiting process somewhat half hearted. My son wasn't all that excited about going to school. Just play ball for awhile.
Evaluating my son, if he hadn't gone to school, I think it was unlikely that he would have gone back after professional baseball.
But I was prepared to accept that if he wanted to give it a try out of high school, I could bless that decision.
He was very fortunate to receive a nice offer from a great college program.
He was very fortunate not to be drafted. I believe his college opportunites had some impact on his not being drafted as it did many of his peers in similar circumstances.
He has flourished in school and will likely see some substantial playing time as a freshmen after having a good fall intrasquad series.
He is very excited about the opportunity that he has.
My point is to demontrate that it is important to maximize every option that you have at the appropriate time.
Things change. Professional and college baseball careers are a very fast moving target.
My advice is to plan ahead of time what options that you might take, so that when the time comes, you can make a decision quickly.
There is not a right way. Someone posted earlier that everyone seemed to think that once choice was made that that was the correct choice.
Each players circumstances take them in a unique direction, likely the correct direction, assuming that forces large than us are guiding us.
You can observe what others have done and how it has worked out for them. You can mimic those paths only because they are similar paths. You may end up either in college, minor leagues, or the MLB, but everyone will reach their ultimate destination in there own way.
Lke others, I was disappointed that my son was not drafted. But with hindsight, I am thanful, I did not have to help with that decision. he will get to enjoy college baseball at a level that many will never see.
Pro baseball versus college baseball is not a choice of an easy route versus a difficult route.
They are both more challenging than you or your will appreciate until you have "Beenthere".
If he has another opportuntiy later to risk some time on professional baseball, I think he should go for it.
For those that just signed you will soon realize that it was not necessarily the end of a process, but rather a new and very exciting beginning, with a tremendous amount to learn, much of which can be observed here........................
Most of what I learned about this subject, I learned here.
The decision to go to college and play baseball is easy.
Honestly evaluating your son's professional baseball is difficult.
Will he have a chance to make it "the show".
Or will he just help them have players to field a team.
For a while it seemed that high school players with rare talent have the best chances of making it to the major leagues.
Now it seems that college juniors and senior chances have increased in the recent drafts.
I think this is likely a function of the quality of the talent pool in a particular year and economics.
We went through the college recruiting process somewhat half hearted. My son wasn't all that excited about going to school. Just play ball for awhile.
Evaluating my son, if he hadn't gone to school, I think it was unlikely that he would have gone back after professional baseball.
But I was prepared to accept that if he wanted to give it a try out of high school, I could bless that decision.
He was very fortunate to receive a nice offer from a great college program.
He was very fortunate not to be drafted. I believe his college opportunites had some impact on his not being drafted as it did many of his peers in similar circumstances.
He has flourished in school and will likely see some substantial playing time as a freshmen after having a good fall intrasquad series.
He is very excited about the opportunity that he has.
My point is to demontrate that it is important to maximize every option that you have at the appropriate time.
Things change. Professional and college baseball careers are a very fast moving target.
My advice is to plan ahead of time what options that you might take, so that when the time comes, you can make a decision quickly.
There is not a right way. Someone posted earlier that everyone seemed to think that once choice was made that that was the correct choice.
Each players circumstances take them in a unique direction, likely the correct direction, assuming that forces large than us are guiding us.
You can observe what others have done and how it has worked out for them. You can mimic those paths only because they are similar paths. You may end up either in college, minor leagues, or the MLB, but everyone will reach their ultimate destination in there own way.
Lke others, I was disappointed that my son was not drafted. But with hindsight, I am thanful, I did not have to help with that decision. he will get to enjoy college baseball at a level that many will never see.
Pro baseball versus college baseball is not a choice of an easy route versus a difficult route.
They are both more challenging than you or your will appreciate until you have "Beenthere".
If he has another opportuntiy later to risk some time on professional baseball, I think he should go for it.
For those that just signed you will soon realize that it was not necessarily the end of a process, but rather a new and very exciting beginning, with a tremendous amount to learn, much of which can be observed here........................
FO,
Not only do you have a great sense of humor, but you are wise as well!
Not only do you have a great sense of humor, but you are wise as well!
bbscout,
Even though you dont talk to me no more - LOL
Heres your answer - a very very low %
Even though you dont talk to me no more - LOL
Heres your answer - a very very low %
Excuse my ignorance, but there is no right or wrong decision.
And there won't be even after many years pass... unless you can assume you know how things would have turned out had you gone the other direction.
You can only know that you made a "good" decision. You'll never know if you made the "best" decision.
Everyone should make their decision and then do everything possible to make it the right decision.
The most important thing in life is being happy. If you are happy you've made a good decision. If you are unhappy, you maybe should have gone a different direction.
Regarding the % of those getting their degree. Maybe the % is low, but I personally know several players who have gone back to get their degree. Granted most have been players who were signed out of college rather than high school.
And there won't be even after many years pass... unless you can assume you know how things would have turned out had you gone the other direction.
You can only know that you made a "good" decision. You'll never know if you made the "best" decision.
Everyone should make their decision and then do everything possible to make it the right decision.
The most important thing in life is being happy. If you are happy you've made a good decision. If you are unhappy, you maybe should have gone a different direction.
Regarding the % of those getting their degree. Maybe the % is low, but I personally know several players who have gone back to get their degree. Granted most have been players who were signed out of college rather than high school.
I have no view on the subject - given that it is so personal to each and every player and his family.
Common sense alone would tell you that each situation is unique.
However - bbscout asked the question.
The answer is - a very very low %.
Common sense alone would tell you that each situation is unique.
However - bbscout asked the question.
The answer is - a very very low %.
Completely agree PGStaff - You found better words than me to state the obvious.
FO
In their brief college careers our sons have had similar results, which warms my heart, as it does yours. As Jerry so rightly noted the most important thing is their happiness. My son did not have the choice to make, but at this point he could not be any happier. For that I am thankful.
In their brief college careers our sons have had similar results, which warms my heart, as it does yours. As Jerry so rightly noted the most important thing is their happiness. My son did not have the choice to make, but at this point he could not be any happier. For that I am thankful.
quote:PGStaff - That's the good news and the bad news ........ and what may keep some of us up at night for the next 7 months.
... there is no right or wrong decision.
What did jerry Maguire Say?
Stay calm, it really won't get frantic until the last week of May and first week of June. Set your mark and do NOT compromise. If you do, then, you're forever known to people that you do NOT stick to your word!!
BEST of luck to all, June '05 looks to be quite interesting !!!
BEST of luck to all, June '05 looks to be quite interesting !!!
PG Staff,
I BEG to differ on your post above; "but there is no right or wrong decision"
I.E...........Alan Horne, 2001 draft, 27th pick overall, offered max by the Indians $1.5M. His number was $2.5M. He did NOT sign (HOW STUPID, or EGOTISTICAL was that ?) He went to Ole Miss and those who know Alan know the "rest of the story". His injury plagued body once again came up with injury after injury and now, where is he ? He played last spring at Chipola JC, in his hometown of Marianna, FL. He played some in the Cape this summer and was improved, but not the prospect he was in June, 2001. Rumors had him being offered in the range of <$50K by the Angles, their 30th round pick in 2004. Further rumors have him possibly showing up at either South Carolina or UCF this spring, but, who really knows ? Bottom line is this --for SURE, the RIGHT decision was to sign back in 2001 and he did NOT !!!......
I would agree that "sometimes" one may not know whether a decision was right or wrong at the time, but, in cases like the Horne situation, it's completly a NO BRAINER. He will NEVER be offered nor make that much money in baseball in the future and it is a shame !!!! GREAT kid, but, bad decision, BAD, WRONG decision!!!
BA's take on the Angles drafting Horne---"3:21 PM ET: Angels Continue To Roll The Dice
In the 30th round, the Angels took a run at another intriguing arm, righthander Alan Horne. A first-round pick in 2001 out of Marianna (Fla.) HS, where he played with Angels minor league catcher Jeff Mathis, Horne rejected the Indians and attended Mississippi for a year. Horne won five games in a solid freshman season but missed most of 2003 with Tommy John surgery. He transferred in January to Chipola (Fla.) JC, close to his family's home. He pitched sparingly this spring while rehabbing from the elbow surgery and was hoping to find a roster spot in the Cape Cod League this summer to continue his comeback.
-- John Manuel "
I BEG to differ on your post above; "but there is no right or wrong decision"
I.E...........Alan Horne, 2001 draft, 27th pick overall, offered max by the Indians $1.5M. His number was $2.5M. He did NOT sign (HOW STUPID, or EGOTISTICAL was that ?) He went to Ole Miss and those who know Alan know the "rest of the story". His injury plagued body once again came up with injury after injury and now, where is he ? He played last spring at Chipola JC, in his hometown of Marianna, FL. He played some in the Cape this summer and was improved, but not the prospect he was in June, 2001. Rumors had him being offered in the range of <$50K by the Angles, their 30th round pick in 2004. Further rumors have him possibly showing up at either South Carolina or UCF this spring, but, who really knows ? Bottom line is this --for SURE, the RIGHT decision was to sign back in 2001 and he did NOT !!!......
I would agree that "sometimes" one may not know whether a decision was right or wrong at the time, but, in cases like the Horne situation, it's completly a NO BRAINER. He will NEVER be offered nor make that much money in baseball in the future and it is a shame !!!! GREAT kid, but, bad decision, BAD, WRONG decision!!!
BA's take on the Angles drafting Horne---"3:21 PM ET: Angels Continue To Roll The Dice
In the 30th round, the Angels took a run at another intriguing arm, righthander Alan Horne. A first-round pick in 2001 out of Marianna (Fla.) HS, where he played with Angels minor league catcher Jeff Mathis, Horne rejected the Indians and attended Mississippi for a year. Horne won five games in a solid freshman season but missed most of 2003 with Tommy John surgery. He transferred in January to Chipola (Fla.) JC, close to his family's home. He pitched sparingly this spring while rehabbing from the elbow surgery and was hoping to find a roster spot in the Cape Cod League this summer to continue his comeback.
-- John Manuel "
baseball1
You don't have the authority to judge this boy.....Do you?
I am amazed at the ego involved in this commentary by you. You suggest all his decisions should have been made based on the money he was offered...and maybe there is much, much more that you just do not know a thing about?????
I agree completely that wrong/right is not for us to determine....much less make comments like you've made about a young baseball player.
You don't have the authority to judge this boy.....Do you?
I am amazed at the ego involved in this commentary by you. You suggest all his decisions should have been made based on the money he was offered...and maybe there is much, much more that you just do not know a thing about?????
I agree completely that wrong/right is not for us to determine....much less make comments like you've made about a young baseball player.
We can always judge all of our life decisions better in hindsight. Lots of things I would do differently if I could go back and get a "do-over." But then I think I would lead a pretty frustrating life to alway be looking backwards. I prefer to look at whats in front of me.
Without knowing Alan Horne, I would not say he made the wrong decision at the time he made it (maybe he did?, maybe he didn't?)...heck I'm not even sure it was the wrong decision in hindsight. Life is about more than money and how much you can make.
We have posters' sons who have taken lots of money (and deservedly so!) to play baseball...others have taken small amounts of money to play baseball now rather than wait. How can I say who was right and who was wrong?
I agree with PGStaff - a right decision is one that makes you happy. Happiness is defined by many things other than money. Many of the happiest times of my life were when I had no money.
Without knowing Alan Horne, I would not say he made the wrong decision at the time he made it (maybe he did?, maybe he didn't?)...heck I'm not even sure it was the wrong decision in hindsight. Life is about more than money and how much you can make.
We have posters' sons who have taken lots of money (and deservedly so!) to play baseball...others have taken small amounts of money to play baseball now rather than wait. How can I say who was right and who was wrong?
I agree with PGStaff - a right decision is one that makes you happy. Happiness is defined by many things other than money. Many of the happiest times of my life were when I had no money.
Gotta agree with Chill. Another example could be Harrington a few years back. Hindsight is always 20-20. How about all the kids who didn't sign out of HS who became far richer by going to college? I personally know of one who will probably be a first rounder this year by not signing out of HS. While I personally would have taken the money in those two instances, I'm certainly not going to judge anybody else's decisions.
As others have posted, we all know of instances where it's worked out either way. What's good for the goose is not always good for the gander.
Frank
justbaseball, you beat me to the punch, must be quicker mind or fingers
.
As others have posted, we all know of instances where it's worked out either way. What's good for the goose is not always good for the gander.
Frank
justbaseball, you beat me to the punch, must be quicker mind or fingers
.
Quote From Fungo's original post:
So...for HS seniors and their parents there are many things to consider. Money is one consideration...but maybe not the most important one. None of us have a crystal ball but having some knowledge (of the process) and statistics could help make a more informed (not right or wrong) decision.
quote:
with no right or wrong answer… but a subject that must be discussed.
So...for HS seniors and their parents there are many things to consider. Money is one consideration...but maybe not the most important one. None of us have a crystal ball but having some knowledge (of the process) and statistics could help make a more informed (not right or wrong) decision.
Baseball,
You can give your opinions here (goes for anyone), but no one has the authority to judge anyone else's decisions. There is a difference. Seems to be a lot that goes on around here.
I think there are a lot of people who come on here speaking negatively about what goes on in other people's houses when actually they need to get their own in order first.
Some of us cannot understand why a young man would turn down millions of dollars, yet I hear some of you say that "my son loves the game so much he would play for nothing". Then in the next post you say someone is crazy for not signing.
This story was told to me once and I did post it a long time ago. I heard of a player who turned down a lot of draft money to go to college. He wanted to go to college because no one in his family ever went to college, he wanted to be the first.
Opinions and advice are welcome, judgments are not! JMO
You can give your opinions here (goes for anyone), but no one has the authority to judge anyone else's decisions. There is a difference. Seems to be a lot that goes on around here.
I think there are a lot of people who come on here speaking negatively about what goes on in other people's houses when actually they need to get their own in order first.
Some of us cannot understand why a young man would turn down millions of dollars, yet I hear some of you say that "my son loves the game so much he would play for nothing". Then in the next post you say someone is crazy for not signing.
This story was told to me once and I did post it a long time ago. I heard of a player who turned down a lot of draft money to go to college. He wanted to go to college because no one in his family ever went to college, he wanted to be the first.
Opinions and advice are welcome, judgments are not! JMO
My son(20th round pick) signed pro out of high school.
My son's best friend from 7th grade is a for-sure genious....Programming computers @ 14 years old, he graduated from HS a year early and then graduated from University of Texas in 3 1/2 years(parents could and did foot the bill).... super smart on computers. This young man had tremendous offers from many places after obtaining his college degree. He took a job with a starting salary of $70,000+ in December of last year.(21 years old)
MY SON,(not a genious) signed to play professional baseball after he graduated from highschool(18 years old)... a year after his best friend. My son has a plan...(his best friend has a plan also)....
IF my son is not included on his organization's 40-man roster after his 4th year(next season) and IF my son is not selected by another team in the rule V draft in November of next year... my son will be enrolled in college in January of 2006(MLB scholarship plan).
IF my son should make the 25 man roster in his 5th year after HS, he would have a starting salary of $300,000... part of the plan.
If this should not occur, my son is totaly prepared to begin college @ 23 years of age and pursue his secondary goal of being a HS baseball coach. He would probably begin his teaching/coaching career at somewhere around $30-35,000/year.
It's what he knows he wants to do... baseball or something connected to it.
He will.
OPP
p.s. Son's best friend was at the house a couple of weeks ago and he informed me that he is going to resign his $70,000/year job and enroll in semminary. It is what he has realized he wants to do.
My son's best friend from 7th grade is a for-sure genious....Programming computers @ 14 years old, he graduated from HS a year early and then graduated from University of Texas in 3 1/2 years(parents could and did foot the bill).... super smart on computers. This young man had tremendous offers from many places after obtaining his college degree. He took a job with a starting salary of $70,000+ in December of last year.(21 years old)
MY SON,(not a genious) signed to play professional baseball after he graduated from highschool(18 years old)... a year after his best friend. My son has a plan...(his best friend has a plan also)....
IF my son is not included on his organization's 40-man roster after his 4th year(next season) and IF my son is not selected by another team in the rule V draft in November of next year... my son will be enrolled in college in January of 2006(MLB scholarship plan).
IF my son should make the 25 man roster in his 5th year after HS, he would have a starting salary of $300,000... part of the plan.
If this should not occur, my son is totaly prepared to begin college @ 23 years of age and pursue his secondary goal of being a HS baseball coach. He would probably begin his teaching/coaching career at somewhere around $30-35,000/year.
It's what he knows he wants to do... baseball or something connected to it.
He will.
OPP
p.s. Son's best friend was at the house a couple of weeks ago and he informed me that he is going to resign his $70,000/year job and enroll in semminary. It is what he has realized he wants to do.
Thanks to FrankF for pointing out that hindsight is 20-20.
baseball1, as I read your post, I was thinking that there was something very different about it.
The difference is perspective. Here you are looking BACK and being critical of how someone else made their decision.
Many of the people reading this sight are gather ing information to make a decision going forward. Not many young men will have to make the decisions that were made in your example.
How would you suggest that a ball player with a 50% scholarship to a top 25 D1 program and drafted in the 10 round with a $100,000 offer on the table decide what to do?
Maybe he likes college. Maybe he's not too studious. Maybe his fastball touches 100 mph, sometimes.
What if he can't afford the other 50%? What if the offer is to Stanford? Or to Hardvard? Niagra or New Hampshire? Navarro? Angelina?
What if he is a pitcher? Or a second basemen.
Maybe Stanford and Hardvard have 8 other middle infielders on the team. Two in each class?
What if mom and dad live in NY? GF in Florida?
Heck yes, I'd take the $1 million?
That's easy. (Seemingly, but we know that there are issues there, too.)
Decisions with complex criteria and multiple outcomes fascinate me.
I thought I could control all the factors and make it happen just like we wanted.
Then I looked up and it was like tubing in the Guadalupe river and all the other tubes were the the various issues that I knew would be encountered. And some tubes came by that I hadn't seen or thought about before. Some were leaking. Some were too small. Some were too big. Some you couldn't reach.
Hey I recognize that issue! And I didn't really want to do that!
I learned a lot about the process right here.
And during the fall, when there ain't nothing on the TV or baseball game or practice to go to, it'll drive you nuts...............
But guess what? When I looked back, I thought "I really didn't have a **** thing to do with the way that turned out........"
baseball1, as I read your post, I was thinking that there was something very different about it.
The difference is perspective. Here you are looking BACK and being critical of how someone else made their decision.
Many of the people reading this sight are gather ing information to make a decision going forward. Not many young men will have to make the decisions that were made in your example.
How would you suggest that a ball player with a 50% scholarship to a top 25 D1 program and drafted in the 10 round with a $100,000 offer on the table decide what to do?
Maybe he likes college. Maybe he's not too studious. Maybe his fastball touches 100 mph, sometimes.
What if he can't afford the other 50%? What if the offer is to Stanford? Or to Hardvard? Niagra or New Hampshire? Navarro? Angelina?
What if he is a pitcher? Or a second basemen.
Maybe Stanford and Hardvard have 8 other middle infielders on the team. Two in each class?
What if mom and dad live in NY? GF in Florida?
Heck yes, I'd take the $1 million?
That's easy. (Seemingly, but we know that there are issues there, too.)
Decisions with complex criteria and multiple outcomes fascinate me.
I thought I could control all the factors and make it happen just like we wanted.
Then I looked up and it was like tubing in the Guadalupe river and all the other tubes were the the various issues that I knew would be encountered. And some tubes came by that I hadn't seen or thought about before. Some were leaking. Some were too small. Some were too big. Some you couldn't reach.
Hey I recognize that issue! And I didn't really want to do that!
I learned a lot about the process right here.
And during the fall, when there ain't nothing on the TV or baseball game or practice to go to, it'll drive you nuts...............
But guess what? When I looked back, I thought "I really didn't have a **** thing to do with the way that turned out........"
OPP and FO, You fellows just had major league posts. I would have to give you each a grade of 80.
OPP, They better not leave him off the 40 man or he will be an Expo....Senator.....Grey......National or whatever it is our team will be called.
OPP, They better not leave him off the 40 man or he will be an Expo....Senator.....Grey......National or whatever it is our team will be called.
While there have been some chippy posts on this subject, overall this has been one of the better debates I've seen here in a while. One that, as the father of a son who turns 21 this year, is of great interest.
All we can be as parents, when it gets this far down the road, is a voice of reason and a conscience. We're not supposed to get in the way of our kids' dreams.
But if we can clear the rose tint, we've done OK.
OPP's post was so good because his son made a plan. I'll bet daddy had a little bit of influence and that is how it should be. The plan is thought out, informed and realistic. I thank you for that, because the detail you mention did more for this discussion than anything almost any of us can say.
Others folks have made some greats posts here, but that one was a WOW.
It seems the bottom line is that if we as parents take OPP's kind of reasoning to heart, our children will make the right decisions more times than not.
All we can be as parents, when it gets this far down the road, is a voice of reason and a conscience. We're not supposed to get in the way of our kids' dreams.
But if we can clear the rose tint, we've done OK.
OPP's post was so good because his son made a plan. I'll bet daddy had a little bit of influence and that is how it should be. The plan is thought out, informed and realistic. I thank you for that, because the detail you mention did more for this discussion than anything almost any of us can say.
Others folks have made some greats posts here, but that one was a WOW.
It seems the bottom line is that if we as parents take OPP's kind of reasoning to heart, our children will make the right decisions more times than not.
Bighit15 expressed concern by his interpretation of what I said if a player was unsuccessful in making it to the MLB, that he says I equate that with complete failure and an end to life itself.
I inferred nothing like that at all. I simply understand human nature and the tendency of most individuals to move on with there lives from the point of a setback or disappointment. The result is that in most cases is that players do not resume their education once they leave the game.
In fact most adults do not resume their education once they "quit" going to college. And if they do it usually is out of necessity sometime later in their lives.
Going to school, ie., takes much discipline, forms certain undeniable human habits of activity and is more than time consuming especially when the student is involved in competitive sports. When that rhythm of activity and discipline is broken the human tendency is to fill that void with other activities, like a job, or personal relationship with the opposite ***, etc.
History is replete with this kind of story.
I told my son that unless he had been evaluated to be a top notch prospect at the high school level and was projected to sign in the first three rounds, I recommended to him that he go to college and get his degree. Playing college baseball is a good way to gain some markers, meet good guys and have a background and history that earns an education and sets both a great example of perserverance and stick-to-it-tiveness.
What others do here has got to be predicated on their own circumstances and long term goals. But in the end the objective has to deal with the real world outside of the ball park, whether you are a #1 draft choice or just a "filler".
I inferred nothing like that at all. I simply understand human nature and the tendency of most individuals to move on with there lives from the point of a setback or disappointment. The result is that in most cases is that players do not resume their education once they leave the game.
In fact most adults do not resume their education once they "quit" going to college. And if they do it usually is out of necessity sometime later in their lives.
Going to school, ie., takes much discipline, forms certain undeniable human habits of activity and is more than time consuming especially when the student is involved in competitive sports. When that rhythm of activity and discipline is broken the human tendency is to fill that void with other activities, like a job, or personal relationship with the opposite ***, etc.
History is replete with this kind of story.
I told my son that unless he had been evaluated to be a top notch prospect at the high school level and was projected to sign in the first three rounds, I recommended to him that he go to college and get his degree. Playing college baseball is a good way to gain some markers, meet good guys and have a background and history that earns an education and sets both a great example of perserverance and stick-to-it-tiveness.
What others do here has got to be predicated on their own circumstances and long term goals. But in the end the objective has to deal with the real world outside of the ball park, whether you are a #1 draft choice or just a "filler".
quote:
IF my son is not included on his organization's 40-man roster after his 4th year(next season) and IF my son is not selected by another team in the rule V draft in November of next year... my son will be enrolled in college in January of 2006(MLB scholarship plan).
IF my son should make the 25 man roster in his 5th year after HS, he would have a starting salary of $300,000... part of the plan.
If this should not occur, my son is totaly prepared to begin college @ 23 years of age and pursue his secondary goal of being a HS baseball coach. He would probably begin his teaching/coaching career at somewhere around $30-35,000/year.
It's what he knows he wants to do... baseball or something connected to it.
OPP, sound plan. My son has the same one. Has spent the fall helping the HS fall team and beginning his coaching training.
Since when does money become the indicator of happiness...sometimes the more money that is had brings on a realm of new problems...
Each and every day we make choices...and how many times have we all said I should have..I would have...I could have...We will never know what changes would have come our way had we made a different choice...we all hope and pray based upon experience we are making the right decisions..if not we live with the consequences and move on..I would say this is the same with deciding to go pro or attend college...there are no guarentees on this road of life..if the choice of going pro is not fruitful and the decision is made not to return to college so be it...we are in need of many occupations that do not require a college degree...those occupations that are the backbone of society...firefighters, police officers, plumbers and electricians etc....
FO,
Excellant posts and thanks for the NU and NH inclusion
Each and every day we make choices...and how many times have we all said I should have..I would have...I could have...We will never know what changes would have come our way had we made a different choice...we all hope and pray based upon experience we are making the right decisions..if not we live with the consequences and move on..I would say this is the same with deciding to go pro or attend college...there are no guarentees on this road of life..if the choice of going pro is not fruitful and the decision is made not to return to college so be it...we are in need of many occupations that do not require a college degree...those occupations that are the backbone of society...firefighters, police officers, plumbers and electricians etc....
FO,
Excellant posts and thanks for the NU and NH inclusion
My Opinion:
Since most of the players signed directly from HS have to pass by Rockie, low A, and High A in the next 3 years after sign ( in the best of the cases), and been those baseball levels similar to freshman, sophomore and Junior at D-1 collegue, I think that the only way that a HS player may sign is if: 1)If is signed in the 3 first rounds. or 2) If he is not a good student and graduation from collegue it is not a factor for him. Signing from collegue it is the more safe way to become a pro, it is the easier way to get the best bonuses, and when you sign from collegue you will go over any HS player that signed the two previous years.
Finally, with that so high % of players that never make it over class A, it is a lot better possition get released from pro ball when you only need 1 or 2 semesters to graduate from a good university. It is just my opinion, the opinion of the parent of a HS drafted player, that signed the next year from a JC as a draft and follow.
Since most of the players signed directly from HS have to pass by Rockie, low A, and High A in the next 3 years after sign ( in the best of the cases), and been those baseball levels similar to freshman, sophomore and Junior at D-1 collegue, I think that the only way that a HS player may sign is if: 1)If is signed in the 3 first rounds. or 2) If he is not a good student and graduation from collegue it is not a factor for him. Signing from collegue it is the more safe way to become a pro, it is the easier way to get the best bonuses, and when you sign from collegue you will go over any HS player that signed the two previous years.
Finally, with that so high % of players that never make it over class A, it is a lot better possition get released from pro ball when you only need 1 or 2 semesters to graduate from a good university. It is just my opinion, the opinion of the parent of a HS drafted player, that signed the next year from a JC as a draft and follow.
BBScout: As Vance Loveless or Randy Jackson would say, "I'm going to have to give you props on this one"! Zachary Duke is one of the most sought after Southpaws in the GAME AT CURRENT TIME. Reminds me of 6'6" LHP John Flanagan out of West Bellville HS in IL who is a HS 2007. peace shep
BBScout Post:
BBScout Post:
quote:OPP and FO, You fellows just had major league posts. I would have to give you each a grade of 80.
OPP, They better not leave him off the 40 man or he will be an Expo....Senator.....Grey......National or whatever it is our team will be called.
You guys sure are right about that Duke kid. Shep, I'll have to do some checking on Flanagan.
Longtime Player now Longtime Observer
Longtime Player now Longtime Observer
quote:Originally posted by OnePlayer'sPop:
p.s. Son's best friend was at the house a couple of weeks ago and he informed me that he is going to resign his $70,000/year job and enroll in semminary. It is what he has realized he wants to do.
The rumor is true! I'd heard all He needed was a good, smart, dedicated guy back here with us mortals to finish the job...and now He has that perfect guy!
Heaven really is going Wi-Fi...that's some good news there. Think about it...that's really going to draw in even more customers!
Please thank your son's friend for me OPP.
Shep I've done some checking about Flanagan and you are on to something with this tall Lefty. Did you know he has gained some good functional weight this winter and won a bowling tournament averaging around 240 this past weekend with a very healthy left wing that can spin the bowling ball from one side of the lane to the other? This tells a lot about his breaking ball that compliments the 55/65 FB, present to future potential. He is a sleeper and from I understand from my source, he is high on the lists of most MLB scouting departments and a top priority! Good job Shep! Once again you have proven you can run with us ole Ivory Hunters. Glad you find time to stay involved with baseball Shep and thanks for the lead on John Flanagan. We will follow up on that lead Shep
Longtime Player and now Longtime Observer
Longtime Player and now Longtime Observer
Thank you for the kind words HOF1962
I had this prospect, John Flanagan, on a follow list who was playing for an invitation only team Coached by a true survivor, Coach Vic who is a great baseball person out of Atlanta.
John Flanagan was playing in the scrimmages as a part of the Perfect Game Aflac All-American baseball teams this past August in San Diego, CA on the same day and on the same field Michael Burgess hit several tape measure roof top shots! I was present along with every other scout in the business. They even served up an awesome all-you-can-eat buffet catered by Aflac who stood in the doors and gave us a very nice gift bag upon entry. Good fellowship with good food! An outstanding event indeed sir! Didn't mean to sidebar but what a meaningful experience after attending hundreds of games from Jan to Aug leading up to these events which included Area Code games just before the Aflac Event! Many MLB prospects and follows as well as college prospects arose from those events including John Flanagan. IMHO, Flanagan is worth it, if you know what I mean, and I know you do peace shep
I had this prospect, John Flanagan, on a follow list who was playing for an invitation only team Coached by a true survivor, Coach Vic who is a great baseball person out of Atlanta.
John Flanagan was playing in the scrimmages as a part of the Perfect Game Aflac All-American baseball teams this past August in San Diego, CA on the same day and on the same field Michael Burgess hit several tape measure roof top shots! I was present along with every other scout in the business. They even served up an awesome all-you-can-eat buffet catered by Aflac who stood in the doors and gave us a very nice gift bag upon entry. Good fellowship with good food! An outstanding event indeed sir! Didn't mean to sidebar but what a meaningful experience after attending hundreds of games from Jan to Aug leading up to these events which included Area Code games just before the Aflac Event! Many MLB prospects and follows as well as college prospects arose from those events including John Flanagan. IMHO, Flanagan is worth it, if you know what I mean, and I know you do
peace shep