quit or sit at D3..that is the question?

I am thinking that yu are wanting him to keephis eligibilty by quitting?
The only advantage I see is that he has a team to practice with, work out, get stronger, rehab?
Not the D3 expert, but I see the dilemma.

Thanks TPM.....and yes, eligibility is a thought....we don't anticipate him changing schools....but we didn't anticipate this injury either....so it's like "what if" he were to transfer to a D1 or D2....would he have another year of eligibility if he quit this year....returning next year as a sophomore?

He will play summer ball here in Califorina....and he is a fanatic about working out.....regardless of baseball......

LadyNmom, while the NCAA has removed the true "redshirt" at the DIII level, I wonder if they have removed the medical redshirt. I do know players last year who were given a medical redshirt and that certainly sounds like it would fit your son. Would explore that option first.
Would also very seriously consider how the coach might interpret "withdrawing" from the roster. That response really depends on the Coach. To me it is a major factor because if it is taken in a negative way by the Coach, that may force some decisions well before you want to face them.
Finally, I have read some great things about your son and all of that suggests he has the ability to play at some schools above DIII. We confronted that situation. When you are at the DIII level, it makes you wonder. For whatever it is worth, while Mom and Dad in our house got very enthused about it, our son decided his friendships, his postion in school, the quality of a his degree, his team, his Coaches and all they had done for him outweighed opportunities that seemed attractive to us.
Wish I were a bit more up to speed but before I did anything, I would make sure that medical redshirts are no longer allowed. Something makes me think there is reason for optimism.

Thank you Infielddad....like TPM...I respect and appreciate what you have to say.....Right now we are on an emotional roller coaster....well....actually son is....but we, as parents, well...we always seem to be along for the ride too.....

Good advice....and we are passing it all on to son....

Think the major problem is....in his 11 years of ball....in the southwest...where he played 11 months out of 12.....he never had an injury that sidelined him....he had torn skin.... and many times, after being hit, we could see baseball seams on his skin.....jammed fingers....burns from sliding...but he never had to sit....and now he is far away.....in a tough academic school....and he can't do the one thing that he lives for...he can't play ball. He's working hard....academically.....and he is reporting to practice...but he can't take the field.....and...that's where he is at...

One thing for sure....he is growing up fast....
We talked to him again tonight...and there is no doubt in my mind that he will do whatever it takes to stay at his school, and be a member of their baseball team.....thanks again.....

I just checked the 2004 NCAA documents that impacted "redshirting" at the DIII level. While reading NCAA jargon takes a lawyer, which I am, one can never be sure if you are reading the rule or exception. But it seems to me that "medical redshirts" on a case by case/hardship basis have been preserved. This will require you and your son to make sure all Xrays and the like are preserved and to get a medical opinion which the School will hopefully support to justify the inability to compete.
Not sure if these stories will help but will give it a try.
When ours was a freshman, the team returned every starter from a 37-11 team but one. On the final practice before the season started, the starting 3rd baseman, team captain and MVP ended up tearing his ACL. He really was tortured because he was also a straight A student. Ended up returning after a medical redshirt to play that 4th year. Admitted it was a huge battle mentally to miss a season for the first time since he was 6. Came back and helped lead the team to an NCAA regional berth coming up one game short of the World Series. Readily admitted that his injury year was the worst ever. Also it allowed him to enjoy an additional season which turned out to be his best ever.
Second story: Ours is currently in Fla getting ready for Spring training. One of his roommates/draft group had a huge 2004 season in the NY/Penn league. By 2005 he had a torn labrum which needed surgery and cost him a baseball season. While rehabbing he was diagnosed with cancer. Saw Brian 2 weeks ago and he is in complete remission. Talked about how he was looking forward to getting to Fla., getting started, and how he will play the game as a "game" and for fun and with a true "love" for what he is doing. No way to explain why this happened.
Two pretty remarkable people. Are there stories remarkable? Not sure. Both readily agreed they are better off mentally and emotionally for the experience of missing a season and cherished the "game" even more when they returned.

Thanks again Infielddad....the MRI's will be preserved! Sharing the stories of these two players help also....and I'll share them with Brian too......I did tell him earlier tonight that this trial would make him stronger in the long run.....and I believe that....not so sure he does....but he will come to.....

LadyNmom,

My son is a D3 soph, and last year one pitcher and one position player on his team received medical redshirts, saving that year of eligibility.

The position player injured his knee requiring surgery before they left for their pre-season trip, so the decision to apply for his medical RS was pretty clear cut. The pitcher injured his elbow in the very first pre-season game. I remember that there was a certain date by which they had to assess his condition (with his doctor's input of course), to decide whether he was able to pitch any more that season or redshirting. I think there was also a limit of a percentage of their total innings he could have played before deciding about the redshirt.

Both players successfully saved that year of eligibility in case they take 5 years to graduate from the D3. I can't remember if they suited up for games or traveled to the away games after they officially redshirted, but they definitely were considered part of the team.

I'm sorry I don't know the exact rules, but you and your son hopefully have time to check into this before any deadlines come up. Good luck, and keep us posted.

maybe a bit less confusing discussing "redshirts" if we note that
"medical redshirt" is OUR slang for "medical hardship waiver"

great suggestion on keeping close track of medical records, as the waiver
"MUST be applied for" by the athletic dept.
AND - if an eventual transfer is involved the old school will most likely
comply with records requests, but they wouldn't have any compeling interest
in being timely, overly helpful, or doing more than they absolutly had to


well wishes on rehab/recovery & good luck

One thing to remember, is that he cannot set foot on the field and play in the last half of the season, when he might actually be cleared to play. For the medical redshirt:
Play in LESS than 20% of the scheduled games
Any action must occur in first 50% of the season.

Getting the medical waiver could be a good way to go. If the coach knows he's not going to play at all this season, why not ask the coach to not place him on the roster? My understanding is that if you're on the roster you lose a year. Maybe there is another way he can be "on the team" while getting the benefit of school facilities and rehabing without using his one year medical waiver? I only say that because lets face it, not many people are graduating in four years anymore. He could be in school for 5 or 6 years total. If at all possible, why not try to save all that eligibility just in case the worst happens in year 3 or 4?

Also, I've seen it in my conference where a player enrolled at one school after playing a year at a juco, was cut from the team, transfered to another school in the conference the following year and didn't lose any eligibility.

I'm not sure on all of the rules, but check to see what the coach will do. but have your son go to him to find out, or better yet, the AD. The AD should have a handle on the rules here and could tell him the best way to go with what he wants and how to go about things with the coach.

Thanks everyone....we have shared all the info with son....he is still coming to terms with his situation.....and now knows his options...

LadyNmom -
I'm so sorry to ready about your freshman son's injury! Our prayers are with you & your son as he works his way through this life challenge.

InfieldDad and Chairman....I called the NCAA today....and you were both right on the money.

The NCAA does call it a harship waiver, based on medical reasons.....they also said....preserve the medical records.....and where did we hear that before?

....and thank you RHP05Parent.......