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Recruited by HBCU

P pudgemom3110+ posts
I am not sure if this should go on the recruiting board or the colleges board, but I would like some advice or opinions. Son is a 2010 honor student and has gotten some interest at all levels, but no offers yet (we do have some visits scheduled). He is currently being recruited by an HBCU. This is a D-I program who plays some of the top D-Is. he could be an impact player as a freshman. I have recently read articles on caucasian athletes playing baseball at HBCUs so I know it is becoming common. My concern might be with the cultural differences of an HBCU. This is not the college experience my son had originally considered, but he is considering it as a possible opportunity to play at the D-I level. Anyone with any experience in this or thoughts/opinions? I know some people will advise that he should choose a school that he would attend if there was no baseball, but I can tell you that right now his mindset is that he will choose a school for baseball. If something happens so that he can no longer play, he can attend somewhere else if he so chooses. Thanks for any advice, etc.
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WayneWayne100+ posts
That's a fascinating topic you've brought up, and I'll be looking forward to seeing the opinions expressed. It seems that despite the push to revive an interest in baseball in the black athlete, HBCU's still can't get the numbers of quality athletes in our sport that they need to compete at the D-1 level. My son played on probably the top HS age summer team from our state this past year, and our coach told the players at the end that an in-state HBCU head coach called him and offered a full ride to anyone on the team who would go (the kids on the team were all white). Most had already narrowed their choices down, and I don't think anyone took the offer, but I admit it's intriguing.
YoungGunDadYoungGunDadHSBaseballWeb member since 2005
I know of a player last fall who left home to attend a HBC the day before classes were to begin and play ball. He and his mom drove close to 9 hours to arrive on time.

When they drove up and parked he knew instantly that he really did not choose the school for where he wanted to attend, but just to play ball at a mid-major D1. He apologized to his mom and said, "let's go home mom, this isn't where I am suppose to be attending school."

Turned around and drove 9 hours back home that day.

True story.
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
Your son should not make a decision to any school (HBCU or any place) based upon the fact that he has not had any other offers. Do not go somewhere because, you think or someone told him, that he would be an impact player as a freshman. No one knows how that will work out until after fall practice, and if any coach tells him that run in the other direction.

He has until next spring to find the right fit for himself. He does not have to sign early, just to sign early, no matter where it is. If your son is a top academic student, and a good ball player, he should be able to choose where he will feel that it is the right place for him, not just for baseball, but be prepared that may not all include D1 programs.

Never compromise just because it is a D1 program.
Last edited by TPM
C catfish342100+ posts
Several good points on here, but I would like to reiterate this one: Don't pick a D1 school you'd never otherwise consider just because it's D1. I understand that's the first choice of the large majority of kids out there, but go find a place to go to college where he can play baseball and not a place to play baseball where he can go to college. If you do enough investigating, you'll discover there are many wonderful colleges with fine baseball programs in every part of the country. Upon exploring further, we discovered a lot of great small schools. Good baseball isn't confined to D1. There are plenty of D2, D3, and NAIA schools that really have top-notch players/programs.

Also, baseball is just one facet of your son's college experience. Find a school you know he'll like. If it's an HBC, that's fine, although he'll likely have a different cultural experience. My best advice would be to find players and parents from a few different HBCs and let them tell you about their experience and what it's like for the white players on campus.
S sloroller10+ posts
Rob
I have to disagree with you on that. I know many black youth who have went to all black schools their whole life and lived in the inner city their whole life. It is an assumption that most blacks have been surrounded by "white culture" Going to a mall in the suburbs or a restaurant does not expose you to "culture". To me culture is the way you do things in your environment around people that is in your "circle". Not definitive just in general. Just my opinion. But I do believe like, most posters, go to a school where you would go to anyway without baseball.
CM Coach May1,000+ posts
The fact is there are kids out there that without baseball they would not even go to college. Baseball is the driving force. It is the reason they want to go to college, so they can continue to play the game they love. And if thats what it takes to get them in college I am all for it. They just might end up with a college degree. Sometimes its about what is the best baseball fit first , and then you do what you have to do to stay elgible and actually end up with a college degree.

For some kids baseball is what it is all about. They continue their edcuation because that is something they have to do to continue to play. If the baseball situation is not right the school situation will not matter to these kids. Now if someone wants to say that this is not the case with some kids I will just have to disagree with you.

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