All teams burn draft choices.
IMO.I don't think it is done on purpose. It's up to the drafting scout to make sure he has all information to present to the team. The biggest consideration, this player will sign when drafted. I wouldhope that when presented an opportunity, all players (mine included) make their postiions clear as to their intentions. If any player is told that he would be able to postpone duty and go for it, then so be it, and I would agree the fault lies on mixed signals given from the Academies.
That's where asking about policy comes into the picture.
A large part of the draft is about signability, not always talent. You will understand that someday soon.
Let's not make this a drafting issue.
quote:tpm quote:
A large part of the draft is about signability, not always talent
IMO, the draft is about talent, what round you are drafted in is where signability may be a factor. Very, very seldom is an eligible player who has "pro tools" overlooked because he is unsignable. If you have those tools, someone will take a gamble in the late rounds just in case there is a change in a players direction.
ClevelandDad, please turn down your sensitivity receptor. I did a little surfing about drafted cadets; be they ball players or b-ball players, the reports seem to be talking about the potential to play for an allotted period of time, and then go on a recruiting assignment. Not specific to a poster's son --- it was the case with all the drafted cadets (MLB & NBA) I found reference to.
Perhaps it was the Podunk remark that offended you, in which case that would be a reference to all minor league sons here. I'd apologize, but those boys can recognize Podunk when they see it!
Perhaps it was the Podunk remark that offended you, in which case that would be a reference to all minor league sons here. I'd apologize, but those boys can recognize Podunk when they see it!
luvbb, let's see what I can do again
I've never heard of somebody going to an Academy whose ultimate goal was to be drafted for baseball. I'll agree- they'd love to do it and they're not going to just give it up just because they are going to a Service Academy. Wrong or right? Depends on the person. Everybody has an opinion. I personally believe it is important for the Academies to be vague otherwise they would not get even DI-quality athletes. Instead, they would probably end up with medicore players. Therefore they would probably have to compete at a lower level than DI. (Not trying to be offensive to any athletes.. college athletes are college athletes to me) Again, right or wrong? Depends on the person.
There are dual reasons for athletics at a service academy. First, there are the publicity and recruitment aspect. The TV, the big games, etc. How about when the team is doing well and make an appearance in the NCAA Regionals?
The second reason I believe the General Douglas Macarthur sums up very well.On the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that on other days and other fields will bear the fruits of victory.
I believe it is wrong for an applicant to a Service Academy to go there with full intentions of playing baseball afterwards. I do, on the other hand, believe though that the opportunity should be allowed if it were to come up. West Point and the Army currently allow that. Navy and Air Force do not.
Luvbb, I haven't gotten to go digging yet for overseas assignments.. I'll try doing that this afternoon
I've never heard of somebody going to an Academy whose ultimate goal was to be drafted for baseball. I'll agree- they'd love to do it and they're not going to just give it up just because they are going to a Service Academy. Wrong or right? Depends on the person. Everybody has an opinion. I personally believe it is important for the Academies to be vague otherwise they would not get even DI-quality athletes. Instead, they would probably end up with medicore players. Therefore they would probably have to compete at a lower level than DI. (Not trying to be offensive to any athletes.. college athletes are college athletes to me) Again, right or wrong? Depends on the person.
There are dual reasons for athletics at a service academy. First, there are the publicity and recruitment aspect. The TV, the big games, etc. How about when the team is doing well and make an appearance in the NCAA Regionals?
The second reason I believe the General Douglas Macarthur sums up very well.On the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that on other days and other fields will bear the fruits of victory.
I believe it is wrong for an applicant to a Service Academy to go there with full intentions of playing baseball afterwards. I do, on the other hand, believe though that the opportunity should be allowed if it were to come up. West Point and the Army currently allow that. Navy and Air Force do not.
Luvbb, I haven't gotten to go digging yet for overseas assignments.. I'll try doing that this afternoon
The Air Force Academy decided to recruit this young man!
The Armed Forces decided to allow him to participate in a professional sport without forgiving his future obligation.
The young man has done everything he was told to do and it appears he is prepared to do whatever his country tells him to do.
His father is one of us.
I can’t even imagine why we are questioning what happened. I wonder how far we would allow this type of questioning on here, if it were a different situation regarding another person/player.
I understand why some might feel the need to question the system or policy, but why not give the son of a “high school Webster” a break and pull for his son just like all the other son’s who are playing baseball. There is no set schedule for giving the ultimate for your country. He has to serve because he made the commitment. Near as I can tell he is more than willing to live up to that commitment. We should be honoring him for taking on this obligation to his country rather than trying to find some fault that simply doesn’t exist. Why not just be happy that he is getting this opportunity.
Blame Major League Baseball, blame the Armed Forces, blame the Air Force Academy, blame us because we promoted this kid to all 30 MLB clubs, blame the war, blame anything, but don’t blame this young man. He has done nothing wrong!
The Armed Forces decided to allow him to participate in a professional sport without forgiving his future obligation.
The young man has done everything he was told to do and it appears he is prepared to do whatever his country tells him to do.
His father is one of us.
I can’t even imagine why we are questioning what happened. I wonder how far we would allow this type of questioning on here, if it were a different situation regarding another person/player.
I understand why some might feel the need to question the system or policy, but why not give the son of a “high school Webster” a break and pull for his son just like all the other son’s who are playing baseball. There is no set schedule for giving the ultimate for your country. He has to serve because he made the commitment. Near as I can tell he is more than willing to live up to that commitment. We should be honoring him for taking on this obligation to his country rather than trying to find some fault that simply doesn’t exist. Why not just be happy that he is getting this opportunity.
Blame Major League Baseball, blame the Armed Forces, blame the Air Force Academy, blame us because we promoted this kid to all 30 MLB clubs, blame the war, blame anything, but don’t blame this young man. He has done nothing wrong!
quote:Luvbb, I haven't gotten to go digging yet for overseas assignments.. I'll try doing that this afternoon
Bulldog...hope you had a good day of classes!
I'm sure you have enough to do without digging up info for us here. I can do it myself! Thanks tho.quote:But again, I wouldn't publicly question others who took advantage of an available "proviso"...but I WOULD publicly question the policy that makes such a proviso available.
Point taken. Why don't you question it where it might do some good? No one here has any authority to change it.
For what its worth, my son was sought after by the USAF (being less than an hour away) and back then going pro wasn't much of an option out of the USAF so he passed.
Good post PG!
IMO this topic has run its course.
quote:Point taken. Why don't you question it where it might do some good? No one here has any authority to change it.
I'm sorry Frank...I was answering CD's question.
"IMO this topic has run its course."
Point taken..and I agree.
PG, with respect, we have been trying to discuss the policy of some of the Academies without making it personal. There are a number of cadets drafted for different pro sports. This isn't about any one cadet/officer/player/draftee. Actually, a USMA (rather than a USAFA) father has been quite active in the discussion.
Perhaps if you had read some of the thread before you came out swinging....
Perhaps if you had read some of the thread before you came out swinging....
I agree with Frank's point.
PG,
I know some may feel the player has been slighted, but not sure where anyone blamed him.
PG,
I know some may feel the player has been slighted, but not sure where anyone blamed him.
If there are more questions about these current topics, I would like to recommend that those interested, ask a currently deployed service member what their opinion is.
They are not talking about these issues.
They are not arguing about these issues.
They are living them.
They are not talking about these issues.
They are not arguing about these issues.
They are living them.
agree, kudos to our webster player & his familyquote:by PG: I understand why some might feel the need to question the system or policy, but why not give the son of a “high school Webster” a break and pull for his son
and tho some comments are hard to deceipher, as far as I can tell the past 5 pages or so have been about other players in general, academy "ex-pro-players" specificly, and an elusive policy/promise/proviso (gee, that's such a neat word
)it has been pretty interesting and probably of value for parents of players considering the academy route in the future.
from all indications the "proviso/promise" is similar in form to what many DI coaches offer some top prospects ... that promise, is somewhat vague & NEVER in writing - and the coach and player can have very different understandings of what it means
tho no awol possibilites exist in ncaa
Orlando,
It wasn’t my intent to come out swinging, I’ve found that to be a good way to get knocked on my azz!
However, I can guarantee anyone here, that this thread hit very close to home for one of our “friends” here.
You are correct, I should have read every word in this thread before posting anything. I hardly ever pay attention to who’s posting what. That way you don’t get caught up in choosing any sides.
It’s just that I “thought” I read some words regarding commitment to the military vs being able to pursue other things. Whether that was meant as an overall viewpoint or not, I bet it hit some on here a lot harder than others. Sometimes the blame can be directed to a single person, but it really can seem very personal if you fit in the same picture.
Maybe a certain player wasn't mentioned or blamed. But his situation here is fairly well known. Maybe I will go back and read this thread a bit closer. Sorry if I said anything wrong in that previous post.
It wasn’t my intent to come out swinging, I’ve found that to be a good way to get knocked on my azz!
However, I can guarantee anyone here, that this thread hit very close to home for one of our “friends” here.
You are correct, I should have read every word in this thread before posting anything. I hardly ever pay attention to who’s posting what. That way you don’t get caught up in choosing any sides.
It’s just that I “thought” I read some words regarding commitment to the military vs being able to pursue other things. Whether that was meant as an overall viewpoint or not, I bet it hit some on here a lot harder than others. Sometimes the blame can be directed to a single person, but it really can seem very personal if you fit in the same picture.
Maybe a certain player wasn't mentioned or blamed. But his situation here is fairly well known. Maybe I will go back and read this thread a bit closer. Sorry if I said anything wrong in that previous post.
.
PG,
Spot on in your original post.
Read the first page of the thread...The thread began exactly there.
44.
.
PG,
Spot on in your original post.
Read the first page of the thread...The thread began exactly there.
44.
.
your input is always appreciated PG & maybe you can help me out w/the database in your head ..
the aspect of academy "pro players" I'm trying to understand is
1) are they offered the pro option on a short leash, then "pressured" into active duty?
if NO - - there should be academy players scattered thru-out MiLB/MLB(?) in similar numbers to those of other Patriot League (& similar type) schools
if NO - - it seems odd that the "ex-players" cplz spoke of would, attract pro interest, sign pro contracts, play 12 weeks, then choose active duty & leave pro baseball
the aspect of academy "pro players" I'm trying to understand is
1) are they offered the pro option on a short leash, then "pressured" into active duty?
if NO - - there should be academy players scattered thru-out MiLB/MLB(?) in similar numbers to those of other Patriot League (& similar type) schools
if NO - - it seems odd that the "ex-players" cplz spoke of would, attract pro interest, sign pro contracts, play 12 weeks, then choose active duty & leave pro baseball
Bee,
Thanks, I appreciate reading your posts too.
I really know very little about all this stuff. I’m not very smart and operate off of common sense and this involves the government! So I can't help you out with that question.
I do like some of the Academy coaches I've met. And I surely have utmost respect for any kid who goes that route. And I'm really happy for those who have a chance to live their baseball dream. And I think all those fighting for our country are truly the real heroes. No matter what time of the year they actually serve.
Thanks, I appreciate reading your posts too.
I really know very little about all this stuff. I’m not very smart and operate off of common sense and this involves the government! So I can't help you out with that question.
I do like some of the Academy coaches I've met. And I surely have utmost respect for any kid who goes that route. And I'm really happy for those who have a chance to live their baseball dream. And I think all those fighting for our country are truly the real heroes. No matter what time of the year they actually serve.
What would this group have to say if the player was asked to play in an independent pro league. Would the services allow that? Or, does it have to have the MLB stamp of approval. The Indep Leeague also have "realizing a dream" potential. My only thought here is that any cadet coming out of 4 years of premium service education could find a place in the civilian world where he could play both roles.
I am not passing judgment on Lt Bolt, the Bolt family, or taking sides. I do understand the arguments, am torn if I was in the same shoes, and am only saying that baseball is not the only career in the civilian world where a graduating Service officer could where 2 hats, and be an asset to civilian society. But, for some reason professional athletics takes an upper hand when rules are made.
Lets take a hypothetical situation. Lt Joe Blow graduates from the Academy. A plus personality, big time potential youth leader, and he is recruited to lead large city urban youth organization. Lt Smith sees this as his life long dream position where he can make a difference. What will the Service have to say about this opportunity and his commitment to the armed forces.
Ignorance on my part asks is if everyone has the opportunity to "buy out".
I am not passing judgment on Lt Bolt, the Bolt family, or taking sides. I do understand the arguments, am torn if I was in the same shoes, and am only saying that baseball is not the only career in the civilian world where a graduating Service officer could where 2 hats, and be an asset to civilian society. But, for some reason professional athletics takes an upper hand when rules are made.
Lets take a hypothetical situation. Lt Joe Blow graduates from the Academy. A plus personality, big time potential youth leader, and he is recruited to lead large city urban youth organization. Lt Smith sees this as his life long dream position where he can make a difference. What will the Service have to say about this opportunity and his commitment to the armed forces.
Ignorance on my part asks is if everyone has the opportunity to "buy out".
Well I've read some more and I'll be darned if I don't see a certain name mentioned a lot in this thread. Maybe not in a real bad way, but mentioned with what is perceived to be a somewhat dishonorable type thing.
rz1 posted
I don't think rz meant that as a blow to one individual and was just repeating what some might read as the hidden message here. But what would that one individual and his family feel? Karl Bolt has not been a part of any "buy out"! He is honorably serving his country or at least will be shortly. I'm not sure how the other similiar cases have been worked out.
I can't help but see this as we all know, there are much more important things in life than baseball. For most all of us, fighting for our country is one of those more important things. Even more important to most is the health and happiness of their family. But all seem very important at the time.
rz1 posted
quote:Ignorance on my part asks is if everyone has the opportunity to "buy out".
I don't think rz meant that as a blow to one individual and was just repeating what some might read as the hidden message here. But what would that one individual and his family feel? Karl Bolt has not been a part of any "buy out"! He is honorably serving his country or at least will be shortly. I'm not sure how the other similiar cases have been worked out.
I can't help but see this as we all know, there are much more important things in life than baseball. For most all of us, fighting for our country is one of those more important things. Even more important to most is the health and happiness of their family. But all seem very important at the time.
quote:Ignorance on my part asks is if everyone has the opportunity to "buy out".
PG...the "buy out" was not brought up in reference to the situation you are talking about. Another poster brought it up as an option at West Point. And "buy out" may not be the appropriate terminology. RZ....I asked the same question and as far as I could understand...it was only for athletes...altho I readily admit I could have misunderstood because things got heated. This was in no way referenced to the Air Force Academy...but another option that was presented from a different academy.
No one ever said Officer Bolt was trying to "buy out" his commitment or that it was even an option at the Air Force Academy.
pg: "buy out" was a bad phrase on my part and I hope that was not assumed by any other service family as that was not my intent.
That was my real question and I ask why only athletes as many others may fall into that category?
quote:luvbb quote:
I asked the same question and as far as I could understand...it was only for athletes
That was my real question and I ask why only athletes as many others may fall into that category?
