Sifting through the scholarship offers is a good problem to have, but....

I intended 'next level' to mean a 4 yr. institution for JUCO schools. But your input made me chuckle as I remembered my own college days and social opportunities took a backseat to nothing else.

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So far my criteria has been academic opportunity, current coaching staff, money offered, program history of sending players to the 'next level', and facilities/amenities....in that order. My son has a little bit different order of priorities it seems and that is the main reason I seek advice. Is my priority order in sound order or is it different for everybody?

The order is different from one person to another.

Would never tell anyone what I might think is most important. It just wouldn't make any difference and if it did, it could turn out to be considered bad advice. IMO, There is no one size fits all when it comes to people.

If someone had told Albert Pujols to go to a DI school rather than sign for around $30,000, would that have been good advice? People make decisions and then have to live with their decision. What happened with one kid doesn't necessarily mean the same thing will work (or fail) with yours.

Lots of experienced people on this board that can provide information. I'm betting your son will figure things out along with your help. Best of luck.

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Is my priority order in sound order or is it different for everybody?

I do think priorities and fit is different for each player and their family.I think you have received some great advice on this board.I really havent seen anybody be rude or condescending in anyway.People just might not agree with some of the things you say, but that is ok.Thats what the board is for.To seek out different peoples experiences and ideas.Dont take every response so personal.Just read and gleam what you want and ignore the rest.In the end your son being happy isthe best result.Nobody knows what school he will be most happy at, you have to decide that.I can tell you no matter where he goes, he will face dilemnas, and problems.College baseball is no picnic.Its a lot of hard work.

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Originally posted by PGStaff:
I'm betting your son will figure things out along with your help. Best of luck.

Best remark in this entire topic. This is something that you all have to work out as a family what is best in your situation, regardless of what others suggest or did, priorities are different for everyone.

Having so many opprtunities is a good problem to have, if you make it a problem, narrow down quickly, that will help very much in the process.

Many programs coming late into the equation means that their first choice turned them down, that's a big part of what happens.

What is happening here, the late entrants in the race, is typical of the recruiting process. It is also a prime example as to why if the recruit is not totally definite in his early choice the early signing period is not the end of the world for him.

My own son didn't find what he wanted until May of his senior year and then it was overwhelming because they flat out told him he was the sole freshman outfield they wanted to bring in. He visited the next weekend and we cut the deal that same weekend. And he never looked back !!!

They key for me was for my son to be sure he would be comfortable in the location he chose.

I know I suffer from over-analyzing, I've been accused of it before. I go to the grocery store and look at the cost per oz on all the green bean brands before I decide which to buy...many people just pick the same brand every time because that's the brand their mom bought. Or if I'm buying a truck I compare the different brands on many items and when the choice is made on what brand/model, I then compare with different dealerships to get the best deal before I buy...where many people see a truck on the lot, fall in love with it and go buy it. I'm a very analytical person by nature and it tends to complicate things for the people around me, but I must be aware of ALL the factors before entering into a decision. Once the decision is made I'm confident I made the right choice and move on without a second doubt. However, in this decision (which isn't even mine to make) I've been guilty of muddling the process for my son by over considering the things that I felt were important...(academics, money, close to home, coaching staff etc...) Last night on the phone with my wife, who was 4 hours away with my son visiting a campus and throwing a pen for the coach, she told me something they had discussed on the way down there. He said that all the other things were important to him as well but he places a high premium on what gives him the best chance to get drafted and play pro baseball. He is a very bright kid with straight A's and he knows the odds. In fact he mentioned how difficult it would be to turn down any draft position out of high school regardless of bonus money because it has always been his dream. He just didn't see the logic of walking away from a chance to fulfill his dream. We tell our kids they can do anything they want if they dream it and work for it...and they believe us. We've talked about the draft a lot and he knows that a 39th round draft pick out of HS would probably get better in 3 years at the NAIA school that has offered him because of their recent history of pitchers being drafted and the pitching coach's credentials. That along with the academic opportunity and the chance to drive home (1 hr. away) whenever he wants to do his laundry or wash his truck or eat mama's cooking, is what has him leaning they way I want him to, but for different reasons. Like some of you say, he will figure it out, the cream will rise to the top, and hard work goes a long way to fulfilling dreams and making the most of opportunities. In a way, I'll be glad when all this is over, but even then, I'll know, it's really just beginning.

You are not going through anything that many here haven't been threw.

It is my opinion that the thought of playing pro ball should not at this time overpower where it would be to get the best education, play good baseball and then perhaps if things work out, a chance to become a professional. That can be achieved anywhere, if that is his goal, he can work on that whereever he goes.

Also my opinion, there is too many I's in your post, this is about HIM. You got to let him decide, with your guidance of course, just listen, he will figure it out, and if he can't, don't let him sign.

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You are not going through anything that many here haven't been threw.

I know, that's the reason I was attracted to post here after reading all the articles on the home page.

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Also my opinion, there is too many I's in your post, this is about HIM.

That's because the first part of the post was about my analytical process, and it's ME typing it. I have said repeatedly it's his decision, to this board and to him and his mother and the coaches. It's frustrating when I say that over and over and someone reads between the lines and assumes I am pushing my will on my son. He can create a username and come on here and discuss his issues at length with you guys and some of you will ask him if he has consulted his parents on what they think? I feel I am doing my job as his father in researching the options and presenting objective evidence to help him in his decision. He has already eliminated the schools I would have objected to from his short list anyway. He's got 3 more visits to make and unless a big time DI comes offering a full ride, (which I doubt will happen), he already has all the information he needs to make a solid decision about his future. Thanks for all the advice and I will keep you posted.

I think you are doing your due diligence and trying to get all the background info you can about the schools that are interested in him. Better to be as prepared as possible in helping him to find his best fit.

Good luck, it's a difficult time but well worth the effort. At the end of the day, after your son makes his decision, there is still a certain amount of luck involved in being at the right place at the right time.

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He said that all the other things were important to him as well but he places a high premium on what gives him the best chance to get drafted and play pro baseball. He is a very bright kid with straight A's and he knows the odds. In fact he mentioned how difficult it would be to turn down any draft position out of high school regardless of bonus money because it has always been his dream. He just didn't see the logic of walking away from a chance to fulfill his dream. We tell our kids they can do anything they want if they dream it and work for it...and they believe us. We've talked about the draft a lot and he knows that a 39th round draft pick out of HS would probably get better in 3 years at the NAIA school that has offered him because of their recent history of pitchers being drafted and the pitching coach's credentials.

Not sure what you mean here. Are you thinking that 3 years at an NAIA school would make him a better pitcher than 3 years in professional baseball?

The NAIA coach might have a recent history of having pitchers drafted, but who do you think the pro coaches are working with?

It's still possible you could be correct. There are some great college coaches.

Anyway, is he being followed closely by MLB scouts?... Showing up specifically to see him play? Home visits scheduled? If not, even if so, college is the first priority. However, this speaks volumes about his priority list and you should be a good listener because you can not change what he truly desires. Then again, you might be able to convince him of the best route to reach his dreams. Not so much walking away from a chance but giving him an even better chance.

The goal should be to make it to the top and stay there... Not to be satisfied with just having a chance. The number of 39th rounders signing out of high school, and making it, might tell him something.

Buster Posey (50th round) as a shortstop/pitcher out of high school, (1st round) as a catcher out of college.

Very good post by PG.

Going to college should be about going to college, no one should assume that because others from one program went on to be drafted means that will happen to every player. It just doesn't work that way, IMO. If your son's priority is to play professional baseball, and scouts are seriously looking at him, then he should be doing everything he can to make himself better for the next draft for that opportunity. If it's not about the money you get when you sign (pro) then it really doesn't matter what school he would sign with, does it? If the round $$ would be unacceptable to begin with, then it means, you prefer college, if the bonus round money doesn't matter, then go pro, just make sure that you understand it doesn't happen for most HS players over night, but 4-5 maybe or maybe not more years, in othre words all that is really involved. If there is no pro interest, then look to a program where the best academic opportunity lies (and to continue the game while earning your degree) and not where you might think that the better program will get drafted later on. IMO, as far as college coaches making one better, I do beleive that there are only a few coaches out there that can really do that. Most just are interested (and knowledgeable) in developing their players to play better college baseball. It all comes down to the player and how much effort he puts into reaching the next step. I think this is where the confusion lies and it's been stated in other topics, it's all about the player and his deep desire to improve the tools and skills he already has to move to professional baseball.

Chances are those players drafted in that college program, had those skills and tools, probably out of HS to begin with, like Buster Posey did. Buster Posey would be where he is today with or without going to school first. he may even have gotten there sooner. It wasn't the program that made him who he is, but the talented Buster Posey.

I am a very big beleiver in going to college first, my own son did that, as it was his stronger desire to have the college experience, not to play professional ball, yet, he knew that only he himself would make the difference as to what would happen later on. If it did, it did, if not, it didn't matter because he knew and understood that. Did he get better in college, yes, would he have if he went directly out of HS, most likely. The one thing that did fall in his favor is that there was much more exposure and greater competition at where he played, and a awesome pitching coach willing to take the time and effort to help him to realize his potential.

TPM,

In most every case what you say is true, but in the Buster Posey case... Other than himself, I would have to give college and Florida State in Buster's situation a lot of credit.

We think Buster would have probably made it anyway, but it was Florida State that took a very talented shortstop and pitcher and turned him into the fulltime catcher and hitter that he is now. That might have happened in professional baseball, too, but we will never know that for sure.

That said, college was very very good for Buster! Just as it is with many other talented kids. And of course, the other way has also worked out well for many. like Jason Heyward or Rick Porcello for example. Had Jason gone to UCLA or Rick gone to UNC would they be where they are today? Of course, being a first rounder makes that decision a lot easier. But even first round picks head off to college sometimes. Like Gerrit Cole, John Mayberry Jr, Matt Purke, or Levon Washington

Sorry for all the links lately, can't help myself, it's kind of fun!

In fact, it's so much fun, I hope you don't mind me adding this link... David Kopp

I've always placed academics priority 1, and he knows that. It's been his dream to play pro ball his whole life. We haven't had any scouts contact us or follow him last year as a junior. We just figure this certain 4 year school offered a large amount of athletic aid because they project him as draftable, so he thinks it is a possibility he might go somewhere in the way late rounds out of HS. If it were 10 years ago he could be more certain, but as my handle says, everybody throws 90+ these days. He is 6' 190 runs well, fields position well, great curve and FB command, bumps 90 on the stalker, 88-89 consistently, great mound composure, high baseball IQ and honor student. Draft is a possibility, but I have always advised him to prepare for college and adjust to the draft if it happens.

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If it were 10 years ago he could be more certain, but as my handle says, everybody throws 90+ these days.

There are more kids throwing 90 these days, but I assure you that it is still considered very uncommon. We live in an area of about 250,000 people and I can count on one hand the number of 90 or better pitchers we have seen from the area in the past twenty years.

Best of luck to your son, whatever he decides to do.

I hear what you are saying. Some were very talented players drafted out of HS to begin with, and they chose to do their time in college first. But that is not always the option for most. So I think sometimes we can assume, as I have watched things play out, that a first round player out of HS who chose to go to college first, most likely could be one later on.

I am not taking away anything from FSU, just pointing out that chances are Posey would have made it with or without college because of his potential, which was kind of untapped at the time. In his case he made it quickly up the ladder, where many first rounders, though they got nice bucks to sign, before him still have not made a ML roster. His first round bonus made the time in college, for him, worth the wait. In most cases of those drafted in college, after 3-4 years still have another 3-4 maybe more years until they may even reach a AAA roster if they do.

You know I am a big proponant on concentrating on college first but only because chances don't fall much in anyone's favor they will ever see a ML field.

PG, funny thing that pitcher you describe doesn't really pitch like that anymore. Just goes to show how much work, how much time it takes to be somewhat close to the highest level. That slider and that change up plus the FB that got to him to CU, has had to be overhauled and it take lots of time, for most anyway!

I don't think it's that common either. There may be a lot of tossers close to that but not a lot of good pitchers?

PG, how many pitchers were hitting 90+ this summer in the PG tourney in Georgia?

Son threw his 2nd Pen on Saturday. Should be an interesting year to see how the new team uses him, since he will be a 2 way player.

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Originally posted by floridafan:
Son threw his 2nd Pen on Saturday. Should be an interesting year to see how the new team uses him, since he will be a 2 way player.

You talking about your college player?

Well, that is certainly good news for us, but I only mention all this draft stuff because that's where my boy's head is. I am trying to balance academics and baseball and money in order to determine best fit for him to advise him on college choice. He has same priorities but in different order...if I had to guess, his priorities is money, baseball, academics. One JUCO campus he visited recently offered him a full ride with amenities such as a bowling alley, indoor swimming pool, a baseball study hall room full of computers for athletes only, brand new dorms with private bath/bedroom, flat screens with xbox in locker room, etc....He came away impressed. Trouble is, the coaching staff is in the middle of a turnover with unknown pitching coach for next year and a losing baseball team that doesn't have a very good record of advancing players to 4 yr. institutions. It's hard for me to convince him the academics and coaches he would play for is more important than the amenities in the student center. I realize college should be a fun time for a kid, but I would rather him prepare himself academically to get a good job so he can be afforded the opportunity to provide for and spend time with his family and have fun the rest of his life.

Yes TPM, the college player...

From what I gather he is supposed to start at 2nd, but on the 2nd game of the Saturday Double Header he is supposed to start on the mound.

The question will be is what do they do with him the first game of the Double Header. Allow him to play his position, DH, or just sit and stay loose.

If he gets his at bats all will be right with the world!

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Originally posted by Everybody throws 90+ now...:
We just figure this certain 4 year school offered a large amount of athletic aid because they project him as draftable, so he thinks it is a possibility he might go somewhere in the way late rounds out of HS.

They gave him good money because they see him as being a strong asset to the program. They don't give lots of bb money to kids who project to be late rounders out of HS.

They also might think that he will be drafted after 3 years at college, which means freeing up his scholarship money the next year. Been though this, but I am only saying this because he could have been drafted out of HS to begin with, if not the case he wouldn't have gotten as much as he did. So his coach worked hard at preparing him to leave in 3 years, to free up that money. Make sure you fully understand their intentions, most don't. The coaches were pretty up front about it. That's how they do business (yes it's business) and it worked for son.

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Originally posted by floridafan:
Yes TPM, the college player...

From what I gather he is supposed to start at 2nd, but on the 2nd game of the Saturday Double Header he is supposed to start on the mound.

The question will be is what do they do with him the first game of the Double Header. Allow him to play his position, DH, or just sit and stay loose.

If he gets his at bats all will be right with the world!

So every saturday is a double header and he will start? He could DH the first game, or perhpas just become the DH. Sometimes it all changes, depending upon the season.

My opinion as before, he's way better off showing that pitching side to scouts for the draft.

Funny thing, all of this isn't really

Have not read every detail of these four pages and certainly don't profess to know as much as TPM or PG, but my advise would be not to sign with anyone in November if not 100% certain. If the NAIA wants him so badly, maybe you could just tell them, for financial reasons you have to see what else may pan out. I think we kind of hit the panic button and my son signed in November when he was a senior. It all turned out to be a very bad situation and he has ended up being a DI - JUCO - DI player. If your son has the talent to be thinking he is draftable, then he will find a place to play that fits all his needs. Even if he just plays JUCO for a year, there are always core classes he can take and that will save some money. The whole idea of trying to fit his future plans into a school that only has very few majors sends a red flag up to me. Its been said on here a million times look for a place where the fit is right. You will be sorry if you don't.

Very good advice HitaHomer, by you and many others. Son has made a decision after visiting 9 campuses and entertaining a variety of offers from JUCO, to mid DI. He visited all that were interested and got as much information as possible in order to make a solid informed decision. The decision was entirely his and I am proud of the way he considered the things he thought most important. Some of you that posted here contributed to the decision with the wisdom of experience and objective viewpoints. Thanks to all and now that that part is over, the truly important stuff is about to begin.

Where is he going??