Small School Dilema

Since he is only 15 he has plenty of time to play on the high profile team. Stay with the school team. and see if you can put he on a rournment team

Play the most competitive ball available. If you are talking about the "Chain", than absolutely. They have a great program with quality instruction as well. Plus, the risk of being over-pitched in a small school would be greater. I would have him play for the select team (if that is what he wanted).

Is the boy permitted to play outside of school during the HS season?

In the most of the NE it would not be permitted

Callaway,
So, you know of Chain up there in Columbia, SC. What is your evaluation of them.

TRhit,
I think you are right, but, I guess that is what I am asking. To give up on high school and just play for Chain. I kind of like the idea of him pitching his freshman year in high school, then going to Chain.

I’m a little confused…do you mean during the summer? The obvious answer is for him to play for his school’s team during the school season and then move to the select team during the summer…(like Callaway suggest) If in fact that’s what he wants to do.
Normally a player’s talent should dictate where he plays during the summer. There are exceptions. Some players have a strong desire to stay with their friends and the “comfort” of their current team, while others lean more toward a greater baseball challenge and choose to leave their friends for better baseball. In my opinion either way is fine but we parents need to explain to our sons the different result from different paths.… Like the old saying..”You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”
At eleven my son wanted to play travel ball for a 13u select team. I explained it would mean a greater challenge, and as I put it …”You may not be able to hang with these older boys.” I also explained he would have to sacrifice certain things during the summer like Friday night parties, dances, swimming etc… It takes a huge commitment from the parents in time and money to make this happen, so I feel it only appropriate the player make a commitment too.
Best of luck,
Fungo

Savannah, Chain does have a good reputation. My son has played them a time or two over the years. Like some of the others, I don't think anyone can tell you or your son what your choice should be. My son played with the highschool team during the season when he was 13 and 14 and then played on a summer team with some kids his age that were talented on a select team. That was a great and beneficial experience. Then for the last three summers he chose to stay with the high school team in the summer. He turned down several offers each summer to play with more overall talented teams that I'm sure probably received more attention. Are we sorry he did this? NO. Did it hurt him in terms of exposure? PROBABLY. He made a decision that it was more important for him to support his team, coaches, and program and work towards a state title. He made his choice and has no regrets. I think in the end that's what's important. Provide guidance, explain the options, and let your son decide.

Fungo
I know it goes against everything this web site is about, but ya, he could actually play the regular season with Chain instead of his own high school. Chain usually only allows kids on their teams that make year-round committments to their program.
If he were a position player, my decision would be easy. I know he would need the best competition; (Chain). However, as a RHP, I told him he is just competing against himself anyway. I realize that this isn't completely true, but I figure this will motivate him to continue to develop.

Savannah ...

One question I would ask myself ... if he chooses to play outside of high school now, what impact might that have on his future seasons at the high school? In the future, would the high school coaches look poorly on his decision to play outside the school program now? Might it impact his future with the high school team?

I realize that this may be a two edged sword for your son, but I am just wondering if he would be setting himself up for estrangement from his high school coaches and future teammates if he were to elect to play with the elite team rather than his school team.

Just a thought ...

Sorry. I don't think I was completely clear.

The school he attends is a small private school selected because of academics. The graduating class is around 60. Actually I am being pretty hard on the school. They have a pretty good athletic program considering the size. Needless to say, it is not an area high school "powerhouse". He definitely will not be playing later for his Senior or Junior year. He is or would be the best pitcher/player and offensive player this year as a freshman. I just don't know whether or not to start him now in this more competitive program, or let him have a year or two at his high school, with his friends being the hero.

The real question is what does he want to do. That should be the determining factor.

Don't force him one way or the other. You cannot under estiamte the draw of playing for your High School.

Savannah

I think you are under a misconception about what a "year-around" program may be. There are several good ones in the SE but none of them try to compete directly against HS ball, just because of the playing rules.

You may see weekend workouts and additional practices in the spring and lots of tournaments at the younger age, but there isn't any direct competition for the player.

Most of the spring will be spent in additional practices, skills session and refining skills to be USED during the HS season. The Chain will kick off their summer season once the HS year is over.

I'd call them again and get a clarification as opposed to working on an assumption of what they mean by a year-around program.

I've personally never heard of high school age summer teams (16 & up)playing a schedule during the spring. I can't imagine there would be a lot of teams competing in that age group until afer HS seasons are over. In Tennessee you are prohibited from participating with a summer program until your HS team has finished its season. Breaking the rule results in being ineligible for HS competition.

Now I have seen 14 under teams who played, without guys who were playing as freshmen.

Another thing to think about. While you should look to play at the highest level possible, your son is better off being on the mound, pitching, than being relegated to a backup role. That was one of the factors we dealt with in selecting a college. Go to a bigger program where you might ride the bench a couple of years, or go somewhere where you can pitch right away.

Even if your son's HS team is not very good, what kind of competition will he face? In the case of a pitcher, if he's facing good competition - even if his team is mediocre - he will be benefiting.