How are all the new college freshman doing?
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My out-of-state 16 hours away freshman son is absolutely having a blast! 
I know this is a honeymoon period - he's had two weeks of classes so he is starting to get a taste now of having homework and classes. He's loving the "fraternity" of the baseball players - the older players are inviting the freshman over to their houses, and seems like the freshman are bonding. He's also loving his coach - the coach that recruite him left and an assistant coach was promoted to the position.
Another comment he's made is about loving the freedom of having a class and then maybe having a break before another class. It's all new right now and all good. Don't know when the "bubble" will break but we'll ride this happiness bubble all the way!
Only kink in his "bubble" - his rooommate was an "invited walk-on" who decided not to play who has a girlfriend at home. Yes, he's on the phone crying to this girl day in and day out and driving my son crazy with his complaining about everything. I know you can't dictate when and how your son falls in love - I know his parents must be devastated about this turn of events.
He is not homesick at all - of course we're missing him but so glad he's happy for now. Looking forward to hearing reports about the other freshman across the country.
Another comment he's made is about loving the freedom of having a class and then maybe having a break before another class. It's all new right now and all good. Don't know when the "bubble" will break but we'll ride this happiness bubble all the way!
Only kink in his "bubble" - his rooommate was an "invited walk-on" who decided not to play who has a girlfriend at home. Yes, he's on the phone crying to this girl day in and day out and driving my son crazy with his complaining about everything. I know you can't dictate when and how your son falls in love - I know his parents must be devastated about this turn of events.
He is not homesick at all - of course we're missing him but so glad he's happy for now. Looking forward to hearing reports about the other freshman across the country.
curveball07-
Nice to hear things are going well. My son also is having a great time in his second week at school away. He too has a roomate that is homesick and has a girlfriend that he misses dearly, to the point that he doesn't really want to socialize with the rest of the roomates and their friends. Too bad, hopefully he will come around and start to enjoy this very special time. Our boy however, is digging every minute and loves meeting new people. He seems to be bonding with the upperclassmen on the baseball team an soon will earn their respect, when they really get going. He has no complaints and I am proud to have raised a son that is confident and sure of himself so that he can take advantage of this very special time of his life. He is definately livin' the life.!
Nice to hear things are going well. My son also is having a great time in his second week at school away. He too has a roomate that is homesick and has a girlfriend that he misses dearly, to the point that he doesn't really want to socialize with the rest of the roomates and their friends. Too bad, hopefully he will come around and start to enjoy this very special time. Our boy however, is digging every minute and loves meeting new people. He seems to be bonding with the upperclassmen on the baseball team an soon will earn their respect, when they really get going. He has no complaints and I am proud to have raised a son that is confident and sure of himself so that he can take advantage of this very special time of his life. He is definately livin' the life.!
quote:He is definately livin' the life.!
This is great news!!!
I hope everyone keeps this thread going. Really fun for us all to read.
quote:Originally posted by Tiger Paw Mom:
How are all the new college freshman doing?
Tiger Paw Mom..I sent you a PM.
My son is loving college in his first few weeks. He loves to workout, so the 6am workouts are not bothering him to much. In his first offical practice Wednesday he hit one over the top of the left field light pole. If I remember correctly the left field fence is 335'. I know it is just batting practice, but that was quite a shot.
Three weeks in and I'm happy to report my son and I have both survived so far (not that I don't still miss him terribly at times!) He seems to be really enjoying it all. He told me school's alot harder than he was expecting (he was one of those that school always came easy for) but so far he's doing well, baseball's tough but he's really enjoying it. He sounded exhausted when I talked to him last night but still very upbeat-had to get off the phone to finish some homework and get ready to watch football for their fantasy football teams-little worried that it seemed both were going to happen at the same time. He really likes his teammates and the older guys definitely seem to have gone out of their way to include the new guys. They all live in the same apartment complex near the baseball field which was one of the things my son liked-that the team stayed together-not just their freshman year. The first home football game is this weekend and they were all planning a tail-gate party but he said they have to go sign autographs for the season ticket holders instead-too funny!! So far he's had a great time and the only complaints I've heard are about one of his roommates-everything else has been better than he expected. It's such a relief to talk to him and know how much he's enjoying it-hopefully he'll continue to feel that way as the year goes on. So for now- life's good 
Momandcpa...you're so right! Sent you a PM!
At least all your son's have coaches and a coaching staff! Our son doesn't have one and move in day is 9/21!
ORmom - Is your son at UT? If so, two guys from our HS team are freshmen also.
Son of Newcomer is settling in to the world of D1 baseball and expanding his mind with "interesting" workouts, great classes, whirlwind social activity and the realization that he's made a first, tiny step forward in baseball. Feels like he's getting in the best shape of his life..feels pretty strong even though tired. All in all: everything we expected and nothing like we thought it would be. But, hey, that's parenting even without baseball.
Newcomer,
Redhead - He's at UC Irvine.
TPM:
Thanks for asking. TW's son looked worn out the first two weeks. AND THIS WAS BEFORE ANY BASEBALL PRACTICE HAD EVEN STARTED. However, now that things are up and running he is looking good and his atitude is good. As others hav noted, he is getting along with the upperclassmen and bonding with most if not all of his fellow freshmen teammates. I watched a practice yesterday and as he left about an hour early he stopped long enough to tell me that he could not stay and talk or take extra BP as he did the last three days as he had a paper to finsh for his 5:30 class. So it sounds like he has the right balance between academics and baseball going and he is loving every minute of it.
TW344
Thanks for asking. TW's son looked worn out the first two weeks. AND THIS WAS BEFORE ANY BASEBALL PRACTICE HAD EVEN STARTED. However, now that things are up and running he is looking good and his atitude is good. As others hav noted, he is getting along with the upperclassmen and bonding with most if not all of his fellow freshmen teammates. I watched a practice yesterday and as he left about an hour early he stopped long enough to tell me that he could not stay and talk or take extra BP as he did the last three days as he had a paper to finsh for his 5:30 class. So it sounds like he has the right balance between academics and baseball going and he is loving every minute of it.
TW344
Glad to hear everyone's doing well.
My son has been at his D1 school for a month now. Thoroughly enjoying every aspect of it.
The first few workouts were tough...running the bleachers of the football stadium were the worst...
First couple of inter-squads were this week (delayed due to weather) and he's had some success against the upper-classmen pitchers, which is a good way to start things off.
My son has been at his D1 school for a month now. Thoroughly enjoying every aspect of it.
The first few workouts were tough...running the bleachers of the football stadium were the worst...
First couple of inter-squads were this week (delayed due to weather) and he's had some success against the upper-classmen pitchers, which is a good way to start things off.
Redhead,
No-hubby and I bleed maroon so t.u. wasn't an option for him
-jk! He's at Kansas State and still enjoying it after surviving the week from...-3 tests, two papers and 1 speech!
No-hubby and I bleed maroon so t.u. wasn't an option for him
-jk! He's at Kansas State and still enjoying it after surviving the week from...-3 tests, two papers and 1 speech!
brod-
An unfortunate chain of events, and still not done.
Whomever they get to coach at UCI will no doubt leave a hole someplace else...
My '09 son just received his first unsolicited prospect letter from UCI, 2 days later the staff left and went to Fullerton.
UCI is a fantastic school - good luck.
An unfortunate chain of events, and still not done.
Whomever they get to coach at UCI will no doubt leave a hole someplace else...
My '09 son just received his first unsolicited prospect letter from UCI, 2 days later the staff left and went to Fullerton.
UCI is a fantastic school - good luck.
Son is doing well. He had his first intersquad game yesterday and hit a grand slam!!!! Ok, well he struck out too - but us moms don't like to talk about those at bats! We're off to meet the track coach this morning for my daughter - how lucky I would be to have them in the same spot! Keep your fingers crossed for us.
ORmom - We bleed maroon also. Class of 81, 82, 08 (but she graduates this December). Son is a freshman at McMurry (also maroon).
Hope everyone's sons are making their stamp! My son will be there next year so this is interesting reading. Good luck to all.
I see that most of the reports are from freshman parents but it is still exciting even when they become seniors.
I'm going down for the first intersquads tommorrow and it is still as exciting as it was when he was a fish.
I realize that I'm getting closer to seeing my son play his last game vs his first so I wish to soak everything in while I can and I encourage you all to do the same.
I have a second son still in HS so the withdrw
I'm going down for the first intersquads tommorrow and it is still as exciting as it was when he was a fish.
I realize that I'm getting closer to seeing my son play his last game vs his first so I wish to soak everything in while I can and I encourage you all to do the same.
I have a second son still in HS so the withdrw
04 and 10,
Don't be afraid to post anything about your college player,no matter what year!
Don't be afraid to post anything about your college player,no matter what year!
What a difference a year makes!
After a "stressful" freshman year, my son appears to have found his "groove." He is taking a lighter academic load this year; accepting the fact that to play ball will mean graduating in more than 4-years.
He had a very good freshman year and a terrific summer playing ball in Ohio. On field fall practice begins this week; I'm looking forward to going south to watch scimmages in 2-weeks.
The kid sounds great, it is amazing how much they mature being out on their own (even though they still call asking for more money).
After a "stressful" freshman year, my son appears to have found his "groove." He is taking a lighter academic load this year; accepting the fact that to play ball will mean graduating in more than 4-years.
He had a very good freshman year and a terrific summer playing ball in Ohio. On field fall practice begins this week; I'm looking forward to going south to watch scimmages in 2-weeks.
The kid sounds great, it is amazing how much they mature being out on their own (even though they still call asking for more money).
Mom, I would worry about that boy of yours too! 
Just kiddin. I heard he was crushing the ball.
Tell him to keep up the good work.
Just kiddin. I heard he was crushing the ball.
Tell him to keep up the good work.
quote:ilvbb posted: He is taking a lighter academic load this year; accepting the fact that to play ball will mean graduating in more than 4-years.
A player returning to finish class work after his (college) baseball career ended, remarked that "school was easy without juggling baseball."
momandcpa:
You will be amazed at how much the kids change during the fall of their first year. Daily weights, running, plyometrics change their young bodies fast.
My son came home last year at Thanksgiving; his waist had shrunk nearly 1.5-2 inches, his neck was an inch bigger and his forearms looked like Popeye's. At the same time he had not lost a pound but had converted any extra weight that he carried into muscle.
Also, once baseball started in the fall, the kid could not get to the dining hall in time for dinner so expect either the debit or credit card to get a workout as well.
You will be amazed at how much the kids change during the fall of their first year. Daily weights, running, plyometrics change their young bodies fast.
My son came home last year at Thanksgiving; his waist had shrunk nearly 1.5-2 inches, his neck was an inch bigger and his forearms looked like Popeye's. At the same time he had not lost a pound but had converted any extra weight that he carried into muscle.
Also, once baseball started in the fall, the kid could not get to the dining hall in time for dinner so expect either the debit or credit card to get a workout as well.
Ours was thin and lanky when he left for college at almost 18, after the first year we thought he was BIG, after the second year BIGGER, and after the third year BIGGEST. Now I look at him and compare his pictures from last year and he looks nothing like he did last spring. He has only gained 10-12 pounds in 3 years, most likely grew some more, but physically has matured into his almost 22 year old body. Now he's like a freshman entering college, he says he is small compared to the MLB guys. 
Drove the 6 hours to watch my son play 4 games vs a Team from Quebec. New setting, new teammates and it was great to see him play. He's in tremendous shape 7.4% body fat from what I was told and his quickness behind the plate impressed me. This should really be a fun spring andI like the way they have put their schedule together.
Coach Merc - Where is your son at now?
Update,
Got back yesterday from watching the intersquads
Son threw 3 innings, 1 hit, no runs and no walks.
Alls good with the world.......nice for the first one of the fall to be a good one. Hope he does it again on scout day.
Got back yesterday from watching the intersquads
Son threw 3 innings, 1 hit, no runs and no walks.
Alls good with the world.......nice for the first one of the fall to be a good one. Hope he does it again on scout day.
It's also nice to see son's name on college team's website. Not long ago, we were looking at those rosters longingly during the recruiting process. And it sure feels good to see somebody on the roster that you know very well!!
quote:It's also nice to see son's name on college team's website. Not long ago, we were looking at those rosters longingly during the recruiting process. And it sure feels good to see somebody on the roster that you know very well!!
Your school already has rosters up? Photos too?
For most schools, fall rosters are the same as spring rosters. Some like to post them early, some like to wait until spring semester begins.
quote:Originally posted by iheartbb:
Your school already has rosters up? Photos too?
No photos, no bios..but the schedule is out and I cannot believe how many games they playand how far and often they travel..
First Timer- he's at the University of Maine. He's happy and enjoying the experience. It will be cold, but then again, it's cold here in the winter as well as in Illinois.
My freshman pitcher arrived to find himself a lot busier than I think he ever expected. Classes, practice/bullpens, speed training and weights each day with "spare time" filled by 8hrs mandatory study hall weekly. The real surprise was finding out at his D1 there were only 15 eturners (SO/JR/SR) and 20 new freshman & JC transfers.
My son just got his summer placement yesterday. Still seems wierd to me that they place them so early-before the season's even started?! He'll be playing for the Nevada Griffons in the Jayhawk league. He'd apparently been worried about the possibility of Dec. cuts (he feels like he's worked hard and done well but still had that worry of course) and his comment was that he guesses he'll make the cut if they've placed him for summer-true I hope?
ORmom...
My son played for the Griffons last summer. It really prepares them for minor league ball with the heat, the long bus trips, living with a host family, playing baseball 6 nights a week, often double headers, and learing to manage their time/diet/workouts/etc. Its very different than living in a college environment.
He will have a great summer and meet some wonderful people. You can listen to most of the games over the internet!
Good luck to him!
My son played for the Griffons last summer. It really prepares them for minor league ball with the heat, the long bus trips, living with a host family, playing baseball 6 nights a week, often double headers, and learing to manage their time/diet/workouts/etc. Its very different than living in a college environment.
He will have a great summer and meet some wonderful people. You can listen to most of the games over the internet!
Good luck to him!
There is a little more info on these summerleague teams in 'general items forum' under Great Lakes League topic.
From what I have read there it is a great sign of how the coaches are thinking about your guy.
From what I have read there it is a great sign of how the coaches are thinking about your guy.