Sons school cut baseball program

Sorry to hear this news. I hope things work out for your son. How many years of eligibility does he have left, and what position does he play?

This happened to some of my son's former teammates who attended Cal Berkeley just a few years ago.  One of those players (a Freshman) we knew transferred to another school before the season was out.  The others stayed on to finish the season.  In Cal's case, there was quite a battle by the players and alumni to keep the baseball program.  The alumni, which included a couple former MLB players donated and helped raise enough to meet the required amount that would keep the program going for 5 years. I think that was back in 2010 or 2011.  The program is still going.  The players that stayed finished their college career and the one that transferred didn't get much playing time at the new college.  I was talking to a couple of the parents of those players and it was a really, really tough situation and no one was sure what would be the best choice.  I think a lot depends on how far along the student is.  If he's a freshman, then it very likely good to consider a transfer.  If a junior or senior, the, it might not be a good idea to think about transferring and just compete the schooling.

2 years left and is middle infielder has been both starting ss and 2nd.

Sorry to hear that mech1978.  The good news is that, from what I recall from this happening at Cal and some other schools, the guys who played and still had a few years or so of eligibility got some attention from other schools.  The news of the event created a bit of a target recruitment opportunity scenario.  As starting SS and 2B for a D1 school that is going to just go away, I would guess he'll have his share of suitors.  Hopefully, he has a good relationship with the staff.

I could never, for the life of me, figure out why the WAC had the schools they have.  Travel/logistics nightmare and serious overkill on travel costs for programs that are mostly not major programs that could possibly warrant it.

I love that there is baseball in the Dakota's but it can't possibly draw enough folks to warrant that travel schedule.  

Always hurts to read that kind of news.

I would imagine that many colleges will be interested in the players. Didn't UND just play Southern Cal in California and nearly sweep them?  I'm thinking a starting MIF on that team is going to be very desirable.  Still I wouldn't just sit around waiting, I'd contact the schools he might be interested in after doing some homework on their rosters. I hope everything ends up working out.

Similar situation at Temple in Philadelphia in 2014. They made the announcement in December 2013, and played the 2014 season. Some kids transferred before the season started. I think most ended up at other similar schools (baseball wise).

Yes, unfortunately it sounds like your son will be going through the recruiting grind again if he wants to continue to play. He'll be kind of like a juco transfer, so I would start with schools who like juco kids. Will the current coaching staff be helping them find new homes? Does he have friends playing at other schools who could introduce him to a new school? I would think other schools in the conference might also like to hear from him.

Good luck and keep us posted.

am digging through my virtual rolodex now and throwing out email feelers. Its just such a surprise. I am hoping for the scenario where he is recruited because I am not sure where to begin otherwise. 

 The coach hasn't talked to the team yet and everything came from the athletic director so far.

Your son will not have to sit out a year. 

Best of luck to him.

Akron dropped baseball last August....2 weeks before the school year started.  I know it was a pain....but most of the kids who wanted to play figured out a way to do it.  Fortunately for you, you've got more time.   Hopefully your son can find a place he fits in and gets to continue his career.

Towson University in Maryland went through a similar thing in 2013.  Google or search through this site.  'They' fought back and still have their program.

We went through this not too long a ago and here are some of my thoughts:

• As TPM noted, he is eligible to play at another D1 next year. NCAA rules say that he does not have to sit out the normal one year since the school is dropping the program. You have to apply to the NCAA but the new school should be able to help with that.
• The academic side of this is very important with transfer of credits. He needs to be at the Academic Progress Rate needed based on what year of school he is finishing. If he's a true SO then he needs to have an APR of 40% to be eligible to play. If he's a JR academically then he needs to be at 60%. If there is difficulty transferring credits to the new school/major then it could be an issue as I understand it.
• Once the school makes the official announcement, other schools are free to contact the player. Some coaches want the inquiring coaches to go through them and others don't care. I think you should talk to your coach about any help he may be able to give you in the process.
• Unless someone associated with UND has deep pockets and influence like the Cal scenario, trying to save the program would be a huge uphill battle.
• Transferring can be complicated and although we've been through it I'm no expert. I would suggest contacting Rick at Informed Athlete ( he posts here occasionally and supports the site by advertising I believe). The small price for a phone consultation can save you future headaches, grief, and $$$. I used him when we went through it and his knowledge and advice beyond the rules is priceless.

Fortunately you have time to sort this out. Some players find other schools to play at and for others this is the end of the line. It's definitely an emotional time for all. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

I met a former Akron LHP in Macys (go figure) who ended up at LSU. Had some genuine interest from other programs.

LHPs go fast!

Really surprising he has had a lot of interest already.

What do you mean "really surprising"??  We already told you that would happen

Good to hear.

Strange that this is coming up now.  Several of my son's friends play at Owens Community College in Toledo, OH.  They called the kids in yesterday and announced they were shutting down baseball and softball at the end of this season.  The announcement was at noon.......kids were getting texts by 12:15.   Fortunately they made the call earlier enough that the kids have some time to find a new place to play if that's their desire.  The school will honor any scholarships if the kids decide to stay next year.