spring scholarships/ giving in

lefty, welcome to the HSBBW. I am sure your post is going to generate a lot of discussion because it is very intriguing.
The fact that you do not have a big DI school recruiting or offering is important. If they are not recruiting you, it doesn't make any difference how much you want it, how much heart you have or whether they are missing a talented player.
From what you have posted, it sounds like DIII is where most coaches feel you can play. From what you have posted, it sounds like "playing" for a DI, as opposed to being on a roster is a big risk.
For whatever it is worth, I know a young man who had similar feelings and ambitions a few years back about a big DI. He actually had some marginal interest. A DIII pursued him and gave him a road map.
He played every game for 4 years in college, played on top summer wood bat league teams where he clearly demonstrated some skills, had options to transfer as a result, and ended up playing extremely well when he was drafted.
If you are in the Northwest and have that number of DIII's involved, I assume schools like Linfield and others are involved. They present great options to play.
In my view, you need to make the very hard decision of whether a roster spot for a DI is more enticing than playing every day potentially for a very good DIII.
That is a decision only you can make.

Yeah, I can see exactly your point. It's hard to look into the past when the whole Division 1 recruiting process has changed significantly with these new rules. When I said I have D1 interest, I did mean more than just letters and camp invites. I've been back and forth with a few coaches saying the wheels could be rolling, and I have been asked if walking on is an interest of mine. Personally, not only do I want to commit my time and money to the school, but I want the schools commitment too, in a form of a scholarship. This may change though. As for the playing time, I believe, being a left handed pitcher, not only do I have an advantage to get on the mound, but I look forward to trying to earn that playing time. I'd rather fight for playing time than go to a less talented school and not have too much competition.
The most frustrating part about these new rules is that it may leave out the kid that starts out as a walk on or perhaps on a small scholarship, but developes into a top player.

When you say you would rather fight for playing time than go to a less talented school and not have too much competition, I wonder how well you know the higher level DIII programs.
I am not proposing they compete with UCLA, Stanford, Oregon St or ASU.
On the other hand, when you put them against many mid and lower level DI's, top DIII's do just fine.
From what you are posting, it does not sound like you have a DI coach who is willing to commit to you either in terms of a scholarship or in terms of where you fit.
I agree that as a lefty pitcher you could have a major advantage. All I can say is don't let your competitive instincts get in the way of making a good decision where you "fit."
It is my view that a school with the best academics combined with a coach who commits to where you fit and where they see you in their program and in summer leagues can be a wonderfully solid option, and will give you all the competition and ability to compete that you might handle.

quote:

The most frustrating part about these new rules is that it may leave out the kid that starts out as a walk on or perhaps on a small scholarship, but developes into a top player.

infielddad has given great advice. The new rules have not affected anything as far as the ability to play. There are still the same number of playing opportunities as there was in the past and it is still just as challenging to get out on the field and play. The only thing that has been affected is whether or not a kid can now sit at the bottom of the roster on a D1 or not. IMHO, if you are the 35th kid on the roster or the 43rd, you are probably not going to play that much and that is what it takes to develop into a top player. Top players can be developed at any level imho.

The major change of the rules is that some kids can no longer tell their friends they are a D1 player. If you are at the bottom end of the roster, are you really a D1 player in the first place? Rather than focus on the level, maybe focus on the quality of the program i.e., do they win and do their academics and other considerations meet your needs. The JUCO may give you the opportunity to develop your skills and still achieve your goal of playing at D1 someday.

Regardless of your decision, top players (those capable of playing beyond college) can be developed at each level of play. Find a place that loves you and will provide you that opportuinity. Find a place that wins because winning is fun and the competition within and outside a program like that will give you a chance to develop. Do those things and you will indeed give yourself a chance to develop into a top player.

quote:

Originally posted by infielddad:
The fact that you do not have a big DI school recruiting or offering is important. If they are not recruiting you, it doesn't make any difference how much you want it, how much heart you have or whether they are missing a talented player.

And that says it in a nutshell.

IFD & CD are giving you good counsel.

There is such a wide range of D1 programs. As has been pointed out, there are some D2, D3 and NAIA programs that are better than quite a few lower to mid-level D1's.

Are you just hung up on the label of "D1"?

Would you rather go to a more prominent D1 program even if it might mean sitting for four years? Or to a D2, D3 or NAIA school where you stood a better chance of playing?

Would you rather been in a low level D1 program when there are better D2, D3 and NAIA programs available?

And many of the D2, D3 and NAIA schools have exceptional academics.

My son was not an early sign or heavily recruited until his senior year (also a pitcher). One of the college coaches that was recruiting him, who was actually very candid about the process, told him that come spring, if he was pitching the way he had heard he could pitch, there would be plenty of schools with offers. This coaches opinion was, "everybody is always looking for pitching".

Our plan was to go the JUCO route if a good D1 offer didn't come around. By resigning himself to that, he could relax and pitch his senior year, knowing that he had a good plan already in place, even if it didn't involve a D1 right away.

My advice would be to look at some JUCO's and see if that route might be of interest to you. There is scholarship money available unlike going D3, there is an expectation of you leaving to go to a better program. It may not be the right thing for you, it isn't for everyone, but with your stated goals, it may be an option worth exploring.

Best of luck.

Considering academics to be equal a player may want to look at the D-2, D-3, NAIA programs and see who is successful---lots better to play on a team that wins in their division than sit on the bench at a Division I program


There is no need to be hung up on Division I

The quality of baseball overlaps in D1/D2/D3 in places. Academics, location, out of pocket cost, coaching, girls, alumni network and alot of other factors are more important than D1. I know a D1 where the players basicly buy ALL their equipment and have to chip in for gas money to get to games. I know a D2 that plays in the NCAA World Series nearly every year, play and practice at MLB facilities in Florida and has excellent academics.

Go where you are wanted, where you will play and get a solid education further preparing you for life after 4 years of baseball.

I always thought that D11 only play a short schedule. One D11 we looked at in CT only played 30 games.We looked at the school mainly because of the academics and the scholarship amount.

To us it was about the competition and not the team wins/losses. For a pitcher it is about pitchimg against the best teams you can.

quote:

Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:


To us it was about the competition and not the team wins/losses. For a pitcher it is about pitchimg against the best teams you can.

I agree with that, but the poster said he always wanted to play for a big D1, not sure what a big D1 would mean.

I am not sure if he understands what playing for a big D1 entails.

quote:

I just want to get this whole process over.

I can understand your weariness. If your quote above is true, you may want to commit to one of the schools currently interested in you, so you don't have to worry about the process come spring.

I would notify at least one if not two of the D1 you said you liked.
Ask them;
if they still have any roster spots open and
if so, is it the position you play,
are they going to be signing anyone during the next signing period?
Let them know you are interested, try to determine if they still have any interest.

If you can, do an unofficial visit and talk to them instead of calling or writing.

I always felt the direct "open" approach is best and most coaches will let you know if you have a spot or not.

LeftyZ, As the other posters have already said, DII & DIII schools are fine places too. It is all about making the best decision for yourself. Being a Pitcher and a lefty will draw you more spring interest. Do create a plan for yourself that includes good communication with all possible schools (DI, DII & DIII). Also, keep track of all inbound contacts. This information will show you where the interest is. Make sure all interested schools have your spring schedule.

In the case of DI - With the early signing over, you can take your time and do not need to create any undo pressure on yourself. One more tip, consider going to a Holiday camp at one of your preferred schools.

Good luck!

I might add, my son's juco coach said if you get a Div 1 offer, no hard feelings, take it if you want to, however my kid has a good feeling about this coach and would rather go where he is clearly wanted.

My son is new to this whole process as well. His summer baseball coach has told him to stop worrying and just continue practicing and getting ready for his spring season. I think everyone puts so much pressure on these kids that they think if they don't have a 20 offers by November that they need to get desperate and it's really not the case. My son has been talking to D1 coach that he really wants to attend his school for academics & sports. This coach has told him they have him on their watch list this spring and who has been in contact with a JUCCO coach in their area who in turn has contacted my son about playing for them. Sometime other colleges work thru JUCCO to teach the kids specific things that the D1 school would like him to learn. He's also getting contacted by DII, DIII and worked out with some NAIA schools. Talented kids are at every level and last time I checked there are only 9 players that get on the field at each inning. You can't snub your nose at a school that doesn't make ESPN because you might miss out on the greatest experience of your life. I think that the message should really be when making a choice about a college - if I get hurt and can't play for a year or ever again (it happens) will I be happy at this school and will I get the academics that I need to pursue another course in life.

quote:

Originally posted by smalltown:
... would rather go where he is clearly wanted.

My son is looking at the D1 camps going into his junior season but we'll take a look after his junior season to see where he is and then I'll talk to him to find out what is really important to him, and in what order? Academics, playing time, coaching, level, (D1, D2, D3, etc.). Then I'll suggest that the order is academics, playing time after the freshman season, coaching, and last and least level. JMO.

quote:

Originally posted by CADad:
Then I'll suggest that the order is academics, playing time after the freshman season, coaching, and last and least level. JMO.

That is worth

quote:

Originally posted by mcphesh:
I think everyone puts so much pressure on these kids that they think if they don't have a 20 offers by November ...

Mac...welcome to HSBBW and from your son's experience you give some sound advise.

In regards to your quote above...allow me if you will to elaborate on it just a tad. When my son finally signed last week I asked him if he felt the pressure was off now. He answered with a resounding yes. I then proceeded to ask him if he felt I had pressured him in any way during this process, or team mates, coaches, etc. He told me that I had allowed him the freedom to make this choice by standing back and simply letting him be out front. He said the GREATEST pressure came from himself to find the right fit. So, I don't think it's really us putting all that pressure on our son's as you elude to. All that we as parents can do is be that sounding board when they have questions/concerns during the process. Some kids have in mind early what all they want from a college and baseball program, i.e. Division level, proximity, playing time, academic, etc.

It seems to me that at this time leftyz hasn't got all of his ducks in a row to make a sound decision, at this particular time. That's ok. Every player is different and has different needs.

LeftyZ, Patience.
Lot's of oppurtuinity opens up in the Spring.
Also after the Draft in June. D1's are scrabbling to fill vacant slot's in there line up due to the draft.

Don't settle for what you don't feel is right for you.
And once you make a decision, Have no regrets.
Make it the right Fit for you.
EH

LeftyZ,

My son just went through the very same situation. He was highly touted as a Soph, but did not have a particularly good Junior year. He had numerous offers from D111 schools and was still getting interest from some of the D1s that he wanted to go to. He continued to work hard and stayed in contact with and applied to the D1 schools that were on his list. He came back and had a very good senior year. There were several things that were in his control that he worked on: He stayed in touch with the coaches, he had good grades, and he had a very good senior year. He also happens to be left handed and a pitcher. Your profile would indicate that you are also a southpaw. That gives you an advantage. He ended up with a number of spring offers, and is at the school that he really wanted to go to, and will get some playing time in the spring. He would have been happy at number of D111s, but ultimately ended up at the school where he wanted to be.

Continue to work hard on the things that you can impact and control, and good luck.

quote:

I always thought that D11 only play a short schedule. One D11 we looked at in CT only played 30 games.We looked at the school mainly because of the academics and the scholarship amount.

DII's now play a full schedule - I believe it is up to 55 games a year - our son's DII is playing 54 games this spring.

I know several 07's last year that got a D1 offer in the spring close to the end of their high school season - had great senior years. I also know several players now are doing some transferring to a different school this spring for various reasons. A couple of those players are now leaving their D1's to go to JUCO's!

Just make sure you are choosing the school for a great fit not just to get that "D1" title - it will be harder for you to transfer next year.

Good luck - we know how you feel waiting and wanting the process to be over - my son didn't get the offer he wanted until the spring. Go ahead and get those applications in at the schools you are interested in and have some back-up plans in place in case your dream schools do not pan out.

Thanks DiamondFan....my son is in a similar situation (except his is NOT a southpaw! )

I need to remind him to stay in contact with some of the schools he is interested in.

Thanks again.....

My son signed 3 weeks before he had to be on campus. 1st choice decided to go with a JC transfer. We had backup plans so we had an offer from 2nd choice purolated to us and had to run to get all paperwork in place.

Thanks for all the advice, I've since opened my attention more toward other levels and did some homework on some schools.

another question though...
Come spring, am I still able to be recruited by D1 schools even if I haven't applied and it's past their deadline for admission? Do they make acceptions for athletes?

I have seen guys signed after fall semester started.
If you don't get proactive you are taking a big risk. Contact schools that you are interested in and let them knowwho you are and of your interest.

I've contacted all the Division 1 schools I am interested in, and of the 4 or 5 that show the most interest, 3 of them made the initial contact. I am not worried about getting my name out there anymore, I have well exceeded the necessary steps to do so. I am also attending 1, maybe 2, winter camps. I am planning on applying soon to these schools that show valid interest.

But come Spring or possibly after the draft in June, what if one of these other schools show up saying they are going to need another pitcher, and they're interested in me? Because it will be past their deadline for admission, am I not eligable to go there?

I guess what I'm really asking is, do I have to apply to ALL of the schools I am interested in, or can I wait to see if they show more interest in the Spring to apply, even though it's past the admission deadline.

You should be applying to all the schools you think would be a school you would be interested in.
Very important to let them know you are interested.

quote:

Originally posted by leftyZ:
I've contacted all the Division 1 schools I am interested in, and of the 4 or 5 that show the most interest, 3 of them made the initial contact. I am not worried about getting my name out there anymore, I have well exceeded the necessary steps to do so. I am also attending 1, maybe 2, winter camps. I am planning on applying soon to these schools that show valid interest.

But come Spring or possibly after the draft in June, what if one of these other schools show up saying they are going to need another pitcher, and they're interested in me? Because it will be past their deadline for admission, am I not eligable to go there?

Lefty,
The team has an allotted number of spots available in the incoming class. They can circumvent the normal admissions process for their recruited athletes.

LeftyZ

quote:

But come Spring or possibly after the draft in June, what if one of these other schools show up saying they are going to need another pitcher, and they're interested in me? Because it will be past their deadline for admission, am I not eligable to go there?

Son was not signed to D1 until after the Draft and the middle of July before making decision, With No pre admission.
If they want you on Campus.
You will be on Campus.
EH