Midlo Dad - That's excellent advice! Those would be the same suggestions regardless of level IMO.
rz,
Here is a story for ya.
By older players I did mean upperclassman.
Our senior outfielder (Travis Storrer RF) was suffering mid season what they thought was a hernia. After MRI confirmed there was none, he was replaced for a week by freshman DJ Mitchell (DJ is awesome, I know some websters know him). DJ did very well. He made a few mistakes, but I think mostly jitters. Travis now had to fight back for his position.
Right before playoffs,Travis, in a freak accident running to first after hitting the ball, twisted his ankle, which swelled badly, it took a few weeks to confirm he had a fracture. DJ was now the star in RF. This all happened before the final 25 man cut. Since DJ had already been on the travel roster, Travis was replaced by Sean Clark, senior pitcher. Sean had come to Clemson as a transfer, hurt required shoulder surgery and never regained his velocity or acurracy. But Sean worked like the devil all year and after putting in only a few innings and team depleted on pitching for ACC championship (which it too long IMO), coach put Sean in as starting pitcher for the championship and won, pitching a brilliant game. Sean went on to have a strong finish replacing our ace who blistered up for the regionals and super regionals and ended up pitching in the CWS in relief.
Due to an injury to one of our major starters, two players benefited.
So never say that players don't get hurt.
Sophomore slump, it exists unfortunatly. Good coaches don't stop giving chances as they usually comeback, but in some cases a player requires a sit down and then someone else gets to step in. That player then gets a chance to prove he can or cannot get the job done. It happens all of the time.
BTW, DJ is about 160 lbs soaking wet, fastest thing you ever saw run the bases, and most likely, due to arm strength will eventually become a pitcher.
Here is a story for ya.
By older players I did mean upperclassman.
Our senior outfielder (Travis Storrer RF) was suffering mid season what they thought was a hernia. After MRI confirmed there was none, he was replaced for a week by freshman DJ Mitchell (DJ is awesome, I know some websters know him). DJ did very well. He made a few mistakes, but I think mostly jitters. Travis now had to fight back for his position.
Right before playoffs,Travis, in a freak accident running to first after hitting the ball, twisted his ankle, which swelled badly, it took a few weeks to confirm he had a fracture. DJ was now the star in RF. This all happened before the final 25 man cut. Since DJ had already been on the travel roster, Travis was replaced by Sean Clark, senior pitcher. Sean had come to Clemson as a transfer, hurt required shoulder surgery and never regained his velocity or acurracy. But Sean worked like the devil all year and after putting in only a few innings and team depleted on pitching for ACC championship (which it too long IMO), coach put Sean in as starting pitcher for the championship and won, pitching a brilliant game. Sean went on to have a strong finish replacing our ace who blistered up for the regionals and super regionals and ended up pitching in the CWS in relief.
Due to an injury to one of our major starters, two players benefited.
So never say that players don't get hurt.
Sophomore slump, it exists unfortunatly. Good coaches don't stop giving chances as they usually comeback, but in some cases a player requires a sit down and then someone else gets to step in. That player then gets a chance to prove he can or cannot get the job done. It happens all of the time.
BTW, DJ is about 160 lbs soaking wet, fastest thing you ever saw run the bases, and most likely, due to arm strength will eventually become a pitcher.
quote:Travis, in a freak accident running to first after hitting the ball, twisted his ankle, which swelled badly, it took a few weeks to confirm he had a fracture. DJ was now the star in RF.
Yeah and the very next inning DJ takes a DOUBLE away from my son.... He can fly...
Really, the best advice I can tell you is that the most important thing is to FIND the BEST fit, and playing time will take care of itself. I know that is a vague term. And I can only tell you my son's experience (from my viewpoint) and I'll be the first to admit a large part of the selection process for my son was getting the opportunity to PLAY right away. He had offers from some HIGHER profile schools, and some promises from comparable schools, but when all things, including living environment, academic program, level of competition, and OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY were weighed out, he made his choice.
The program he went to was in a rebuilding mode, with new coaches, but had support of the AD and some nice tradition to live up to. We knew one of the coaches and had interaction with him, and liked him a lot, and the reputation of the other coaches were high. The school also also played in one of the best conferences in the country, so the competition would be great. But the one real factor that really made a difference, was the coaches telling us that he had the opportunity to start and play everyday. Like you’ve heard.. We checked the roster and compared what upperclassmen was in my son’s position, and then also asked who else they may be recruiting as some other high profile programs had made statements that were later found to be false.. and then made our choice. We even heard from a lot of people here on the West Coast, who didn’t know the quality of the ACC,... Why did he choose that school... and my answer has always been it was the best OVERALL fit, but the fact he had a good chance at playing time was a big factor. And so far, 20/20 hindsight tells us we made a pretty good choice.
The season ended up three freshmen started most of the time, (1 a pitcher) and by season’s end a couple others freshmen were starting. There were injuries along the way and some players who did not perform as expected, some stepped up and when given the opportunity they shined. They were considered a young team.
Now looking at that same team a year later, I do not see the same opportunities for incoming Freshmen to be starters. The team really only lost one everyday starter, and there are a lot of sophs and juniors still on the team. So I would doubt the opportunities for the number of everyday starters from this years group will be as great as last years. But you can see how the coaches recruited knowing that the freshmen this year will get their chance to compete and contribute, but will have higher expectations as sophomores…
And as was mentioned earlier and is one of my favorite saying... (C'mon JT tell em...) "If you can HIT they will find a place for you."
First off I never said that "players don't get hurt". I did however mis-read when you said "older players get hurt" as I thought you meant that they get hurt more often than young players, when you probably meant that young guys should be ready to step-up.quote:So never say that players don't get hurt.
As far as slumps they are not defined by class they are just plain old slumps regardless of your age. There are Freshman slumps, Junior slumps, and Senior slumps for some reason they just seem to throw an age in there to further define it. IMHO
My biggest surprise was how many more injuries take place at the college level than the lower levels. The game really is a grind on these kids and injuries are all too common.
No one in this thread has said it is impossible to start as a freshman as evidenced by some of the posts in this thread where freshman have indeed contributed right away.
FO said there were about 6 freshman who started in the Big 12 last year. Lets try some math.... Assuming a 30 man roster, we have 12 * 30 = 360 players in the Big 12. 6/360 = less than 2% of freshman started last year in the Big 12. Obviously, the Big 12 is a national power conference so the odds may be somewhat lower but the majority of freshman will still not be starters regardless of the conference.
Here is my take. I think players always need to be competing as if they are going to be the starter. That's what competition is all about - finding the best talent. That said, having your expectations in line with potential realities is not such a bad thing. If you compete in the fall and spring and find yourself in the starting lineup - what a pleasant surprise. If you do not, no need to hang your head because just about every other freshman in the nation is experiencing the same thing. Keep working hard, stay positive, and be ready if/when your number is called.
FO said there were about 6 freshman who started in the Big 12 last year. Lets try some math.... Assuming a 30 man roster, we have 12 * 30 = 360 players in the Big 12. 6/360 = less than 2% of freshman started last year in the Big 12. Obviously, the Big 12 is a national power conference so the odds may be somewhat lower but the majority of freshman will still not be starters regardless of the conference.
Here is my take. I think players always need to be competing as if they are going to be the starter. That's what competition is all about - finding the best talent. That said, having your expectations in line with potential realities is not such a bad thing. If you compete in the fall and spring and find yourself in the starting lineup - what a pleasant surprise. If you do not, no need to hang your head because just about every other freshman in the nation is experiencing the same thing. Keep working hard, stay positive, and be ready if/when your number is called.
.
This is a very good thread....
Here are some of my favorites since my last post...
“…if you are a multi position player you have a better chance of getting playing time.” - Bobblehead....Be aware that lots of college coaches will MAKE you a multi position player. Or change your position. And it will usually increase your chances of playing time
“…injuries, grades, flawed personal decisions made after dark, economics, among other things, limit the number of players available during the course of the season. The lesson is not to be one of the players dealt out. “ - Dad04...Stuff happens.
“Just out last them.” - Coach May...Perseverance is one of the most underrated skills in sport. If you don't go away, good things may happen.
“It all depends on who you have, how deep you are, and the particular coach's philosophy, all things to investigate before you pursue a particular school.” - Midlow Dad.... Good, and I'll go one further...Some schools will at least play everybody on a roster. This will give players a chance to make a move. Others really bury players. As a potential recruit you need to know which kind of school it is. Beyond the obvious schools who play many players not only keep everyone "engaged" but promotes stronger work ethic as mentioned by TPM, because they are never "settled. They must earn their playing time on a daily basis.
"He has great power at the plate and a great throwing arm," said D1 college head coach. "He’ll compete for a starting corner spot in the outfield. And in our park, he’ll have the potential to hit a lot of home runs." - Old Slugger8...(My bold)
“My biggest surprise was how many more injuries take place at the college level than the lower levels. The game really is a grind on these kids and injuries are all too common.” -pfbear13...Watch the game change next year when the season is "compressed". I predict that you'll see a great more injuries, and two way players
“Here is my take. I think players always need to be competing as if they are going to be the starter. That's what competition is all about - finding the best talent. That said, having your expectations in line with potential realities is not such a bad thing. If you compete in the fall and spring and find yourself in the starting lineup - what a pleasant surprise. If you do not, no need to hang your head because just about every other freshman in the nation is experiencing the same thing. Keep working hard, stay positive, and be ready if/when your number is called.” - Cleveland Dad...Not only is this a really great post, but if you have followed it, the Cleveland Dad Family story is a model of how a frustrated freshman can work, prepare and perform his way to team capitan in a year.
44
.
This is a very good thread....
Here are some of my favorites since my last post...
“…if you are a multi position player you have a better chance of getting playing time.” - Bobblehead....Be aware that lots of college coaches will MAKE you a multi position player. Or change your position. And it will usually increase your chances of playing time
“…injuries, grades, flawed personal decisions made after dark, economics, among other things, limit the number of players available during the course of the season. The lesson is not to be one of the players dealt out. “ - Dad04...Stuff happens.
“Just out last them.” - Coach May...Perseverance is one of the most underrated skills in sport. If you don't go away, good things may happen.
“It all depends on who you have, how deep you are, and the particular coach's philosophy, all things to investigate before you pursue a particular school.” - Midlow Dad.... Good, and I'll go one further...Some schools will at least play everybody on a roster. This will give players a chance to make a move. Others really bury players. As a potential recruit you need to know which kind of school it is. Beyond the obvious schools who play many players not only keep everyone "engaged" but promotes stronger work ethic as mentioned by TPM, because they are never "settled. They must earn their playing time on a daily basis.
"He has great power at the plate and a great throwing arm," said D1 college head coach. "He’ll compete for a starting corner spot in the outfield. And in our park, he’ll have the potential to hit a lot of home runs." - Old Slugger8...(My bold)
“My biggest surprise was how many more injuries take place at the college level than the lower levels. The game really is a grind on these kids and injuries are all too common.” -pfbear13...Watch the game change next year when the season is "compressed". I predict that you'll see a great more injuries, and two way players
“Here is my take. I think players always need to be competing as if they are going to be the starter. That's what competition is all about - finding the best talent. That said, having your expectations in line with potential realities is not such a bad thing. If you compete in the fall and spring and find yourself in the starting lineup - what a pleasant surprise. If you do not, no need to hang your head because just about every other freshman in the nation is experiencing the same thing. Keep working hard, stay positive, and be ready if/when your number is called.” - Cleveland Dad...Not only is this a really great post, but if you have followed it, the Cleveland Dad Family story is a model of how a frustrated freshman can work, prepare and perform his way to team capitan in a year.
44.
Observer44 - ClevelandDad's son is a perfect example of how a freshman should tackle the challenges presented to him. Certainly a success story of perseverance and good attitude!!
ClevelandDad is indeed a perfect example, lafmom.....
Here is when preparation meets opportunity. It happens over and over and over.
But, you can't see this very well as an incoming freshman.
But, at a home game, in the bottom of the 7th, 8th, or 9th, in a game under control, coach is gonna have your name on a list and say, "Get ready to pinch hit for the catcher"
And, it might come in the top of ninth, behind in the game with two outs, AT the University of Texas, with 10,000 watching.............
"Take some swings, your gonna hit behind......."
It's a real good time to slap one into right field.
And, then you can say, "Fun, ain't it?"
And, know what it means.
quote:“…injuries, grades, flawed personal decisions made after dark, economics, among other things, limit the number of players available during the course of the season. The lesson is not to be one of the players dealt out.
Here is when preparation meets opportunity. It happens over and over and over.
But, you can't see this very well as an incoming freshman.
But, at a home game, in the bottom of the 7th, 8th, or 9th, in a game under control, coach is gonna have your name on a list and say, "Get ready to pinch hit for the catcher"
And, it might come in the top of ninth, behind in the game with two outs, AT the University of Texas, with 10,000 watching.............
"Take some swings, your gonna hit behind......."
It's a real good time to slap one into right field.
And, then you can say, "Fun, ain't it?"
And, know what it means.
quote:FO posted: But, you can't see this very well as an incoming freshman.
...because the lighting is bad way down at the bottom of the pile. The sun shines much brighter once you are standing on someones shoulders.
Here's another twist.
Freshman and non starters get to see some added playing time when their team is doing a good job. Coach is more likely to let the younger players get some experience when their team is well ahead.
Freshman and non starters get to see some added playing time when their team is doing a good job. Coach is more likely to let the younger players get some experience when their team is well ahead.
lafmom and OB44 - thanks for the kind words 
OB44's son was redshirted last year as my son was initially and I'll be the first to admit that luck is involved. OB44, has a fine story to tell and it would be interesting to hear what his thoughts are now heading into this year.
For some perpsective, my son was behind a kid who was 6-3, 190lbs, and was drafted out of high school by the LA Dodgers. He was also rated as the #1 prospect in the Coastal Plains League this past summer by BA. That kid decided he did not want to risk another year of eligibility last spring so he asked to be redshirted and that opened a roster spot for my son. Without that stroke of good fortune, my son would likely be starting his redshirt freshman year in about 7 weeks. It ain't easy but you gotta love it on the other hand
OB44's son was redshirted last year as my son was initially and I'll be the first to admit that luck is involved. OB44, has a fine story to tell and it would be interesting to hear what his thoughts are now heading into this year.
For some perpsective, my son was behind a kid who was 6-3, 190lbs, and was drafted out of high school by the LA Dodgers. He was also rated as the #1 prospect in the Coastal Plains League this past summer by BA. That kid decided he did not want to risk another year of eligibility last spring so he asked to be redshirted and that opened a roster spot for my son. Without that stroke of good fortune, my son would likely be starting his redshirt freshman year in about 7 weeks. It ain't easy but you gotta love it on the other hand
quote:Get ready to pinch hit for the catcher"
And, it might come in the top of ninth, behind in the game with two outs, AT the University of Texas, with 10,000 watching.............
"Take some swings, your gonna hit behind......."
It's a real good time to slap one into right field.
And, then you can say, "Fun, ain't it?"
And, know what it means.
Excellent stuff
CD he produced when his opportunity came.
It is an amazing feeling when you hear your freshman son enter his 1st game.
It is an amazing feeling when you hear your freshman son enter his 1st game.
Hey,
Do I get a Christmas present or something for starting a great string like this?? Who knew?
Fantastic info from everyone and some inspiring stories about your kids. Just hope my son has as much focus and drive (and talent) as all of your guys!
BTW, Spring better come soon --- watching reruns of the "classics" of the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles (at least THEY have some classics) is losing its appeal real fast!
Do I get a Christmas present or something for starting a great string like this?? Who knew?
Fantastic info from everyone and some inspiring stories about your kids. Just hope my son has as much focus and drive (and talent) as all of your guys!
BTW, Spring better come soon --- watching reruns of the "classics" of the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles (at least THEY have some classics) is losing its appeal real fast!
Falcon
I wish I had asked this question last year, probably wouldn't have changed much for my son but it might have prepared me a little better for the rollercoaster of freshman year.
I wish I had asked this question last year, probably wouldn't have changed much for my son but it might have prepared me a little better for the rollercoaster of freshman year.
quote:Coach is more likely to let the younger players get some experience when their team is well ahead.
Math is not one of my strengths but I would bet that since not every team can be on the + side of the score, there is same amount that are "well behind". So I would also say that Freshman and non starters get to see some added playing time when their team is NOT doing a good job. It's those teams that are in the hunt every game where the younger guys might not get a shot as often.
Jmepop,
I'm the one who's usually a day late and dollar short --- hope the rollercoaster ride is behind you now so you can enjoy the rest of the carnival! Hopefully, my ride will be slow and easy in the freshman year.
I'm the one who's usually a day late and dollar short --- hope the rollercoaster ride is behind you now so you can enjoy the rest of the carnival! Hopefully, my ride will be slow and easy in the freshman year.
As a former Falcon, 70 graduate of GC I am sure your son will do fine. I am sure every year will have its ups and downs, just keep my fingers crossed for good health and a good season. When I asked my boy where he felt he stood in the mix for starting this year he said the coach had not made any clear decisions. He then said the only thing he could do was just keep hitting and hopefully things would work out.
JMO but once they get to college, you try to enjoy as much as you can, but the roller coaster ride continues.
Each year brings a new set of circumstances, however, I am finding by third year, the ride isn't as bumpy, yet.
Each year brings a new set of circumstances, however, I am finding by third year, the ride isn't as bumpy, yet.
quote:He then said the only thing he could do was just keep hitting and hopefully things would work out.
jmepop - that is a great attitude - concentrate on those things you can control and let the other things take care of themselves.
Here is some other stuff in addition to being a starter and goes to many of the offline conversations that I have had with other hsbbwebsters.
Next spring, there is going to come a point where some freshman will have made the team and others will be redshirted. On that day, just know that if you are redshirted that this can be turned into a positive experience. Many freshman who make the team play or pitch few actual innings for the right to travel with the team and sit on the bench. Come the following year, one kid will still have four years of eligibility yet with essentially the same college experience as another who now only has three years. Something to think about in the grand scheme of things.
jmepop,
Thanks for the encouragement!!
Thanks for the encouragement!!
On most college rosters a Redshirt Freshman is a sophomore in college who redshirted one year and is in his 1st year as a player. My nephew redshirted his freshman year and did not play at all. On the roster this year, 2nd in college, 1st year playing, he is listed as a redshirt freshman.
If you pick a school based on previous rosters and a history of FR getting playing time, you might be very disappointed. College rosters and team circumstances change year to year. If three amazing FR show up and play significant innings their FR year, where do you think these three amazing FR will be their SO and JR years? Coaches make adjustments based on their needs from season to season. Don't assume that a coach who plays FR in '06 will have the need to play FR in '07! He's open to the idea, but there is no way to predict a pattern till '07 comes along!
Also, really good teams see players "fall out of the sky" to join the team, often for no scholarship and no risk to the coach. The best JC players who want to improve their draft status will sometimes show up on the rosters of the best teams. College baseball is a business and success is the barometer by which the coaching staff is judged. You don't see many coaches who would turn away JuCo players who just fall into their lap, with the potential to help the team.
IMO, there's no way to predict if you can be a Starter as D1 Freshman, which is the title of this thread. Make sure you're happy with three things:
1. Coaches
2. Facilities
3. Academics
If you're determined to make it in D1 baseball, #'s 1 and 2 become really important. You'll spend a huge chunk of your college life at the ballfield. Find that "fit" and give it your all. Anything can happen.
Also, really good teams see players "fall out of the sky" to join the team, often for no scholarship and no risk to the coach. The best JC players who want to improve their draft status will sometimes show up on the rosters of the best teams. College baseball is a business and success is the barometer by which the coaching staff is judged. You don't see many coaches who would turn away JuCo players who just fall into their lap, with the potential to help the team.
IMO, there's no way to predict if you can be a Starter as D1 Freshman, which is the title of this thread. Make sure you're happy with three things:
1. Coaches
2. Facilities
3. Academics
If you're determined to make it in D1 baseball, #'s 1 and 2 become really important. You'll spend a huge chunk of your college life at the ballfield. Find that "fit" and give it your all. Anything can happen.