Summer Collegiate Leagues

What position and where area are you in? For example if you're a pitcher and live in the Northeast there are enough leagues that you can always find a place to play.

@4arms

I think most people don't realize what a crazy time of year this is for coaching staffs. Many D1 baseball coaches are busy trying to figure out opening conference lineups.

If your son isn't going to play this season that may be the reason for the delay. I would advise your son to speak to his assistant coach.

But again, this might not be the perfect time.

4arms;

Do you know the Virginia Valley League?

"Hokieone" is on this web site and he an owner of a team in the Valley League. Summer League baseball is very important for a College players to obtain experience and improve his baseball skills.

Bob

@Consultant posted:

4arms;

Do you know the Virginia Valley League?

"Hokieone" is on this web site and he an owner of a team in the Valley League. Summer League baseball is very important for a College players to obtain experience and improve his baseball skills.

Bob

Strasburg Express is the team but I don't advise the player reaching out at this time.

I appreciate all the information.   We are in the the southeast and have heard great things about Coastal Plain, Appalachian, and Valley Leagues.   Unfortunately I believe most of the Coastal Teams and many Valley Teams are full.   I know right now he should allow the coaches to handle it as to not try going around their back as they are busy but it's hard watching players from all around us having assignments knowing he doesn't have one yet.   Guess I'm wondering when it's time to be more proactive as this is our first experience with it.   

I think your son is a position player.  One thing about summer leagues is that the college coaches have connections with the team managers, so that (hopefully) the playing time will fit what the college coach wants.  Of course the player also has to perform and advocate for himself.  But going through the college coach is the ideal, especially for summer leagues that don't require you to pay.

Even though teams look full now, many things happen before the summer begins, mostly injuries but also transfers.  Summer teams are pretty fluid, players leave all the time, for all sorts of reasons.

Anotherparent is right. It's often "fruit basket turnover" in summer league rosters not long before the teams start playing. Players get injured, they need to go to summer school, stuff happens. It's even the case that players drop out and others are added after summer league begins play.

In my son's case the summer after his Freshman year in college, he made plans to go out to San Diego to work as an instructor/intern at Tom House's summer camps. He'd considered that a good thing to do developmentally after his first year of college ball. One month into the summer, Chatham lost a pitcher because he signed a pro contract, and the next day my son was in Chatham for the rest of the summer.

As has been suggested here, your son's coaches need to be advocating for him in their networks; as he could very well get picked up later. Meanwhile, he needs to make sure that he has a constructive, developmental alternative waiting for him in the event that a roster spot doesn't open.

I've heard of players placed in summer leagues in April and May.  I think your player is right to trust the coach -- and maybe wait for a good moment to ask for an update on the summer.  But @Prepster's advice is awesome for baseball and for life, lol.  Prepare for the best option but have a backup plan.

4arms;

Place yourself in the "role" of a Summer Team owner, who depends on the attendance to be "solvent".

Does your son have the baseball talent to play everyday and help the team on the field? It is a business and winning is the goal. Is he ready for the challenge?

Do you have a local "adult" League?

Bob

FWIW At my son's game today there was a scout/coach there from a summer league team. They are in a good league; Not Cape or Northwoods good, but just below. So teams are looking. He stayed for a full 2 9inning doubleheader.

It's easier as a pitcher to find a roster spot. A lot of guys ended backing out after getting injured, throwing too many innings in season, someone mentioned summer school. Then you have the guys on inning counts who leave early, etc.

Unless you have a reason not to believe the coach I wouldn't worry about it too much right now. As the season progresses, the summer teams will have a better idea of what they need. Follow up in early May, at that point he has about a month to find something on his own.

Mine was placed in April/May in what would be considered a good league. By the end of May, multiple (better) leagues had reached out to his HC about getting guys. Logistics didn't work with the stronger leagues but his summer experience was positive.

@PABaseball posted:

It's easier as a pitcher to find a roster spot. A lot of guys ended backing out after getting injured, throwing too many innings in season, someone mentioned summer school. Then you have the guys on inning counts who leave early, etc.

Unless you have a reason not to believe the coach I wouldn't worry about it too much right now. As the season progresses, the summer teams will have a better idea of what they need. Follow up in early May, at that point he has about a month to find something on his own.

Mine was placed in April/May in what would be considered a good league. By the end of May, multiple (better) leagues had reached out to his HC about getting guys. Logistics didn't work with the stronger leagues but his summer experience was positive.

Agree with this. Since my kids have been in college I can't think of any player that wanted to play summer ball and couldn't (unless there were some other circumstance preventing them).

My son (RHP) hasn't been placed yet even though he had options because he wanted to see how his spring went.