The Good, the Bad, and the ugly of College Club Baseball at D1 Schools

Maybe this thread would be better entitled the Good, the Bad and the Ugly of "college" club baseball or "The Good the Bad and the Ugly of Club baseball at D1 schools."  

It's an interesting topic.  Several players I know are hanging up their cleats next year, but intending to play Club baseball instead.   I would love to see a discussion from folks here.  But worry that your title might make people think of HS and lower level club teams rather than college level.   (since there is so much of the former and so little of the later discussed on this board.)

Thanks for the feedback Sluggerdad!  I will make the edit.

Sons of two friends played club baseball at ACC schools, and for both it was a positive experience.

in both cases the players were very good high school players but even better students who figured out early they couldn't play varsity sports at the major universities their academic interests drew them to. Both had tentative D1 interest but no offers. 

One of the two was more serious about baseball than the other and made club baseball his primary activity on campus. Most of the players were all-something in high school and similarly committed to their club team. I think they might have even had some cuts. This team went deep in the club baseball playoffs.

The other player was a spot pitcher when he could fit baseball into his very busy schedule. The club players at this school were less accomplished and less committed.  Even so, club baseball was a good fit and gave him just enough baseball without dominating his life.  

Both loved it, but they were looking for very different baseball experiences. If each had gone to the other's school, they both might have hated it. 

I got the impression there is lot of variation in organization, skill, and commitment from one school to another. Best to check and see how serious the club team at your prospective school is to see if it's a good fit For what you're looking for.

I wonder if someone knows whether players pay anything at (D1) club teams, such as traveling, uniform, coaches fees.

And if injured, who covers medical bills.

Son's school has a good club ball team.  Won their region, or whatever, last year.

I just checked their website and saw a former D1 player on the club team.  

This works both ways....I know of a college right down the road that pulled several of the club members onto the team due to injuries.  Wouldn't hurt to have your NCAA eligibility ready if this were to happen.

Don't think that "club" is the same a "rec".  There are very good players on these teams!

Looks like the players car pool in their own vehicles.  My guess at this school, you need to provide your own medical insurance unless the team has a separate insurance policy (our family insurance is the primary insurance for the D1 team;  Team insurance is secondary and will pay whatever the primary does't pay after a $250 deductible).

Regarding insurance:  USSSA has an adult team insurance policy for $259.  Divide that by 20 players and it would well worth it.  Take my word for it.

keewart,

Thanks so much for the information, which helps our son's decision to play at the Club team.