Going back to the original thread, I have had the opportunity lately, as I am sure many of you have had, to talk with parents whose sons have gone on to play CC or D3 ball over the past couple of years. With only a very few exceptions, they seem to be as thrilled about their son's experiences with baseball and academics as the parents who have sons playing D1 ball -- at the level of play, the rigors of the athletic program, the support of the coaches and the quality of the academics. Perhaps those rose (or otherwise) colored glasses are firmly attached, but it has been very encouraging to me to hear about the role baseball continues to play in so many young men's lives post-high school.
UR, I know you didn't mean anything but postive by your post. However, since the initial thread referred to the "less talented player" the reference to DIII causes me some angst(assuming you can still get that at my age.) In No. CA we do not get exposed to the high quality DIII players you will see in the East/South where those schools proliferate. IMO, there are plenty of DIII players who can compete at the DI level and a number of those who can compete at the highest levels of DI. Having watched some 150 or so DIII games in the last 4 years and an equal number of DI's, my issue is with the impression that DIII is the "less talented player." No those are not rose colored, either. 
Not any of them.
Not any of them.
Any coach who says he has made a mistake in evaluating a player is either in his 1st year or is a boldface liar! Talent, and the ability to use that talent in key game situations, is not always simple to see, regardless of your background. Good coaches always take time to look at many different facets before making their decisions...and even THAT isn't enough sometimes. All a coach can really do is do what he sees as right, and pray that he made the right call.
Coach Knight,
You said: Any coach who says he has made a mistake. . . .I think you ment to say . . any coach that says he has NOT made a mistake????
Fungo
You said: Any coach who says he has made a mistake. . . .I think you ment to say . . any coach that says he has NOT made a mistake????
Fungo
infield dad
angst on occassion me also, There are more reasons than perceived"less talent" that a boy goes to a D111 school. Academics might be one but it seems that there is this perception that the game is different at D3 the ball is still round the bases are still 90 feet etcetc. My son is at a D3 school and the baseball is very good. Been involved in the regional tournament and I saw some pretty good fundamental baseball. over the past 10 years 3 players went on to play professionally one is presently on a major league roster. They must of had some talent. Last season I attended many games. At one I ran into a scout i had known from my coaching days. he was there to look at a kid from the other school. Must have had some talent.
angst on occassion me also, There are more reasons than perceived"less talent" that a boy goes to a D111 school. Academics might be one but it seems that there is this perception that the game is different at D3 the ball is still round the bases are still 90 feet etcetc. My son is at a D3 school and the baseball is very good. Been involved in the regional tournament and I saw some pretty good fundamental baseball. over the past 10 years 3 players went on to play professionally one is presently on a major league roster. They must of had some talent. Last season I attended many games. At one I ran into a scout i had known from my coaching days. he was there to look at a kid from the other school. Must have had some talent.
LESS talented does not necessarily me NOT talented---I look at less talented to mean they are not the top stud on the team but they can be very talented ball players--in relation to the top stud they are less talented but certainly not a non talented player
As does Will I live in an area of top notch D-II and D-III schools--I daresay there is some excellent talent at these schools and much of this talent could be at D-I programs if they so desired- not every talented player desires to play Division I--many choose to play Division II and III
As does Will I live in an area of top notch D-II and D-III schools--I daresay there is some excellent talent at these schools and much of this talent could be at D-I programs if they so desired- not every talented player desires to play Division I--many choose to play Division II and III
Fungo-
NO...I meant if you have made a mistake, you must suck as a coach!
THAT WAS SARCASM....I meant to say it exactly as you corrected it, sorry! That's why I don't teach English, I suppose.
NO...I meant if you have made a mistake, you must suck as a coach!
THAT WAS SARCASM....I meant to say it exactly as you corrected it, sorry! That's why I don't teach English, I suppose.
Right!
I was cut as a freshman. I was cut as a sophomore. I led the varsity in hitting my Junior and Senior years. I didn't have any talent. I was a hard worker. Somewhere along the line, the coaching staff noticed and gave me a chance. Less talent doesn't mean that they can't play. Simply put, a less talented player has to pay more attention to detail.