Between now and the fall many players (HS, JUCO, and even 4yr) along with parents will be asking 100's of questions as to where to go school this year. These questions, thoughts, and concerns will permeate the mind each and every day until a decision has been made.
The HSBBW has covered this topic on many occasions and I thought it worthwhile to begin again for you players/parents who may be struggling a bit as to where to go to school and play ball.
The outlying question on your mind is: At the end of the day, how do I know I/we are making the RIGHT decision?
Even as my son has just completed his JUCO career and hoping to find the "ideal" school to finish his last 2 years we (along with other JUCO players) must once again go through this process. For many HS and JUCO players who had successful springs this process and decision-making will be made easy for you. Scouts have made it known they want you (or your player) in the fall! I congratulate those of you who are enjoying this side of recruiting.
Then there are the myriad of others out there who for one reason or another maybe didn't have the spring you had hoped for, injury-plagued year, scouts never made it to any games, very limited playing time, Coach/player relationship, etc. that you now hope to find a school that you'll like and play ball.
Below is a list, albeit incomplete, that you and your parents can sit down and go over to be sure you are including everything in the decision-making process. This list is compiled from someone who has experienced most, if not all, of these either by themselves or compounded with others. As you see, this list will grow from those who have experienced the same and will add to the list. Like anything, take the ones you need and trash the rest.
1 - Do I really like the school, or am I blinded by the fact that I/he would go just because he can play baseball there? The former is not an option but a requirement, the latter is.
2 - How's the location of the school? In other words, is it important that son be able to come home often and/or the parents can go there with ease? (parents - if Junior is there to play ball, he essentially will not have the need (or time) to come home often if at all) Practice, required group study, homework, making friends, bonding with teammates, etc. Also, will my parents be able to come often to watch me play when at home or some select away games?
3 - Do I like the coach and is what I saw during the recruiting process the way he REALLY is? I'm afraid that a majority of the time you will see a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde on this one. LOL. Trust me. I'd rather the coach be dry as my granddaddy's skull and tell my son how hard it's going to be than sugarcoat it and fill his head full of sugar plums! The coach's mean business in the fall and aren't there to win a popularity contest amongst the boys. Ask the coach during the recruiting process if he minds giving you a couple of players phone #'s to talk to. Of course he'll give you ones to his best/favorite players but you can still ask the tough questions. They'll tell you.
4 - Does it REALLY matter at the end of the day (or 4yr playing career) what level I play at? In a word - NO! Every kid is not born the same thus everyone possesses different talents and gifts. Because of that fact, you see why there are 5 different levels of ball to play at. In these 5 levels even exist more tiers, i.e. D1/D1-A/Mid-major D1, JUCO D1/D2/D3 to name a few. Each player and/or parent to a degree already has a gut feeling where they should play. (save the ones who still have blinders on and earplugs in!). The sooner you know, the sooner you will be able to narrow your search. Don't be frustrated or discouraged, but be glad you know and go for the gusto! A degree is a degree!
5 - Does playing time mean much or would I be content riding the pine? Tough one. A majority, but not all, D1 freshmen will find themselves most likely redshirted their 1st year. Yes, even you who holds multiple HS records, All-Star, MVP, etc. Then comes your Sophomore year and you read during the summer that the Coach has signed a stud JUCO transfer in your position. Do I stay or do I go begins to enter your mind. You will be surprised just how often these scenarios actually DO happen.
6 - My grades in HS weren't exactly the best, will I do good in college? You won't have a choice to do good or not do good. You don't pass 12hrs in the fall you become instantly academically ineligible to play in the spring. No ifs, ands, or buts. Those required nightly/weekly study halls are there for a reason and ARE required. For the most part, you're an adult now and these Prof's and coach's aren't going to hold your hand and make sure you're attending classes, completing assignments, etc. so you better be disciplined to take care of business. Don't shock your parents at Thanksgiving that you most likely won't be playing in the spring and them not no why - too late.
7 - Refer to question #1 again. Do I really like the school? You better. Get hurt and you will find yourself at a place that you will attend whether you like it or not. Make it the former - that you will! Fall is easy but try the spring when all your teammates are leaving early on friday for a 3 day "away" series and you are back at the campus by yourself.
8 - What's in the community surrounding the campus? Take a peek. You'll find yourself wanting to go out and if you don't have a theater, game room, gym, bowling alley, etc to go to you will tire from playing solataire rather quickly!
9 - Should I play for a mediocre D1/D2 program, or a perennial strong year-in/year-out NAIA program? This comes down to a personal decision but important nevertheless. Don't get hung up on the "level" of play, but more of "where can I get early and lots of playing time?"
10 - I want a 100% scholarship and if not, I'll hold out til one shows up. (a little suggestion here - you might not want to hold your breath during this time! trust me) Certainly you know about the 11.7% scholly's available for a team of 35 players, etc. Don't let your decision, if at all possible) be about how much money you get or don't get. I say this sorta tongue in cheek because I am fully aware that times are hard and finances must be a major concern. If they want you and you want them, figure out a way to make it work out. He won't be the only boy on the team who is having to do this mom or dad. I promise.
11 - How do I know that U of Wherever is the right fit? It would be easy to make that decision if every answer to the ones fell right into your lap how you want. You'll be lucky if 1/2 do. But if there is a "guage" that help answer this question I would have to say that if a majority (not all) were easily answered with no trepidation, then you're close to knowing your decision.
12 - Does the school have my major? This question is sometimes answered by those young men who kinda already know what they'd like to do after school should baseball not be in the equation. If your son doesn't have a clue, at least look at the different degrees offered by the school and go over them with him so he can learn what they offer. For instance, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical in Daytona, Fl MIGHT not be the best fit if your son wants to be a PE coach in HS. Honestly, this one is kinda important. He really needs to know what "kind" of school he is attending so he's not stuck in 3yrs wondering why on earth he chose this particular school (besides the baseball. See #1 again)
I apologize in advance for the length of this post but there's no really "black or white" answer to this dilema. Again, I've only touched on a few. Many others will add to this list, i.e. Will I really, really learn how to wash clothes?! Unless you want to stink in class, you will!
Enjoy the summer and I recommend you begin writing a checklist of questions and rate them in order of importance, i.e. 10 being important to 1 being no concern at all. It will help and you parents will be surprised at how your son answers these!
YGD
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