Throwing up the cleats..

What is the atmosphere that you can't imagine yourself in?

Baseball is life.

Does that quote mean anything to you. Its your quote on your bio page. Dont give up to easily - really, really, really think about about the choices you have. Many on this site can give you advice - Juco, NAIA, etc and walk-on. I'm guessing you are 17 or 18 - you still have many options

gametime, for whatever it is worth:
In 1999-2000, our son was considered "only" a DIII caliber player. By 2004, he played in 2 NCAA regionals and became a DIII All American. In 2005, he played in the Midwest League All Star game alongside the #1 pick in the draft and numerous other 1st round picks. No one asked whether you played DI but most every player in that game knew he had played DIII, and beyond. If you play DIII, you are in very select company. If you excel at that level, you could have a lot of opportunties. To be honest, it isn't DI and there are many good things about that. If you have the dream and passion, finding a high quality DIII can be a wonderful experience. It is a very high compliment that 4-5 schools at the DIII level think you can play there.
You might be surprised how much better you can get by playing year round, with high quality coaching. Playing for NCAA championships, at any level, and competing with great intensity involves huge risk and takes very special people. Maybe one of them is you.

Not everyone on this site is gearing up for D-I ball! Some of us are intentionally looking DIII as the academics can be superior AND some of the better DIII teams could compete well against DI.....don't sell DIII short!! Keep looking, and best of luck to you!!

quote:

Originally posted by Krakatoa:
Not everyone on this site is gearing up for D-I ball! Some of us are intentionally looking DIII as the academics can be superior AND some of the better DIII teams could compete well against DI.....don't sell DIII short!! Keep looking, and best of luck to you!!

Not only that but in 4 hours, you can get to some of the best DIII or NAIA programs in the country. The downside of DIII is the cost.

Unless I am misreading, I think gametime would be happier to go to a school because of school, not just for baseball, regardless of division. He has not stated that he is giving it up, but would try as a walk on, in a school atmosphere where he would be happier.

I admire that.

Best of luck to you.

I think Tiger Paw Mom is correct after re-reading gametime24's post.

Much success to you gametime24...keep us posted won't you?

this is a lesson to other younger players out there....

If you don't eat your cleats, then you won't be forced to throw them up.

quote:

If you don't eat your cleats, then you won't be forced to throw them up.

.............

gametime24 - send me a pm if you like to discuss some of the schools you visited.

You might regret the decision to hang the cleats up. It will be almost impossible to reverse that decision.

Here is a hybrid plan. Lets say you would like to go to Ohio State because you like the school and the atmosphere of the football team for example. You could still attend a D3 here in Ohio and attend all the OSU games you wanted. Upon graduating, you could spend an extra couple of years at Ohio State to get your Master's Degree, PHD, or Law Degree for example. You would still be plenty young enough to do all the things you may have missed at the smaller school. You also would not be walking away from your dream of playing at the collegiate level. Please note everything that infielddad says and take heed. College baseball is just that. PGStaff said in another thread that any level of college baseball is better than any level that came before it.

Here is one final anecdote. My son played with a 5-6 lefthanded pitcher who thought he would have no shot at the next level. He enlisted early in the Air Force because he wanted to be a cop someday. As we advanced in the state playoffs, this kid started to get noticed and there were some offers that came his way. He was flabergasted, happy, surprised, and tried to undo his military obligation at that point but it was too late. Please don't walk away from your dreams without really thinking it through.

How can you have any pudding if you don't eat your cleats?

-- Pink Floyd; The Wall

Sorry I didn't really clarify my post. My high school is very much set-up like a small college. A lot of freedom, same campus set up, etc. When visiting D3's all I seem to do is think of high school. I am a kid that seeks a large environment. The particular school of choice for me is UK. It is not that I am giving up because I am weak and just giving in, but I don't know if I am willing to sacrifice 4 years of being happy for a few hours every week on the hill. I love pitching and know I am a good player, but somewhere along the line realization has to come in. I don't want to be stuck in late april with no college plans and not knowing what to do. I am going to continue to work hard on my game and play my high school and summer season and hope for the best, but I don't want to be heartbroken when it comes the time to make my mind up and I can't envision myself being somewhere I am truly happy. Just a little clarification.

quote:

It is not that I am giving up because I am weak and just giving in

gametime24 - nothing you have said makes me think you are a quitter or are weak. You are obviously a very intelligent young man. All my best wishes for you to be happy

Gametime - It's always hard for us here at HSBBW to accept a player not pursuing all his options for playing college ball. That's because baseball is a true passion for most of us and most of our sons. Sometimes a passion changes and maybe that's where you're at. It sounds to me like you're really struggling with what direction to go. I think that you must continue discussions with your parents and not rush into any decisions either way.

As far as UK (I assume you mean KY since you're in Cincy), we have an OH parent with a son there now (Buckeyecat). If you're truly interested in a combination of going there and playing ball, I would be in touch with Coach Cohen soon. They do take kids for just roster spots. However, if your plan is to go to school, sight unseen and attend the walk on tryouts in the fall.... I'll tell you that I've personally known players that have tried this and it's an almost impossible thing to achieve.

Have you ever considered NKU? We have another parent of a player there (Mde5). Coach Asalon is very approachable and likes seeing his players first hand and I would assume it would be easy for him to come and watch you. NKU is a fairly good size school.

As has been said, there are tons of NAIA and DIIIs near you. Thomas Moore comes to mind and has a reputation for a very good program.

If UK is truly what you want (and again, if that's KY), then we can always use another Wildcat fan! Best of luck to you and good luck in considering your options for the future!

This fall clemson had two walk ons, something rather rare that occurs there.

Word is they both or at least one will get to remain on the team.

As lafmom suggests these things rarely happen at larger schools with bigger programs.

I am not one to be in favor of walking on.
But school seems to be very important to you. You are a very wise young man and I wouldn't doubt we might hear about you playing next year!

Do you guys have any advice as to what I should say about possibly having a roster spot? I would be willing to do anything-throw bp,shag flies, etc. Anything in particular I should say?

If that's what you really want to do.... go to a certain school regardless of the role, then I'd approach the coach and tell him just that. Explain that you're not looking for scholarship, travel, etc. You want to be a player that helps in any way he sees fit. A coach can be impressed with a young man's desire to come to his school and certainly with the willingness to do whatever it takes to get there. If you decide you want to go and you're not getting calls from the particular school in question, I'd pick up the phone and begin conversations right now. What's the worse thing that can happen? They can say no, we just can't make a place for you. That might hurt a bit to hear, but I promise you sir, that one day you'll be so proud of yourself for trying! After speaking with that coach, you might even come up with some other ideas or options that you'd like to investigate.

Thanks for the advice. I am going to give the coach a call tonight, I'll let everyone know how it goes. Thanks again for all the advice and input everyone has given me so far.

gametime - you may want to give Coach Bohannon (sp) a call as he is their recruiting coordinator. Also, UK runs a holiday camp that you may want to attend and you might get an offer from that. lafmom has given good advice as always.

Gametime, You still have option's, and a desire to play.
I Read it in your post's.
Not playing is fine, But more important is you go out on your term's with no regret's.
If you still have a desire to play ball, Then you should pursue that along with all your option's.
You still have a full year of HS ball. Enjoy it.
keep us posted. EH

Gametime24,
Look at all the advice comin' your way! This is a perfect example of why the HSBBW is so unique and awesome! You have a lot of folks on here who truely have their hearts in the right place and want to help!
My advice would be to take your time & listen to them carefully. Keep an open mind while pondering over their posts.
Never personally tried it before, but perhaps you can copy these pages and take them with you to refer to, as you think things over!
I wish you the very best in whatever decision you make. Only you know whats in your heart.
Just make sure you are 100% behind your decison and make sure its one that has been made once you have truely explored ALL of your options.
Again,..the very best to ya, and if you decide to walk on ( & I do know some amazing athletes who have done just that! ) be sure to get back with us and let us know how things went!
Cheers from Kansas!

Gametime, we are all behind you BIG TIME and will join you in celebrating if you are able to make something happen. Best wishes!

BuckeyeCat....where are you???

gametime24...the advice that lafmom and ClevelandDad has given you about UK is great advice.

You can send me a PM if you would like.

Just an update on my progress-
I called the baseball office and left a message giving my situation. I haven't heard back from them yet. I just talked to my new summer coach last night and he asked how my recruiting has been going, and he said not to worry he was going to find a good place for me to play. So I hope all works out. I think I might attend the holiday camp, but I don't expect to get an offer from an SEC school. I think I am a good ballplayer, but I don't think that good yet.

Gametime:
PLEASE do keep giving updates. Hopefully your new coach will be the one that truly works as hard for you as you will for him...

"What is life, after all, but a challenge? And what better challenge can there be than the one between the pitcher and the hitter."
Warren Spahn

quote:

So I hope all works out. I think I might attend the holiday camp, but I don't expect to get an offer from an SEC school. I think I am a good ballplayer, but I don't think that good yet.

Be confident in the ability you do have, and you have time to work on your ability's that need work.

Hitting will get you noticed, Then your arm, and speed.
Those are all thing's you can work on to improve your chances.
Good Luck, Keep us posted. EH

I heard back from the coaching staff today. They said that they do not have any more roster spots for pitchers available for the fall of 2007(my freshman year). They said they would be more than happy to talk to me if I decide to go to school there my freshman year about the walk on process.

If they do not have any more spots for pitchers and you are a pitcher what would be the odds that they would take you if you walk on? That is a question to everyone? I really don't know the answer.

The coach meant as far as recruited pitchers.

Gametime it sounds like you are doing it right. I am sure things will work out.

Krak I just read this thread and you have forever changed the lyrics I will hear from Pink Floyd.

quote:

How can you have any pudding if you don't eat your cleats?

That was funny!

Gametime24, you are already a winner as far as I am concerned. Best of luck to you. Knowing what you want is awesome from my point of view. Not every person does at your age.

Gametime - Think I'm gonna have to add you to my list of favorite young men around this place! Very proud of you for taking the initiative to go after something you want. Now you can establish a game plan.... apply to the school in question if you'd like. Attend a camp there at Christmas introducing yourself and your ability or you could use Christmas to visit some other possibilities. You've got a little bit of time to think about things. Also, there's still plenty of time left.... it's possible that there's a school out there that may come to peek at you this spring that you've never even heard of. Keeping an open mind doesn't cost you anything. Best of luck in however you proceed!