I agree fully that playing the best possible competition is very important. But I am just not sure that playing an 80 game schedual right before you leave for school is the best thing. We have already said how demanding the college schedual will be for the entering freshman, and now you are adding and entire summer's full of games. After a summer season I know that I am physically worn out and need time to rejuvinate before fall, but the freshman isnt going to get that. Also that intense of a schedual only increases your chances of injury for someone who doesnt need extra exposure.
I know one of the guys who is at UNC this year was advised to take some courses over the summer in order to get ahead in his school work. I think we all agree that you want to be in the best shape possible when you enter your freshman year. And you are going to achieve this by playing a lighter (not less quality wise, just quanity) schedual, and spending everyday working out, and practicing. Everyone knows the old saying practice is where you get better and games is where you show it off. Well playing so many games all summer long is going to do the opposite by breaking you down and wearing you out. Especially when you talk about people such as pitchers, and some of your everyday players (catchers, up the middle guys). Just an oppinion.
NC05,
Most upperclassmen are playing in a college summer league up to the day they report to class. What's the difference?
It has been my experience in the past that most incoming freshmen who didn't play summer ball entered fall workouts "behind" the curve and struggle. The first place it shows up is at the plate. A hitter not hitting gets rusty.
I have seen some pitchers who were abused during the summer, which is an exception to this rule. But, for those who are "protected" during the summer with limited pitches/innings they enter fall workouts ahead of the rest.
Most upperclassmen are playing in a college summer league up to the day they report to class. What's the difference?
It has been my experience in the past that most incoming freshmen who didn't play summer ball entered fall workouts "behind" the curve and struggle. The first place it shows up is at the plate. A hitter not hitting gets rusty.
I have seen some pitchers who were abused during the summer, which is an exception to this rule. But, for those who are "protected" during the summer with limited pitches/innings they enter fall workouts ahead of the rest.
The Bomber is right on the $. All players need as heavy a schedule as possible right up to reporting for school. This is a question that has been debated for some time now. As travel (summer) ball has become the dominant theme @ lower levels there are many parents who ask "when do they have time to be a kid? This is a very valid viewpoint. My experience in 30 years of coaching and 4 boys of my own is this; if your son feels that it is "too much" or shows signs of "burn out" then get him time off and just let him "be a kid". With 2 of my 4 boys this was never a problem and they felt strongly that playing baseball was their # 1 fun thing to do. Keep in mind that kids like to be with other kids, so a lot of video games, McDonalds hanging and general downtime is still available to them during a busy schedule....... Now as they get older their bodies get a little more fragile and wear and tear can be an issue. I do think though that with coaches that are careful to not over do it w/catchers and pitchers, an 80 game season is about right. More importantly if you are playing on the 18 and Under circuit with one of the better 30 or 40 teams out there your going to be ready to go in the fall when you will need it most as a freshman. My other 2 boys by the way were happier as time went on to involve themselves in other sports or activities. Living vicariously through your kids can be fun unless its all about you instead of all about THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I believe you need to look at the individual as well, before you determine the level of competition and amount of baseball to play before entering college. Previous poster was dead on when they said that a lack of playing in the summer appears most readily at the plate during fall college workouts. Players and parents need to take a good look at what is on the inside, and decide what is best for them. I still say that having fun playing baseball the summer before entering college helps a player's sense of worth and confidence. Remember, all of a sudden they are competing with 21/22 year old mature men. Good luck to all!
out of the Dallas area i believe the dallas Mustangs is the team to be on for the area.
the dallas mustangs have been the team to beat at the connie mack world seris in farmington new mexicofor the last 30 years