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Good post FO!

FWIW, my player didn't have lots of coaches banging on his door, either. He was over 6 ft, 175lbs baby face, skinny as a pole, projectable, he just touched 90 his junior year and yes had lots more in the tank. He also was a good student, team leader, threw 4-5 solid pitches for strikes (most likely why the interest) and a deadly wicked 2 seam FB sinker with movement (his money pitch). Yes many people said he would get bigger stronger too. It has taken almost 7 years to throw 3-4 mph faster than he did when he left HS. So chances are, regarldess of projectibility, no one knows what the end velo will be. You got to stop sitting around thinking that your son's projectibility is the key to it all. The key is in the pitches a pitcher throws.

I am familiar with the travel teams in FL and many offer good opportunities to play and be seen in good venues. And yes it costs money to play on a travel team. And we did our homework to make sure that they offered what we were paying for.

FWIW, if son wasn't getting the interest we thought he should have he would have headed to a FL JUCO first.

Suggestions, look into a solid JUCO program here in FL, get him to the showcase. Get to JUCO camps, make an effort to secure a place for him to play next year, know yo have an option and a FL JUCO is a great one.
Vector,

I know that your son hasn't received much exposure, as he didn't play much on the travel scene. How was his Junior year of HS? Did he log many innings? Did he play Varsity? If I recall correctly, you stated earlier that you were under the false impression that scouts/coaches would find him...Unfortunately, and you admitted this, you waited too long to have him play in showcases and other tournaments with high exposure. As I said earlier, your son has a couple months to work his rear off, attend a few showcases/camps, and go into his last year of HS baseball knowing that he did everything possible to get to the next level...whether it's D1, D2, D3, NAIA, or a good JUCO program. FWIW, the young man from my son's team that I mentioned in an earlier post didn't play varsity his Junior year, but he's pitching for a pretty good mid-major D1 this season...you just never know?
quote:
Originally posted by playfair:
TPM, you are the very fastest to jump. I bet your sparq rating is amazing.


I said "look into X, "sounds" like it might be a good fit.


Just some constructive pointing.

Here is some more constructive pointing. If you dont have something nice to say, butt out.

FormerObserver, nice post.


How would we know what is a good fit if the player has no idea what he wants out of a program. baseball, med school, graduate school, pro baseball?
Do you know anyone who played at Dartmouth that you could recommend this program too?
There was a great suggestion made, Headfirst camp here in FL, no response.
Why would a player head to CA to look for a program to play when there are very good ones here? Here's a list of mid level D1 programs with good baseball programs, FAU, UNF, Gulf Coast, Stetson, USF, UCF, then there is D2 Tampa. Then FL JUCOs. Tuition can be payed for by the state, if you have prepaid tution, bingo!

I didn't say anything rude to you, I made a statement.

The PG showcase will not put his son in front of many D1 coaches, scouts perhaps. It will give him an evaluation that will help instead of everyone else telling him stuff. If he wants to be seen by the Fl coaches, then head to a FL school camp.

Now I could very well say UCF sounds like a good fit, but I am not sure that the player or parent even knows what might be a good fit.

The player should be applying to the school (s) of choice that he would like to attend with or without baseball. After all, it should be about earning your degree.
Last edited by TPM
12 Kyle Hendricks RHP 6-3 190 Jr. San Juan Capistrano, Calif. (Capistrano Valley)

As a freshman, Hendricks pitched 67.0 innings in 2009.

Freshman All-American as chosen by Collegiate Baseball

Selected in the 39th round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

So, at five dream schools in 2010 and 10 freshman pitchers, 1 of them pitched significant innings.
Last edited by FormerObserver
quote:
Originally posted by bsbl247:
Vector,

I know that your son hasn't received much exposure, as he didn't play much on the travel scene. How was his Junior year of HS? Did he log many innings? Did he play Varsity? If I recall correctly, you stated earlier that you were under the false impression that scouts/coaches would find him...Unfortunately, and you admitted this, you waited too long to have him play in showcases and other tournaments with high exposure. As I said earlier, your son has a couple months to work his rear off, attend a few showcases/camps, and go into his last year of HS baseball knowing that he did everything possible to get to the next level...whether it's D1, D2, D3, NAIA, or a good JUCO program. FWIW, the young man from my son's team that I mentioned in an earlier post didn't play varsity his Junior year, but he's pitching for a pretty good mid-major D1 this season...you just never know?


Thanks for the advice and encouragement. My son did play varsity last year and did well. We also were happy with his performances over the handful of events he participated in this fall. We were very pleased with the number of scouts at the PG event in Jupiter, and again my son turned in his typical performance. Unfortunately he did not have any colleges contact him that had not already shown some interest. He only hit 86 in the four innings he pitched, so that is probably the reason why.
So we are still looking for other opportunities this winter. I'd be happy to take him to events where D2-NAIA's were present, it is just a matter of finding the right ones. The week before the PG event in Jupiter, my son pitched a complete game shutout against a travel team that is well known with plenty of D1 signees. However there was not a single scout or radar gun to be seen. So while any exposure is good exposure as they say, I'd prefer to spend money at venues that will at least have a few coaches/scouts. Based on my recent experience with the PG event, I feel confident that their showcase in January in Ft Myers will have people in attendance.
quote:
Originally posted by Vector:
quote:
Originally posted by bsbl247:
Vector,

I know that your son hasn't received much exposure, as he didn't play much on the travel scene. How was his Junior year of HS? Did he log many innings? Did he play Varsity? If I recall correctly, you stated earlier that you were under the false impression that scouts/coaches would find him...Unfortunately, and you admitted this, you waited too long to have him play in showcases and other tournaments with high exposure. As I said earlier, your son has a couple months to work his rear off, attend a few showcases/camps, and go into his last year of HS baseball knowing that he did everything possible to get to the next level...whether it's D1, D2, D3, NAIA, or a good JUCO program. FWIW, the young man from my son's team that I mentioned in an earlier post didn't play varsity his Junior year, but he's pitching for a pretty good mid-major D1 this season...you just never know?


Thanks for the advice and encouragement. My son did play varsity last year and did well. We also were happy with his performances over the handful of events he participated in this fall. We were very pleased with the number of scouts at the PG event in Jupiter, and again my son turned in his typical performance. Unfortunately he did not have any colleges contact him that had not already shown some interest. He only hit 86 in the four innings he pitched, so that is probably the reason why.
So we are still looking for other opportunities this winter. I'd be happy to take him to events where D2-NAIA's were present, it is just a matter of finding the right ones. The week before the PG event in Jupiter, my son pitched a complete game shutout against a travel team that is well known with plenty of D1 signees. However there was not a single scout or radar gun to be seen. So while any exposure is good exposure as they say, I'd prefer to spend money at venues that will at least have a few coaches/scouts. Based on my recent experience with the PG event, I feel confident that their showcase in January in Ft Myers will have people in attendance.


You're welcome. The one thing I've learned during this process is that perseverance, hard work, and a little luck is all part of the equation for our kids. Sounds like your son will be just fine...Take Care
quote:
Originally posted by fanofgame:
Just wanted to say that V Tech recruits from the JC schools.Many of the highscademic schools recruit from the JC ranks. USC, UCLA,(prob not Stnford)V tech, I beleive even someone stated that Cornell recruited a kid from a JC.It is easier to get into these schools from a JC than highschool.A 3.0 in a JC will get you into UCLA,USC for baseball.



I found this comment very interesting. While I have no doubt the baseball programs often recruit from JUCO's, is it really easier to get in via JUCO vs. HS?
A 3.0 from a JUCO would seem less impressive than a higher GPA from a private HS with a good reputation, but that is just my perception.
Vector,

Your perceptions are causing you some significant grief.

You are making significant decisions based solely on perception and ignorance.

I wouldn't have taken the time to write this if I believed that you are the only one.

quote:
A 3.0 from a JUCO would seem less impressive than a higher GPA from a private HS with a good reputation, but that is just my perception.


A 'junior college' is a 'junior college' because it only offers the first two years of college classes in relation to the four years of college that are required for a four-year degree.

'Junior college' does not mean 'inferior college'.

I suspect that is what causes the perception.

The admission to a four-year college from a junior college is treated as a transfer and, is different than the initial college admission requirements for a high school student.

Most junior colleges work with with the major universities in their geographic area to coordinate the transfer of work to the four year school.

The price increase for college education at four-year schools is being driven by the huge demand.

That demand is being met by the junior college system.

For example, the admissions to the University of Texas consist almost entirely of the top 10% of high school students.

Some are admitted to the University of Texas because of their high artistic, or other unusual talent such as singing and music.

Some are even admitted because of their high athletic talent.

Some with high athletic talent have to attend juco to eventually meet the admission requirements through transfer.

Another way for a student to graduate from the University of Texas, is to gain admission to a local junior college and, then, transfer to the University of Texas.

Previously you had to have at least 30 hours to transfer.

Because of the student demand, I think those hours are higher now, and, you might have to have about 60 hours, or about the first two years of college.

The junior colleges are far more affordable.

For example, my son enrolled last spring, at a juco rather than a four-year school because his MLB scholarship requires full-time attendance.

Since he only wanted to take two classes he enrolled at the juco which was must closer to home.

The cost of those two classes at the juco was $200 and the cost at the four-year school where he will eventually graduate was $1500.

He took the exact same class at the juco that he would have taken at the four year school and will receive credit towards his four year degree.
Last edited by FormerObserver
Vector, FO is 100% correct.

It is far easier to get into a great academic 4Y school out of Juco than HS.

Here is why. First, the drop out rate is very high in 4Y institutions. All the kiddies with their 4.7 & 2200 SAT are granted admissions out of hs. Something like 1/2 are gone by the end of their sophomore year. That leaves lots of room to fill in above the 101 classes.

Also, most Jucos have transfer programs. A friend of my son's was a very good student (4.6 gpa) in HS but did not get into his dream school (UCLA) out of hs. So he went to Saddleback JC for a year and a half in a "guaranteed admission" program (if you tick down their requirement list and perform to the program standard you are guaranteed admission). He is a very happy Bruin now.

Do not close your mind off to Juco. They are not inferior.
Last edited by playfair
Thanks for the explanations about JUCO's vs. HS, admission wise.
I suspect others have the same perception because many kids in our area wind up at JUCO's that cannot get into a decent 4 year college. Granted there are all sorts of reasons kids go there, financial being a large one. I actually know of a few bright kids going to a local JUCO because they needed to stay close to home and did not have the resources to go elsewhere. Still the perception remains about JUCO's when you see kids (typically athletes) that cannot get admitted into 4 year colleges going to JUCO's as a possible bridge later on.
Just for informational purposes…
Looking at the list of top JC players Allan Simpson compiled recently... Here are some of the 4 year schools that those JCs committed to.

U of Alabama
U of Oklahoma
Vanderbilt
U of North Carolina
Miami
East Carolina
U of Georgia
U of Arizona
South Florida
U of Kentucky
U of Mississippi
U of Utah
Arizona State
U of Nebraska
U of Missouri
LSU
TCU
Virginia Tech
Oral Roberts
North Carolina State
Santa Clara
High Point
Stetson
U of Washington
Southern Illinois
FIU
U of Minnesota
Memphis
Some of the schools above signed more than one JC transfer

Looking at last year’s list of top 100 JC players and some of the 4 year schools where they committed…

Southern Cal
NC State
Oklahoma State
South Carolina
Oklahoma
Cal State Fullerton
Florida Southern
LA-Lafayette
FIU
Georgia
Mississippi State
LSU
Texas Tech
Auburn
High Point
Missouri
San Jose State
Florida Atlantic
Mississippi
Oral Roberts
Baylor
Georgia Southern
Washington
Hawaii
Western Carolina
Purdue
Kennesaw State
Utah
Lynn (FLA)
Iowa
Texas A&M
Washington State
San Diego State
San Diego
Arizona State
Texas State
Maryland
Elon
Florida
Many of the schools above signed multiple JC players. Then there are always some that get drafted in early rounds and sign pro contracts.
Last edited by PGStaff
The JUCO's can help with admission to top academic programs but the NCAA transfer rules can wreak havoc if a player wants to also play baseball at the D1 level. One of my son's friends signed with a top tier baseball school rather than sign in the draft but couldn't meet the transfer requirements and ended up back at the JC this coming season.
Last edited by CADad
Maybe it is just me.
In rereading this thread,Vector, you had posed a question of what you and your son should do "in addition" to attending a PG function in January of 2011.
About every option has been suggested from very knowledgeable people that seems to make sense for a 2011 RHP who has touched 86mph and who you indicated has no interest from any level of college baseball coaches.
Amongst those who posted, one had a son who ended up as an All-American at Va. Tech and is now in the Dodger organization. One has a son who was a top Big XII catcher who was quite successful in the A's organization.
Vector,honestly, I don't see any response with a sense of acceptance or enthusiasm to any post. Might be just me.
Should posters stop or is there something here that you and your son are going to do?
I am compiling a list, and seeing which suggestions are possible from a time and monetary standpoint.

So far I have the following;

FLA. Headfirst Camp

PG Showcase in Jan

Propect/winter Camps of schools that are nearby

Camps of targeted schools

Create video and send to schools

Widen net and contact other schools

ABD academy camp
Last edited by Vector
quote:
Originally posted by playfair:
Vector, FO is 100% correct.

It is far easier to get into a great academic 4Y school out of Juco than HS.

Also, most Jucos have transfer programs. A friend of my son's was a very good student (4.6 gpa) in HS but did not get into his dream school (UCLA) out of hs. So he went to Saddleback JC for a year and a half in a "guaranteed admission" program (if you tick down their requirement list and perform to the program standard you are guaranteed admission). He is a very happy Bruin now.

Do not close your mind off to Juco. They are not inferior.


The guaranteed admission offered at U.C's is an outstanding way to access a U.C education. A GPA of 3.0, in reguired courses will get you in. Bare in mind with the budget cuts at both the State college and U.C levels it's very difficult to gain admission as a freshmen.

But this does not address Vectors problem. The lack of an acceptable offer for Vector Jr. An offer that would allow him to play bb at the next level with the academic flexibility to pursue a career as a Doctor and possibly play bb as a pro. What Vector Jr. brings to the table. A projectable 6".4" frame, mid 80's fb that has touched 88, 3.7 gpa, no test score, limited exposure i.e showcases, camps and travel experience competing in elite tournaments with a shrinking window of opportunity being a senior with 2 months to campaign before hs bb begins.

Can Vector Jr. play at the next level with this resume, certainly. So...How do you get there from here. Virtually all the players who I know, that are playing/recruited in college have been working towards this for years. No silver bullet, no quick fix, just pounding away towards their goal, hundreds of hours, thousands of dollars to many sacrafices.

Again. This does not address Vectors problem. If I were in his/your shoes this is what I would do.

1. Attend every showcase event possible from now until the start of HS bb. You never know who's in the stands and just maybe,there's a coach or two that would like to see if Vector Jr. can replicate past outings.

2. Apply to all the schools that meet academic requirements where Vector Jr. can realistically be admitted without a
baseball push, where he could compete as a walk on. It's really pretty easy just research the schools your interested in
D1,D2,D3,NAIA,JUCO you'll probably find quite a few that could use his skill set. Then follow up with you-tube/dvd info.
The luxury of being courted by a variety of "Dream schools". Has probably past.

3. In SoCal there are a number of travel ball coaches, private pitching coaches that have helped any number of kids
advance to the next level. College coaches respect their opinions and will take a flyer on a player based soley
on their recommendation. Surely a similiar network exists in Fla. Find them, and schedule a work out.

Get over this projectable thing. Vector Jr. can play college baseball. Time to market the product. Just like everbody else has.
Last edited by dswann
quote:
It is not as if a bunch of D3's and JUCO's are beating down our door either. So rather than take the cart before the horse, we need to get as many schools interested in him as possible, then worry about which ones to choose from.


The reality is that very few schools recruiting goes beyond 250 miles (read last years roster it will tell you where the recruit from). Most of the big name D1's recruit no futher than regionally. Generally; the top notch academic schools have to recruit nationally to compete on two fronts; Academic and then Athletic. Those that recruit nationally have a longer time horizon; those that recruit either regionally or locally (less than 100 miles) the horizon can be much shorter.

Generally; D3 does not have the recruiting budget to do much traveling. The higher the academic profile the further the reach (out of necessity). For a school to as you put in "beat down our door" you need to give them a reason. Going into the winter of his senior year; they better know who is and be aware that he has an interest in attending their school.

The time for sending a letter and schedule has passed. It is now time to act; make an appointment, visit the school, let your son tell his story. Don't expect any school to beat down his door without him intitiating some kind of action.

As to JC's; our world is likely far different than your world. However, if I were in your boat, I would do the same thing. Visit the school, talk to the coach - take the bull by the horns and make it happen!
Last edited by ILVBB
quote:
The JUCO's can help with admission to top academic programs but the NCAA transfer rules can wreak havoc if a player wants to also play baseball at the D1 level. One of my son's friends signed with a top tier baseball school rather than sign in the draft but couldn't meet the transfer requirements and ended up back at the JC this coming season.



Just wanted to comment on this.It is imperitive for those players who do go to Jucos to make sure they are taking the right classes.As an example my own son dropped a cless in the Spring, he still had 12 units with baseball.But 9 academic.That made him short.No big deal if he makes it up.I had him take a class that summer, as we wanted him to be right on target in case he got an offer that summer late, one year at JC.When we were at the admissions office getting him all ready to be at his college, the admissions counselor came over to us and said "Every unit you have is transferrable, you have one of the best looking JC transcrips after one year, and I have seen thousnads, and if you had not taken the summmer class you would of been three units short of admissions. Be diligent in the classes you take.
Last edited by fanofgame
quote:
Originally posted by infielddad:
Maybe it is just me.
In rereading this thread,Vector, you had posed a question of what you and your son should do "in addition" to attending a PG function in January of 2011.
About every option has been suggested from very knowledgeable people that seems to make sense for a 2011 RHP who has touched 86mph and who you indicated has no interest from any level of college baseball coaches.
Amongst those who posted, one had a son who ended up as an All-American at Va. Tech and is now in the Dodger organization. One has a son who was a top Big XII catcher who was quite successful in the A's organization.
Vector,honestly, I don't see any response with a sense of acceptance or enthusiasm to any post. Might be just me.
Should posters stop or is there something here that you and your son are going to do?


Don't worry, it's not just you.
Vector- this post in another thread caught my eye. You said:
" For instance the school my son goes to is a baseball powerhouse and has several kids every year who sign at D1-D3"

How did those players get recruited at your son's school? Did they attend showcases or did college coaches attend your high school games to see these kids play? You might want to network with some of the parents of these players to see what worked for them.

Above all your son should have a back-up plan for attending college. He should still be applying to colleges based on academics or put a juco plan in place so that you know he'll be in college with or without baseball. Many colleges accept the common application so it's very easy to pay a fee and apply.

Good luck to you guys. Hit the road for the showcases, be open minded with any opportunities that come your son's way. I know my son did not end up where he thought he would be playing in college and yet it's worked out great and he's really happy.
quote:
Originally posted by CaBB:
Vector- this post in another thread caught my eye. You said:
" For instance the school my son goes to is a baseball powerhouse and has several kids every year who sign at D1-D3"

How did those players get recruited at your son's school? Did they attend showcases or did college coaches attend your high school games to see these kids play? You might want to network with some of the parents of these players to see what worked for them.

Above all your son should have a back-up plan for attending college. He should still be applying to colleges based on academics or put a juco plan in place so that you know he'll be in college with or without baseball. Many colleges accept the common application so it's very easy to pay a fee and apply.

Good luck to you guys. Hit the road for the showcases, be open minded with any opportunities that come your son's way. I know my son did not end up where he thought he would be playing in college and yet it's worked out great and he's really happy.


I wish I had your thinking a few years ago. All the kids who are signed or committed in the last few years did the summer and fall travel ball route in their junior year. They also went to showcases and did all the things you are suppose to do.

The kids that didn't are in the same boat we are in. Several seniors last year who didn't do anything had to go the walk on route, but did make the squads from what I can tell. Heck one walked on at a D1 just outside the top 40 and made the squad.

Needless to say we are hoping to avoid going that route, so we are trying to do everything possible in the interim.

Thanks for the kind words.

BTW- A did not want to leave everyone with the impression he has had no contact at all from colleges. It has just been either luke warm from what I can tell, or a few who seem genuinely interested are not places my son would consider going to. He is open to most opportunities if they come his way, but the schools with extreme winters are unlikely(except ND of course) Wink.
Last edited by Vector
I have to echo what a couple of other posters have already said, this thread is one of the best on this site. It is so true that the knowledge base here is priceless.

My son and I both desire him to play for a D1 program out of high school, just like most here. He has gotten some D1 interest but the more we go along in the process, I can see that going the JUCO route first may just be the best avenue for him to get to a D1. He would have the opportunity to not only physically and emotionally mature more but also get use to the rigors of college academics and athletics. Since he's just a junior this year, his maturation over the next year will likely be the deciding factor in where he attends out of high school.

Thanks all!
Last edited by Strike 3
quote:
I have to echo what a couple of other posters have already said, this thread is one of the best on this site. It is so true that the knowledge base here is priceless.

My son and I both desire him to play for a D1 program out of high school, just like most here. He has gotten some D1 interest but the more we go along in the process, I can see that going the JUCO route first may just be the best avenue for him to get to a D1. He would have the opportunity to not only physically and emotionally mature more but also get use to the rigors of college academics and athletics. Since he's just a junior this year, his maturation over the next year will likely be the deciding factor in where he attends out of high school.

Thanks all!


Just having the open mindedness about other options is a great mind set.It might possible save you much grief in the long run. Have to consider all possibilities.And you would be amazed at how much some players mature in a year or two.
I agree this is a very good thread and should be read carefully by all as to what you should and should not do.

Vector,
Quite a few months ago Justbaseball posted a topic regarding people coming and asking questions and if they really listen to the advice given or not, or if they really knew the answers all along and just needed some extra assurance. Interesting.

I know you don't like me because in your opinion I offer a view that is not as becoming (to you) as you feel you would like.
The recruiting process is very difficult, you messed up, you came for advice, most here will tell you, it's not (advice) all going to be pretty. You also seem, to shun some great advice that has been given regarding JUCO. You live in a state where there are some of the best in the country, many parents of players would love for their sons to come play in FL.

While you don't like attitude, keep in mind it works both ways. Try to be open minded, understand there are more ways to skin a cat, sometimes what appears to be the least attractive of the options will open doors.

And sometimes, even despite what our players want and demand, it's still about being realistic.

You told me that you know a lot about baseball, was it because you were a coach? You perhaps played in school or professionally?

I hope that by now you realize that this has nothing whatsoever to do with how you play the game. College baseball is a business and I do hope that those just beginning can learn from what has been said here, especially about options.
This might be better asked in another thread since it is showcase specific, but I'll try it here first.
Most of the showcases I read about and ultimately went to this fall were touted as D1 showcases. There were maybe a couple D2-D3, but the overwhelming majority were top D1's.
So it begs the question, if you are trying to cast the net in a different direction such as the D2-NAIA, where do showcases like that exist? I know JUCO's have their own showcases for kids looking to go that route, but what bout the other 3 divisions? I'm not just talking about between now and spring which is my main focus, but even during the summer and fall.
Last edited by Vector
I think because your child is such a good student it would be best if he and you did the targeting.

Dont wait till they come for you. Go find them.

Have your son identify 10 schools he thinks he fits into adacemically with baseball included.

Have your son hand write letters... Include a photo, honest stats.. convey a sincere desire to play in college and that he thinks he can contribute to a winning program. Give a reference or two from a travel coach or hs coach that you think will help. At the end of the letter have your son tell the coach he will call as a follow up. Have him make the call.

Make an appointment to go see them. You are allowed to contact them.

I really hope things work out for your boy!
quote:
Originally posted by playfair:
I think because your child is such a good student it would be best if he and you did the targeting.

Dont wait till they come for you. Go find them.

Have your son identify 10 schools he thinks he fits into adacemically with baseball included.

Have your son hand write letters... Include a photo, honest stats.. convey a sincere desire to play in college and that he thinks he can contribute to a winning program. Give a reference or two from a travel coach or hs coach that you think will help. At the end of the letter have your son tell the coach he will call as a follow up. Have him make the call.

Make an appointment to go see them. You are allowed to contact them.

I really hope things work out for your boy!


Great advise. At this point it is so late in the game, this is the only way to go about it. It only takes one school to like your son.

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