Just curious as to what situation would a player consider transferring to another school? It must be a tough decision, but there are no guarantees with another school, are there? What would a new coach say or offer?
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High school or college? when you have no way of working out your differences. When academics trumps athletics. When you have a better opportunity . Is the loyalty term bothering you.... don't let it.
As a parent if we are talking about college I would be very concerned about my child getting their degree and how a transfer would impact that. That goes for a non athlete as well.
From looking back I see your son is at D3 as Freshman and has not played much at all. You also haven't heard from coach about Summer League, and now you re asking about transferring. Sounds like you/son are frustrated with college experience and may be thinking of bailing. Just an FYI to everyone-most Freshmen do not start in college. They need to use the year to work hard, train, practice to get better, enjoy the travel/comradery.
My advice would be for son to work hard, and meet w coach after season and ask what coach feels he needs to work on to get playing time next yr. son should do all the communicating w coach.
Coaches at all levels say many things to athletes they r recruiting. Some follow through, others don't, or player doesn't meet expectations and things change due to skill level. Transferring doesn't guarantee more playing time necessarily. Grass always greener concept. Sometimes staying put and working through tough times is better in long run.
good luck
Playball,
I wasn't thinking about transferring because I am not the student-athlete here. My son is not complaining at all. I was not expecting my son to be a starter, from my past post I had wondered how a coach would incorporate the younger players into any games to get them AB's. I was sitting in on the recruitment visit with my son so I know what the coach told him. What was said in their meeting and what is the reality turned out to be two different things. That is what I didn't expect. I do appreciate your advice.
Rangerboy, my son also had an experience like that. Coach told him he was going to be the first pitcher out of the bullpen and a mid week starter as a freshman. He had a great fall, gained four MPHs on his fastball and was performing very well in scrimmages, so I was excited. Turns out the coach told almost every pitcher the same exact thing. I have advised him to work hard, keep his mouth shut, and take advantage of every opportunity and then meet with the coach after the season. We'll see how his situation turns out.
Unless they r studs Freshmen wait their turns. They get ab and seen in Fall scrimmages.
Sounds like son is ok but u r frustrated son is not playing as freshman because coach made it sound like he would on recruiting visit. Welcome to college sports.
Moose... Maybe your son is good P but another is a little better then him at this time so they r starting more over your son. There will be many opportunities for P if they stay healthy. It's not like son is 3 in line for field position. Your son is doing what he should, work hard and be a good teammate.
This post is about when player should transfer. Sounds like u wanted to gather advice in case son doesn't play a lot. I just stated he's only a freshman, stay calm and let things play out. No guarantee he will play more at another D3. Many have JV teams there too so I'm assuming your sons doesn't and he's one on a big roster trying to get ab/playing time on V
Rangerboy,
My advice to your son would be to continue to keep his head down and be "ready to go" if called upon this season. After the season is over, his coach should give him an evaluation and action plan going forward relative to the direction of the baseball program. If it is not a written document make sure your son takes notes and asks specific questions to the Head Coach in the context of his role. If the coach doesn't offer an evaluation or meeting, your son needs to take that initiative to request it.
After this dust settles, then I would have a heart to heart with your son about his short term and long term goals.....essentially asking the question if this baseball program is meeting his needs and is it worth the time investment. If it is not meeting his needs, I would discuss options, costs, risks and pros/cons. This is (both) a very important decision and a very emotional one. I would try to remove emotion out of the decision and stick to what is most important to your son long term.
FWIW...Transferring has never been a topic that has come up in my house, but I know plenty of people that have. You don't have to go to far to know someone that has gone through it. There have been some people that have discovered the grass is greener elsewhere, and some that haven't. Researching the situation in depth using HSBBWeb and other sites, reading the NCAA Transfer Guide cover to cover is highly recommended.
As always, JMO. Good luck!
I agree with Fenway and Playball,
Most times it is us parents that worry more about playing time that the student-athletes. There is so much more going on that we don't see in being part of a program and team. I would remain positive and encouraging and have him work hard over the summer. No matter what a coach says during a recruiting visit, playing time is earned on the field. Coaches are not stupid and want to put the best 9 out there and will do their best to do this. I have seen players not play much until their Sr year. My son had a kid who stayed for his 5th year to get some playing time, and his wait resulted in a trip to the CWS, and being pulled in as one of the two players to be interviewed with the coach, something he will never forget.
Rangerboy posted:Playball,
I wasn't thinking about transferring because I am not the student-athlete here. My son is not complaining at all. I was not expecting my son to be a starter, from my past post I had wondered how a coach would incorporate the younger players into any games to get them AB's. I was sitting in on the recruitment visit with my son so I know what the coach told him. What was said in their meeting and what is the reality turned out to be two different things. That is what I didn't expect. I do appreciate your advice.
You have gotten some great advice.
If your son is not complaining, why would you inquire? This is about him, and FWIW sometimes coaches will tell you things to sell his program. If he promised him he would play, I would have advised son to go elsewhere.
Sit back and enjoy the ride and support the team.
Thanks all for the great advice! An evaluation at the end of the season would be nice.