University asks player not to commit till spring

quote:

Originally posted by BGbaseball:
My Son is a good ballplayer " tall 2010 lefthanded pitcher"
at the last minute a University that he really wants to attend
asked Him not to commit anywhere till spring.. They want
to see how things work out. Is this normal ? I'm concerned
that other schools tha were recruting Him will move on..Thanks

BG - welcome to the hsbbweb!

Tall lefthanded pitcher sounds pretty intriguing to me!

I think that is unfair of them to request that of him. They are hedging their bets and your son could get left out in the cold. If they really wanted him, they would offer him now. IMHO, I would continue to look for the right fit. The best advice I can give you at this time is there is more than one good fit out there for every ballplayer. Keep looking and you will find it.

quote:

Originally posted by BGbaseball:
I'm concerned that other schools tha were recruting Him will move on..Thanks

Your concerns are well founded.

It all depends on whether the other schools that are recruiting him, have made an offer. When an offer is put on the table, and it's one that you would consider accepting, then it's time to go back to the other school and let them know that you have an offer you are considering accepting.

Up until the point that a firm offer is made, then there is no harm in waiting.

Wow. That is awfully bold of the Coach to ask you to do something that could have an effect on your son's future while the coach has no skin in the game. As CPLZ points out, I would be concerned. It may be the school is a great school, but I would have serious reservations about the Coach's approach and knowledge of the recruitment process. Most coaches I've dealt with understand that players/parents have choices. I would have thought the coach would fully understand that if he didn't offer something that it is the players perogative to move on, and he should not try to influence that. I would keep in communication with the coach/school but I would also look hard at other programs that may be interested in your son as a student/athlete.

That is an interesting approach. Most coaches keep you dangling on a string until they make up their minds on you. They use words and phrases that encourage you while not making a commitment.
I agree look at every good offer. If you get a good offer call them but to me the chance that you are the guy who will get opportunities may be slim.
Coaches that want you make commitments asap.

BGbaseball, you have a PM.

Sounds kind of fishy to me. Could be the coach is planning on leaving and would like your son to move with him.

BGBaseabll,
Think about this:
You are looking for a job. There's an employer you really want to work for, and employer has X number openings...but asks that you not make a "career move...until next spring", so HE, The Employer, can see how things work out?
Now, what do you think?

The Employer in this case did not say "we really want you, too!!" At least, that's not indicated in your first post. Even if coach "said" something like that, his "but" would be something different.
Always, always, do your homework.

There are opportunities out there, and imho, this wouldn't be one of them.
Good luck!

Sounds to me like they have someone else they like more, and they are hoping to land him. Your son is Plan B -- the kid they'll look at if the guy they really want doesn't sign with them -- but if and only if your son performs well enough in the spring for them to go after him then.

I would mark this program off your list for now. First, they are asking you to forgo other opportunities, for no assurances at all in return. Secondly, they are pretty much telling you where your son would stack up in their eyes even if they did ultimately come around. Which means, a future offer is not likely to be the greatest %, and playing time opportunities may not be all that great, either. In addition, you are getting a quick look into the mindset of this coach: They like one-way relationships. Not a sound foundation for a satisfying college experience for your son.

If no one else offers and then these guys come back in the spring, maybe then you could consider it. Maybe. But you should definitely not put anyone else on hold, or pass up any other solid offers, for this.

Really appreciate everybody's response.. I never knew how nerve wracking this can be
where my Son wants to go to college and where He actually should go seems to be
different. thanks all Happy Thanksgiving

Ya gotta go where you are wanted and make it work out. It is nice to have choices, though. Good luck.

.
I'm with CPLZ on this one...

quote:

It all depends on whether the other schools that are recruiting him, have made an offer. When an offer is put on the table, and it's one that you would consider accepting, then it's time to go back to the other school and let them know that you have an offer you are considering accepting.

Up until the point that a firm offer is made, then there is no harm in waiting.

Couple things to think about....

1. "...a University that he really wants to attend..." IMO this means a great deal. He is going to have to make it work, and he will if he has a passion for the program and the school.

2. Tall lefty? In demand? And correct me if I am wrong, but the early sign period is over, at the moment there is no pending deadline? I think you may be sitting pretty, first in line for the next "round of recruiting". With no offer on the table you have time and space, no decisons need to be made yet. When you do get an offer it is motivation to use to spur "the Dream school" into action. It is stressful, but INO you hold enough cards to be in a very good position

3. Gonna see more of this in the future. Now that you can take away the baseball $ of players in June without any direct consequences your roster moves and your recruiting are more flexible. Got a kid you really want, but no $, see what happens in the spring, player underperforms during the season and in June you shift him from baseball $ to recruited walk on status. Money suddenly freed up for a tall lefthanded freshman.

4. Communicate, communicate, communicate. If it were me I would call the coach and ask the hard questions, if you are going to wait you need and deserve to have as much info as possible. Something is going on and if my son part of it I would want to know what it was.

5. Lots of players sign in the spring and early summer. Certainly it is nerve wrasking but witha tall lefty, all other things being equal, there is a demand for tall lefties.

44
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You have to be honest with yourself;
1. Is your son that good to wait?
2. How does he fit academically?
3. Will he play based on the roster availability?
4. Is he good enought to wait and explore "blank" options.
5. Are you dreaming?
Be honest with yourself and your son.

Why not wait? We hear so many people talk about the need to not rush and be pressured into making a decision too early. Your son wants to attend this school and play baseball at this school. Wait and see what happens. There is still plenty of time to find another home if it doesnt work out. This is not uncommon at least around here. Many players are asked to wait. There are reasons they are asked to wait.

There will be players not elgible after this semester due to grades. There will be players not returning after they have their exit interviews at the end of this semester. There will be players that will not be returning for many reasons. The coaches have no idea or are not exactly sure who and how many right now. They want you to wait so they can see what their situation is.

You dont have to wait you can find a home now. But if your son really wants to attend this school and play at this program by all means wait and see what happens. Regardless of what happens your son still has plenty of time. Dont get caught up in the rush to make a decision. Make the decision when you are comfortable making it. JMHO and good luck.

when I'm asked about recruiting, there are two things I tell folks to remember...

First, when a recruiter calls and tells you how much he loves you, you have to realize that he has said the same thing to the five guys he called before you and will say the same thing to the five guys he calls after you.

Second, never say no to any school until you have a yes in your pocket... and "maybe laters" don't count!

In the case here, I would have my son tell the coach/recruiter that if they want to wait until spring to make a decision then that's fine but, until that time he will consider EVERY offer that may come his way. Also if the boy has made a verbal to this school, let them know that that can not be honored anymore now that the early signing period has past andthat he is now back on the market so to speak.

As Coach May points out, there is still plenty of time. Be proactive with that time and the right situation will come your boy's way.