Does anyone have information on VT Baseball Program.
My 08 HS Grad has been offered (verbal) spot on the team.
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cmlsd,
For your son to be offered, he must be a very good player. You will find that Coaches Hughes is enterring his 2nd year at Va Tech after building very successful programs at DIII Trinity, TX and Boston College. He is a terrific recruiter and probably a better coach. Our son knows a number who played for him at BC. He is demanding, makes you a better player, is committed to winning, believes in kids being student athletes, and is also a very good person.
Coach Hughes knows Va Tech needs to upgrade their talent to compete in the ACC and he is committed. I have had some occasions to sit and talk with him. Great person, terrific coach and wonderful family man. Coach Hughes is someone I would certainly want to coach my son.
For your son to be offered, he must be a very good player. You will find that Coaches Hughes is enterring his 2nd year at Va Tech after building very successful programs at DIII Trinity, TX and Boston College. He is a terrific recruiter and probably a better coach. Our son knows a number who played for him at BC. He is demanding, makes you a better player, is committed to winning, believes in kids being student athletes, and is also a very good person.
Coach Hughes knows Va Tech needs to upgrade their talent to compete in the ACC and he is committed. I have had some occasions to sit and talk with him. Great person, terrific coach and wonderful family man. Coach Hughes is someone I would certainly want to coach my son.
My son and I visited Tech on a junior day late last fall and found the staff there very impressive. The field there is pretty good and the facilities available to the baseball team are excellent, since they share with the vaunted football team.
While my son ultimately chose another school, there were no negatives on Tech. One thing for sure, once the folks at Tech decide to go for the gusto on a sports field, they don't mess around. (Look how quickly the basketball team got tough once they entered the ACC.) Bringing in Hughes, who was chosen over a long time asst. after the previous head coach retired, was to me a sign that they meant to be contenders in baseball. Granted, they have their work cut out for them in the ACC, but the standings in the conference have been more volatile in recent years than many might assume. There's room to exit the basement if you go about it right.
I haven't heard of Tech really landing any big-time recruits just yet but I know that is their goal, so I would think if they are after your son he must be pretty darned good. But the 2008 class is likely to be the ground breaking class, and it may be those boys' junior or senior years before things really turn around for them.
It's funny that BC fared better than Tech in the year after Hughes made his move, but then, BC was playing with guys Hughes recruited and Tech was not. Maybe that tells you something about what to expect in the future.
While my son ultimately chose another school, there were no negatives on Tech. One thing for sure, once the folks at Tech decide to go for the gusto on a sports field, they don't mess around. (Look how quickly the basketball team got tough once they entered the ACC.) Bringing in Hughes, who was chosen over a long time asst. after the previous head coach retired, was to me a sign that they meant to be contenders in baseball. Granted, they have their work cut out for them in the ACC, but the standings in the conference have been more volatile in recent years than many might assume. There's room to exit the basement if you go about it right.
I haven't heard of Tech really landing any big-time recruits just yet but I know that is their goal, so I would think if they are after your son he must be pretty darned good. But the 2008 class is likely to be the ground breaking class, and it may be those boys' junior or senior years before things really turn around for them.
It's funny that BC fared better than Tech in the year after Hughes made his move, but then, BC was playing with guys Hughes recruited and Tech was not. Maybe that tells you something about what to expect in the future.
Thanks to both for your reponses. We are from San Diego and know nothing about ACC baseball programs and appreciate all feedback available. My son just got back from a Baseball Camp visit to Blacksburg and really liked the Coaches and the area. He was told he had a spot on the team and was verbally offered 33% of total cost. Coaches told him to speak to his parents about the affordability of attending the school. Obviously he would come in as an out-of-state student which still equates to a large expense.
cmlsd - Welcome to the HS Baseball Web! 
The first college baseball game I ever saw was at Va. Tech as a young boy. Johnny Oates (later with the Orioles and manager of the Rangers) hit a home run.
I grew up for a while in Blacksburg. It is a terrific town that truly supports the university. I think any athlete on that campus is likely a local hero to the kids and many adults too. I would not hesitate to send any of my kids to school there, baseball or not.
Great school. Great town. Terrific support.
Good luck!
The first college baseball game I ever saw was at Va. Tech as a young boy. Johnny Oates (later with the Orioles and manager of the Rangers) hit a home run.
I grew up for a while in Blacksburg. It is a terrific town that truly supports the university. I think any athlete on that campus is likely a local hero to the kids and many adults too. I would not hesitate to send any of my kids to school there, baseball or not.
Great school. Great town. Terrific support.
Good luck!
justbb, I don't think I knew you grew up in Blacksburg. 
I have another very good friend, beside you, who grew up there and who's parents are both long time faculty members. He absolutely loves the town and his parents love teaching there.
cmlsd, if you are inclined, I would encourage you to call Coach Hughes and not rely upon my input. He truly is committed to making that program competitive with the top schools in the ACC.
It sounds like a wonderful opportunity for your son and your family to very carefully explore and consider.
I have another very good friend, beside you, who grew up there and who's parents are both long time faculty members. He absolutely loves the town and his parents love teaching there.
cmlsd, if you are inclined, I would encourage you to call Coach Hughes and not rely upon my input. He truly is committed to making that program competitive with the top schools in the ACC.
It sounds like a wonderful opportunity for your son and your family to very carefully explore and consider.
Coach Hughes and Coach Gambino are outstanding. I have found them to be very honest and very passionate about Va Tech baseball. My son has a player on his summer team that recently verballed to Tech , Andrew Rash 08 utility player from Anderson SC. Andrew is a stud. I also know a couple of 07's coming in this year that are outstanding players. Good luck
Like others who have commented, I have heard favorable comments about the direction of VT's baseball program under Coach Hughes' leadership and have every reason to believe that they'll gradually build a consistently competitive program there.
However, no one has mentioned that Blacksburg's climate is probably the 2nd coldest in the ACC (after Boston College). For many, your son included, this might not be a factor; but, better to go ahead and address it up front than get there and discover that you're working out indoors when many of your competitors are enjoying warmer conditions. Have your son discuss it with some Virginia Tech players; so that he has as full an appreciation of what it's like as he can.
Best of luck to him!
However, no one has mentioned that Blacksburg's climate is probably the 2nd coldest in the ACC (after Boston College). For many, your son included, this might not be a factor; but, better to go ahead and address it up front than get there and discover that you're working out indoors when many of your competitors are enjoying warmer conditions. Have your son discuss it with some Virginia Tech players; so that he has as full an appreciation of what it's like as he can.
Best of luck to him!
I am in complete agreement with all of the folks praising VT's program,they will no doubt be competitive in the ACC sooner rather than later.But before I sent my son all the way across the country to a team that will get better, I would make a concerted effort to find him a place closer to home that will get better. If I were to send him across the country, the spot would have to be good already, and I mean reasonable expectations of Omaha or at least super regionals. It's a big country and there are many excellent programs w/in a couple of hours of San Diego, if he's good enough to play at Tech. he's good enough to play at a lot of places.
fritzy - I would generally agree with you in most cases. However, Va. Tech is an outstanding, beautiful school in a beautiful town whose whole existence is centered on the university. It is a very unique situation and as far as the "college experience" goes...it would be hard to find a better one. I'd have absolutely no issue sending my kid there.
infielddad - My father did his undergraduate school there and later returned as a professor. My godfather is a recently retired professor there. We maintain many very good friendships with folks still living in Blacksburg. My very best memories as a kid are in that town and around that university, including football, basketball and baseball games.
Weather? Yep, it can be wonderfully rough in the winter. Actually, absolutely beautiful in my mind. My favorite Christmas day of all time was spent sledding down our street all day long. But the Springs, Summers and Falls are just as wonderful. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
infielddad - My father did his undergraduate school there and later returned as a professor. My godfather is a recently retired professor there. We maintain many very good friendships with folks still living in Blacksburg. My very best memories as a kid are in that town and around that university, including football, basketball and baseball games.
Weather? Yep, it can be wonderfully rough in the winter. Actually, absolutely beautiful in my mind. My favorite Christmas day of all time was spent sledding down our street all day long. But the Springs, Summers and Falls are just as wonderful. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
fritzy,
I have quite a different view. Our daughter was recruited from CA to Ann Arbor where she competed and attended. Our son was recruited from CA to TX where he competed and graduated.
Neither would ever change those experiences or years.
I have quite a different view. Our daughter was recruited from CA to Ann Arbor where she competed and attended. Our son was recruited from CA to TX where he competed and graduated.
Neither would ever change those experiences or years.
Blacksburg certainly isn't sunny and 72 year round like San Diego (I don't know the exact averages, but that's not too far off).
With the quality of play in the ACC, along with other quality non conference opponents (VMI, JMU, VCU, Richmond, ODU, in Virginia and schools like ECU, Charlotte, etc in North Carolina) for mid week games, your son would certainly face a demanding schedule.
At the same time, a hungry coach, supportive athletic department, strong schedule, quality facilities, etc. all in a state with several talent hotbeds (important for in state tuition rates with almost no kids getting full rides) sounds like a recipe for success to me.
With the quality of play in the ACC, along with other quality non conference opponents (VMI, JMU, VCU, Richmond, ODU, in Virginia and schools like ECU, Charlotte, etc in North Carolina) for mid week games, your son would certainly face a demanding schedule.
At the same time, a hungry coach, supportive athletic department, strong schedule, quality facilities, etc. all in a state with several talent hotbeds (important for in state tuition rates with almost no kids getting full rides) sounds like a recipe for success to me.
Tech is a special place, no doubt.
The winters are..well, winter, but there are indoor practice facilities (years ago, we did a lot of football winter workouts in the field house, which includes a covered, climate-controlled, full size football field), where you can do about anything but fly balls.
The winters are..well, winter, but there are indoor practice facilities (years ago, we did a lot of football winter workouts in the field house, which includes a covered, climate-controlled, full size football field), where you can do about anything but fly balls.
Pete Hughes is a great coach and Virginia Tech is the most special of places. In fact, it transcends the baseball, which is a good thing. Also, the ACC will do remarkable things for Virginia Tech baseball because it provides an avenue in which the school's broad aspirations can flourish.
The weather is more unpredictable than bad. When it is bad, it is terrible, but it can be great the very next day.
The weather is more unpredictable than bad. When it is bad, it is terrible, but it can be great the very next day.
Heck jemaz, it can actually be great the next HOUR. We always said that if you don't like the weather, wait a little bit-it'll change!
(Heading down the the VT-ECU game next weekend. First game, ESPN GameDay, Reunion of Coffey-era football players, first mass gathering of Hokies for other than memorials since the massacre. Should be a memorable weekend for a lot of reasons.)
(Heading down the the VT-ECU game next weekend. First game, ESPN GameDay, Reunion of Coffey-era football players, first mass gathering of Hokies for other than memorials since the massacre. Should be a memorable weekend for a lot of reasons.)
In the 2008 class, I understand Tech has landed Ronnie Shaban of Cosby.
Shaban has not really gotten the ink of some other players from our area, but you Hokies are really going to love him. First of all, he can hit ANYBODY, and he has developed from a pure line drive hitter into a power hitter as well. Secondly, he can play just about any position defensively. Third, while he's not a 90+ guy, he is a bulldog on the mound. I would think Tech would use him both offensively and as a pitcher. In addition to his talents, he is a fierce competitor.
I don't know that Ronnie has been seen lately by some of the scouting services, and thus he doesn't always get his due in the rankings. He may have flown under a lot of folks' RADAR, but once he's on the field at Tech he won't be a secret any more.
I don't know who all else they have coming, but if Shaban is the first to commit that's a pretty solid start.
Shaban has not really gotten the ink of some other players from our area, but you Hokies are really going to love him. First of all, he can hit ANYBODY, and he has developed from a pure line drive hitter into a power hitter as well. Secondly, he can play just about any position defensively. Third, while he's not a 90+ guy, he is a bulldog on the mound. I would think Tech would use him both offensively and as a pitcher. In addition to his talents, he is a fierce competitor.
I don't know that Ronnie has been seen lately by some of the scouting services, and thus he doesn't always get his due in the rankings. He may have flown under a lot of folks' RADAR, but once he's on the field at Tech he won't be a secret any more.
I don't know who all else they have coming, but if Shaban is the first to commit that's a pretty solid start.
P.S.
I'm waiting for someone to fix the spelling of "Virginia" in the title of this thread, but I guess with that duty falling to a bunch of Hokies, I might have a long wait!
I'm waiting for someone to fix the spelling of "Virginia" in the title of this thread, but I guess with that duty falling to a bunch of Hokies, I might have a long wait!
hokieone:
I'll be there next weekend. It is my 30-year class reunion. And, amazingly, even though we both are Hokies as is oldest son, it will be the first football game at Virginia Tech that my wife and I have attended together. We'll be in Lot 5 before and after. Touch base if you would like.
Jim
I'll be there next weekend. It is my 30-year class reunion. And, amazingly, even though we both are Hokies as is oldest son, it will be the first football game at Virginia Tech that my wife and I have attended together. We'll be in Lot 5 before and after. Touch base if you would like.
Jim
Midlo Dad:
There you go. By the way, if you ever have a chance to speak with Wake AD Ron Wellman, give him my regards. We are old friends way back from his days at Illinois State. I believe he has positive impact on Virginia Tech's ultimate acceptance into the ACC.
There you go. By the way, if you ever have a chance to speak with Wake AD Ron Wellman, give him my regards. We are old friends way back from his days at Illinois State. I believe he has positive impact on Virginia Tech's ultimate acceptance into the ACC.
quote:Originally posted by Midlo Dad:
In the 2008 class, I understand Tech has landed Ronnie Shaban of Cosby.
Shaban has not really gotten the ink of some other players from our area, but you Hokies are really going to love him. First of all, he can hit ANYBODY, and he has developed from a pure line drive hitter into a power hitter as well. Secondly, he can play just about any position defensively. Third, while he's not a 90+ guy, he is a bulldog on the mound. I would think Tech would use him both offensively and as a pitcher. In addition to his talents, he is a fierce competitor.
I don't know that Ronnie has been seen lately by some of the scouting services, and thus he doesn't always get his due in the rankings. He may have flown under a lot of folks' RADAR, but once he's on the field at Tech he won't be a secret any more.
I don't know who all else they have coming, but if Shaban is the first to commit that's a pretty solid start.
Shaban is also a lot of fun to watch, probably the single player I enjoyed watching play the most this year. He just looks like non-stop energy, like he can't sit still. Not Herman Demmink kind of energy, but along those same lines. Admittedly, I only saw him in one game, and he didn't pitch, but if I remember correctly, he smoked every ball he hit. Without having extended looks at him, I would say he looks to me like someone who absolutely loves baseball, plays his butt off, and is probably a strong leader. In other words, I guess he would probably epitomize a "gamer".
"Gamer" is not bad but so often that is a "****ing with faint praise" term -- used to describe a weak hitter who plays hard and helps the team anyway.
Shaban bats leadoff for Cosby but could well bat 3-4-5 for anybody.
When you saw him smoke it every time up, that would be a typical game for him.
Shaban bats leadoff for Cosby but could well bat 3-4-5 for anybody.
When you saw him smoke it every time up, that would be a typical game for him.
quote:Originally posted by Midlo Dad:
"Gamer" is not bad but so often that is a "****ing with faint praise" term -- used to describe a weak hitter who plays hard and helps the team anyway.
Shaban bats leadoff for Cosby but could well bat 3-4-5 for anybody.
When you saw him smoke it every time up, that would be a typical game for him.
Good point...obviously I meant no disrespect by calling him a gamer. Maybe a gamer's attitude with a player's skill set would be better
