Question for the forum...what is the walk-on potential when there is a coaching change at a D1 program? My 2018 attempted to walk on this past year, but the process was a sham (NCAA check off the box). Head coach didn't even attend. Based on the program's record the past several seasons, a coaching change seems eminent. If this were to happen, would this open things up for walk-ons? Anyone have experience with this type of situation?
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The odds are the same. Even with a coaching change recruits are still going to show up. Players are still going to return. If a coach thinks his team is so bad that there might be better players in the student body than on his roster - that team is in trouble.
AD, making it as a true walk-on in D1 baseball is an extreme longshot. The process you describe is not uncommon. There are plenty of threads you can search here if you haven't already. I'm not saying impossible and your son may find himself in an exception situation. But if the program decides to bring in a new coach because the current coach isn't getting the job done, then logic tells you they will be looking for a better coach. A better coach often means one with a better network of players he recruits from and/or can generally recruit better. A new coach is going to want to get HIS guys in as quickly as possible with the goal of turning things around quickly. So, I don't see that a coach change is likely to make your son's walk-on likelihood any higher.
That said, you/he will want to keep ear to the ground. If he can find out who the new coach will be, he can try to make contact as soon as the hire is made and have some dialog with the goal being to get some attention as a recruit, preferred walk on or at least someone he is willing to invite in the fall and take a look at since he is already on campus. Who knows, you may get lucky and it turns out to be a coach that is familiar with your son.
A new coach may make some players move on whether it’s their choice or the coach’s. But chances are the new coach will JuCO up with ready to produce talent than rely on freshmen and walk ons.
Amount of baseball $$ a school has invested in a player
equals
the amount of opportunity that player will receive
RJM posted:A new coach may make some players move on whether it’s their choice or the coach’s. But chances are the new coach will JuCO up with ready to produce talent than rely on freshmen and walk ons.
My first thought (JUCO) is along the same lines..100% agree with RJM. If I was the new HC, I'd want an infusion of talent to get the program back on the tracks. The quickest way to make a splash in college baseball under the current rules is to bring in as many JUCO transfers as possible and give them an opportunity.
Your odds are no better.....likely almost zero, but it does happen. My son's team had a kid make it from walk on tryouts. That being said, it's going to take an amazing showing. Your son only has maybe 10 minutes to show them what he can do. Best case is if he's a pitcher and can light up a radar gun. If he's a position player, he's probably going to have to run a 6.6 or better just to get them to even notice he's there. D1 teams have twice as many position players as they need as it is....the odds of them needing one more are very slim
I agree with Buckeye and others. Tough to make it as a walk-on with or without new coach. Definitely an even tougher path if your son is a position player.
AD, as CabbageDad mentioned, your son's best chance will be if the new coach is someone who is already familiar with your son, or is familiar with your son's HS or travel ball coach.
Will your son be playing on a summer team? If he is and has a good summer, then perhaps the summer ball coach can call this new coach (if that happens) and try to "open the door" for your son. I believe that's his best chance - if your son has a coach he has played for who will advocate for him.
