How hard is it to be a walk on and play for a Division I school? I know most schools have open tryouts but do they actually take them seriously?
Is walking any easier to do for Division II and III?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
The short answer, IMO, is "it depends".
The higher the level the competition, the tougher it is. I know of a couple of guys that have earned a roster spot at the University of Tennessee in recent years based on their performance in fall tryouts. However they are the exception rather than the rule.
DIIIs by definition, are "walkon". There are no athletic scholarships associated with a DIII. You might find some DIIs and NAIA programs that are as tough a D1s. Others might be easier. One problem with smaller, private, schools is that they often have much higher tuitions. Therefore you potentially have a larger financial burden to deal with.
However, if you can demonstrate that you are good enough, then you can earn a spot.
It would also depend on what position you play and how that school's depth chart stacks up. I'd certainly want to know how many scholarship players there are at your position.
Many of the walkons at D1 are "invited" or "preferred". These players are often considered "good enough" to be scholarship players. But, with the scholarship limitations in place for baseball, it's not uncommon for players to pay their own way if they really want to play for a particular program.
While you should have some realistic expectations about your abilities, and the situation at the school, I'd always encourage you to chase your dream. Just be reasonable about it. If there are particular programs you are interested in, I'd suggest contacting the coaching staff and inquire about their policies. You might also post a question on this board about a particular school. There's a good chance someone on this board can give you some information.
Good luck.
The higher the level the competition, the tougher it is. I know of a couple of guys that have earned a roster spot at the University of Tennessee in recent years based on their performance in fall tryouts. However they are the exception rather than the rule.
DIIIs by definition, are "walkon". There are no athletic scholarships associated with a DIII. You might find some DIIs and NAIA programs that are as tough a D1s. Others might be easier. One problem with smaller, private, schools is that they often have much higher tuitions. Therefore you potentially have a larger financial burden to deal with.
However, if you can demonstrate that you are good enough, then you can earn a spot.
It would also depend on what position you play and how that school's depth chart stacks up. I'd certainly want to know how many scholarship players there are at your position.
Many of the walkons at D1 are "invited" or "preferred". These players are often considered "good enough" to be scholarship players. But, with the scholarship limitations in place for baseball, it's not uncommon for players to pay their own way if they really want to play for a particular program.
While you should have some realistic expectations about your abilities, and the situation at the school, I'd always encourage you to chase your dream. Just be reasonable about it. If there are particular programs you are interested in, I'd suggest contacting the coaching staff and inquire about their policies. You might also post a question on this board about a particular school. There's a good chance someone on this board can give you some information.
Good luck.
Excellent post, Bizazz.
If UNC is indicative, I know of two, true walk-ons who have come out of the annual tryout in the last 4-5 years. In each case, they filled "niche" positions: bullpen catcher in one instance and a speedster who was used principally as a pinch runner in spot situations. "Invited" walk-ons don't go through the tryout.
If UNC is indicative, I know of two, true walk-ons who have come out of the annual tryout in the last 4-5 years. In each case, they filled "niche" positions: bullpen catcher in one instance and a speedster who was used principally as a pinch runner in spot situations. "Invited" walk-ons don't go through the tryout.
D-III's vary; some recruit players, and guarantee them a roster spot (about all they can offer as no baseball scholly's), others give no guarantees. Some recruit a ton of players to come and try out, while others recruit what they want, then have open tryouts, but the number of players making it through open tryouts is pretty small.
All D-III's have tryouts, but the track record for true non-recruited players varies from school to school.
With D-III's, it's a very very good idea to do your homework and inquire of existing players as to how things work.
All D-III's have tryouts, but the track record for true non-recruited players varies from school to school.
With D-III's, it's a very very good idea to do your homework and inquire of existing players as to how things work.