Walk-on's

Might depend a lot on the level of play of the college. High D1 (Pac-12 for example) would be difficult.

But if your son reminds the coaches of Dee Gordon...speed, etc...then they will like him.

Good luck!

Thank you for your response. That is the same example that I gave him. Speed is important.

I really feel the main thing with a walk-on is that he must stand out in some way. Show off his speed every time he gets a chance and I mean running on and off the field--literally every time others walk or trot he needs to jog or run. If he's a monster hitter he'll get noticed anyway but speed never has an off day and if that's his main tool, remind the coach of it every chance you get while you're on the field.

Without more information it is really hard to give an opinion. For instance it is D1 2 or 3, NAIA, etc? What conference makes a big difference as well. Of course no matter the level, the most important thing will be your sons ability and desire. He might start at one level, and not make the team at another.
Something else to consider is how many positions are already spoken for. If they have a roster limit (depending on the level) and all the slots are spoken for, it is very unlikely. However if that is not the case, any good coach would add a solid player if he was capable of helping the team. The fact that he is versatile will also be in his favor.

Lets face it, he has nothing to lose and everything to gain by trying out. He cant get any more off the team than he currently is, so why not have him give it a shot.

Good luck and let us know how things turn out.

Agree with THreebagger. Potential two-way player with speed that (presumably) bats from the left side and throws from the left side. If I was the coach, I would be checking it out in a big way. Note: He may have to move to a corner outfield position as most CF are recruited.

Don't know the conference, division or history of the program so it is tough to gauge the things that he can't control. But I like the tools he brings to the table for the things he can control.

Best of luck and let us know how it goes.

Thank you for your responses, it feels promising. I
believe this is a D-2 school, has a new head coach and asst coach. Both played professional ball. I am not aware of the roster, does a freahman get an opportunity to play, or does that depend on how well he plays or is it the coach's decision????

It all comes down to two simple factors:

1. How good is your son?
2. How good is the team?

Attitude and work ethic might help but it typically won't mean much (in a positive way) unless his talent level is a fit (at least at the high D1 level). A bad attitude or a poor work ethic, however, might disqualify him right away.

I have seen walk-ons succeed in certain instances and I have seen them dismissed before practices even begin. It is different every time. The odds probably are long, but the odds are long for lots of non walk-on players, too.

Best of luck.

quote:

Originally posted by deccabell:
Your honest feedback is important.

...does a freshman get an opportunity to play, or does that depend on how well he plays or is it the coach's decision????

The answer to all three questions is 'yes'.

Is it a long shot for a non-recruited walk on to make the roster and play ? In most cases- probably.

Is it impossible? No, and don't let anyone tell you it is.

Here is proof that it can happen.

But... that was last year. Fall tryouts are under way, once again.

Tell your son to believe in himself and give it his best shot.

ANTZDaD - you've got a big strong, good looking kid there! GED10DaD

I have a friend who went to a DI school with no intention of playing baseball. Didn't even try to walk on - small guy, I'm sure he didn't think he had a chance. There were injuries in his position and someone on the team knew he was a good player. Word got around. They asked him to come out and try. Long story short, my friend played the rest of his college career there, in various positions.

Moral to the story: you just never know!

quote:

Thank you for your responses, it feels promising. I
believe this is a D-2 school, has a new head coach and asst coach. Both played professional ball. I am not aware of the roster, does a freahman get an opportunity to play, or does that depend on how well he plays or is it the coach's decision????

It will really depend upon the coaching staff at the school. Local D2 schools in my area are loaded with JC and D1 transfers and not many freshman. My son played at two D1 schools and I would guess there were two unrecruited walkons, its very difficult to walk on at the d1 level, especially at a public school. There seems to be more walkon opportunities at d2 schools, however the competition at some of these schools for roster spots is very intense. i.e. a local d2 has over 100 kids showing up to tryout and walkon.

Many freshman end up redshirting, however a talented freshman that can immediarly contribute will get to play at most schools, the problem is that its a big step from HS ball to college ball and many freshman are not ready to make the transition in one year.

Good luck.

I'm quoting from the JV thread, but I think my questions belong in this thread:

quote:

Originally posted by 3FingeredGlove:
If the college sponsors a varisty team, even playing on the college club team consumes a season of competition. A joint practice session with a different college would also trigger the use of a season. 14.02.07

Does participating in a fall baseball intercollegiate 'scrimmage' count against a player that does not make the roster's eligibility?

In other words, if Timmy shows up for fall try outs and Coach Smith is impressed enough to let Timmy pitch a few innings vs. Crosstown U, but Coach ultimately decides to cut Timmy, is Timmy now subject to transfer and eligibility restrictions, or is he free to play for Crosstown U next year? Does he need a 'release'?

Does Coach Smith explain the ramifications of fall try outs (if there is any) at the first meeting? Do try outs sign an NCAA acknowledgement?

Sorry, if these questions have been answered before (I'm sure they have). Just curious.

Good luck to every player battling for a spring spot.

(Thanks, GunEmDown10. )

quote:

Does participating in a fall baseball intercollegiate 'scrimmage' count against a player that does not make the roster's eligibility? Yes

In other words, if Timmy shows up for fall try outs and Coach Smith is impressed enough to let Timmy pitch a few innings vs. Crosstown U, but Coach ultimately decides to cut Timmy, is Timmy now subject to transfer and eligibility restrictions, or is he free to play for Crosstown U next year? There are 8 ways for a player to become considered a transfer (14.5.2) The most obvious is to have been enrolled fulltime at any college, and then to, well, transfer to a different school. Doesn't matter if the student was an athlete or not. Even if the student didn't attend full time, if he reported to practice or condititioning, he's classified as a transfer.

Does he need a 'release'? Yes, in D1 and D2.

Does Coach Smith explain the ramifications of fall try outs (if there is any) at the first meeting? Do try outs sign an NCAA acknowledgement? Don't know.

OK, thank you, threefingeredglove* (*my dad had one of those)

I just wanted everyone to know that my son made the team. All of you that responded gave great advise. I will keep you informed on his progress.

Congratulations to your son! Thanks for the update.

Congratulations! That's great news. Good luck this coming season.

quote:

Originally posted by deccabell:
I just wanted everyone to know that my son made the team. All of you that responded gave great advise. I will keep you informed on his progress.

Wow, that's a big deal! Congrats to you both. You must be proud of him? I know I would be... as that's no walk in the park.

quote:

Originally posted by Prime9:
Wow, that's a big deal! Congrats to you both. You must be proud of him? I know I would be... as that's no walk in the park.

I agree, well said.