What if your 'dream school' isn't totally working out?

After two years one needs to check the ability to transfer credits--- it may be a losing proposition

Look into that first before doing anything else

I know of a D1 player who was repeatedly promised the moon -- both as a high school prospect and as a college freshman -- but things never happened as anticipated at the program he played for. Sometimes, the one doing the promising isn't in a position to actually make it happen (i.e., an assistant coach vs. the head coach). I also wonder if coaches sometimes make promises to current players in order to not lose them to another school, which could possibly result in NCAA penalties for their own program.

If this player is going to transfer, he had better do it now. I understand that this summer is the last time players can transfer to another program without having to sit out for a year.

it would seem that with the new transfer rule changes it's now (this summer) or never ...

It would probably be a good idea to get an assessment of his current ability from an impartial source if there's any way to do that. Maybe he's in the wrong situation, or maybe he hasn't made much progress. That has to be taken into account along with his school's returning players and recruits before making any decisions.

justbb, I think we may have spoken about a similar player at the game on Saturday. Coming out of high school, I know that one did have professional contacts but made it clear he would be going to school. Also, that student/athlete has also had a redshirt year, so he is a junior from an academic perspective.
To my way of thinking, these types of situations force a player to really dig deep and decide how much he loves and wants to play. He has been in the school and the program long enough to be able to decide whether the "fit" in school from an academic and social perspective, combined with and the potential loss of credits is more important than the lack of "fit" for baseball. This situation for the student/athlete involves extremely tough choices with "losses" no matter which is made.
Our son had that choice after his junior year. It was not because of lack of playing time. It was because some good DI programs made it clear he was very welcome.
Our son looked at the relationships with his coaches, teammates and friends, determined how the transfer would impact him for graduation and potential loss of units, and attempted to evaluate the baseball "promises" with what he knew existed. For him, the loss of units, the impact on graduation and his relationships graded higher than the other options.
If you truly love baseball and want to play, and know you won't in the current program, you will have bitter pills to swallow, no matter which decision you make.
To answer your question on guiding your son, we tried not to guide him. On the other hand, I know many of my comments about the potential DI experience had some impact.
When everything was said and done, the guidance was solely in trying to help him have information from potential suitors/options that he could compare with what he knew and in assuring him he should make the decision based on what meant the most to him, and we would support him 100%.

Tough situation. OK , whats more important to you right now son? Making a move where you think you will have a better chance to get on the field or staying where you are and making the best of the current situation? Is your dream school still going to be your dream school if you are not playing? Is that other school that is not your dream school going to end up being your dream school if you are playing? Tough decisions to make.

You know what, I have seen some players get very little playing time for 1-2 years and then all of a sudden their opportunity comes and they have great years. Sometimes it is timing, and position. And it is very hard to sometimes transfer when you have nothing to show for it (no playing time). Maybe stay and then transfer to a D2,3, NAIA later on.

Some important things to think of, who is coming in next year? Does he have a shot at being a starter at his position? Is he happy being a part of the team at his dream school, wants to finish out his career and education there or move on? These are all personal decisions.

Sometimes what it comes down to is it's just not right. My son gave me the call and said Dad, I don't care if it's my job next year, I can't play for this coach...He was the #2 guy, was on the 25 man travel team every trip and just had enough of the constant badgering and criticism. He just got home and already had numerous offers.

Coach Merc,
I saw your boy play in the CMWS last year. I'm sure he can play for a lot of D1 schools. It's good that it will hapen next year, before these stupid new transfer rules go into effect. Keep us posted.

The new transfer rule - soon to be adopted by the NCAA - has greatly increased the risk/reward for baseball players that attend a D-1 program and that love the game and want to experience playing college baseball.

It will end many a baseball career prematurely - and rob many young players of some great experiences and lifelong memories.

It is sad to watch this unfold - but the assault continues and I dont believe it can be stopped at this point.

Coaches will have much more power than they have now - and many players facing a 1 year absence from the game - will IMO - just give it up.

And Coaches with bad intent and unscrupulous recruiting tactics will make this even a sorrier story.

Very sad to watch what they are doing to these young men - and sadly - there will be many of them that fit into this description - soon. IMO.

And for what? Has anyone really explained the logic? Why are they doing this? Do they really think that robbing a kid of his ability to follow his dream will improve academic scores?

And if they happen to improve academic scores - by how much? Is it really worth the price?

Did they ever consider that the chance to play baseball may actually make some kids work harder to obtain decent grades?

Very sad. IMO.

Did anyone think that the new rules would protect your players from getting booted? Or stopping transfering? Some kids would be willing to sit out a year to get away from situations. Is the NCAA really doing this to protect our players?

Coach Merc,
Sorry to hear the news, yes, keep us posted.