With the new age restrictions in force for 2015 with American Legion ball what other options do you all recommend for the player who wants to stay sharp for college ball?
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I know a kid that turned 19 in December of his senior year of high school. He was not eligible to play legion the summer after his senior year because he would turn 20 in December. He joined a wood bat collegiate league team.
There are lots of Connie Mack teams. Babe Ruth or Sr league,
I would focus on the weight room first and get some ball in on the side.
Its not about staying sharp, its about getting better every day. If he's a position player he needs to play the best competition available. In my area that doesn't include American legion, the better pitching is playing connie mack.
Much depends on your location. Some areas have loosely run college summer teams that play somewhat lighter schedules which allows for the necessary strength and conditioning that BOF suggests. If you gave general location you would likely get more specific responses.
Wondering the same thing. Right now it looks like our best option is to play one last season with his old 18U team -- though a lot of the new guys coming up are rising juniors and rising seniors. He'll be one of the only college bound kids returning, it seems. The other guys who are moving on have found other options, somehow. I was really hoping to get him into a higher level of competition -- one that matched what he'll face from day 1 in college. But at least he will be playing all summer.
There are 20u teams In some areas. A handful of collegiate summer teams allow high school seniors. There are also some very good semi pro leagues. These are leagues with college players, former minor leaguers and some player who just can't put down the glove.
Originally Posted by Nocryinginbball:
With the new age restrictions in force for 2015 with American Legion ball what other options do you all recommend for the player who wants to stay sharp for college ball?
Fwiw, American Legion has not implemented the new age restrictions.
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Whatever option they choose, try to make sure that they arrive on campus in the best possible baseball condition and as rested as possible. The first days of college baseball will likely try them physically more than they've ever been tried. When you add in the fact that they'll be competing with returning players and trying to become accustomed to totally new surroundings, classes, etc. it adds up to a very physically and emotionally demanding time. The last thing they need is to arrive worn out.
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I guess what I'm really asking is what 18U programs (teams) are out there in the NOVA area? The travel team he played with on doesn't have an 18U team. Any recommendations?
If I were you, I'd pose my question in the Virginia Forum. It's one of the most active on this site, and it's filled with local, highly knowledgeable members.