What to look for in a Summer Collegiate team

That's great you've been presented options! Kudos to your HC.  As with every decision, the most important element is playing time.  This summer my son found himself on a gigantic roster in the Perfect Game league and they were rotating reps.  He had a great time and loved the group of guys but I wish he wished he got more reps.  

That said, my advice is to look up the lineups online to view roster size and reps.  If it looks like a big roster and only a few receiving the lion share of AB's or innings, then move on unless you are supremely confident your son will be the guy getting the PT.  My son's friend played in the New England League this summer and had less the 20 at bats.  What a waste!

All of the criteria that you mentioned, but as you already know, it's mostly about what the HC (or PC) wants for you. IMO, the criteria is a little different for pitchers and position players, but the primary goal is to get better. For a position player, that means facing better pitching and getting as many ABs as possible. For pitchers, I would be more concerned with the staff's track record of taking care of arms.

Secondarily, what kind of summer experience is the player looking for? Summer at the Hamptons? First trip to California? Hot weather vs cooler weather? Playing with college teammates vs going somewhere alone? Crowd size? All could be factors.

Grand River and Muskegon are in the GLCBL  They were both new to the league this year.  My son has played in the league the past two summers and will again next year.  It's good baseball.  A mix of D1, D2, D3 and NAIA guys.  Some teams are more D1-loaded than others.  A lot of Big Ten and MAC players.  Son's team draws a lot of guys from down south.  The league was set up different this year....Muskegon and Grand River were in the Northern Division...we didn't play them...but I think we are going to next year.  PM me with any questions....I'll help if I can.  Where is your son going to school? 

Typically the HC or RC is working with  a limited number of teams, your son should ask the returning players which option is best.  Even better, which host family  is best.

Thanks everyone for your replies! I failed to mention that he is a PO. His D1 (in the MAC) school has players placed in Northwoods, Prospects, Great Lakes, Hamptons, Western Major League, Tri-State leagues. How much instruction is given at these levels or is strictly about PT. I would hope this would be a time that he would learn more about playing at the collegiate level.  I hope that instruction will coincide with what his PC wants him to do.  Again thanks for the valuable input!

jonsmith posted:

Thanks everyone for your replies! I failed to mention that he is a PO. His D1 (in the MAC) school has players placed in Northwoods, Prospects, Great Lakes, Hamptons, Western Major League, Tri-State leagues. How much instruction is given at these levels or is strictly about PT. I would hope this would be a time that he would learn more about playing at the collegiate level.  I hope that instruction will coincide with what his PC wants him to do.  Again thanks for the valuable input!

It varies but there generally isn't a ton of instruction going on.  That is largely due to the format... cram 50-60 games in two months.  So, it is largely about getting game innings/reps against good competition.  Depending on the summer coaching staff, he is likely to get in-game comments and maybe some pen observation/ conversation. But not likely a ton of specific pen work.  There just aren't many practice/pen opportunities aside from games.  

Based on your comments, it may be a very good idea for your son to communicate to HC that getting the best pitching guidance, along with recommended IP's, is his priority and ask him which option would give him the best results with that in mind.  I think this would be looked at favorably by HC and he may very well try harder to steer you toward a team with a known good PC.

cabbagedad posted:

jonsmith posted:

Thanks everyone for your replies! I failed to mention that he is a PO. His D1 (in the MAC) school has players placed in Northwoods, Prospects, Great Lakes, Hamptons, Western Major League, Tri-State leagues. How much instruction is given at these levels or is strictly about PT. I would hope this would be a time that he would learn more about playing at the collegiate level.  I hope that instruction will coincide with what his PC wants him to do.  Again thanks for the valuable input!

It varies but there generally isn't a ton of instruction going on.  That is largely due to the format... cram 50-60 games in two months.  So, it is largely about getting game innings/reps against good competition.  Depending on the summer coaching staff, he is likely to get in-game comments and maybe some pen observation/ conversation. But not likely a ton of specific pen work.  There just aren't many practice/pen opportunities aside from games.  

Based on your comments, it may be a very good idea for your son to communicate to HC that getting the best pitching guidance, along with recommended IP's, is his priority and ask him which option would give him the best results with that in mind.  I think this would be looked at favorably by HC and he may very well try harder to steer you toward a team with a known good PC.

Great suggestions! Cabbagedad! That's kind of what I was thinking. I will my son talk with college PC to see what he suggests.  

Great points above! I would like to add that PO's have a lot of down time.  Go where they will get consistent innings and maybe work experience.  I know many POs  that have based there team on work/intern opportunities in the surrounding area.  

Also, some teams have immediate access to nice training/fitness facilities.  I would think this could be a huge plus, particularly for PO's who won't be playing every day.  

The only potential red flag that came up in your OP is "new".  It seems like most of the problems I have heard about with summer college organizations come about either with new programs and or leagues or those struggling to stay relevant.  That said, the leagues mentioned are certainly some of the better, more established ones.

Thanks!  It looks like they had a successful inaugural season this past year.  We also know some the players that were on that team that we will touch base with to see what they thought of their experience.  

JonSmith;

your son will be a Freshman in College and will have inconsistent playing time. Therefore the summer competition is important for "learning" the art of pitching.  He will need innings and a program for development.

Therefore ask questions of the College coach and the former players in the League.

1. Can a Freshman receive innings or is "winning" the single motivator for Coach and Management?

2. Who is the Summer team pitching Coach? What is his philosophy

Bob

Thanks, Bob! He also has a few friends that a PO at a couple of local collegiate league teams that he's going to see how their experience was.  Thanks again!

Son didn't find out until mid June where he would be going because he and coaches weren't sure how many innings he would get in Spring.  He got around 30 so they wanted him to throw 20 more or so. 

Played in West Coast Collegiwitb great weather and the way that league does it he would gonna know there again.  Three game series all the time so not as much travel and bus time as other leagues we have seen.  This also allowed him to workout regularly  lots of his teammates didn't have time to get any gym time in   

Son's experience is that there are always places for pitchers even mid summer. Guys pitch more in spring and guys get hurt.  Always room for a pitcher. 

Look at number of games played, in each league. I know the Great Lakes, played 40 some. Prospect plays 60 some, I think. 

Son's old coach, would put pitchers in the GL, and position players in the prospect. He always pushed my PO son to leagues with fewer games, such as the Great Lakes and the Valley League. He said he knew he would get innings, so he preferred, the shorter season.