Why play in college ?

Just a couple that come to mind immediately (in no particular order):

camraderie of team mates (fraternity)
school pride
self-pride
sense of achievement
future job contacts
maintaining physical condition
travel opportunities
resume' building
good times
prestige of playing college athletics
girls LOVE a guy in uniform!

College ball brings many intangibles ... luvbb has identified some of the best. I would add ... learning life lessons in time management and multi-tasking ...

My son said it well..."It's what makes school fun"!

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Not going to make a lot of friends here but gotta' say this....

If you look at the %'s of players beyond college baseball who either make it to the show, and/or make a reasonable living at it in the minors or with draft signing bonus $, then the reasons given in the last few posts are the ONLY logical reason to play college ball for almost everyone.

And one more reason..."Chicks dig homeruns"

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Impressing upon friends and family
FUN!!!

Under that same logic - if you are facing long odds of playing in the pros - why play High School baseball? Odds of a scholarship to college are extremely long, chances of making the pros even longer.

The answer - and I know you said "not because you love the game" but it has to be about the love of the game and all that surrounds it - with the joy of being on a team, the chance to see how good you really are, the sense of accomplishment when you break through to the next level. High school to college transition is just more of the same - but harder

Fundementally in addition to the items listed previously, it is about determining how good you really are - and attempting to stretch to your maximum

Besides - many players grow and change well into their college years - yes it is a long shot - but why assume that baseball will be over after college before you even play college ball.

If the only reason people pursused something they enjoy was to reach the very pinnacle of whatever that thing is, you'd never see people out running or cycling or taking photographs or sketching in the park or entering pies at the fair or anything else.

If I'm not going to be Frank Lloyd Wright or I.M. Pei, does that mean I should not enroll with the thousands of other college students who have decided to study architecture?

Come on, Bob. Lighten up!! Go to college, play ball (I know you're a good enough), and LIVE LIFE!!

I am completely flummuxed by a ball player who asks "why keep playing?".

If you don't know why or feel why....then don't.

Dear Bob15,

Second thoughts? Good, just don't wait for the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th .... umpteen thought!

I have life long memories of college baseball,
as a teenager, a player, a fan, an adult, a parent.....(other).

Some of those decisions were life altering events.

The more significance events are the relationships obtained from the paths chosen on the roads traveled.

The choices you make as a teenager may sometimes become life altering events.

Babe once said (paraphrase): Stop playing the game when the baselines are uphill!

Satchel said (paraphrase): Don't look back, someone may be gaining on you!

Interesting enough, just last week I took advantage of an opportunity to chat with a life-long friend (who pitched eight years in Triple A) about some of those decisions he made:
I have been thinking about his response all weekend that being "He was too busy to think about what may be!"

Bottom Line: Good luck in your choices. Keep us informed.

cheers
Bear

Very strange question

I know about 300 kids that would do anything short of selling their souls to play college baseball that won't get that chance. Being given the ability to play baseball at such a high level is a real gift, and if you have to ask why you should continue playing, you probably shouldn't. People do what they do beause they love it, and that should be reason enough.

Good luck in whatever decision you decide

spinedoc - I happen to agree with you.

IMHO, there are six tools in baseball - the 5 measurable ones which include throwing, fielding, running, hitting and hitting for power, and an invisible one called HEART or desire. It seems to even ask a question like that you may be lacking the most important tool of all.

luvbb, nice post. May I add Networking - some of the contacts you make will someday be very benefical. I know that I was terrible in college and only played one year. Despit that, I made so many contacts with people that remember that year and I've been able to use that to help my high school team in so many ways. JMHO!

Why play college ball?

When you reach your late 20's or early 30's and you find yourself with the following questions in your mind and on your heart:

"would haves"
"could haves"
"should haves"

These types of questions aren't always a good feeling.

Entering your late 20's and 30's and saying

I DID IT and it worked out great or even I DID IT and it just didn't work out is much easier in your mind and on your heart.

If you have the ability and the DESIRE then I would always suggest trying it and then seeing how it plays out.

Every little boy wants to be a pro jock some day. College ball at any level, even D-3 without a scholarship, is pro ball, for better or for worse. The college game doesn't exist so 18-year olds can have fun. It's mostly about money by that stage.

...it's a lot of fun.

hey bob15,
why do you suppose colleges field lacross & field-hockey teams??
why are the slow-pitch sofball fields packed every night of the season??

people love sports, love to compete, and have a blast doing it

BUT, it's not for everyone - keep after it, you'll find something else you like


B25/LvBB, regarding networking & contacts
last yr while tailgating with Mid-town Atlanta in the skyline, I was told that my son was doing a "temendous job" with prospective employers
a little suprised,
I said "I didn't even know he was interviewing" - - - the response - - neither did your son,
but everytime he meets someone or represents his school on or off the field -
someone IS evaluating him

I almost have to agree with micdsguy on a few of his statements. There are many,many boys out there, who are thinking of professional ball beyond college. And there are quite a few coaches out there that think that as well.

At many schools college ball is a business and run like a business, not all smiles and giggles. There are many who decide that they don't want to participate in college ball because of the fact it has become big business. So I think the question has some validity. In sons school, it's a big business, with lots of pressures that go along with it. It's not for everyone.
I don't have an answer to your question. You need to gather the facts and come to your own conclusions, whether it would be right or wrong for you.

Thank you for all the responses. Trust me this is not a matter of love for the game, or hard work. I have worked very hard to get to where I am at. Its a matter of thinking further down the road that is this the time to hang up the cleats and become serious about school or continue to play. Im about 80%/20% in favor of playing. These are just some thoughts that I have been having.

bob - here's something to think about

you haven't proven you can play in college yet -
just that you can get recruited

also your view seems to be that a serious effort can't be given to both baseball & school

ya may want to rethink that

Perhaps kids play college baseball because they love the game--

Why are their TWILIGHT LEAGUES where guys who played pro and did not make the big show along with ex college players still play ?? Simple --they love to play the game

At the age of 63 why I am I still involved in baseball??? Because I love the game-- there is no other game for me

If you can (play) and don't, some day you'll wish you would have.

Regrets are a terrible thing (unless you're convinced you've absolutely lost the desire to play then, maybe, you'll have no regret). The desire really is the only reason to do it.

Don't play if it's just a means to an end 'cause then you're right, what is the point.

It's certainly ok to have questions, to wonder whether or not as to various things such as school workload, other activities, etc. But, until you've given it a shot, you'll never know and you'll be back to those regrets and "woulda, coulda, shoulda".

Bob, I can't understand someone that loves the game even asking this. My own son would have walked on if he had had to, gotten on his knees and begged, or scaled a tall building if that was what was required. I know one day he'll have to hang up his cleats. However, I don't see him doing that until he's forced in some way to do it. If it's your passion, you pursue it.

The fact that you ask that question reveals that you probably should NOT play anymore!

Bob

If you are questioning your motivations it shows that you are maturing. A lot of people would not understand someone like you who is thinking about the best way to spend your time and what you "really" want to do with your time and life.

College is the time to do this...and only you "really" know your own level of skills.

But let me just say that the underlying assumption of your question implies that the only reason to play college baseball is to prepare to get to the next level or the pros. And what I'm going to say to you may be controversial but, playing baseball to make it to the pros is totally a wrong way of looking at this activity.

Most of the players playing right now will not make it to the pros.

Then why play you ask, ......because it trains you to deal with boredom and humility....the two most difficult aspects of human behavior to concur.

Those who don't understand that aspect of baseball's real benefit fall prey to the consequences of their own lack of understanding of it.

In doing so, many students allow that lack of understanding to be used as an excuse to fail, both academically and athletically.

If you're wrestling with how to deal with boredom and humility, don't quit baseball.

Bob:

Very good questions, with different answers for different individuals. My oldest son played college baseball, which greatly enhanced his entire college experience. He will graduate in December and enter the workaday world with great memories and benefits from college baseball, none of which include professional baseball.

My middle son has entered Arizona State University on a full national merit scholarship. He will not play baseball at ASU, where he might have been able to walk on but with slight chance of success. Instead, he will focus his energy toward the classroom and graduate school, which probably lies ahead.

To accept this offer -- which was far greater than any baseball grant I have ever seen as it actually exceeds on an annual basis the cost of a year of school, he declined smaller opportunities to play baseball at some fine schools that play at a level somewhat below Arizona State.

In the end, two factors intervened:

1. finances.
2. Fit. If he had felt more comfortable and suited to a school other than ASU and had baseball been part of the equation at that school, then that is what he would be doing. But that did not happen, and he could hardly be happier than he is at ASU.

It will be interesting in the end to see how things work out for my youngest son, who is now in eighth grade and with my daughter, a junior in hs who is a very good s****r player, but a far, far better student.

In the end, if you love it, go for it. If you just like it, be a regular college student. That is how it was for me and nearly everyone else I know and we got just as much and more out of school than the "real" athletes.

Thank You for all the replies expecially the last two. Trust me this is not matter of losing love for the game.

Krakatoa: You are an old timer! Entering pies at the fair! That reminds me of Aunt Bea and her less than award winning pickles. That was a great episode.

Bob15: You've received plenty of good advice here and I'm not sure if your decision is going to be any easier after reading all of it. I sense that you really do love the game but you're doubtful that you will be playing the game beyond college. My advice is to find the right fit as was suggested earlier. Your fit will be in a less stressful, more low key program where you can relax a little more and enjoy the game and everything associated with it. If you're planning on settling down and having children I'm sure your kids will think it's pretty cool that dad played college ball! Our son is in a similar situation in regards to playing beyond college...realistically it probably is not going to happen. With that in mind he has decided to keep involved by getting a degree in biology followed by a masters degree in education. Along with some assistant coaching while still in school he should,if everything works out well,be poised to hit the world running. He'll make a fine teacher and coach. He's excited about the future and believe me so am I. Much success to you and please keep us posted.

I know this thread is over 5 years old, but I can still relate to it (for our 2012 son). At this time, he has no aspirations to try to play pro ball; he wants to get a degree, a job, and settle down w/ a family and not live on the road, etc..

With that goal in mind, my wife would prefer that he doesn't commit 25+ hours per week to playing college varsity baseball (assuming he even can) and instead leave himself more time for academics and for a variety of activities besides just baseball (i.e. multiple intramural or club sports, other clubs perhaps related to his major, parties, XBox, etc.).

So I mentioned this to him last night and asked what he thought. His answer: "But I feel like for my whole life, since I started playing ball before I was 5, it's always been about getting ready for HS, then college baseball. Why would I wanna quit now when I'm so close?".

He also plays varsity basketball and even during baseball seasons, still hits frequently in our home cage. He also hits a couple times per weekend the last couple months of basketball season, in prep for baseball. So he's not afraid of hard work. He's also still an honor student, in the A-/B+ range (hasn't taken SATs yet and I don't know his actual unweighted GPA).

I can see both sides of this. Hope you don't mind me reopening this thread.

Thanks, Mike

I have a 2012 also and also a soph. in college. We have spoken about this also. Both are still playing, the 2012 has committed to play D1. I have told them that you will never be able to do this again. This is the time to do it if that is what you want to do. At 30 or 40 years old you can't play college ball, now is the time but you must have a burning desire deep down to do this because it takes alot of time and sacrifice.

Lefty...

There's no reason he can't play ball, do well in school, and join the legions of us who went pro in something other than sports.

There are 168 hours in a week.
The average semester load is 15 class hours.
Good students average 2 hours homework per hour of class time.
Young adults need 8 hours of sleep per night.

168 - 15 - 30 - 56 = 67

If he wants to play baseball, he could explain to his mother that choosing to spend those 67 hours in the company of goal-oriented young men under the supervision of coaches who care about his personal development and success while he does something he loves, builds lifetime friendships, develops his potential, and gets great conditioning will be wiser than the decisions that 95% of his classmates make about how to spend their time.

If he wants to twist the knife a little, he can say, "You're right, Mom. If I don't play baseball, I'll have a lot more time for parties and indiscriminate dating!"

Meanwhile, you can take the point of view that ending one's baseball career before the game requires him to do so is a decision that should be left up to the player.

I'd also add that "going pro" is a terrible reason to play sports or to choose any other activity.

He should choose wholesome activities that are worthy of his commitment, inspire his passion, and are suited to his talents. Eventually excelling at any activity, whether it is sports, music, art, debate, or anything else, is excellent preparation for becoming a successful adult.

Going pro should only become part of the picture for a tiny minority much farther down the road.

If "going pro" were the purpose and measure of children's baseball careers, only the cruelest of parents would ever start their kids on a path so likely to end in "failure."

That's pretty much how I feel - I sure don't wanna be the one to suggest a premature end to his lifelong passion. But I see my wife's side too, esp. seeing we hope to foot the bill. Compared to attending our state school, going somewhere where he can play ball will likely cost $40-50k more. She looks at that as a lot of money just to play a game. I tend to agree with a lot of other posts on the other merits though.

If nothing else, I wonder if this is just further emphasizing his fit might be best at a D3? Hmm...

quote:

Originally posted by Sandman:
If nothing else, I wonder if this is just further emphasizing his fit might be best at a D3? Hmm...

Sometimes it's just great when you can answer your own question.

So whatever happened to Bob15?

Thanks bird. . So can anyone speak of the time commitment differences between D3 and D1/D2? Do northeast D3s travel down south for a couple/few weeks this time of year?

Yes, they go South, too. Some D3s don't have much, in terms of fall ball.

Perhaps, your son would be interested in a new program, like Immaculata University. This is their second season in D3. They're looking for players to build around.

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There is the pure joy of playing, and competing, of the fun of woarking excpetionally hrd at a goal, the lessons learned, of being a kid (sorry "playing" in college is a job but it still has the kid aspect) for as long as you can, and chase you dreams as far as you dare...

...but there is also the fringe benefits...letters of reccomendation, the "wow" factor, the contacts...and the ability to put this on a job app...

--

...Success however, has as much to do with character as it does with academic background. In order to best assess my candidacy you will have to ask, “What makes me unique? Will I represent you well?” What you may often see are academically qualified candidates, what you may not often see is one with a successful NCAA athletic background. My desire to be part of a team, my internal competitive nature, and my drive to be on the cutting edge have led me to compete successfully at the pinnacle of collegiate sport. While this designation may hold little pure numerical interest, the experience has forged and revealed my character, and my qualifications.

While I was a good athlete, I was not a great one. However at the highest levels of baseball I saw a unique opportunity to test myself and learn life lessons that could serve me in a future career. In the quest for athletic success I learned sacrifice, attention to detail, focus, patience and a commitment to excellence at a world class level. I am now intimately familiar with execution under great pressure and its responsibility and consequence. I understand the value of “team”; how to represent it and how to foster it. Perhaps most importantly to any research career I am patient, dogged and resilient. I possess a demonstrated ability to commit to/immerse in a goal and an ability to handle failure, regroup, and rededicate my efforts. It is my plan to take those skills and that experience and make a difference. I believe I am a good candidate and would make a good representative. I appreciate your consideration.




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With a son who plays D3, I'd suggest that the time commitment is very significant and not that much less than a D1 player.

In season, it is 4-5 hours of practice Tuesday-Friday and then games Saturday and Sunday. On the field Saturday from 8 until 6 and then Sunday 8 until 3. Total of around 35 hours - not counting unofficial time like weights. Mid week games and travel add additional time.

What I have heard from D1 parents is that typical time is 40-45 hours a week in season.

For another take on the time commitment, see J H's excellent thread here:

http://hsbaseballweb.com/eve/f...6003481/m/4757001995

quote:

...but there is also the fringe benefits...letters of reccomendation, the "wow" factor, the contacts...and the ability to put this on a job app...

This is the real benefit; what my son got out of his experience was:

1. It kept him motivated to work hard, both on the field and in the classroom.

2. It gave him a great group of guys as teammates and friends.

3. It helped him develop an identity. It gave him the time to grow up and become a person.

4. It allowed him to find a place that he could afford to live and enabled him to create a life for himself.

5. It game him the confidence and the stories that allowed him to interview for jobs and to differentiate himself from what I call the average college student. (It is wonderful to talk about the team, the game and success on the field).

6. It helped him create his own "business" at a time when most of his friends are either unemployed or working at jobs they hate. (he has two youth teams that he coaches and gives hitting lessons to about a dozen kids)

College baseball was a godsend to us as his parents. Without it he would have been lost.