You should play college baseball until you are forced by circumstance to quit.
The circumstances can include lack of talent, lack of desire, lack of opportunity and financial constraints among others.
You should continue playing because there are investments both you and others have made for the love of the game and there are dividends the game has paid back to you along the way. Those investments are what cause you to hesitate and pause when you make this decision.
However, the financial constraint is something you have to sort out. Is it appropriate to mount up debt for the primary purpose of playing the game?
quote:Originally posted by Sandman:
I don't know his actual unweighted GPA.
When you are ready, calculating unweighted GPA is fairly easy. NCAA site has worksheets for D1 and D2 calculations.
Then just get his transcript and, only for the NCAA eligible classes, translate his number grades to letters and then to his quality points.
90-100 = A = 4
80-89 = B = 3
70-79 = C = 2
60-69 = D = 1
Add up the points, divide by the number of eligible credits, and voila, you have your unweighted GPA that prospect questionnaires have as a key question.
I'm pretty sure the NCAA site also has a link to your school and the NCAA approved eligible courses to include.
quote:Originally posted by ILVBB: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...
...
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)
That's great that he still gets to enjoy baseball while earning a check. But, and I say this with all due respect, no offense intended... was that his intent all along or did he have another career in mind? I just know that I see a lot of baseball facility owners/workers, travel team coaches, etc. who often studied the "fluffy" majors in college because their focus was so much on baseball. I'm not saying my son is planning to major in engineering or something that difficult, but he also probably won't major in Kineseology or Phys. Ed. (again, no offense to those who do choose this).
I guess there's just a little fear that he might finish college and not be "trained" for a career (not to launch a whole "liberal arts vs. specific training" discussion
). However, I realize not everyone is the same. There's a young man in my IT department who played 4 years of D1 baseball and is now a computer programmer (and quite bright). So I'm not saying it CAN'T be done, just that I've seen a lot of cases to the contrary. But admittedly, the number of people I personally know who played college sports is the TIP of the tip of the iceberg! 
Thanks for all the good input folks!
Thanks redsox, I'll check it out. I guess he'd be closer to 3 than 4, but I know his school submits weighted to Admissions (to give credit for honors/AP courses).
quote:Originally posted by AntzDad:
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.
My son will spend about 2 weeks in Fl. for the start of the season. There is no fall ball and they play a limited schedule compared to other schools be it D-1,2,or 3. The key word there is "Fit" as this was the main factor in my son`s choice of college, all the pieces had to fit.Best of luck to you and your son.
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With all due respects...
Given the numbers game, you'd have to be misguided/idealistic not to have plan B and C...therin in part is why it is such a great teacher, and resume builder....managing to keep high academics AND baseball is quite a skill...and why it is not often done even among athletes.
With all due respects...
Given the numbers game, you'd have to be misguided/idealistic not to have plan B and C...therin in part is why it is such a great teacher, and resume builder....managing to keep high academics AND baseball is quite a skill...and why it is not often done even among athletes.
quote:But, and I say this with all due respect, no offense intended... was that his intent all along or did he have another career in mind?
Sandman:
He graduated in December hoping to have the opportunity to pay pro ball. He decided that it was not practical to "chase the dream" and applied to graduate school. He just received his acceptance and will be starting Grad School (Business) at UTexas this summer.
To earn a living, and to continue on with the game he loves, he coaches a 10yr old team, a 14yr old team and has about a dozen kids that he gives hitting lessons. For me as his dad, it beats waiting on tables!
observer, what do you think I'm suggesting is my son's plan A? 
Thanks for sharing ILVBB. The only reason I mentioned this is because my son says (now anyway) that he has no plans to chase a pro dream. And I suspect many/most who play college ball just might.
For the record folks, these are the questions that my wife and I have for my son; HE is still 100% in favor of trying to play college ball. We're just trying to temper a teenager's enthusiasm with a bit of the reality of our position that our main goal for OUR kids is to obtain a useful college degree that has a strong chance of turning into a job without necessarily having to go to grad school. Our 2 cents anyway.
Thanks again to all.
Thanks for sharing ILVBB. The only reason I mentioned this is because my son says (now anyway) that he has no plans to chase a pro dream. And I suspect many/most who play college ball just might.
For the record folks, these are the questions that my wife and I have for my son; HE is still 100% in favor of trying to play college ball. We're just trying to temper a teenager's enthusiasm with a bit of the reality of our position that our main goal for OUR kids is to obtain a useful college degree that has a strong chance of turning into a job without necessarily having to go to grad school. Our 2 cents anyway.
Thanks again to all.
"Regrets, I've had a few." --Frank Sinatra
I'll be 48 in two weeks and I still regret that I didn't try out for JV basketball my freshman year in college (Div III). I played in high school and could jump through the roof 30 years ago. I THINK I would have made the team, but...who knows?
But...I still regret not giving it a shot, because I LOVE basketball. (BTW, I got up at 4:55am this morning so I could get to the Y before work to play some pick-up with my buddies.)
I'll be 48 in two weeks and I still regret that I didn't try out for JV basketball my freshman year in college (Div III). I played in high school and could jump through the roof 30 years ago. I THINK I would have made the team, but...who knows?
But...I still regret not giving it a shot, because I LOVE basketball. (BTW, I got up at 4:55am this morning so I could get to the Y before work to play some pick-up with my buddies.)
Sandman:
I just read through all your posts in this thread. You are asking the right questions. In looking back; I ask was it worth it? Skipping the points that I outlined I really thought about my son's college experience when it comes to the "tangable results" that will carry him through life; like getting a job.
My son went to a small D3 where he had the opportunity to play 4-years. He also had to learn to keep up academically with a student body that was very bright and extremely motivated. In the end his GPA was probably in the middle of his graduating class. But the life lessons and the ability to manage his academic requirements while putting in the time to succeed on the baseball field is a story that most kids don't have and can't be part of their make up.
He has had a number of interviews for jobs. In his resume he has the following:
Led the Trinity Tigers to two Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) championships while setting national, conference and school records. Earned conference, regional and nation honors that included; 2-time All-American, twice named ABCA All-Region, 3-time All-Conference and 2010 SCAC Player-of-the-Year.
Baseball has allowed him to differentiate himself. Playing baseball he did not have the time to do internships, study abroad or summer employment that many count on when looking for a first job. What he does have is a baseball experience that few can match which can fill an interview and show commitment and success during his college years.
So I back up and answer your question and concern can you effectively train for and get good job out of college if you play baseball. I think you can and baseball can give your son more than you will every see on the field.
I just read through all your posts in this thread. You are asking the right questions. In looking back; I ask was it worth it? Skipping the points that I outlined I really thought about my son's college experience when it comes to the "tangable results" that will carry him through life; like getting a job.
My son went to a small D3 where he had the opportunity to play 4-years. He also had to learn to keep up academically with a student body that was very bright and extremely motivated. In the end his GPA was probably in the middle of his graduating class. But the life lessons and the ability to manage his academic requirements while putting in the time to succeed on the baseball field is a story that most kids don't have and can't be part of their make up.
He has had a number of interviews for jobs. In his resume he has the following:
Led the Trinity Tigers to two Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) championships while setting national, conference and school records. Earned conference, regional and nation honors that included; 2-time All-American, twice named ABCA All-Region, 3-time All-Conference and 2010 SCAC Player-of-the-Year.
Baseball has allowed him to differentiate himself. Playing baseball he did not have the time to do internships, study abroad or summer employment that many count on when looking for a first job. What he does have is a baseball experience that few can match which can fill an interview and show commitment and success during his college years.
So I back up and answer your question and concern can you effectively train for and get good job out of college if you play baseball. I think you can and baseball can give your son more than you will every see on the field.
Good points ILVBB and congrats to your son on his great accomplishments!
My wife and I are just seeing our freshman daughter getting so involved right now w/ clubs, internships, etc. and her enthusiasm is through the roof right now for her eventual career that we're not super confident in the baseball experience alone being able to replace all that come job hunt time.
No one ever said raising kids (or heck, making these decisions back when WE were kids!) was easy.
Thanks for sharing your insight.
My wife and I are just seeing our freshman daughter getting so involved right now w/ clubs, internships, etc. and her enthusiasm is through the roof right now for her eventual career that we're not super confident in the baseball experience alone being able to replace all that come job hunt time.
No one ever said raising kids (or heck, making these decisions back when WE were kids!) was easy.
Thanks for sharing your insight.
Sandman,
From the experiences we saw over many, many years,with many, many players/students/athletes, I wonder and ask if this needs to be viewed as all or nothing, at this stage.
Our son's passion for baseball truly evolved during college to the point it really became consuming to him. With that said, he got a BA in business, graduated in 4 years, played Milb and is now getting a Masters in Coaching Education.
His roommate got to a cross roads during the Summer before his senior year in terms of baseball. Got the passion back and had a sensational senior year. He is now working with the CIA.
Our son's former teammates are accountants, investment bankers, lawyers, teachers, owners of small business, coaches, and one has a Ph.D in accounting and teaches at Texas A&M.
Along the way however, many of those who started with our son and his roommate decided to change. Some did it due to playing time, some because of the educational demands, and some just lost the passion compared to what else was available.
One thing I found very impressive though: at that University, with rigorous academics, the graduation rate was/is higher for athletes than non-athletes.
Provided the $$$$ makes sense for your family and son, maybe the choice and decisions don't need to be made now, and shouldn't be made or significantly influenced by you and your wife(absent the reality of financials).
Additionally, college combined with college baseball life is truly a time for learning to make decisions along with learning to make good ones based on the experience once they get to college. Very few of our sons have any true idea where their passion and skills might be in 4 years. One thing I believe is very true: they will have a much better chance of success if whatever field they choose after graduation is one where they have passion and ability/talent, both of which likely will evolve and develop in the next 4 years, and neither of which can be predicted with any accuracy now.
Good luck to your family and your son.
From the experiences we saw over many, many years,with many, many players/students/athletes, I wonder and ask if this needs to be viewed as all or nothing, at this stage.
Our son's passion for baseball truly evolved during college to the point it really became consuming to him. With that said, he got a BA in business, graduated in 4 years, played Milb and is now getting a Masters in Coaching Education.
His roommate got to a cross roads during the Summer before his senior year in terms of baseball. Got the passion back and had a sensational senior year. He is now working with the CIA.
Our son's former teammates are accountants, investment bankers, lawyers, teachers, owners of small business, coaches, and one has a Ph.D in accounting and teaches at Texas A&M.
Along the way however, many of those who started with our son and his roommate decided to change. Some did it due to playing time, some because of the educational demands, and some just lost the passion compared to what else was available.
One thing I found very impressive though: at that University, with rigorous academics, the graduation rate was/is higher for athletes than non-athletes.
Provided the $$$$ makes sense for your family and son, maybe the choice and decisions don't need to be made now, and shouldn't be made or significantly influenced by you and your wife(absent the reality of financials).
Additionally, college combined with college baseball life is truly a time for learning to make decisions along with learning to make good ones based on the experience once they get to college. Very few of our sons have any true idea where their passion and skills might be in 4 years. One thing I believe is very true: they will have a much better chance of success if whatever field they choose after graduation is one where they have passion and ability/talent, both of which likely will evolve and develop in the next 4 years, and neither of which can be predicted with any accuracy now.
Good luck to your family and your son.
.
Exactly.
44
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quote:Originally posted by infielddad:
Sandman,
From the experiences we saw over many, many years,with many, many players/students/athletes, I wonder and ask if this needs to be viewed as all or nothing, at this stage.
Exactly.
44.
You're probably right; it's just in our OCD nature to over-research details and try to quantitatively make many decisions. 
In the end though, if it means our son might have to leave college w/ $20-30k in loans, then maybe that's just it. And I'm pretty sure HE'D agree to that if that's what it takes. But again, as parents, we also understand that a 16YO really has no idea what paying back a loan like that means. So we do still feel the need to provide some guidance as to what that might mean to his early adult life's financial situation.
Thanks for your thoughts.
In the end though, if it means our son might have to leave college w/ $20-30k in loans, then maybe that's just it. And I'm pretty sure HE'D agree to that if that's what it takes. But again, as parents, we also understand that a 16YO really has no idea what paying back a loan like that means. So we do still feel the need to provide some guidance as to what that might mean to his early adult life's financial situation.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Sandman,
If you have not done this, and want to really "tease" your son, your wife and yourself about the fun of college baseball, hop down to Newport this Summer and catch a Gulls game at Cardines field.
It is different than the Cape. Not better, but different. Ours played there and has placed one of his college players there for the Summer.
Great City, great fans and great ownership who go out of their way to make Summers a memorable experience for players from all over the Country.
If you have not done this, and want to really "tease" your son, your wife and yourself about the fun of college baseball, hop down to Newport this Summer and catch a Gulls game at Cardines field.
It is different than the Cape. Not better, but different. Ours played there and has placed one of his college players there for the Summer.
Great City, great fans and great ownership who go out of their way to make Summers a memorable experience for players from all over the Country.
Thanks infielddad. We haven't actually seen the Gulls, but someone mentioned them late last summer. We'll try to get there this summer.
Interesting thread - I read this before we just met our senior college son at his hotel (we're in town to catch some games this weekend) tonight.
I asked him, "Has playing baseball been worth it?" (His team has had only one winning season in the last 4 years) - his first comment- "Yes! I don't think my grades would be as high unless I had played!" He lives in a house with other players and a couple of guys who don't play baseball. He said the other guys play video games while they are at practice - wait til they get home before they all start their homework!
He also said he's had a blast - lots of great memories and stories!
My son is graduating in 4 years with an engineering degree and has a full-time job starting in June. His baseball experience definitely helped him in interviewing and getting the job. Now we are all hoping for a winning season for his last hurrah!!!
I have another son in college who is not playing sports who is having a completely different college experience - one not better than the other - just different.
I asked him, "Has playing baseball been worth it?" (His team has had only one winning season in the last 4 years) - his first comment- "Yes! I don't think my grades would be as high unless I had played!" He lives in a house with other players and a couple of guys who don't play baseball. He said the other guys play video games while they are at practice - wait til they get home before they all start their homework!
He also said he's had a blast - lots of great memories and stories!
My son is graduating in 4 years with an engineering degree and has a full-time job starting in June. His baseball experience definitely helped him in interviewing and getting the job. Now we are all hoping for a winning season for his last hurrah!!!
I have another son in college who is not playing sports who is having a completely different college experience - one not better than the other - just different.
That's a great story and quite encouraging. Congrats to your son! Our son has managed to maintain a B+ average while playing 2 sports all through HS. So I wouldn't want our concerns to influence him against something that he quite likely can handle.
It's great to hear stories of kids who have been so successful at finding the balance. Thank you for sharing.
It's great to hear stories of kids who have been so successful at finding the balance. Thank you for sharing.
You knopw how many kids,peers and men old and young would give to go play some college ball for the next four years? Son, enjoy these years to the fullest!
quote:is to obtain a useful college degree that has a strong chance of turning into a job without necessarily having to go to grad school
Sandman, I'm not sure that this is a truly realistic view in todays White Collar job force. Why not get a useful degree with plans for a Masters? One can play baseball and accomplish the other two. Graduating with a four year degree today is much akin to graduating with a HS degree in our day. While your plan for your son is well grounded and it must fit within your financial framework, it is his life to live. Imposing what you want for him, could be a mistake.
I wouldn't want my boy to give up any of the three goals, get his degree(s) (Bachelors & Masters) and enjoy the once in a lifetime opportunity of play a College Sport. I don't think I can put a price tag on the experience nor a true value of what the experiences will mean to him in his later years!