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Anyone willing to answer some or all of the following questions?

How long ago was your son a college freshman baseball player?

What level was he playing? Juco, D3, D2 or D1? Something else?

Did he stay at that school through graduation? If not, how many different colleges did he attend?

If he switched schools, why did he switch?

How much did your son play as a freshman? If he did not play, was he redshirted? If he was redshirted, when was he told about it?

What were the biggest surprises and challenges for your son freshman year?

Overall, how was your son's experience as a freshman baseball player? Did it meet, surpass or miss his expectations? How about in regard to your expectations as a parent?

Based on your son's experience as a freshman baseball player and your's as the parent, what advice would you have for the freshman player and his parent?

Did your son complete 4 years of college baseball eligibility? If not, why?

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How long ago was your son a college freshman baseball player? Sophomore now

What level was he playing? Juco, D3, D2 or D1? Something else? D3

Did he stay at that school through graduation? If not, how many different colleges did he attend?  He's staying through graduation or getting a job

If he switched schools, why did he switch?  N/A

How much did your son play as a freshman? If he did not play, was he redshirted? If he was redshirted, when was he told about it?   He didn't see any action.  D3 schedules were truncated to in conference only with no mid week game.  That lead to 3 games a weekend and very short rotations for pitchers.  He came into Freshman fall rehabbing a shoulder issue and got hurt at the start of spring practice but even if healthy he likely wasn't breaking into the rotation.  Only 1 Freshman pitcher saw any time - 5 IP but Freshman position players took time. Especially at Catcher.

What were the biggest surprises and challenges for your son freshman year?  100% mental grind and getting used to NOT playing two way.  Going from a guy anchoring 1B and hitting 3rd to a PO was difficult. Fighting through injuries.  Learning how to deal with a new Head Coach.  Realizing that he needed more time in weight room and trying to play with 23 year old graduate students.  On top of that his school is heavy on homework, tough graders and there is no such thing as "introductory" courses.  So finding time to focus on course work and really putting in the time needed to understand the subjects.  Oh, saying no to parties if you need time to study or rest.  Outside of that it was easy for him.....

Overall, how was your son's experience as a freshman baseball player? Did it meet, surpass or miss his expectations? How about in regard to your expectations as a parent?  Did not meet HIS expectations even with all the advice his father gave him which came from this board.  Odd that  17/18 year old boys don't listen....

Based on your son's experience as a freshman baseball player and your's as the parent, what advice would you have for the freshman player and his parent? Drill into him that there are no guarantees on playing time.   We read here frequently things along the lines of "my son is playing D2/D3 so he can play right away" or things along those lines.  Wipe that from your son's mind immediately and try to impart that he will have to go in ready to compete from the first practice.   No junior or senior is going to give away his time to a Freshman. It needs to be taken.  For D3 parents, he is there for a degree and to secure his future not as a baseball player.  Hey, can a D3 get drafted and make the show?  It happens but you might have a better shot at powerball. 

Did your son complete 4 years of college baseball eligibility? If not, why?  I am confident that he will complete all 4 years.  He loves his teammates and coaches.  He's figured out how to manage workload and get the grades needed. He is not injured, he's at peak velo and he should get innings this year.   I just paid his Spring semester bill which means only 4 more to go but 3 full baseball seasons  (and 2 semester payments left for my daughter).  Time moves quickly.  Enjoy the journey.

OK, I have a couple projects I'm avoiding, so I'll go first - Edit - second. Good questions.

@Francis7 posted:

Anyone willing to answer some or all of the following questions?

How long ago was your son a college freshman baseball player?

     Fall 2017

What level was he playing? Juco, D3, D2 or D1? Something else?

    D3

Did he stay at that school through graduation? If not, how many different colleges did he attend?

    Yes.

If he switched schools, why did he switch?

    He stayed;  now his older brother.... that is another topic....

How much did your son play as a freshman? If he did not play, was he redshirted? If he was redshirted, when was he told about it?

      Started from game one.

What were the biggest surprises and challenges for your son freshman year?

    Coach wanted him to transform from a speed/contact guy to a power guy.  This took a lot of eating, a lot of lifting, and adjustments to his swing and approach. I think that was all challenging and surprising, but also fun for him.  The academics were a challenge too, plus there was a wildfire in our town that took out his BFF's house among many others, so that was a big distraction.

Overall, how was your son's experience as a freshman baseball player? Did it meet, surpass or miss his expectations? How about in regard to your expectations as a parent?

       Excellent for everyone.  The best aspect, from a parent's perspective, was the culture of academic excellence fostered by the school, the program and the players themselves.  Seniors helped freshmen adjust to college level time management and work, and freshman paid that forward  when they became upperclassmen.

Based on your son's experience as a freshman baseball player and your's as the parent, what advice would you have for the freshman player and his parent?

     For the kid, find out the team's regimen and any expectations for weight gain and get on that the summer before. Also, time management is the number one skill they must learn in order to succeed,  particularly at a HA, so get on that too.   As a parent, try to detach a little. Don't wear it if your kid's not playing, or if he's not playing well that day.  He's where he wants to be regardless.

Did your son complete 4 years of college baseball eligibility? If not, why?

   Yeah, well, except for that whole pandemic thing.

Last edited by JCG

How long ago was your son a college freshman baseball player? – 10 years ago

What level was he playing? Juco, D3, D2 or D1? Something else? – D1

Did he stay at that school through graduation? If not, how many different colleges did he attend? – One school all 4 years

How much did your son play as a freshman? If he did not play, was he redshirted? If he was redshirted, when was he told about it? – My son was passed over on the travel team for their 1st Spring series despite having a very good Fall.  He worked his way onto the travel team for the next series in the Spring.   When conference play started, he had earned a starting pitcher spot.

What were the biggest surprises and challenges for your son freshman year? – Too many to detail.  But if I had to pick one thing it would be how he stayed on top of his studies while playing college baseball.   Time management was never his strong suit in high school.   It became absolutely essential in college.  Something kicked in when he got to college.

Overall, how was your son's experience as a freshman baseball player? Did it meet, surpass or miss his expectations? How about in regard to your expectations as a parent? – I think it surpassed his expectations.  He had a great pitching coach and he was learning new things.  As an introvert, the college baseball social experience was new to him so he had to adapt.   My expectations centered around playing time and fairness.  I expected the Coach to always be fair and reward the best players by putting them in the lineup.  That didn’t always happen.  M son saw it too, but said very little about it.

Based on your son's experience as a freshman baseball player and your's as the parent, what advice would you have for the freshman player and his parent? – This has been detailed on HSBBWeb many times.  But I’ll distill it down to 5 points.  First, show up in the best physical and baseball shape possible.  Second, competition for playing time is fierce.   It will be a grind.   Be prepared to compete like your baseball life depended on it.  Third, stay on top of your studies and don’t let anything trip you up academically. Manage your time like it is the most valuable thing in the world.   Fourth, be a great teammate and support everyone.   You don’t have to like all your teammates but you have to support them.  Fifth, don’t give the HC a reason to keep you out of the lineup.

PS...edited.  One more thing, college coaches seem make their minds up very quickly about incoming freshmen.  I hesitate to use the word "judgemental" but that is surely what it looks like.  The recruit is part of the solution or he is not.  Very few are given a second chance.  My son told me about a couple of very talented players that played it "cool" and nonchalant during the Fall of freshmen year.   It did not work out well for them at all despite what they did in practice after freshmen year...the HC had his mind made up.   Again, be ready to bust your hump immediately and make a positive impression.  College HC have many options.   The recruit has significantly less options.

Did your son complete 4 years of college baseball eligibility? If not, why? – No, he has a year of eligibility left.  He was hurt his junior year and therefore has a year left.  I don't see him taking advantage of that as he is working full time, married, has a mortgage and is getting a masters degree.

Last edited by fenwaysouth

How long ago was your son a college freshman baseball player? 6 years ago

What level was he playing? Juco, D3, D2 or D1? Something else? D1

Did he stay at that school through graduation? If not, how many different colleges did he attend? Yes and masters

How much did your son play as a freshman? If he did not play, was he redshirted? If he was redshirted, when was he told about it? Pitched the top of the 9th in the first game with score 4-0. Left the game with the score 4-3 man on 2nd with no outs. They had to score 2 in the bottom of the ninth to get the win. He didn't see the field in the next 19 games.  Got mop up time and stopped the bleeding several times. Started to get innings with game on the line. Pitched about 25 innings.

What were the biggest surprises and challenges for your son freshman year? Had to become an expert in time management. His first semester was overwelming.

Overall, how was your son's experience as a freshman baseball player? Did it meet, surpass or miss his expectations? How about in regard to your expectations as a parent? The school he attended was a reach both academically and athletically, but it was the school where his grandfather was a professor, dream school. We were both just hoping he wouldn't get cut!!!

Based on your son's experience as a freshman baseball player and your's as the parent, what advice would you have for the freshman player and his parent? Keep up on their schoolwork, work their butt off, be a good teammate, if they are not getting playing time, stay focused, take advanatage of opportunites,

Did your son complete 4 years of college baseball eligibility? If not, why? 5 years, was injured his junior year.

How long ago was your son a college freshman baseball player? last season

What level was he playing? Juco, D3, D2 or D1? Something else? D2

Did he stay at that school through graduation? If not, how many different colleges did he attend? n/a

If he switched schools, why did he switch? n/a

How much did your son play as a freshman? If he did not play, was he redshirted? If he was redshirted, when was he told about it? regular starter

What were the biggest surprises and challenges for your son freshman year? the quality of pitching pretty much every game especially league games. 

Overall, how was your son's experience as a freshman baseball player? Did it meet, surpass or miss his expectations? How about in regard to your expectations as a parent?  It was tougher than I thought overall.  I think he thought the same thing...he may have thought hed come in and dominate but he didnt as often as hed have liked.  Also, both of us were amazed that every team had several really good players..wayyyy different than high school...there werent many gimmes when it came to facing pitching...everything was pretty much 86-91 mph with a few outliers each way velocity-wise

Based on your son's experience as a freshman baseball player and your's as the parent, what advice would you have for the freshman player and his parent?  Come in ready to compete.  Dont get too high or too low  emotionally.  As for the parent...support your player though the highs and lows...be positive and dont criticize...let them talk about baseball on their terms for the most part...take them to lunch/dinner after the game if you can....enjoy every second

Did your son complete 4 years of college baseball eligibility? If not, why? n/a

@Francis7 posted:

Anyone willing to answer some or all of the following questions?

How long ago was your son a college freshman baseball player?

Tough question to start off with.  First freshman year was 2019 - redshirt, second freshman year was 2020 covid year - third freshman year was 2021.

Will finish undergrad degree this spring while completing soph year of eligibility. 

What level was he playing? Juco, D3, D2 or D1? Something else?

D1, Juco, D2

Did he stay at that school through graduation? If not, how many different colleges did he attend?

No. currently on school number 3

If he switched schools, why did he switch?

Scholly was not likely to be renewed at D1, so entered the portal.  Left Juco after graduating (2020 - covid year) because spending 3rd year of college at Juco would not have done anything for education

How much did your son play as a freshman? If he did not play, was he redshirted? If he was redshirted, when was he told about it?

Redshirted.  Was told last week of March while stretching for practice.

What were the biggest surprises and challenges for your son freshman year?

Was not ready for personal attacks from HC  and when it was determined scholarship would not be renewed - everything from his personality to his faith - all in an effort to have him "volunteer" to enter portal -

It was not just him.  There were 4 others receiving similar treatment.

Overall, how was your son's experience as a freshman baseball player? Did it meet, surpass or miss his expectations? How about in regard to your expectations as a parent?

I think it missed -

Based on your son's experience as a freshman baseball player and your's as the parent, what advice would you have for the freshman player and his parent?

Approach it a little like that NFL Films shot where the coach is yelling at his defense -

Watch the pass, watch the pass, watch the screen, watch the screen, watch the draw, watch the draw.....Ah hell, watch everything...

Baseball never changes... 50% of the roster plays and pitches, the other 50% either love it enough to keep fighting....or they don't...and your son is awesome no matter what...

If he loves the game...find somewhere to play it

Did your son complete 4 years of college baseball eligibility? If not, why?

He will complete 4 years of baseball and 6 years of college at the same time.  With a master's degree...

I think I'm finally starting to settle in at HSBBW because when I read this post's title, I guessed it was started by Franny before opening it!  Does that make me wise?  Or simply means I have a brain?  The jury's still out - more to follow...

How long ago was your son a college freshman baseball player?  Just started back on August 2nd.

What level was he playing? Juco, D3, D2 or D1? Juco (Jayhawk conference Kansas)

If he switched schools, why did he switch?  His goal is to play years 3 and 4 at a D1.

How much did your son play as a freshman? If he did not play, was he redshirted? If he was redshirted, when was he told about it?  Playing time this fall was largely equal for the entire roster.  Next spring my best guess is that he'll play some, but not start.  Unless he's able to mash out of the gate.  Defensively, he's absolutely ready to start as a freshman in multiple positions.  No redshirts in the program that aren't medical.

What were the biggest surprises and challenges for your son freshman year?  Embarrassingly, it's probably that his PBR ranking and metrics meant absolutely nothing.  My son's ranking and metrics are significantly better than 97% of the players at the program and he was their first 2021 offer.  While I didn't expect that to guarantee him anything, I figured it would at least be SOME sort on an advantage for him.  Nope.  Nada.  That's something most newbie parents will struggle to believe.  That sort of thing MIGHT help some with recruiting, but means nothing once your cleats touch down on campus.  But it could be good news for recruits that are self-conscious about their ranking and metrics!

Overall, how was your son's experience as a freshman baseball player? Did it meet, surpass or miss his expectations? How about in regard to your expectations as a parent?  Way too early to say, but as of now, things are proving harder than our initial expectations.  I think lots of us openly tell ourselves we know it'll be much harder than anything previous, but lots of us have kids who have always risen to the top and we still have a confidence in that.  But college ball doesn't care about your past confidence.

Based on your son's experience as a freshman baseball player and your's as the parent, what advice would you have for the freshman player and his parent?  I HATE to give this advice because of what it means giving up, but I'd advise HS seniors to devote their last summer before college to playing against the best competition possible.  If you can get onto a summer collegiate league roster, do it.  My son opted to play legion ball this summer with his high school buddies under a green HS coach instead of travel ball or a collegiate league.  He didn't take a single day off from baseball/lifting/etc all summer, so it's not that he throttled back in favor of partying (but he absolutely still did party a lot) and relaxing.  But based on the difficultly he's had standing out with fall ball, I think playing in a collegiate summer league would have been best.  He most certainly EARNED the right to play with his buddies this summer, but there is a price associated with doing so.  It sucks that it's the world we live in, but succeeding in college baseball has terrible odds to begin with, so every advantage matters.

@DanJ posted:

I HATE to give this advice because of what it means giving up, but I'd advise HS seniors to devote their last summer before college to playing against the best competition possible.  If you can get onto a summer collegiate league roster, do it.  My son opted to play legion ball this summer with his high school buddies under a green HS coach instead of travel ball or a collegiate league.  He didn't take a single day off from baseball/lifting/etc all summer, so it's not that he throttled back in favor of partying (but he absolutely still did party a lot) and relaxing.  But based on the difficultly he's had standing out with fall ball, I think playing in a collegiate summer league would have been best.  He most certainly EARNED the right to play with his buddies this summer, but there is a price associated with doing so.  It sucks that it's the world we live in, but succeeding in college baseball has terrible odds to begin with, so every advantage matters.

I'm sure it varies by region, and it may be changing as well, but my son also played Legion during his rising Freshman year.  Or rather, Connie Mack - that's part of Legion, right? We didn't have a good, affordable, nearby collegiate option, and it allowed him to see and play with friends and to make some money.  Most of his teammates were either college students or college bound (mostly Juco) and the opposition was very similar.  They played one team frequently that had two incoming Pac 12 pitchers. There were poorer teams too but overall the competition was good enough to get him ready for the fall.  Fall at D3, BTW, is probably more crucial than any other division, as coaches  have very limited contact with the players.

@Francis7 posted:

Anyone willing to answer some or all of the following questions?

How long ago was your son a college freshman baseball player?

Son#2 - 9 years ago

Son#3 - 6 years ago

What level was he playing? Juco, D3, D2 or D1? Something else?

Son#2 - D3, Acedemic

Son#3 - D2, finished Juco

Did he stay at that school through graduation? If not, how many different colleges did he attend?

Son#2 - Yes

Son#3 - No, stayed 2 years, 1 as RedShirt/Shoulder Labrum Tear, then 1 year at Juco (nothing further)

If he switched schools, why did he switch?

Son#3 - Grades and motivation to do school work

How much did your son play as a freshman? If he did not play, was he redshirted? If he was redshirted, when was he told about it?

Son#2 - Every 4 games, Starting P

Son#3 - Pitched/relief opening weekend in a blowout loss, got a few more outings

What were the biggest surprises and challenges for your son freshman year?

Son#2 - He actually had to study in college... Some teammates wouldn't put in the effort - it's tough to be a P when your starting SS and CF struggled, but didn't put in the effort to be better.

Son#3 - Freedom has it's cost/price...

Overall, how was your son's experience as a freshman baseball player? Did it meet, surpass or miss his expectations? How about in regard to your expectations as a parent?

Son#2 - He's an athlete with the mentality of I'm going to play and he did - so in that aspect met... For me, happiness and joy at seeing him perform well at a sport he loved.

Son#3 - I would say it didn't meet mainly because he was compared against much better athletes. That FB you relied on in HS is BP for a college senior (as he found out in his first outing).  As a parent, proud / happy that we was able to accomplished, sad that the lure of continuing to play baseball wasn't enough to keep him studying.  Very frustrating as a parent that the college expects to pay the bills will not share certain information - there's a lot of take and hiding behind FERPA when all they want is for you to fill out your FAFSA.

Based on your son's experience as a freshman baseball player and your's as the parent, what advice would you have for the freshman player and his parent?

Player - Make sure the school you choose passes the broken leg, arm, etc. test.  Will you be happy at the school if you cannot play your chosen sport. Be a great teammate and forget being that prima donna you were at your HS or travel team. Everyone is as good as you.  Remember how much that coach that recruited you said to you - guess what he's telling every player the same thing past, present, and especially future. 

Parents - Don't be a helicopter. If you watch the show Survivor, recall the phrase "you have done all you can do in this game, now your fate is in the hands of the jury" - there's a corollary there.  Be supportive, go to the games, cheer on the team, let your child talk to the coach... Don't be too surprised/upset if your child wants to go out with friends in the evening when you visit - trust me you don't want to be out to 2AM anyway... Get your child to sign their FERPA form before you drop them off or make a payment. It's the only way you will know how they're really doing in the classroom.

Did your son complete 4 years of college baseball eligibility? If not, why?

Son#2 - Yes, played all 4 years, then 3 years law school... His role changed Sr year to relief

Son#3 - No, grades - even at the Juco he failed one course... He had a D2 coach wanting him to join his program, but he chose not to.

How long ago was your son a college freshman baseball player?

Last year was his freshman year.

What level was he playing? Juco, D3, D2 or D1? Something else?

P5 D1

Did he stay at that school through graduation? If not, how many different colleges did he attend?

He is still there.

If he switched schools, why did he switch?

Less competitive D1 schools reached out to him through friends, etc. showing interest if he wanted to transfer, he chose to stay and work for a spot.

How much did your son play as a freshman? If he did not play, was he redshirted? If he was redshirted, when was he told about it?

4 1/2 innings. Did not get a redshirt.

What were the biggest surprises and challenges for your son freshman year?

Changing his throwing pattern.  His first week he had arm tightening, they sent him to a doc who diagnosed him with a syndrome that can usually be treated with therapy.  He spent all fall working with the strength trainer, getting PT, and changing arm path.  He got to throw the last 2 weeks of Fall ball.  Was told in spring to go back to his old arm path, felt like he was starting over and didn't really feel comfortable in either path.  Rolled his ankle the last week in March and was out 4 weeks, never saw the field again.

Overall, how was your son's experience as a freshman baseball player? Did it meet, surpass or miss his expectations? How about in regard to your expectations as a parent?

Hard.  No in person classes, pretty isolating.  Huge rosters.  Very few opportunities. Went in as a top recruit in the country and for the school. Coach was hard mentally. Definite adjustment both for him and us to not see him playing. He questioned himself a lot.  Lost much of the confidence he had always had.  Made me wonder if he loved it anymore and prompted me to tell him again, that it was his life, and not to do anything based on perceived expectations.  It is very difficult to see your kid struggle with their confidence or see them unhappy when this has been such a major part of their life for so long.  I think most kids go through this their freshman year to some degree.

Based on your son's experience as a freshman baseball player and your's as the parent, what advice would you have for the freshman player and his parent?

Control what you can control. Be an advocate for what you think your body needs in terms of training.  Go in strong and ready...a lot is decided in Fall ball. Realize it may be a work while you wait scenario (based on the school you choose).  We knew/he knew he was going into an extremely competitive environment (made much more so with covid), but we all thought he would have more opportunities than he had.  I think he would have had significant play time at some of the other schools that offered him, so you have to really weigh how you will feel not playing freshman year, if you have never had to do that.  We had a lot of freshmen that I have no doubt would be starters elsewhere who got almost no time. Prepare to be mentally tough...I think that is what the majority of the boys struggled with the most last year.

Did your son complete 4 years of college baseball eligibility? If not, why?

Still there this year.  So far much happier.

Last edited by baseballhs
How long ago was your son a college freshman baseball player?

Son #2  10

Son #3 in 3rd year

What level was he playing? Juco, D3, D2 or D1? Something else?

Son #2  Mid Major D1 The Citadel

Son #3 P5 University of Tennessee

Both LHP's

Did he stay at that school through graduation? If not, how many different colleges did he attend?

Son #2 Yes

Son #3 so far.  Will lack 2 classes to graduate in May.  Would have had them but with run last year in playoffs did not take them.

How much did your son play as a freshman? If he did not play, was he redshirted? If he was redshirted, when was he told about it?

Son #2 Saturday Starter

Son #3 5.2 innings but was on track to get more.

What were the biggest surprises and challenges for your son freshman year?

Son #2 The Citadel  it was all a crazy experience.  He didn't have any clue what the military side would be like.

Son #3  Living on campus across from baseball field was a blessing.  Broke his ankle 2 weeks before Thanksgiving so had to spend the next four months doing recovery.  Pins and metal rods.

Overall, how was your son's experience as a freshman baseball player? Did it meet, surpass or miss his expectations? How about in regard to your expectations as a parent?

Son #2  he hated the school part but loved the baseball.  Not an ordinary experience for him or us.  Make sure your child knows what they are getting into with any military school.

Son #3  Great experience until the spring when Covid hit.  Were getting on bus to head to first SEC game when everything shut down.   The phone call about broke ankle was a nightmare.  Driving 3 hours wondering.  The overall experience was great.  Loved how the coaches and support staff made him take care of grades and how they took care of him when he got hurt.

Based on your son's experience as a freshman baseball player and your's as the parent, what advice would you have for the freshman player and his parent?

Son #2  make sure the school is a fit.  Visit before you sign NLI   Son had never been on campus until 2 weeks before school started.

Son #3  Be ready for the competition.  It was harder than he thought to earn a spot.  So many guys competing for so few spots.

Did your son complete 4 years of college baseball eligibility? If not, why?

Son #2 yes.

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