FRESHMEN 06-07; how's it going?

Alex Martin: I saw him pitch for Clemson last year and he did well.

He redshirted his freshman year, so he's only a RS Soph this season. I expect he'll do fine.

 

My son has almost completed his first semester and is looking forward to the spring and his first real college baseball experiences. He has enjoyed the fall season, and has been very busy with classes, homework, practice, workouts, scrimmages, etc. I would appreciate any helpful insights as to how players mix traveling and classes, and any general info about being a college baseball parent. So far, it is quite a bit different than high school!

 

Welcome, baseballfanfor life...and congratulations to your son for having made it to the college baseball ranks!

It's not unusual for college players to have two...and only two...interests their first year in college: baseball and school...often in that order. I barely exaggerate when I say that my son LIVED in the library the second semester of his freshman year. Then, usually, they gradually discover a hundred different coping mechanisms that improve their ability to succeed academically; creating some time for something of a life outside of the "Big Two" as they move along. I say "usually" because I've seen some very talented players fall by the wayside if they failed to realize how to reconcile the demands of baseball and academics and tried to shortcut either in favor of other interests.

As far as classes and travel are concerned: technically, they'll be excused from attending those classes missed while travelling. However, only a handful of professors will cut them much, if any, slack as far as required assignments and tests are concerned. As a result, many study while they're on the road. Thank goodness for laptop computers!

Then, there's your new "status" as "baseball parent." In most cases, your son's college coach wants his relationship with you to be about as intimate as the one he enjoys with his mailman. He'll smile and say "hello" when he sees you, and that's about it. In some cases, if he sees you coming, he'll intentionally walk in another direction.

College baseball parents are meant to congregate as a group and move from game to game, series to series, and support their sons as best they can without ever getting in the way. Because the players' environment is now much more internally competitive than it's ever been, many find that that support takes the form of providing a helpful "ear" when the player's finding that everone around him is as good...or better...than he is.

Even though your son's taken an important step...one that alters the way you may have interacted historically with him and his coaches...you've still got a lot of fun to which you can look forward. Best of luck to him and his team.

 

Yep.......that just about covers it. As always.....good post Prepster.

 

Two more things you must keep in mind is this:

- Your relationship will change somewhat with your son as he is now taking steps to become his own "man". It is a transition that is much tougher for the parents.
- You know those signs that you see at most TV sports events " Dad...send money"...well those signs are very popular for a reason. But there is something I have never understood. Why is it that Dad sends the money but when the athlete's are interviewed its always "Hi Mom"....I just don't get it:sponge:

 

Come on now.... we ALL know that Mrs Braves is much better looking than you!!!

 

Oh so true coach...and Mrs Braves told me to tell you, "I absolutely adore Coach Evans. He is so smart"

 

Today's teenager is much smarter....they know as long as they keep "Mom" happy she can and will override "Dads" decisions....

 

Very, very good point, Dbacks. See...that SC education is starting to pay off in your senior years.

 

Watch out for those DEMON DEACs

The DEACs have a very young team amd might sneak up on some people (again) this year.. The Football team is 9-1 for the 1st time ever!!

How do they compete in the ACC?? GO DEACS!!

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