How would you rank them.

I have heard mention of some college programs. We know that there are many differances between D-I, II, III and JUCO. How would you rank some of these programs? I am looking for less talked about schools that have solid programs not just we been good the last couple of years. Turn arounds, coaching, even schools with new programs where do they stand.

 

Division II

Division II is a good brand of baseball. The two powerhouses in this division are Florida Southern College and the University of Tampa.

Since about 1970 FSC has won the DII National Championship 9 times and UT has won it 5 times. In the past 10 years a slight edge would go to UT. Other programs ebb and flow, surge and subside but everyone in Division II knows full well that to win the National Championship you have to deal with one or both of these teams at some point. I cannot remember a year when one of them was not in the DII World Series.

As for Juco ball I know we have some competitive teams in NC and TN but the California Juco's are 105 teams strong! Florida has about 25+ and AZ has a dozen (and play with wood bats)! Those are the top Juco leagues. California doesn't even play in the JC National Championship. They just crown a California State Champion and that says enough. The Florida Juco's are so strong (not only because of the FL kids) but because latin players can play Juco ball and pass classes (somehow). I remember when Miami Dade South had 1/2 the team speaking spanish! How do you pass college if you can't speak English? I never understood that one.

 

How to pass college

Heard on a sports station this morning that Pat White the Heisman hopeful at quarterback had enough credits to graduate already and that the only course he was taking this semester was "BILLARDS" --- May be the Miami Dade kids started out taking courses like water skiing, billards, etc.????

 

Hey, those courses are tough. We didn't even have a lake for our skiing classes, so that made riding behind a boat even tougher (boy, it sure built character)...and don't even ask me about cow tippin' (that one was rough).

But I'll tell you what...it sure made my english and biochemistry classes a piece of cake.

 

Collegiate baseball

perhaps less a couple dozen progrmas nationwide regradless of the indiv level is a WHOLE level in itself ANY team can play and comptere with any team just like ASU and U M!!!!

 

Just curious Plate Dad, but what do you think the differences are between the 3 division levels and JUCO?

 

They have gotten somewhat harder. Billards is another word for Geometry. I'm sure some are more understanding. I still liked Beer Bong 101 and Jello Shoots class. Man Bill Crosby was a sight at that lecture.

 

No was more looking for what were the thoughts & opinions on some of the others schools and their programs more or less. You hear a lot on the wire about the big schools. Some of the smaller programs would be nice. Thought this will maybe get some of the guys out there to look at these as a path. Some guys may want to play and not ride the pine as long as it would be a some of the loaded with talent schools.

 

That is a problem. Many of the kids go to a "name" school and never get to play. But with the talent growing each year in our state, there is no guarantee for any player to go to a school and start or play. I don't care what level we are discussing, the competition is getting fierce for playing time.

Assuming the education meets all prospects needs, the best advice I have ever heard is go "where the coaches make you feel wanted". You may hear all type of spiels of how each want you, but you will know the difference.

Having said all that, I'll list some schools that are on the rise. I know there are more, but here are a few.

Applachian State- Coach Pollard has had some tremendous years in recruiting some of the studs that usually go to the bigger schools. It's time his efforts start producing. They will always have some trouble with W/L's at the beginning of each year because of the weather, but they close out strong. This year they may overcome those early season losses.

Western Carolina- They have always had the players, but I believe the change of coach will be intoxicating in the mountains. This team may go even further than last year.

Elon- It's starting to become a baseball school. Great field, great coaches and recruiting some very good players. They have holes in their pitching. If they can close that concern, they can become the surprise this year. I wonder if losing Austin Alexander has hurt their recruiting in anyway. I recall when he was their recruiter, they always seemed to get some of the best HS pitchers in the state.

UNC-Wilmington- I'm not sure how they did last year, but they received some great recruits this year and they always have been tough in the past...not a bad place to go to school either

College of Charleston- Another school that offers a nice place to live. Oustanding baseball team each year. They are in a tough conference with Elon and Western Carolina.

The Citadel- it takes a special student to attend, but the baseball program is outstanding

DII

I am biased, so I'll leave Lenoir-Rhyne out.

The top 2 each year is Tusculem and Catawba, but the next set of schools are all very good. In most cases, they are separated by that extra stud pitcher. If they add that extra pitcher they can switch spots with Tusculem or Catawba

Belmont Abbey
Pfeiffer
Wingate
Carson Newman
Barton
USC-Update
Mt Olive

Then you have Francis Marion and Florence/Darlington Tech in South Carolina that are tremendous baseball schools.

Juco's- there are many, but Louisburg, Spartanburg and Surry County are perrenial top baseball schools.

DIII- I'm not as familiar with these schools, but Methodist is always considered one of the best.

I'm sure I left quite a few out, but those are some off the top of my head. I'm sure others can fill in the blank

There is one school I'd like to give a pat on the back and that's NC A&T. The coach up there is doing a great job in building that program. He is getting some great recruits, he is a great teacher and he finally has some help with assistants. You better keep an eye on this school. They may find themselves back in the playoffs this year.

 

Did I mention UNCC? Right in my own backyard. The past few years they have really "gotten after it" recruiting wise. They've worked hard in this area and its paying off for them.

With a new stadium and a bunch of talented players, there is no excuse why this team can not win the A 10 conference.