Congrats to Belmont Abbey!

I've never met Belmont Abbey, but he sounds like a fine person. Congratulations, Mr. Abbey!

 

Plate dad makes a great point...

There is so much emphasis on the D1 vs D2 subject in this part of the country. The reason is because you have so many D1 programs. Let's be honest, several all the way to the majority of D1 programs in our area, aren't any better school, baseball programs, facilities, etc than many D2 programs.

I wish there was a list parents could use as a resource to show what kids do after they go to the school they choose. Are they happy? Do they get much playing time? Do they even make it through four years at that school? Little known fact... there are scores of young college players who start out at a D1 and transfer to a D2. All this does is make it harder to graduate on time because of credit transfers, and make them have to regroup all over again. Nobody seems to mention them after they have their big moment signing out of high school.

For every Jordan Ackley there are twenty players out there who wish they had not let the D1 hype interfere with their decision.

Baseball as most of us know is much different than football and basketball. If you are a certain size and athletic ability you are obviously a D1 athlete in FB and BkB. But baseball is such a subjective sport in terms of athleticism.

BTW, Belmont Abbey is getting studded up and this kid is just another example of what those guys are doing.

 

I'm not looking for a name....but could you identify the position?

Let me add a couple one additional thought: I get the inside view as well as the cheap seat perspective. They're tops in my book.

Kermit & Chris's recruitment deserves praise...but their best quality is teaching fundamentals. They don't miss anything during games or practice...and they demand that the game be played correctly. This includes on & off the field. They establish principles & enforce them equally across the board. Can't ask for much more then that.

 

I think my son would be happier at a smaller school (if he plays at all) with strong academics. Afterall, you need to be able to get a job after you get out. He would love to end up at a Lehigh, Bucknell or similar academic school. The right D2 or D3 could be a great opportunity, a ton of fun and a great education.

 

Alot of good points made

Lets not assume that just because you decide to go D-2 or lower you will play. Someone is going to sit the bench no matter where you go. The fact is way more guys sit the bench than play at every level. There are a ton of outstanding baseball players sitting the bench at all levels of college baseball.

Whats the best fit for you, school and baseball wise? What type of situation are you going into? Alot of this will be determine by the opportunities and options that you have. You dont have to worry about the decision on playing or not playing at the major D-1 level if they are not recruiting you. I have known several very good high school players that were under the assumption that if they went D-2 they would play. Guess what everyone that gets recruited to play college baseball has the same goal. Play. The fact is everyone can not.

Its very important to also choose a school that you really want to attend. If the baseball is not what you hoped it would be or you get injured etc you still need to be at a school you want to be at.

As far as the player I do not feel comfortable releasing his name I will let the Coaches at Belmont Abbey do that when they feel it is appropriate. Let me just say he is a 3B SS but Belmont will play him where they see fit. He can absolutely mash. He had offers from D-1 programs in Florida. But he didnt feel the kind of love there that the Belmont coaches showed. In other words that got the kid on a visit. He fell in love with the coaches and the school and the entire area. And that is how it went down.

His dad told me that his son was sold as soon as he sat down and talked with the coaches. He said they were down to earth folks and were straight shooters. They both left the visit knowing that Belmont Abbey was the place for their kid. Congrats again you got a stud.

 

Didn't mean to assume anything. Maybe you're just a member of a team or a bullpen catcher. Hell, maybe you end up playing intramurals. Just saying there are good opportunities at D2 and D3 schools.

A well hit ball off the bat feels just as good at a D3 as it does a D1. The basebball is the same size. I doubt a kid gets in teh box in a tight sitaution in a D3 game and says to himself, "I wish I was playing D1." For some it's the thrill of playing the game.

 

Boy , Sorry if I was mistaken

I was not talking to any one person in particular. I was not trying to say that one level is any more important or satisfying than the other. I was only making the point that the choice of school and its fit for you is just as important as the choice of baseball program and the level you play. There are no guarantees that you will play at any level once you get there. Make sure its the school you want to get an education at foremost. That was my point. I must of done a bad job of making it. Sorry if I offended anyone.

 

Gotcha. someone once told me to ask yourself, "Would you want to go to school there if you were not playing a sport?"

 

You will get no argument there. And Coach27 is absolutely correct. There is a reason they do such a great job recruiting...they are quality men that shoot straight and have a sincere interst in who they recruit. They honestly feel if they are going to invest in your son, they are going to take that investment seriously. They don't over-recruit for a reason. They sell you a bill of goods and keep their word.

If you can't play for these guys, then you can't play for anyone.

Dang, if I say one more word about Belmont Abbey, Coach Hendricks, at L-R. will have me banned at TBR.

But that should tell you something. A person that is connected to a rival school that says how much he respects the rival coaches...and their players.

 

Agree with you 100%

Grayben is laying low right now. Absolutely loved that post and agree 100%. Have had the exact same converation with my kid within the last 48 hours. No doubt about it, there are some big time players in D-II, but for some reason, alot of people just don't get it and think they are less talented. What a farce that is. There are a few people on TBR that when they post I seem to always agree with them and know that they are objective and know their stuff. I consider you one of these posters. Take care!