Waiting a year

Just think again. I have been sitting here think about this college and that. Size and if it will fit my son and his level of play and most of all him being a younger 08. What are your thoughts on sitting out a year pick up some classes, growing mentally and physicially. Then entering the seen.

 

Up To Player?

I had the same thoughts about doing that last year for my son. He has a late Sept birthday and he has always been younger than others in his class. I thought maybe he should go on to a 4 year school and redshirt so he could grow physically and in maturity. When I talked to my son about it and after getting an offer to play at a JUCO he didn't want to sit out. He wanted to keep playing. He ended up starting most games last spring and now is slated to be the centerfielder there this spring. He also has good offers to go on to a 4-year school and play next year. He did grow alot in the fall of his freshman year as he got alot faster and stronger from the college workouts. I think he made the right choice for him.

On the other side I have witnessed one player who took last year off completely out of baseball and he has struggled so much trying to get back that he has dropped out and won't play anymore. After being one of the better players in the area he had a bad fall season. The reason he sat out a year was for grades.

If a player does redshirt at least he is in the program, working out with the team, practicing baseball most days and maybe even more important he is a part of the team. He will have a better shot the next year with the coaches knowing who he is.

To sit out a year completely would be a mistake IMO. I'm not sure but what options do kids have around here for a prep school like some basketball players and football players do? What effect do they have on years of elligibility?

 

I would think you would need to at least stay in the game somehow. I can't imagine taking a whole year off as tough as the sport is. Football maybe but not baseball.

I think community colleges are a good option for some. Look at GTCC's new program, or Surry or Rockingham. You get to continue playing baseball, get two years of college completed and a fraction of the cost of even a state university or college, much less a private school. Nobody asks where you started but where you graduated from. Plus, it's about what you learn along the way. A diploma helps get you in the door. Then you have to apply what you have learned.

 

Just in case you didn't know it you can redshirt at the JUCO or Comm Colleges too.

I highly recommend Blue Ridge Comm College in Hendersonville. My son is there. We had good coaches last year but we had some political issues with the coach and President being involved. We now have new coaches and a new President that is 100% behind the athletic program.

Last year I think we finished 4th in the conference while we started only 2 sophomores and only had 2 sophomore pitchers. We have most of the starters back so we should have a good showing starting almost all sophomores with alot of game experience from last year. If they dodn't win it will be a shame. Also the new coaches are good coaches as well as good people.

With so many Sophomores starting that means that the next year there should be alot of spots open to compete for.

As for the JUCO's out East, Lenoir Comm Coll, Louisburg, Pitt Comm Coll all have quality programs. Surry is a good one closer to the middle of the state.

 

You know that Surry is in Dobson, NC don't you? Which is in the foothills of NC, no where near the middle of the state. Louisburg might be who you are thinking about, which is near Raleigh.

As for BRCC, I had heard a different story about that situation. I won't post it here, but it definitely had nothing to do with the president not being 100% behind the coach. And I know for a fact that the former president, I guess it is now, was behind the baseball team 100%. I heard and saw that with my own eyes. However, I did hear there were a few incidents in the past couple of years that raised the eyebrows of the school. I'm not sure if they are still up or not, but the paper up there had a bunch of articles written about it. So, you can search that site and see if they are still up. If in fact the paper was correct, I'd say the president was doing an excellent job handling a poor situation.

On the other hand, it is a nice school with a big budget for JUCOs in this area. Who are the new coaches there?

 

Wolfie- you have to understand that the guys up in the Western Mountains figure Charlotte is in the middle part of the state and Raleigh is near the coast...hence, Dobson is in the middle of the state straight up I-77

Just kiddin' with ya niknat

Best think about Dobson is it is within smelling distance of Snappy's Lunch

 

Not as close as one would think. But there are some of those backwood country stores that have the best homemade sandwiches anywhere and not to forget some great hoop cheese. I remember a store off hwy. 89 that would make a ham sandwich; white sandwich bread, fresh sliced ham, mayo, salt, pepper and get this onion. I stopped everytime I went by.

 

Dadgum you Plate Dad....you just made me hungry....again.

 

Had to do it. Homefield advantage.

 

Plate Dad,

I think each kid is unique - so it is hard to give advice to anyone. But perhaps it will help to know that many kids - especially "younger" first year freshman - can get that "catch up year" with either a red-shirt or a prep year - and then go on to very successful collegiate and professional careers.

The demands of college baseball shouldnt be underestimated. Sometimes - a year of preparation is the best thing that can happen to young kid just starting his college years.

Whether it be physical development or emotional maturity - or any other factor - you should keep in mind that it isnt a sprint - its more like a marathon. IMO.

Best of luck to you in your decision.