What would you say?

To a college player that has proven successful at that level, but is tired of playing. He wants to enjoy college as a student, not as an athlete?

He's tired of getting up early for workouts, go to class, eat, go to class, more workouts, eat, study than go to bed. He wants to enjoy the colllege "experience".

Now the easy answer is " If you have lost your committment, then you should quit" But we are talking about a very talented player. Plus, some of us aren't committed to our jobs...but we don't quit.

I've thought about telling him how selfish it would be to put his parents in an unnecessary financial bind...but...I'll save that one for my son.

What would you say to the player?

 

Thats a tough one for some of us parents that only want the best for our children...
We know what it takes to be successful whether we have accomplished that or not... I would ask the person in question to really do some hard soul searching and then let them know you will support them in which ever decision they make .... even if they decide to ruin their parents and friends dreams of a successful baseball career :scared2:

 

Hmmm...haven't told him that yet

 

Enlightening!

PM me Braves if it may be so? Tough, Tough, to say the least but if it is not in the "heart" anymore walk away porudly with what enjoyment and accomplishments and memories that have been had by all! As intimidatee said think about it hard 'cause it is highly unlikely it 'll ever be their again as a player. It is like any relationship in LIFE the longer you are involved the TOUGHER it is to walk away. Think about it............IMHO

 

Exactly...I understand his feelings, but there should be absolutely no regrets and that is hard for a young person to project.

 

Absolutely!

What has "his coach" had to say about this or is it something in which has transpired recently? Would be more than happy to talk personally over it for I have had many of these conversations with MY players, FORMER players of mine, at the collegiate level as well as the professional level! Just let me know.

 

Two things come to mind:

1. "Burn out" does happen in life.
2. "The grass is always greener".

Those of us who are as old as dirt have experienced "burn out" at various times with our particular jobs, or careers, or hobbies for that matter. Some have even felt burn out just after exams! But, we have to face the consequences and weigh the resonsibilities before making any final decisions. If finances will be a burden to the family, then the young man better face the responsibility of helping his parents by getting a parttime job. Working and going to school is very real for many students. Then consider, do you want to swap your "baseball job" for a "real world job"?

The "grass is greener" is something we all have to face. Is it really greener or is our evaluation of the situation tinted? Is the "college experience" this young man sees being lived by some of the few who don't have to work parttime and are privileged to have parents who can afford to support their children at college and, therefore, lead a carefree lifestyle? Or, does the "college experience" he sees include a "job" other than baseball?

Encourage the young man to carefully consider his options before making his final decision, because when he makes it, it will be "final".

 

Great post, SPD. :xyzthumbs :applause: :applause:

 

Obviously, this is very personal decision that can only be made by the player himself. The life of a college athlete can be very demanding and sacrifices must be made to be successul, but the rewards can also be very gratifying. Financial implications have to be considered and leaving the team and loosing a scholarship can be tough on the family and the player. Most importantly, is the matter of commitment and the obligation the player has to the school, his teammates, his family and himself. If he still loves to play the game, I'd encourage him to stay with it and make his decision at the end of the season.

 

This is a very personal decision and I have discussed with this person questions and guidance along the lines that everyone has mentioned, but I proposed this situation hypothetically and was wondering what you all would say...thank you for the terrific feedback so far.