What would you say?

IMO - Without a doubt - if the player no longer enjoys playing and is "tired" of the routine or any of the other nonsense that goes on at the collegiate level - I would advise him to leave as soon as possible.

Regardless of your talent level - past achievements - potential draft status - or financial aid/scholarship - It makes no sense playing - or trying to play - if you are not enjoying the experience.

You should enjoy your life - not dread it. IMO

 

Good point P....but sometimes a young person doesn't look at the big picture and the consequences of their decision making. You want them to make their own decisions but sometimes they haven't thought everything through.

I remember my girlfriend in college tell me all she wanted in life was to be happy!!! ....Doh....I wonder if anybody else was able to fulfil her expectations

 

Ditto that...

Papa Bear! A lot of guidance heart to heart talks etc.. soul searchiing too. Your ability and dedication to this game or any at the collegiate level THEN becomes the ultimate test as to your passion and comitment to the game. So much more of your time is required to participate and be truly SUCCESSSFUL in on the diamond as well as the classroom. Confusion often times is replaced by doubt, boredom, fatigue, and redirection of what you are who you are and what do you realllllllllllllly what to do?!?!? Nonetheless, I never felt more hurt and heartbreak sticking it out working my *** off for four additional years from JUCO to D1 and then BOOOM in a flash it was all done the last pitch had been thrown and the last out recorded! On that last MAy afternoon of the last game of my senior year realizing IT was over! Do it all over again? In a second! Give up the game prior? Not a thought EVER! People and kids as well are very very different it is what you really enjoy and want to do...

 

Braves, great question.

This really hits the nail on the head when it came to the decision I made last week. My #1 reason was undoubtedly, my arm trouble. #2 was the grades issue, how I need to spend much more time in the class to make sure I get in to NC State...

But I had a very successful freshman season at LCC last year. I was 6-0 with the 2nd lowest ERA on the team. We went to the JUCO D2 World Series, and that was a blast. After those two events, I really wondered what I could do this year to top that. I am not saying that in a negative way because I love the game of baseball and I enjoy every minute of it, including the workouts and practices.

It was a very big decision in my life, do I want to be a student-only for the first time in my life? I have never *not* had to go to baseball practice. Yeah, there were those times where I just didn't *want* to go, but I did because it was my job.

This was a decision I talked over and over with my parents and close friends. Walking away from baseball because of the above reasons (sadly, maily because of a hateful elbow) was not only hard for me, but very hard for my family. Ever since I could walk, it has been baseball baseball baseball.

I wouldn't say that I lost the love, or lost the excitement... because I miss it already and when spring comes around I don't know what I will do with myself... but sadly, it did have a LITTLE to do with the "I'm burned out" type deal. School ball, legion ball, fall ball for many years really hits hard down the road. In a way, I wish I would have played football or basketball back in high school so I wouldn't have the "burned out" feeling like I do now.

Don't want you guys to hate on me for the "burned out" comment... because if I was able, I would be playing baseball right now. But I guess it's just a way of life sometimes.

Great thread...

 

This is a tough crossroad...a decision that will effect the rest of his life...search for the real reason for his wanting to stop, i did not say quit..hs baseball is played for fun and a few really good players are offered a reward for their hard work and commitment in the form of a scholarship. when it comes to college baseball or higher levels it becomes work..but the main reason he is there is to get an education...if he is unhappy being an athlete he may fail trying to get an education..if he is a pitcher he could get a second chance..if he puts all his time into studying and getting the eduction he may realize that he just wanted a break..if he stays in school persueing that education he can always walk back on or transfer where he has a chance to play...the main thing is his education and saving the years of eligability if he changes his mind..whatever decision he makes support him and always listen to what he is saying and not what you, as a parent, want to hear. the education is the reason he is in college..

as a parent it is very tough to try and reason out what he is going through..hopefully he just wants a break...listen to him and watch for attitude changes...is it a girl?...is it the college?...is it the coach?...is the load too much?..lighten the load...is it partying?...is it the wrong friends?...or something worse?..remember he is there for the education, baseball just got him there..as a parent forget your heartbreak and disappointment...this is about him let him seek your advice and don't push...the education is the most important thing here...if you support him you won't loose him...even though you know what is best let him make the decision..

education is one thing nobody can take away from you and it opens doors..
Good Luck from someone who has been there...

 

I would tell him to, make good grades, become very successful in his endeavor, then hire dad.

 

Jm15 ...if you are having arm problems there are solutions to the situation...if the arm hurts stop, talk to the coach and see what your alternatives are, talk to the doc. and see what the prospectus is, reevaluate, (would surgery solve the problem?), do you want to go through rehab?..my son went through 2 acl surgeries and 2 6 month rehabs in hs...the main thing is to get the education...a rest of the arm might do you some good...save your eligability for later...players sometimes get over "burn out"...if it is meant to be it will happen...maybe next semister lighten up the class room work and enjoy yourself...you make the decision and relax..everybody will support what you decide..

don't feel guilty by your decision if you are haveing arm problems, but get the education.

 

JM15, as a former collegiate player who developed arm trouble ealry in his college career let me give you my 2 cents. Get your grades back on track, and excel in the classroom. Work toward getting a diploma in a field that you desire, and then worry about coming back to baseball. And if you decide never to play baseball again, then so be it. If your parents are the concern, then simply tell them that you live your life for you! Too many dads live their life through their kids! The diploma is a gurantee that nobody can take from you, but baseball is only a dream. After my career was over I thought that my world was over, but then my future spouse reminded me of reality. Yes, I had a shot with baseball but no promise. My degree gave me my future, not a fantasy. I love baseball as much or more than the next guy, but anyone has a much better chance at becoming a lawyer or a doctor than they have at becoming a professional ball player. You can only "play" so long in life, eventually you have to accept your future and reality. Good luck

 

not too informed on the college rules but i thought that some athletes had to go an extra semester or two to get in all of their college credits. if that is possible could the young man extend his college to just be a student after his baseball career comes to an end. maybe take a few more classes or add to what he has and have the best of both worlds. then he could party on the weekend and walk by and laugh it up at the newbie players eager to work

 

you can also remind him that MOST of us would give their eye teeth to be able to play again...... and many would give their first born to be able to experience college baseball. think about it hard and long. it may be something he would regret the of his life.....remind him quitting becomes a habit..... if after all of these he still wants to quit...... maybe he needs to.