A Word to the Wise

I know we've taken this topic up before; but, with final exams looming on the immediate horizon, I thought I'd re-emphasize the point that

nothing can make or break your recruiting chances more than your academic performance.


Having only 11.7 scholarships to spread among a roster that usually numbers at least 30, the Division I baseball coach is DYING to find quality baseball players who are good students. Conversely, he knows that he has only so many "chips" available in the admissions office...and, chances are, he gets "boxed" around the ears every time he goes in asking for an exception.

Guys, make it as easy on yourself as you can by applying yourself to the books, just as you apply yourself on the field. If you will, I promise you that good things will happen.

 

Well said, Prepster!

 

Prepster, since you brought up the majical "11.7" scholarships, let's tell the student-athlete what the "real" numbers are.

11.7 is the number of scholarships that can be "FULLY FUNDED" at a D1 or D2 school. Most of the ACC, SEC and Conference USA/Big East schools are fully funded. That is NOT true for all of the schools in the Southern, Big South, A-Sun, etc. Since all of these colleges have from 1-10 scholarships available, it makes the need for GOOD GRADES even more important!

It's been said before, "Coaches can not worry about whether a player is a good student or not." If a coach has two players of equal ability, personalities, motivation and one is a "B" student and the other is a "C" student, the coach will take the "B" student every time. Coaches can't afford to "red shirt" baseball players because of grades. There isn't enough $$ to do that.

As Prepster said, hit the books boys, it's no time to be backing off!!

 

Very well said Prepster. I hate that kids have the ability to play at the next level, but don't have the grades. Although, for kids who started thinking about grades a little too late, NC has alot of great Junior College programs that can help a kid boost his academics up while still playing very competitive ball, and possibly transfer to a larger school once his grades are up to par. But I defenitely agree with you, don't let grades be a problem!

 

YUPPERS!!!!

All good advice! Yet coaches at the next level most often go with their instincts! They will take a substantial risk on a sub performing academic student if they are that sold on his athletic ability!!!!! These are the facts! Their rationale for this is they will provide them with the environment, resources, tutors to HOPE they see what it is they are offering them so in the hopes they will step up to the proverbial plate academically while enjoying the game they love! Yet on the other hand completetly right! GREAT marketing tool for the prospective player is YOUR GRADES!!!!! This is YOUR priority! Baseball willl only be played for a short time beyond this point YET your LIFE will be "played " elsewhere...

 

No Grades, no college, period.

However you can get into some community colleges just by graduating from high School.

 

Earlier today, I was reading an interesting...and entertaining...interview with USC-Spartanburg assistant coach, Tom Fleenor. The interview appears on the ImpactBaseball website.

Near the end of the interview, when asked if he has any advice to offer high school athletes, he says:

"Please keep your grades up because I’m sick of begging our admissions person to get you in."

Sound familiar?




(Many thanks to Andy Partin for permission to use the quote.)

 

You may be right about guys getting into community college's just by graduating High School... But you can bet your money that they won't be on the field in the spring without makin some good grades.

Grades are a major part of college baseball, even community college baseball.

 

Jere-
I couldn't agree with you more on that one!! Too bad so many good players waste away a good opportunity because they aren't mature enough to go to class and stay eligible. Let's face the truth here, in most cases, classes at a community college are not as academicalyy strenuous as at a four year college. The community colleges cater more to students like this. It is also more affordable for parents to send students there. I konw of some really good ball players that CC's have taken a chance on then they don't do anything for themselves... What a waste of natural God-given ability that you can't coach, they are born with it...

 

I have found that doing well in college doesn't come from studying as much as it does from GOING TO CLASS. yes... studying and making good grades is tough, but the toughest part of being a college-athlete and living on your own is making yourself go to class everyday, and then spend the time with conditioning/practice etc.

Going to class is just as important as studying when it comes down to it.

And yes... Community College's have a ton of really good ball players, I may be a bit biased... but from what I have seen this fall, I can not wait for the spring to get here.