For most, playing their last high school game is the first time they realize the baseball clock is ticking. Not just the players, parents go through the same awakening. Reminding their son, sometimes daily, “work hard if you want to play professional baseball!” Every day of the year is an opportunity to get better, that is, UNTIL their senior year.
Tick, tick, the player’s dream is getting closer. From T-Ball to travel/select baseball, to the summer before his Senior year. His heart bursting out his chest as he rips open the envelope from a college hoping it is more than a shake-and-howdy-come-to-our-camp letter, to anxiously awaiting calls from college coaches that seem to never come. This is not the time to send mix messages or to start back peddling a bit ,“Son, playing college baseball is nice, but you need to select a school based upon academics, even if you don’t get the opportunity to play baseball.” WHAT, Huh, WHAT?
What made you change your mind after twelve to thirteen years? Is the Lawn Chair Convention leading you a stray [Showcases are Not the Way], or rather than admit you wasted time and money it is easier to divide and conquer by convincing yourself a Business Degree from one school is better than a Business Degree from another. Maybe it’s Empty Nest Syndrome selfishly clouding your honesty, but whatever the reason now is the time your son needs you the most. This is the time to help your son do the right thing! Making the right decision when it comes to helping him find a good baseball fit for him.
Whether he admits it or not, he is looking for you to guide him, so help him out. Once he decides on a college, it is his responsibility to make it work both academically and athletically. So help you son find the right baseball opportunity according to these three key points:
- Does your son like the coach?
- Does the coach like your son?
- Are you going to get a chance to place baseball there?
Remember, the degree is Plan B, not dictating where he gets it!
Now I recognize there is a ton of confusion/propaganda surrounding the college recruitment process, but I truly believe you know your son better than any one. So let me recommend Most Valuable Player’s College Recruitment in a Box [multiple short how to videos guiding you to help guide him every step of the way] which is designed to help you and your son to find the right school academically, athletically, socially, and financially.
No need to panic, but you do need to start doing the right things today and with the understanding, the clock is ticking.
Until next Blog,
Al McCormick
