Well I am a 05 LHP and I have been recieving calls from colleges and right now I don't know if i should go to the U of M where i most likely will be redshirted and not get an offer as good as the one I will reciever from South dakota state. The coach at SDSU told me that I would most likely be that #1 guy as a freshmen and this is going to be there first year as a D1 school. I want to play and get better and go to the next level but I also want to play for a program that is going to get me in the condition to play at the levels beyond college. SO i am kind of confused

You should ask yourself some questions...ranked in order of importance from my perspective.

1. Which school is better for you academically? Does only one have the major that you are most interested in?

2. If you've visited both schools (you should if you have not), which school "feels" better to you? Do you want a BIG school or a smaller one?

3. Which coach "feels" better for you? Which one do you feel more of a connection with?

I don't know anything about either program, but don't assume that the best development will come from the bigger name school. Many great pitching coaches at JCs, D2s, D3s and lower D1s. Sometimes they're young and just getting started or maybe they like where they live and coach and never wanted a change. Do some research on the coaches.

You need to pick a school where you think you will be happy. Remember you will live there for 9 months out of the year. Being happy depends on many things, some listed above, but may also depend on the town the school is in, the weather, the facilities, and so on and so forth. Look at the big picture.

Chuck,

Of course you're the only one who can "feel" the right fit, but my 04 RHP son had significant interaction with the Gophers coaching staff at a camp and in the U of M Fall baseball league last year, and he was very impressed with them as coaches and as people.

My son had a very positive impression of Gophers pitching coach Todd Oakes, and we've heard nothing but good things from others who know him. I'm sure you have noticed the fact that several Gophers players are typically drafted each year, including LHP Glen Perkins this year.

And don't forget one very important factor in your decision: If you choose the U of M, your parents can probably easily attend your home games!!!

Congrats on being recruited by the Gophers, and good luck with your decision!

Chuck,

As you work to develop the sort "feel" "justbaseball" describes above, TALK TO AS MANY PLAYERS AS YOU CAN! The players, themselves, are your best sources of honest, relevant observations and assessments of their schools and programs.

About a month ago, my son (who just began his sophomore year in college) received a phone call from a recruited player. The recruit had a well thought out list of questions he posed to my son. Subsequently, my son learned that the recruit had spoken to 4 or 5 of his teammates in the same sort of way.

The recruit ended up committing to my son's school; but, even if he hadn't, his decision would have been well grounded. Meanwhile, the recruit's diligence made a positive impression on all of the players he'd contacted, giving him a "leg up" in being accepted when he arrives next fall.

Best of luck to you!

Congratulations on your contacts...

It is nice to get a feel for how a coach sees you contributing to their program. Remember though, that nothing is quaranteed and that you will take great pleasure earning your spot for whichever school you decide on.....

Great advice here, Chuck. Do your homework...the college has to "feel" right for all of your priorities. Best of luck!