FUNGO

not the case at all--- some D III players are truly recruited--they do not just try out in the fall--the coaches know who they are before they get there

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Grateful...

Good synopsis..

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TRHit, Aren't recruited walk-ons recruited??? As I see it, at a DIII college, a recruited walk-on is a recruited player that receives no scholarship. But you make a distinction and say there are “Truly" recruited players at DIII’s. These are also recruited players that receive no scholarships. What’s the difference? If you say they don’t have to try-out in the fall then the “recruited” walk-on would NOT qualify as a recruited walk-on but merely “invited” to attend try-outs. I think the “recruited walk-on” label would only be applicable at those levels (DI’s, D-2’s, Juco’s, etc.) that offer athletic scholarships. Either you or I are getting caught up in the semantics here.
Fungo

Living in a state where there is only 1 D1 baseball program (UW-M) and one other D1 school with reciprocity (UMinn) I get the impression that the coaches sometimes try to lure the in-state kid (who may still pay less than he would with a partial scholarship at an out of state) with the recruited walk-on status.

FUNGO

I never said they dont have to try out and I also noted the Division III aspect

What I said is that they have one leg up because the coaches have already seen them play

Not a matter of semantics--just facts-- all players "try out" at Division III but some have a leg up because they have been seen and "invited"--doesnt mean they make the cut but they are a step ahead going in

Semantics seems to be everything in this area.

Here is how I always thought they were defined (correct me if I am wrong):


Scholarship player: (pretty obvious I know) kid gets scholarship money. Does not attend try-outs. Has a place on the fall roster.

Recruited walk-on player: recruited by the coach to play for his team. Does not receive any scholarship money. Does not attend try-outs. Has a place on the fall rosters.

Invited walk-on player: player who has visited with the coach. Coach has some interest, but not enough to give him a spot on the roster. Invites him to try-out. Will look him over during try-outs. Must be selected during try-outs to have a spot on the roster.

Walk-on player: player who shows up at try-outs hoping to get a place on the roster. May or may not have ever spoken with the coach.

AParent:

In our experience, the term "recruited walk-on" never arose. An "invited walk-on" at UNC carries exactly the same status accorded your definition of "recruited walk-on." An "invited walk-on" gets a spot on the roster...works out with the team...no scholarship.

The term I'd apply to anyone below that status (someone attending the one-day tryout) in generous terms would be "hopeful."

We've had some good news this week. Our youngest made it through the fall cut as a walk on and is still on the team!

We never knew if he was an "invited walk on" or just a plain walk on when he transfered from a JUCO. His research consisted of calling the coach and talking with him about his chances of making the team. He met the staff in June at orientation and had a good feeling about everything. We discussed his options at length, but in the end he wanted to give it his best shot and we've backed him 100%.

Several years ago I think I actually posted something to the effect that I would never want our sons to walk on a college baseball program. But as usually happens when life takes in you different directions, my perspective changed.

That's WONDERFUL news!!! Congratulations!!

TxMom,

Congrats to your son, and please keep the updates coming!

Lois ...

That is wonderful news about your youngin' !!! Sounds like he has a great head on his shoulders, did his homework, and is reaping the fruits of his labor. Hope to hear more great news when the final roster is set !!! If he makes the team, you can bring a lot of info and insight to the HSBBW from a totally different perspective than that of the parents whose sons were recruited out of high school and JUCO.

Mary Ann

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TxMom...

I really value your comments about perspectives. I have said this before on this site...stuff happens. It is very easy, simplistic and a disservice to the Non Blue posters and visitors to take a very idealistic viewpoint of the process. For many it is not a slam dunk but a long and winding road with many potholoes and any number of ways to get to the goal.

To my way of thinking taking the walk on route and making the cut on an NCAA team is one of the most impressive things a young man can accomplish. Congratulations!

I don't get around as much as I would like...IF you don't mind me asking what school?

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Thanks everyone!
He's at Texas Tech and loves it.

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TxMom...

We'll all be watchin' and rootin'....

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TXmom

Congratulations !!!! I am sure your son is very pleased, as he should be.

observer44

quote:

It is very easy, simplistic and a disservice to the Non Blue posters and visitors to take a very idealistic viewpoint of the process

What exactly is a Non Blue poster?

I personally think it is great when a kid finds success following a non-traditional path.

The risks are also much greater.

Don't be so hard on folks who give out advise that tends to lean towards more tried and true methods.

After all, most kids are looking for what gives them the BEST CHANCE of success.

Which, when it is all said and done, more often than not, will be the more traditional methods.

TXmom, Congrats. I am a proud father of an Ivy League senior who was a true walk-on as a freshman. It certainly is a huge accomplishment that not many readers truly understand. Everyone should go through it as a parent. It speaks very well of your son to be able to hang in there. It is not easy, however a very rewarding experience. In many cases you will find that your walk-ons are more deserving than the highly recruited players. Best of luck

Txmom - Congrats to your son for his hard work and determination which is obviously paying off. May he continue to have great success.

txmom, congrats to your son from Ohio

& congrats to T-Tech for getting a good player



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TxMom---

Love your posts and equally love when good things happen to good people! Best of luck to BOTH of your sons...they've got good genes!!