quote:
Originally posted by bocastarz07:
My son (14 yr old) has been playing Travel Baseball in South Florida for going on 6 years. He is considered one of the best catchers and hitters in BOTH Travel Baseball leagues we play in and he plays year-round.
He will be going to High School next year, and we were approached by a Private High School Baseball manager a few weeks ago who has been observing him for a few months and was very interested in recruiting him next year. We looked into the program and 4-5 years ago they were highly ranked in the state, but are in the midst of rebuilding there program. They are a Class 1-A program.
Since I'm new to this, I need some advice from others who are familiar with HS recruiting, etc. Would players in a 1-A program get noticed from colleges as well as players from 2A, 3A, 4A, etc. programs? How do I inquire about other HS programs and who do I talk to?
You all get what I'm trying to ask. Any insite woould really be appreciated. Thanks!!
First if a player has talent, it doesdn't matter where he plays. Besides high school is a short season compared to travel. If the private school is not considered as quality competition as other high schools, he still has travel ball.
We went through this one. I was approached (along with about fifty other dads from the '11 class) about my son attending a private school baseball powerhouse. It's also a very good academics school.
I decided not to have my son attend. Even at a half ride it was still going to cost 10K a year. Money isn't the issue. But I don't want to throw it away.
I decided against for the following reasons:
1) We have a very good public school system. The top students from our high school are getting into the same colleges (the most important issue).
2) With recruiting ten baseball players per grade, it's difficult to start before junior year where my son will start soph year at his high school and will get a varsity tryout as a freshman.
3) With the heavy recruiting some good ball players don't get a shot and end up leaving after spending a lot of money to not get the diploma from the private.
4) By getting to play varsity at least three years and showcases like PG, the opportunity to get the same exposure to colleges exist.
What's my son missing? He'll miss the college pipeline/contacts that exist in the program. But, see #4.
One of my travel players followed through with the pitch. He got accepted. So did ten other baseball players from the same class. The financial offer that was dangled early was not offered.
A parent of a player at this school gave me a couple of other negatives. He told me whatever my son received in ride money, expect to give back in financial donations. Also, expect every younger brother of a current or former player, or son of a former player to get first shot to start unless my son is significantly better.
Just like colleges, there are questions to ask about private school programs before committing.
