I'm not sure if this is correct but Brad Ausmus went back to Dartmouth while he played (I think). He is the only guy that comes to my mind off the top of my head, I know there was a guy on the Cards that did the same.
Throughout the course of the seasons you'll hear broadcasters or read online about how a player has went back and got his degree while playing that season, or even attended classes in the offseason.
-------------------------------------------------- I never threw an illegal pitch. The trouble is, once in a while I toss one that ain't never been seen by this generation
I know of two Princeton players who went back to school in the fall and winter terms (baseball offseason). Of course they were already juniors who only needed their senior year. It might take two years to get their one in, but if the degree is wanted bad enough, it can happen.
Other than the baseball offseason I would imagine about the only way it could be done is with online courses.
Hope this helps. Frank
______________ "If you can read this, thank a teacher, and since it's in English, thank a soldier !!"
Posts: 1692 | Location: Pueblo,CO,USA | Registered: December 27, 2002
A few years ago, a pitcher from Yale who was drafted in the third round by the Milwaukee Brewers left college after his junior year, and returned in the fall semester to finish up his senior year and graduated in December. He was a microbiophysics - biochemistry major - and is now at Yale Law School, having played in the minors for a few years.
It is absolutely possible - and the school will work with you. It also helps to come into school with advanced credits to make this an easier possibility. (By the way, as I remember, Yale doesn't accept advanced credits to help the student graduate early; they use them to advance the course work).
Posts: 252 | Location: New York | Registered: December 28, 2002
Let me temper the optimism here a little. All of these above examples are of players who already had 3 years of school under their belt and probably had established majors, so both the professors and the administrations of their schools would know them and would be willing to work with them. It would be a different experience for the player who was drafted out of HS. The first complication is that most schools are on a semester schedule that begins around the 3rd week in August. Minor Leagues play until Labor Day weekend, and longer if they go to the post-season. Most of these colleges would probably not be too excited to have a student begin classes 3-4 weeks into the semester. Also keep in mind that you now have to apply as a "regular student." You will get no special consideration because you are a baseball player -- so HS grades and scores are even more important. I think these two factors have a lot to do with why so many players drafted out of HS never go to college. Eight semesters (or 12 quarters) are tough to complete if you only can do one per year.
On the "plus" side, some schools on the quarter system don't begin until mid-September. Also, the advent of online courses can make going to school a lot easier. Some can even take classes during the season.
Posts: 547 | Location: The Great Midwest | Registered: February 13, 2004
lhp - you are getting at this issues I have been thinking about. I am trying to find colleges on the quarter system in the warmer climates. I think it would be ideal for a kid to go away to school for at least a quarter a year and work out in better weather. I know it's slow to do a quarter at a time and you have to find a school you can get in on your own merit. If a player gets his college scholarship fund worked out when they sign - their room and board should be paid for and mom and dad don't have to keep shelling out the bucks.
Thx.
"Success is where preparation and opportunity meet" Bobby Unser
Posts: 137 | Location: midwest | Registered: December 27, 2002
Judging by your avatar, you must be from "That State Up North," as we say in Buckeye territory.Our research says that the best place to find quarter schools in warmer climates is in California,where several schools have that schedule. Those schools are pretty stingy about admitting out of state students, but it can be done. But you've probably already figured out that there are very few other schools that are on quarters -- and even Ohio State, which is on quarters, is changing to semesters in a couple of years. When you negotiate with the drafting team for the "college scholarship plan," they may try to "low ball" you with a figure that represents in-state tuition only. Make sure you have figured out what the costs would be (and include books, room, board, etc.)for out-of-state tuition and then add 6% a year (the average that tuition rises each year), or you will find that the payments come far short of the real expenses.
Posts: 547 | Location: The Great Midwest | Registered: February 13, 2004
lhp - thanks for the info. Will be sure to consider the in/out of state costs as well as inflation. So if you can't get into a school on the quarter system, and you are playing until mid-sep, you really can't get into a school on the quarter system - so you are SOL on the college thing unless you do distance learning. BTW - I think this is a great business oppty for some college in warm weather. Offer 2 basic years of college with a semester that runs nov-end of feb.
"Success is where preparation and opportunity meet" Bobby Unser
Posts: 137 | Location: midwest | Registered: December 27, 2002
Interesting idea! Good luck with it. To all: the point I was trying to make is that it isn't too difficult to finish a degree when you only have a couple of semesters to go (those who sign after junior year). But it's unwise to think that those who go straight from high school to pro ball will get that college degree done "sometime", and after all they give you the college scholarship plan, so you don't give up the "free" education -- it can be a complicated situation. That's why so many on this board recommend that you only sign out of high school if they offer you a lot of money (top 5 rounds, maybe). The money gives you the luxury of time and resources if the baseball thing doesn't work out.
Posts: 547 | Location: The Great Midwest | Registered: February 13, 2004
Bobbleheaddoll -- Your question is a little confusing. If the player is a professional he can't play ball in college. Were you asking about playing a different sport other than baseball? If so, I don't know how they work all that out.
Posts: 547 | Location: The Great Midwest | Registered: February 13, 2004
GS mentioned scholarships. I assume he is expecting the pro team to pay for his school and he won't play ball at college. What a shame to miss that experience. To me, unless the bonus is life altering I would not want to sign untill after college. Your stock goes way up after 4 years of college and the experience is once in a life time. I know several guys in the minors and we had a single A team in our town. That is a tough life and the pay is low. If you sign and get cut you can't get a scholarship or play NCAA.
Posts: 4170 | Location: Canada | Registered: October 13, 2005
Your best bet to pick up college classes as a pro, would be to find a school with a module system in place(one class per day for 3.5 weeks type of schedule) rather than a semester based system. That would be about the only way to squeeze in a decent amount of classes, where you would not be missing class time due to your baseball schedule. An example of the module system can be found here: http://www.salemiu.edu/
There is also taking classes online at various places. Lord knows I get enough junk email about them, Phoenix University comes to mind.
Dont forget "other" motives for going to college at least on a part-time basis- (=6 hours)- 1) "students" tax liability is a less and the income tax refund may be a little more if the player is a college student. 2) College loan payments are not due while the student is still attending at least part-time.... $$$
Yes, yes, I know- The Purest reason is to continue thier education, gain their degree, and to be prepared for thier future...
There are many schools that offer online courses for degrees, and you can work at your own pace.
I only know of a few players out of HS who actually made an effort to go to school right away.
Despite what many think, returning to school after being drafted (for those that didn't earn enough credits to earn their degree) is NOT easy. After three years of working on and off the field, many players just need some time off, have had it with school. Fortunetly, most major universities will welcome players with open arms, as it is important for them to have a good graduation rate. There are funds and programs available through the athletic departments to help. And many players like returning to use the facilities and the team. Become familiar with the MLB scholarship program and sit down to discuss continuing education after the draft. Also, if son has been accepted to school, ask about the schools plans for their drafted players. It's a very important decision, either way.
Posts: 10766 | Location: South Florida | Registered: July 28, 2003
I am currently taking my Master's degree classes at the University of Phoenix Online. It has so far been a very rewarding experience to take the classes online. You DO have to be disciplined, but can work at your own times as long as the work is completed each week. You also work with a Learning Team online for group projects. Also, you take one class for 6 weeks and then another class, etc., but one class at a time.
UOP is not for everyone, but there are a lot of online schools out there. Just make sure that the one you pick is accredited as a regular college (UOP is).
If anyone has questions on UOP feel free to email me.
I think an online education might be the best way to go for a high school player versus waiting until their pro career is over. Like TPM said, it is hard for someone to go back to school after being out for so long.
One thing to consider as well is the player's college major if he wants to finish his degree after his junior season. Our son went to a school on the quarter system and many of his teammates who now play profesionally were able to continue their education each fall. However, because of our son's major ... chemistry ... he could take one fall quarter to continue, but he would not be able to get the last two quarters in because the chem classes/labs he needs are not offered in the fall .. they are offered as sequential courses and only in their proper order. So major is very important ...
Mary Ann * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8 [8/21/08]
Posts: 3937 | Location: Somewhere out there beneath the pale moonlight ... | Registered: January 02, 2003
A good freind's son was drafted after his junior year at North Carolina in 02 and was able to work it out with his profs to miss the first week or so of the fall semester so as to complete the baseball season and was able to finish his degree after two fall semesters. It was hard to play catch up but if you want it you can do it.
Kid made a promise to his folks he would finish and he now has a degree. He is in AA hoping to get an invite to big league camp this year.
