I actually went through the entire process (although I was signed as a college junior I transferred to a university closer to home so I was "like" a freshman). What I did for the 1st couple of offseason's was to take my "core" classes online. I recommend doing this at a junior college as they typically have more class options. You can even take online classes during the season (which I don't recommend as it is hard enough to play during the season let alone try and study--besides you take a lot of **** from your team while you are studying on the bus and they are all playing cards or watching movies). Best of luck. Feel free to email me at throwingthunder@verizon.net if you have any questions.

Smitty

I agree with those who say it is difficult for HS signees to play and attend school. The hardest part IMO is getting started in the first place. If you are able to sign with an
understanding team and find an understanding college it certainly makes the initial part a lot easier.

Example: I signed with California(not Anaheim or LA Angels of Anaheim )Angels after
sophomore year at Fla Southern College(Moccasins=Moc1 ) in '68 when "small" college players
were elligible to be drafted after only 2 years of school. Played that summer with Quad City
Angels of the Midwest League and was allowed by Angels to begin fall semester of my junior
year-first week of Sept.-with one week left in the season. Angels also allowed me to complete
spring semester and skip spring training and join summer team in progress.

Same thing next fall but in the spring the Angels and Detroit Tigers worked out a deal to allow a Tiger player to attend his school in S. California and spring train with the Angels
there while I attended FSC in Lakeland and spring trained with the Tigers. Worked out for
both of us.

It can be done with a little imagination and cooperation, but it DOES take a little effort
and of course a desire to want to attend school. I know it's not the same situation today
but "where there's a will there's a way".

BTW I wasn't real excited about going to school after signing but had some parents who were
a "little" wiser than I was.

Hi There-
I have a little experience here so I will share my thoughts. My son was drafted this past June out of college. I am amazed at how many Jrs. (third year completed) just blow off their three years of hard work. My son was offered money for his 4th year and went back for the fall term. He will finish the next fall. I don't know how often money is offered but the player can certainly ask for it. The only thing that might get in the way is Fall Instructional League. That is a choice the player has to make. But if the club offered money then they should understand and not put the pressure on the player to go. Many don't make it to the "show" and then what do they have to show for their 3 years of hard work?