I do believe that brownies and brownie batter are very useful for a variety of worries and cravings. Better yet, a pan of brownies and two baseball moms to discuss whatever may be worrying us at the time!

Just to answer the question early, yes I live about 2.5 hours away from my son's JUCO. I think I am going to drop down to part-time work in order to travel with my husband and have time to see my son play ball. It is hard to ride that line of not interfering too much. I want him to know I trust him, just want to watch him play ball.

I feel for you Mikamom. I was in the same boat, but just like pitchcatchmom said, mine was a different kid after he signed with the juco.

We have been told by a couple of D1's, that my son may be a summer pick-up after the draft, so I guess it happens. I don't think my son wants to do that. He is very happy with his decision. Good luck to all and maybe we will see you in summer ball.

Thank you ladies for all your advice and encouragement. I feel so lucky to just know that my son has a passion and may be able to continue with it for at least a couple more years.
I have so many friends whose kids don't have a passion, and they are sometimes like lost lambs.

Although it sounds mushy, baseball has been a very good friend to him. It has given him the push to get and keep those good grades, keep himself in top physical shape and heavens knows he has learned so much from the mental game. I am thankful, as I know you all are, for that passion.

Just came home from a great game. He has played with these same kids since 7th grade on both school and travel ball, and played with his opponents on travel ball as well. Being the catcher he gets to "visit" with everyone as they come up to bat - I think he really enjoys that part of it.

I know this is all going to work out here - it is just nerve wracking in the meantime. Here's to all those moms who have sat in the heat and cold, held their breath through innings and at bats, washed those icky socks and stirrups (especially when they are in a ball), and attempted to throw batting practice.

Thanks again - -I will let you know how it goes!

Congrats to pitchcatchmom's son on committing to the JUCO last week!!

What an accomplishment after the TJ surgery!

Hang in there mikamom - sounds like great things are happening your way! Keep us updated!

I loved your last post - what a great way to express about how "baseball has been a very good friend to him" - I think it has been to all of our boys.

Chocolate - in any form (brownies, brownie batter, hersey kisses, etc.) always helps the baseball stress level!!

Still looking! We had a visit last weekend that went very well, a beautiful college, wonderful progam and coaches. Mr. Ballplayer still thinking.

Good thing I have a chocolate bunny left from Easter!.Once he decides, I am going to have to go on a diet!

I know the posts here have been mostly about goint the JUCO route. My question is, once they have decided that, what is the next step during the fall of their second year? I know some JUCO colleges are active in the process of helping you with the next level and others are not. What should the player do to get his name out and be seen? Thank you.

Just updating,

My son was headed to a junior cllege in Ca. Actually he had all the JCs in the area calling him and recruiting him.He had a really strong year.
At one of his games a D1 coach was there to check out 2 pitchers and saw my son. My son is now going to this D1. It is a private school, small class size, close to home and he received some academic and athletic money. It was just sort of out of the blue. But I still think the juco route is fine and good for a lot of our boys.
D2,D3 NAIA, any of them are great. My son likes the school he has chosen to go to, he liked the players,coaches,facilities, they arent winnigna lot right now but he is hoping to be part of the rebuilding. And if it doesnt work out he would most likely go to a Junior college the following year. the athletic is only good for one year at a time. so anyway good luck to all your boys.

cbmom,

In some cases, players are found by D1, D2, and D3 schools who continue to recruit from the JUCO ranks.

Some JUCO coaches are really helpful in finding some options for their players who haven't yet been recruited by another school.

Otherwise, I would guess it's the same as it was in high school: send out letters and try to find a spot on his own.

Wishing your son luck!

My son did it a little bit backwards. Started out with a D1 college. By the end of his freshman year he hated college and baseball. Transferred to a juco college the next year. Loved it. His grades improved and he learned to love the game again. He now plays at a D2. His first year there just ended and he was named to the all conference first team. As of right now he leads the nation in saves in all three divisions. A juco taught him how much he loves to play the game.

marksmenbaseball,

that happens a lot more than we see posted on here. And great that he made the change, found the love for the game again and found a school at the D2 level he is happy with.for my son I wnat him to go out loving the game . what a shame when they lose that. No matter where they go we want them to be happy, and successful on and off the field no matter if its a juco, D1,2, 3 or naia. doesnt matter.

Thank you for having this thread going. It's helpful to us, as we will most likely be going the JUCO route. This is all so overwelming and I will admit - sad/bittersweet. This is my baby leaving the nest. How do you ladies handle this? Maybe I should start a separate thread for this question, but now that we officially have a senior, I'm happy/sad that we're here already..lol Hope that makes sense. I'm sure it does to you moms.

Anyways, any advice or tips would be great.