<p>SluggerDad,</p>
<p>You have a lot of balls in the air, and issues you are dealing with. I’ll leave the financial advice & academic advice to someone else. I’m just going to focus on one point that I think needs to be driven home. </p>
<p>Every kid who plays any level of baseball aspires to go to Vanderbilt, South Carolina, UNC, UVA because they are on TV and frequently make the College World Series. They are the best of the best programs. They have great coaches, and unbelievable locker rooms, stadiums and workout facilities. I’ve seen SC, UVA and UNC’s facilities (from the inside) first hand, and they are breathtaking. What is not to like? These are the prom queens of college baseball. I personally know (very well) a dozen kids that have played for or are currently playing for one of these sexy teams. A handful of them were my son’s travel teammates. One of them lives across the street from me. He was one of the lucky ones as he remained on the team all 4 years. But I know others that were cut or never saw any playing time because they fell in disfavor with the coach or were not able to live up to expectations. Bottom line is they were not able to produce, and their scholarships was taken away to make room for the next phenom. Each class they recruit is trying to replace the previous class. The competition is brutal. We’re talking about college teams made up of all-state players and high school all-americans losing their scholarships. Guess what? They often transfer and lose a year of eligibility. Possibly your son (high school freshmen) can beat the odds, but I’m hear to tell you the odds are not that good and there is a lot of risk. Please go into these decisions with eyes wide open, because it sounds to me like you are betting the farm. </p>
<p>It has been suggested many times on this website to cast a wide net. It is the most prudent advice that anyone can take on when beginning this recruiting process. It is great to start with these sexy schools, but Ms Congeniality is a good option too. Don’t be so focused on these CWS schools that you fail to consider other options and scenarios which may in fact be optimal for your son. I can’t tell you how many can’t miss recruits I’ve seen over the year actually do miss, and miss bad (hence they often transfer). I would seek the advice of a baseball professional without a vested interest in your son to tell you his baseball tools & projectability. Seek the truth. At his age with a year of high school baseball already under his belt, he should already be on their boards as a prospect if he is attending the right showcase events. These schools seek recruits that are on the edge of being drafted when they graduate from high school. They want the kids that decide against turning pro to sign with them. Their pitch is 'we will help you get drafted in 3 years (junior year of college)". </p>
<p>I hope you understand what I’m trying to focus on. I just want you to be realistic with his talents and opportunities. Good luck.</p>