| I continue to see and hear both high school | | | | degree you receive says "Texas", "Clemson" or |
| baseball players and their parents have an "I've | | | | "Arizona State", and says nothing about the junior |
| got to play (NCAA) Division I baseball" mentality. | | | | college. |
| At the same time I see these players end up | | | | Another issue when considering where to play |
| extremely unhappy because Division I baseball, | | | | your college baseball may be dollars. Most Division |
| wasn't right for them. | | | | I baseball schools (who have 11.7 scholarships for |
| When Junior College (JUCO) might be the better | | | | baseball) are forced to split the money between |
| choice for you: | | | | 30-35 players, leaving the player a large portion |
| 1. You are not a great student in high school. | | | | they are obligated to pay. With lower tuition costs |
| Many 2.5-3.0 GPA high school students find the | | | | and more scholarships (24) many times a junior |
| transition to a junior college is much easier. | | | | college baseball program can offer two years |
| 2. You are a drafted player who wasn't drafted | | | | free. |
| high enough to sign, but would like to play | | | | Two years free and then two years at 50% at a |
| professional baseball (possibly a draft-and-follow). | | | | Division I baseball school is the equivalent of four |
| The junior college route allows the added flexibility | | | | years at 75%. That 25% per year can easily |
| of either signing or being re-drafted after both the | | | | save you $20,000 or more during your baseball |
| freshman and sophomore seasons. | | | | playing career. |
| 3. You are a potential draft pick, not drafted out | | | | Another reason to choose a JUCO is the potential |
| of high school who wants the additional two years | | | | for additional playing opportunity. As a Freshman |
| of draft eligibility. This can allow you to continue to | | | | you will also be competing against players more |
| work certain aspects of your game that may | | | | your own age. |
| need improvement. | | | | While Junior College is a good option for many |
| 4. You have a dream of playing at a Texas, a | | | | players it is not right for everyone. The 3.5 - 4.0 |
| Clemson or an Arizona State, but your only | | | | student who is able to attend a Duke or Notre |
| offers are from lessor Division I schools. By going | | | | Dame would be foolish to consider a junior college, |
| to a junior college and proving yourself you may | | | | as these top academic schools usually do not |
| get the opportunity at the college or university | | | | have many junior college baseball transfers on |
| you really wanted to play at. | | | | their rosters. |
| The one thing that both the player and the parent | | | | Whatever your choice the one thing you need to |
| needs to understand is that after two years | | | | remember is that you need to make the right |
| playing baseball at a junior college when you | | | | choice for you. |
| transfer to a Division I baseball college the final | | | | |