Should I sign or go to College?

With the 2009 Draft quickly approaching, the very first issue I would like to discuss is the question whether to sign a professional contract or go to college. This is a very common dilemma that thousands of student athletes have to deal with every year.

Everyone should approach every major life decision rationally. Quick decisions rarely pan out. I suggest that you sit down and make a pros and cons list for the solution.

High School Player

High School Players are often sought out and highly touted across the country. If things do work out professionally they start their Major League careers at an earlier age and ultimately have long careers. That's if everything goes perfectly. Alex Rodriguez comes to mind. He signed out of High School and broke into the MLB at the age of 18 in 1994. He has now played into 2 mega free agent contracts. He is one of few. Usually if a High School player signs he starts at the Rookie Ball level. (There are 7 total levels: Rookie, Short-Season, Low-A, High-A, Double-A, Triple-A, MLB) If that player is so lucky to reach the Major League Level it will take him on average 4.5 to 5.0 years to do so. The average MLB Debut age for a High School signee is around 22 to 23 years old.

Starting your career early has its advantages, but as a High School player you must have the mental toughness to handle the everyday grind as a professional player. Normally during a High School season you play twice a week and in some cases three times a week. You sign a pro contract and all of a sudden you're playing everyday with only 2 to 3 days off a month! The difference is astounding. It often results in injury or major fatigue. If you don't have the mental toughness or the support system around you it could eat you alive and be home after 2 seasons at the age of 20.

School, School, School.... This is what should be on your mind as you play your senior season before the draft and it should be the only thing on your mind until that opportunity comes your way that makes sense for you to forgo your Collegiate Career.

College baseball simulates more of a professional schedule than high school baseball. You play around 60 games in a 3 month span and if you are at a Division I school or similar you are lucky enough to travel the country as well. The combination of being a few years older and getting the taste of college life makes the transition to pro baseball a more smoother one. If a College player makes it to the MLB he does so on average of 2.5 to 3.0 years, which makes him 23 to 24 years old. As you can see the difference between the debut age from High School to College is only a year.

In closing,
If the opportunity to go Pro out of High School does not fit your criteria then go to College and continue to improve your game. Don't be afraid to say no, because if you are good enough to play Pro ball then you should have the confidence to play at the Collegiate level. If the opportunity to go Pro is right for you then take it and don't look back!

Thanks,

The Baseball Mentor
baseballmentor1@gmail.com