The Past, Present & Future of College Baseball

      It is hard to believe, but there was a time not that long ago when the 7-time national champions LSU Tigers had zero trophies on their baseball shelf.  During the 1990s, that would all change. Under the guidance of legendary head coach Skip Bertman, LSU would go on to win five NCAA national championships (1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 2000), establishing the university and the SEC as a powerhouse in college baseball.  1991 may seem like ancient history to some, but let me put into perspective just how recent that is for a program to win it's first ever title.  Although the Tigers now rank 2nd all time in national championships with 7 titles, USC, who has the most titles with 12, won their first national championship in 1948, and had their 6th title won by 1970.  Texas who is right behind them at 3rd all time in natties, with 6 of their own, won their first title in 1949.  How was a team able to so quickly etch themselves between two blue bloo...

      Have you ever wondered  why JUCO is the undisputed level right below Division I?  It is no secret that the first dog to the bowl of all major DI kickbacks are the junior colleges (NJCAA), but why?  Are they in desirable cities?  Do they have really nice facilities like small private high schools do? At least offer a higher level education while they play there?  The answers to all of these questions are no, and obvious ones at that.  JUCO's are notorious for being in small towns, having rundown facilities, and lacking amenities in general. On top of that, the only degree that you can get from a junior college is of course an associate degree.  It is to a point where similar to the military, the players learn to 'embrace the suck' often referring to themselves as 'JUCO Bandits.'  Despite all of the hype behind the JUCO route, players who do not receive the DI offer that they were hoping for are left after just two seasons witho...

       As the 2025 MLB Draft approaches, one name is already emerging as the consensus top prospect: Jamie Arnold. He has garnered attention for his overall athleticism and versatility. Here’s why Arnold is primed to be the first overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft—and why his future as a southpaw on the mound is so incredibly promising. Arnold’s arsenal as a left-handed pitcher is nothing short of spectacular. He boasts a mid-90s fastball that currently tops out at 97 mph, a pitch that stands out even among top-tier professional arms. His velocity is paired with excellent movement, as his fastball dives and runs in on right-handed batters, generating weak contact and plenty of swing-and-miss opportunities. Arnold’s off-speed offerings truly elevate his game to elite status. His slider is a plus pitch, consistently producing swings and misses, and he’s developed a devastating changeup that fools hitters with its deceptive drop. Combined with his fastball velocity and ...

     5am: Time for another three plus hour trip to some town that I have never heard of, for yet another showcase camp to try and gain the attention of schools that I have never heard of, as they barely even turn their heads at my efforts.  But, hey, that is the life for an uncommitted high school senior in the middle of his fall semester.  At this point, I had already come back from summer break to start my senior year and, as it did for many of my fellow teammates, a crushing sense of reality had start to set in.   Everyone was aware that DI programs are always one year ahead in the recruiting cycle, and my graduating teammates had already been selected for their programs.  Teammates of mine who you would have sworn were going to play in college come hell or high water were now talking about this upcoming season being their last, what college they wanted to go to, and what frat they wanted to join.  It was surprising to see, but if I was being ...

     Here you are warming up for your Tuesday night JV game, but it might as well be for a state championship with how proud you are to have your high school's name finally written across your chest.  The eye black is applied, the compression sleeve is on, the pants are up and the stirrups out.  You have a guard for every part of your body for when you come up to bat and once that moment finally comes, there is a guy up on the mound lobbing a 70mph fastball, three of which went to the backstop during warm-ups.  Not surprisingly, you find yourself up 3-0 in the count when a 65mph rainbow comes floating in just below the belt about a full ball or so off the outside black.  "Strike one" yells the umpire as you have already chunked your bat halfway to the dugout and are in the process of taking off your many accessories.        Is your initial reaction, "Ok good, I am actually going to get to swing the bat this game!" No, it probably fa...