It's important to understand that a college commitment is nothing more than an opportunity. There are no guarantees. It's similar to getting a non-roster invitation to MLB Spring Training Camp.

Players are so concerned about accepting a college commitment that they lose sight of where the best opportunities may come from. It's important to choose a college commitment wisely. The more opportunities = the best chance of success. A poor or rushed decision can result in a significant loss of time and money.

You don't hear about the stories after players graduate from high school. You only hear about the parents/players talking about being committed, full rides, etc.

Here are some examples of past alumni and situations after the start of their college careers. We will just use their position and Perfect Game ranking.

RHP ranked #45 in class commits to LSU as a sophomore. He passes on a multitude of other college opportunities and the MLB Draft. He arrived at school for the fall season, and his performance was weak. He made the Spring Roster and got eight innings of work with middle of the road results. 2nd year he arrives for the fall season, and there is more competition with new players. Again, middle of the road results led to being passed by for the Spring Roster. He ended up transferring to Junior College.

Catcher ranked #146 in class commits to LSU as a Junior. He passes on many other college opportunities. He arrived at school for the fall season and was beat out at his position for a spring roster spot. He immediately transferred to Junior College.

LHP ranked #500 in class commits to Miami as a sophomore. He never really had the chance to explore other opportunities because of his early commitment. Two weeks before leaving for school the coach called and decommitted him. He got picked up by another D1 top tier program and made the roster but has yet to pitch this season. The financial aspect of having to pay tuition out of state was not part of his planning.

RHP ranked #500 in class commits to FGCU as a Junior passing on better-suited opportunities. He arrived for the fall season, and the program wasn't a good match. He was informed that he would not make the roster and immediately transferred to Junior College.

LHP ranked #1000 in class commits to West Virginia as a senior. He was also a top academic kid and passed on a scholarship from a D1 Patriot League school where he would have been a great match. The first year at West Virginia he was red-shirted. At the end of his 2nd fall season, he got cut. Never even got to play.

I could go on and on and on and on. There are four key points that I am trying to get across. 1) You always have to be giving it your best. Just because you commit get's you half way. You still have to earn it, and it's very competitive. 2) Never give up collecting opportunities at every level. You never know what will happen. You never know where the best opportunities will come from. The more options, more networking, more coach contact you have - will equal a greater chance of success. 3) Having a recruiting strategy and focusing on schools that match your academic, athletic, and financial ability will provide you with the best opportunity to have a collegiate baseball career. 4)Don't count on athletic scholarships. They are far a few between and never cover 100%. It's critical to maximize merit-based aid no matter what your family financial situation is.

"The most important game in college baseball is the game you are playing in."

- Coach McCormack Florida Atlantic University Head Coach