What a finish in Omaha!

What a College World Series!  However, the aftermath has put a small black eye on college athletics.  

Congratulations to the Tennessee Volunteers and the entire coaching staff as they won their 1st Natty.  They’ve been the best program in the sport the last five years and finally dotted the I and crossed the T’s to get across the finish line.  Hours after ESPN went off the air, the entire landscape in college baseball changed in a flash.  

The departure from A & M to archrival Texas by Coach Schloss and his entire staff has the college baseball world saying WTF.  Being a father of a son who aspires of playing D1 baseball, I don’t know what to think or say to him.  Everyone has the right to pursue their own dreams and jobs, but something just doesn’t feel right here.  

College baseball faces challenges related to the limited number of scholarships available under NCAA rules, particularly the restriction of 11.7 scholarships for the entire roster. This rule creates several issues for student-athletes, coaches, and programs competing in the highly competitive collegiate baseball landscape. Some of the problems associated with the 11.7 scholarship limit in college baseball include:

Roster Management: The scarcity of scholarships makes it challenging for coaches to effectively manage their rosters, recruit top talent, and provide sufficient financial aid to student-athletes. This limitation often results in difficult decisions about scholarship distribution, player retention, and program sustainability.

Financial Burden on Players: Student-athletes in college baseball may face financial hardships due to the limited number of scholarships available. Many players rely on partial scholarships, financial aid, or personal resources to cover the costs of tuition, room and board, and other expenses associated with attending college while competing at a high level in baseball.

Recruiting Disparities: The 11.7 scholarship limit can lead to disparities in recruiting opportunities among college baseball programs. Schools with larger endowments or athletic budgets may have a competitive advantage in offering more scholarships and attracting top recruits, potentially widening the talent gap and affecting the overall competitiveness of the sport.

Player Development: Limited scholarships may impact player development and retention within college baseball programs. Some student-athletes may choose to transfer to schools with greater scholarship availability or explore alternative paths to pursue their athletic and academic goals, affecting team cohesion and long-term success.

Equity and Access: The scholarship restrictions in college baseball raise concerns about equity and access for student-athletes from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Limited financial support can act as a barrier to participation for talented players who lack the resources to afford a college education without substantial scholarship assistance.

Addressing the challenges associated with the 11.7 scholarship limit in college baseball requires thoughtful consideration of the impact on student-athletes, programs, and the overall competitiveness of the sport. Exploring options to enhance scholarship opportunities, promote financial aid transparency, and support athlete well-being are essential steps in ensuring a more equitable and sustainable collegiate baseball environment. By addressing these issues, college baseball can strive to provide a level playing field for student-athletes and foster growth and excellence in the sport.

The coaches are moving for big dollars and NIL is hampering the transfer portal, so the NCAA needs to make themselves useful and fully fund both College Baseball and College Softball.  If and when that occurs, it may curtail some of this crazy movement and bring back some loyalty to their respective schools!  Maybe wishful thinking.  

Mike Scully