Lastly, a player may choose to play at a junior college if they are interested in
playing professionally. Players are eligible for the Major League Baseball draft out
of high school. However, if a player attends a four-year university, they are not
eligible for the draft again until after their junior year of college. If you attend a
junior college, you are eligible for the draft after your first and second years. In
other words, a player could conceivably be drafted three times before ever
attending a four-year university, provided that the player doesn't sign any of the
times that he has been drafted. Furthermore, there is a provision that many Major
League teams take advantage of called "Draft and Follow". This rule allows Major
League teams to draft a player going to a junior college that they want to follow
and track for a year. When drafted, the organization holds the rights to the player
until the next draft. There is a ten-day window prior to the next draft where the
team can sign them; otherwise, they would go back into the draft pool. This is what
the Baltimore Orioles did with the signing of Adam Loewen this year. They drafted
him in 2002, but did not sign him until right before the 2003 draft. Two years ago,
nearly 20% of the players drafted where from the junior college ranks!
When all is considered, junior college is just another route to take to play college
baseball and the option should never be overlooked. It may not initially seem like
the best path for you as a player, but do not just dismiss this option without
exploring it. Just as with NCAA baseball, there are divisions (I, II, II) within the
junior college level and in fact, athletic scholarships are available at the Division I
and II level of junior colleges. It is very important that all players investigate all
opportunities available to them; there is no reason to limit yourself during this
important part of your baseball career.
Things to remember when choosing a Junior College:
What division does the school play in?
History of program?
Number of games?
Percentage of players that move on to four-year schools?
Academics?
Housing?
Scholarships?
Facilities
Student-athletes can approach the college recruiting process in a number of ways based on their academic
and athletic standing as well as their interests and goals. Baseball Factory's Exclusive Program can help
players sort through the chaos and find the perfect path for them.
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