I continue to see and hear both high school baseball players and their parents have an "I've got to play (NCAA) Division I baseball" mentality. At the same time I see these players end up extremely unhappy because Division I baseball, wasn't right for them.

When Junior College (JUCO) might be the better choice for you:

1. You are not a great student in high school. Many 2.5-3.0 GPA high school students find the transition to a junior college is much easier.

2. You are a drafted player who wasn't drafted high enough to sign, but would like to play professional baseball (possibly a draft-and-follow). The junior college route allows the added flexibility of either signing or being re-drafted after both the freshman and sophomore seasons.

3. You are a potential draft pick, not drafted out of high school who wants the additional two years of draft eligibility. This can allow you to continue to work certain aspects of your game that may need improvement.

4. You have a dream of playing at a Texas, a Clemson or an Arizona State, but your only offers are from lessor Division I schools. By going to a junior college and proving yourself you may get the opportunity at the college or university you really wanted to play at.

The one thing that both the player and the parent needs to understand is that after two years playing baseball at a junior college when you transfer to a Division I baseball college the final degree you receive says