By Ethan Guevin
In the first part of this 4-part series on junior/community college baseball, we talked about some of the myths about playing baseball at community college including Myth #2 You will make the team and play a lot right away if you go to a community college. Don’t underestimate the players that might be on the field at your local community college. While it is possible that the coach takes nearly everyone who comes out, there are other community colleges that boast as many former players in the major leagues as a top D1 program. Don’t make assumptions. You need to put in the work to pick the right school and find the right fit no matter what level you choose.
Like all divisions of college baseball, the talent pool in junior/community college can be a mixed bag, with players and teams at all levels. Some community colleges, especially in warmer weather climates that allow year-round play like Florida, California, and Texas, consistently have players who are drafted each year. If you are looking at some of these programs, you need to take a look at the level of play, especially at your position, and make sure that you have the skill set that you need to be competitive for a roster spot.
On the other end of the spectrum, some junior/ community colleges are less competitive for roster spots, play in a lower division, or take all interested players. If playing time (or time to grow stronger and faster) is what you need, these teams might be good opportunities for you to prepare to transfer to a 4-year school.
Some junior colleges specialize in preparing students for particular careers or majors, such as pre-engineering. These schools may have baseball programs, but they might not be the best choice for someone who still hasn’t decided what to study. On the other hand, if you know what you want to study, finding one of these programs might be a perfect fit.
The most important advice we can give you as you consider community college baseball is to do your research! Just like with any other school, you need to familiarize yourself with the program, the division within the junior college ranks that the team competes in and the level of play. Be proactive in talking to coaches and find a school that fits your academic and athletic needs. With today’s technology it is easy to find resources and information about junior/community colleges in your area. Make sure you put in the work to find the program that will work best for you.
