When you look at this picture, what do you see ? I mean actually study it and think about all that it took to get to this point in his life. This young man is Will Bednar, younger brother of David Bednar, All Star Closer for The Pittsburgh Pirates. Will pitched for us at Mars HS, outside Pittsburgh. He had a stellar HS career, not all went right. After signing with Mississippi State after his junior year in which he was so so Dominant. Will in his 1st start senior year in Myrtle Beach came of the mound in the 2nd inning with tears in his eyes. I walking out to talk and meet him saw this and knew there was a physical problem, later diagnosed as a partially torn labrum. He missed his senior year entirely. His immediate mindset went to his team and our goal of winning the state championship. He thought about his future with Mississippi State andif everything was going to be okay. Most of all he thought of his future as a kid was was looking to get drafted out of high scholl to live his dream and joining his brother in MLB. Tons of conversations took place and knowing this young man it was time to rest and rehabilitate, then time to get to work to build everything back up. Now I have coached and had some very very good pitchers in my coaching and recruiting career. David Pyc, a lefty I had at the University of Charleston was gifted and had made it to AAA in the Doders organization and a few others had the skill set to play in the minors also, but this young man was probably the most complete pitcher I ever coached. Skill, Size, Strength, Work Ethic, Leadership and the most competitive guy I ever had take the mound for me. As you can see his career moved on and he was outstanding. Star at Mississippi State leading them to the College World Series Title and being the MVP taking out Vanderbilt and Texas along the way. Next, being the 14th pick in the 1st round by the San Francisco Giants. This guy made sure that along the way every box was puched as far as his college recruiting, game plan for skills and performance, setting up his Junior year to be drafted. I love this young man with all my heart and have so much respect for him and his way of going about everything. He was and still is one of the best young men I have had on and off the field. But he made sure all his boxes were checked along the way.
Fitting that on today, the 1st day that players can commit to their college destinations, how many of these young men and ladies have all of their boxes checked. My wish and hope is that all of them have done their due diligence and asked every question and gotten every answer that they desire. I have been around sports as a professional coach, college coach, high school, elite travel, national and also as a collegiate girls head softball coach. I have seen kids do it right and get it wrong. But with how recruiting today is and the emergence of The Transfer Portal as a main source of the recruiting game, kids have to make sure that they cover all bases and check all boxes before fully committing themselves to a school and program.
I hear and know the stories from the thousands of athlets in sports that follow me and I follow them. The stories of things not being the same as were laid out when I was signing. I did not know I would be red shirted or have to beat out an All Conference player for his position. I thought that since I was signing that it meant I was going to play and be a part of the team right away. The stories can go on and on.
As one of and I think the most comprehensive and unique Recruiting Consultants to many many kids in different sports across the nation and also internationally. I always look to do the recruiting process to "Right Fit" schools checking off all of the boxes along the way. I know that there are hopes and dreams and eveyone looks to be a Will Bednar pictured above and have the opportunity to do everything he has accomplished so far. In essence we have to realize that 5.4% of all HS players playing baseball will have the opportunity to play at the NCAA, JUCO, NAIA and USCAA levels.
At www.totalsportsrecruiting.com we set you up to check all the boxes on your road through the Collegiate Athletic Recruiting Process. We consult, educate, guide, while promoting and marketing you to "Right Fit" schools that fit you academically, athletically and socially. All 3 of these boxes must be checked to ensure thatyou will be happy with your college experience. We educate and guide you on asking the meaningful questions about the college's game plan they have for you when they are offering.
If you have a young man or lady who is looking to play at the collegiate level, please get in touch with me for a free consultation/honest evaluation of what we think is here and now skills plus projectibles. All of my contact information is on our website.
Congratulations to all the young men and women who officially can sign today. I wish you a successful and fulfilling college career and being set up for a career the rest of your life.
Comments