Expert: Rick Bundy - 6/13/2010

Question
I'm going to a school that only offers club ball. I was curious about if I was to play club ball, could I transfer to a school that offers it the non-club level and play there?

Answer
Evan:  Thank you for your question.

You can certainly transfer schools and play, dependent on what actual eligibility you have remaining.  I don't believe your club time effects your intercollegiate time; but enrollment in college does.

Once you enroll as a full time student, the eligibility clock starts ticking on the consecutive number of semesters, or years you have to complete that eligibility.

I believe how it is structured depends on the level of the program, D-1 or 2 or 3, NAIA.

If this is something you have decided to do, you should decide on the school you want to transfer to, then  contact the baseball coach there and ask how your situation fits into the Eligibility Rules at their level.  They work in this area on a daily basis and can provide you with the most up to date information.

There are so many baseball programs and levels out there, finding a place to play shouldn't be difficult.  The other portion of the decision is to match up your educational goals and needs to what the institution can provide.

This to shouldn't be too hard to accomplish, but matching those needs does take some research.

Since you are wondering about your ability to do this, I assume that making use of your college eligibility is something that you wish to take advantage of.  I would highly recommend that you do so.  Once it is gone, you can never get it back.  I have always told my high school players, you will always get more out of baseball than you put into it.

Good luck as you move forward.  If you haven't started already, start now.  The process can take some time to get yourself into the right situation for you, educationally and athletically.

Yours in baseball,

Rick