Keilitz said the letter is valid for two years after it is signed, starting with the player's senior year in high school. Still, it is unclear whether a team must honor its scholarship commitment to a former pro player once he has decided to enroll in college. After trying his best to answer question after question, Keilitz asked his audience of more than 300 baseball coaches for a show of hands supporting the measure. Not a single arm went up. My feeling is the numbers of professionals coming back to college won't be as great as some would believe.
Many coaches see a nightmare recruiting scenario developing if legislation passes.
One Florida coach said he's going to start planning his summer vacations around the New York-Penn League schedule so he can recruit players. If you're a first-rounder, and you are bought out of your education, that's one thing. According to Gillespie, the plan will impact those players colleges covet most. I can envision the pro club cooperating to give these kids their release, and I can see kids thinking that signing pro is a chance to get some free money. Keilitz instructed coaches attending the convention to urge their athletic directors and conference officials not to support the legislation.