Waiver Hypothetical

So I am a baseball player who has already accepted my appointment to the Academy. If I were to get hurt (knock on wood) later in the season, would it still be possible to gain a waiver in time if I could make it back to being healthy before I-day? With the appointment now accepted and being so close to my dream realized, the nerves are beginning to set in . I know the easy answer is just to quit baseball but as a four year player on the team, I have always felt that if I abandon my high school team when I have my greatest chance to lead them, then why should I be entrusted with the honor of attending a service academy and becoming a leader in our great country's military.

Yes, if something minor and can recover yes they could waive. Remember a sprained ankle isn't the end of the world, heck if it was minor is it worth reporting? Probably not. If it required a month of crutches and massive rehab, different story.

I am one of those that believes to play the sport. If you love the sport play. For many it's the last chance to play that sport in a competitive nature. Honestly if you get hurt, the chances are extremely high you will get an LOA for the following class, go home, take a plebe schedule and report the next year. Just go have fun, play to play, play to lead, play to be with your buddies, play to win. Remember you could get hurt crossing the street, you can't protect against everything.

Naval Architect Wannabe said:

So I am a baseball player who has already accepted my appointment to the Academy. If I were to get hurt (knock on wood) later in the season, would it still be possible to gain a waiver in time if I could make it back to being healthy before I-day? With the appointment now accepted and being so close to my dream realized, the nerves are beginning to set in . I know the easy answer is just to quit baseball but as a four year player on the team, I have always felt that if I abandon my high school team when I have my greatest chance to lead them, then why should I be entrusted with the honor of attending a service academy and becoming a leader in our great country's military.

Click to expand...

It's a tough call, isn't it?! My kiddo is playing tennis this year instead of soccer. He has played soccer his whole life. We decided soccer was just too risky. So tennis keeps him involved, but HOPEFULLY in a less dangerous sport.

Architect, your analogy seems to make sense, and by no means I am telling you you should abandon your team. However, you could also easily tell yourself you have a higher calling to make sure you are healthy and able to fufill your appointment this year and lead your classmates/teammates at the academy, and Sailors and Marines after you graduate. That is pretty honorable in itself as well, and your teammates today cannot do it for you if you are injuried. Does it make sense?

Have you thought about sitting down and discussing with your coach?

What is the risk of having a serious injury occur in baseball? I am not a baseball player...but seems most of the injuries aren't extremely serious -- broken legs, fractures, etc. (pitchers might be more susceptible...closer to the plate, rotator cup issues, etc.). I personally think that pulling out of baseball is giving up on your team. If you are a true teammate...you are "all in"...to steal a quote from Navy football. One important trait of a leader is putting themselves last...not first. There is a risk that something bad could happen....but isn't that true in all aspects of life? It's possible tomorrow to get in a car accident (hopefully not, of course!)...but the point is you can't be completely risk averse, but at the same time, you shouldn't be too risky! ***emphasis added in conjunction with NavyHoops' post***

Maybe just don't slide into home...too hard

Thanks for all of the replies. I'm still going to be with the team, and then just hope nothing happens.