(Photo credit: The Daily Sentinel – Grand Junction, CO) JuCo power, Iowa Western Community College, hoists the 2014 Junior College World Series trophy. These schools are preparing players for the next level and beyond.

Over the past several years, we have seen a rise in the number of players and their families considering a two-year college out of high school. Lots of factors play into the decision including cost, academics, location and the school’s baseball program.

In many cases, a two-year school is an opportunity for a young student-athlete to play right away on the field, while offering a great environment to get adjusted to college life and academics off the field.

“I think many players with professional aspirations like that two-year colleges expand their opportunities significantly by giving them five opportunities to get drafted: high school, two years of junior college, and potentially two years at a four-year school,” said Bryan Lewallyn, Head Coach at Pensacola State College, a member of Florida’s powerhouse Panhandle Conference.

Lewallyn added that “With most junior colleges having 18-to-24 full scholarships, as opposed to the maximum of 11.7 at Division I four-year colleges, it presents families with a really attractive financial option as well.”

The student-athletes who attend a junior college leave as better players who are well prepared for a four-year school, or to begin a professional baseball career. In fact, of the 50 total players on the active rosters for the Cubs and Indians in the World Series, 10 of them attended a two-year school. Seven of the ten were drafted and signed directly out of junior college while the other three moved on to a four-year school before beginning their professional careers.

While Division I Baseball is outstanding, these guys prove that there are other paths out of high school that lead to the Major Leagues, and to the World Series as well.

Cleveland Indians:

Lonnie Chisenhall – Pitt Community College (2008)

Mike Clevinger – Seminole State College (2011)

Coco Crisp – Los Angeles Pierce College (1999)

Rajai Davis – University of Connecticut-Avery Point (1999-2001)

Ryan Merritt – McLennan Community College (2011)

Roberto Perez – Florida Gateway College (2006-2008)

Chicago Cubs:

Cody Allen – St. Petersburg College (2010) signed out of High Point in 2011

Jake Arrieta – Weatherford College (2005) signed out of TCU in 2007

John Lackey – Grayson County College (1999)

Josh Tomlin – Angelina College (2004-2005) signed out of Texas Tech in 2006

World Series Rosters by the Numbers:

20 – Drafted and signed out of 4-year colleges

13 – Drafted and signed out of HS

7 – Drafted and signed out of 2-year colleges

5 – Free Agents signed out of the Dominican Republic

3 – Free Agents signed out of Venezuela

2 – Free Agents signed out of Cuba