Players and Parents: What you ACTUALLY and
REALISTICALLY need to know if you want to play
baseball in college.
Staff
Every high school player wants to play DI baseball. They feel it’s the pinnacle of
college baseball. Well not necessarily.
The toughest thing is to seriously analyze your current abilities and
unfortunately your physical size plays a part too. Disclaimer: EDUCATION
comes first. Such a very small number of players ever make it to professional
baseball (even the minors) that education and what the college will do for you
after you graduate takes front seat. Then look baseball.
First: You’ve seen this stat before but – only 10% of ALL high school baseball
players nationwide ever go on to play for any level of college baseball (DI, DII,
DIII, NAIA, JUCO, CCCAA and NWAC).
Secondly: Showcases* are designed to provide players
with the opportunity to display their natural born talents of
throwing and running. Some also provide an opportunity to
hit and field. But primarily, they are designed to show
coaches kids who are really fast or throw really hard. To
define that for you here are some minimum general
guidelines that D1 coaches are looking for:
*6’1” or taller
*Right Handed Pitchers: 87+ mph consistently and accurately
*Left Handed Pitchers: 85+ mph and/or the ability to really spin the curve
*Middle Infielders: 7.0 or less 60 Yard Dashes (Some schools will accept a little
higher especially if you can really hit)
*Centerfielders: 6.6-6.8 60 yard dashes
*Corner Outfielders 6.8-7.2 60 yard dashes (and if you are a 7.2 you better
really swing the bat & strong arm)
*Corner Infielders 6.8-7.2 for 3rd; First basemen rarely matter but you better
really be able to swing the bat.
*Catchers: Consistent 2.0 pop time; running speed not a huge issue but still
considered.
*Outfielders 85 mph throw from the outfield, with long loose arm.
*Infielders 83mph throw across the diamond, plus infield actions and arm slot.
Third: Different levels of coaches (DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, JUCO, CCCAA & NWAC)
may vary their list a little (see above*) but not initially, especially those very
successful programs. As time goes on and the top talent players get taken by DI
and JUCO, CCCAA & NWAC (yes two year schools get the first or next most