The Baseball Observer May 2015 vol 3 | Page 25

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