Tagged With "SS"
Topic
Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
2018 is seeking to play at top academic school. He's been the starting SS for club team, playing national events, and also the occasional and effective closer (1-2x per week - 2-3 innings). Solid line drive hitter as well... IF velo just hit 87; pitching coach thinks his FB velo will be 85 pretty quickly. We're thinking we should be promoting his SS/RHP two player capabilities. How do Ivy's view two players? Anybody with experience or points of view with this? Hoping to tap into the...
Topic
4 spots left on elite summer travel teams - DFW area
We have four remaining spots left on our summer teams. Nine or 10 tournaments, depending on team: 17U - Need one PO for an elite travel team 17U - Need one Infielder (SS, 2B, 3B) 16U - Need one PO for an elite 16U travel team 16U - Need one infielder OR outfielder for an elite 16U travel team If interested, contact 972-841-3744.
Topic
Four spots remaining on select 16U and 17U teams in DFW area
We have four remaining spots left on our summer teams. Eight or nine tournaments, depending on team: 17U - Need one PO for a travel team 17U - Need one Infielder (SS, 2B, 3B) 16U - Need one PO for an elite 16U travel team 16U - Need one infielder OR outfielder for an elite 16U travel team If interested, contact 972-841-3744.
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
FYI: This was one of the better threads on Ivy / Smart ball recruiting
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
Harvard's ace ( a junior) was a 2-way player who also DH'ed , 6 HRs and hit over .300 in regular season. He was player of the week in league this past week. He was listed as top MLB prospect pre-season in Ivy League. I can tell you when they played Yale, the interest (and radar guns) were out when he pitched, and not much attention to his ABs.
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
Gov- A couple of thoughts. On the one hand, the rosters in Ivy (in some) are smaller than the 35 you'll see at other D1s. Some pitchers (POs) will get ABs in the spring or in blowout games. Others who can hit, but were POs may DH (seen it) if there arm is injured. Schools will determine where the need is . It sounds like your 2018 is more of a SS (a position heavily recruited in Ivy due to its versatility) who can pitch. One Freshman at an Ivy this year was a pretty good hitter in high...
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
Thanks Ripken. Do you think my 2018 should sign up as both a position player and RHP at HF to show pitching capability? Or, sign up as MIF/SS, and maybe mention he can pitch (show video), and say he's able to help on the mound, promoting more flexibility?
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
Before you even get to the baseball part have you researched the Ivy academic requirements and is he truly IVY GPA, test scores, levels? Second it is unusual for a middle infielder to be recruited as a two way due to the demands placed on those positions. Schools will recruit for outstanding talent first. "getting to 85 pretty quickly" is not 85, it is what ever he is now. Granted he is a 2018 so he has development time, but even though they are high academic, IVY's are looking for power...
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
He has the academic chops... BOF, I think you've served up the key thing: "demands placed on positions" We'll focus on strong arm and good bat SS.
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
I know (have seen play) two, two way players in the Ivy leagues. One is now in the Cardinals bull pen; the other is steaming his way through the Yankee system. One played short; the other first. One's velo sat 90, the other sat 87 in college. Both were studs at the plate; average fielders. But, in the end your son has no real control of where he'll play. (a) if he's good enough (b) he'll play anywhere the coach wants. So, the goal is to get good - very good in something - anything really.
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
Along the lines of BOF 's comment, where is the real strength? His throw across the diamond for a 2018 is pretty good. I would probably sign up as MI (position that fills the quickest at HF camps) and then send video on pitching to schools you are in touch with. Again school's need will dictate much. In son's recruiting journey, he received interest as both MI and CF. In the end he was offered for a spot as an "athletic MI who could play the OF if needed." Good luck.
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
As far as signing up for HF - there were plenty of players there who pitched and played the field when we were there. I think it's possible for him to sign up as MIF and still get one or two innings each day. Esp day 2 - they are scrambling to fill innings. My 2016 signed up as PO, still did the batting cage part of the camp so he wasn't just standing around and somehow ended up starting MIF and batting in game 2 on the first day. The only thing he didn't participate in was the...
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
His strength is at SS, and already signed up as MIF for HF. I've tried to protect his arm by limiting time on the mound to a few innings per tournament. Wasn't until his velo picked up that this idea of marketing as a two player came up; another angle to generate more appeal. Just needed to air this out with the wisdom on the board, thank you.
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
Beyond all the advise that has been offered, there is more to it than just your son. A few years ago, I believe very few Ivy HCs believed in it and most not at all. From our 4 year experience in the "League" only Princeton had a consistent philosophy of allowing two-way players. 4 HCs within the Ivy have changed since my son hung up his cleats in 2014, so I think it is a fair question to ask the HC about his specific two-way philosophy. So, assuming you get through all the academic and...
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
My son was in a similar position when getting recruited. He was looking at some of the high academic D3s but not quite Ivy level. He has always been a MIF and a closer (although in HS, he played SS but did not pitch much despite hitting 88mph on the gun in his senior year), During the recruiting process, he always focused on explaining his tools and saying he was willing to play anywhere the team needed him but told the absolute truth about his desire to play MIF and pitch whenever the team...
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
I don't have Ivy experience, but I am the parent of a two-way player in high school. It's a lot of work to be good at both positions, and keep up with academics. My son is now a freshman at an elite academic D3 and he is hoping to NOT be a two-way player even though the coach has mentioned he might be used as a closer. He will do whatever is asked of him, but it will be very hard with his academic workload.
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
My 2017 has signed up as a two way C/RHP at all of the major camps and showcases and even into the Fall of his Senior year, it is still not clear where his greatest value is. Some coaches have focused on his catching and others like his pitching prospects because of his strong arm. Our experience has been to enroll his primary position as C (or in your case MIF) and then list Pitcher as the secondary. Every event he has been to, they have always allowed him to pitch at least one inning,...
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
I would focus on MIF. He should have soft hands and range, it appears he has a strong arm and I would also focus on speed development and high OBP. The most successful MIF's I saw in my son's college career were magic in the infield, and had a high OBP, plus speed. That is the profile you are trying to fit into. LHH helps also. My son was a two way in college and was recruited by IVY's, received one offer but decided to go to a baseball powerhouse high academic D3. He pitched and played in...
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
My 2012 was recruited and offered as a two way (SS / RHP) at 7 of the 8 Ivys and a lot of other places. He always showcased as a SS first, and secondarily as a RHP. But it was our expectation that the coaches would play him where they felt he best fit, i.e., offering the recruit as a two way player is not the same as committing to the player any position or any playing time once in college. My 2016 showcased as a SS and RHP too. However, he did not have the arm to ultimately pitch in college...
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
I really can't add much to the conversation, but college coaches are always looking for someone that can pitch well. If you can hit, you will be in the lineup. Do both, the coach basically gets a 2-for-1 guy. However, in college it is hard to pull it off well with double the practice time. Your goal is to get on the field, so many decide to be pitcher only or position only. (as much as I hate to admit it).... My favorite 2-way guy to watch right now is Adam Haseley at UVA. Played/started...
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
Yale once had a SS/RHP 2-way player who turned out to be pretty good.
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
I would think with a current Velo of low 80s the chances are better as a Position Player. maybe in a weak Team he could also serve as an innings eater emergency reliever and you could mention that to the Coach but likely at this Point he is a Position Player. most two way Players are guys who throw really hard (but maybe have some control issues - because if you throw hard and have control you are a pitcher even if you can hit unless you can hit like babe ruth ).
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
As was already mentioned , w/ HS pitcher recruiting at the D1 level it starts with velocity numbers . Basically, the magic number is 85 on the left side. 88 on the right side. That's during the recruiting process. Which means if your son is a righty Junior he needs to be at 88 mph on the gun in High School. Period. And the ivy league is no different. Also, the Ivy is it's own specialized unique maze of recruiting rules and timelines and it is EXTREMELY difficult to actually land a roster...
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
I like what you've said, pretty much applying the BS meter to the recruiting process with son and parent. 2018 will stay focused on his primary position, while continuing to hone craft, speed and strength. Son took the ACT for the first time the past Saturday, that will provide another data point to see where he's at...
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
STRAINEDOBLIQUE said it "exactly" like it is, also based on personal experience. Ivy's are also looking for 90+ pitchers. Just because the schools are academic doesn't mean that they just want smart kids, they want kids that can play and then pass through admissions and you will known when they want your kid, like STRAINED said.
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
The high academic D3's appear to operate exactly the same way as the Ivy's. My 2017's interest from a couple of the elite schools played out exactly the same way with a request from the HC for a copy of the transcripts and test results to "run by" the admissions office. One of them told him that they could not get a "yes" from that pre-read but could get a likely "no chance." And sure enough, he has not heard back from that coach, so he knows the answer on that one. The other one said go...
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
Backstop, thanks for the Intel... I wasn't thinking 2018 had to take both the SAT & ACT... Probably makes sense to figure out which test is a better fit... 30 years ago the SAT was the only test accepted for the high academics, now ACT seems to be the standard. Good luck to your son.
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
Gov: I am thinking since your son has time, he should take both the SAT and the ACT. It definitely seems ACT has been the more recognized, but SAT just revised their test to be more like the ACT. If he is striving for the high academics, having excellent scores on both tests cannot hurt and may actually help if he is right on the border. We are also finding some of the schools also value the SAT subject tests, particularly if he is thinking of a STEM major. As we have been told, the subject...
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
Good stuff... Even if you have just the ACT, for some of the high academics don't you have to take two SAT Subject Tests? Others here likely know, have to look that up... Think son is leaning on the financial-economics track...
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
No matter how many times I read posts like Strained's and the ones that follow, I still need to read them again. Kid is hoping for something and any shred of response from THE DESIRED OBJECTIVE fans the flame. If there's tepid response, need to accept that the fire isn't there, and the matches are wet. My 2017 has had exactly the same experience with the Div 3's he's interested in. Some have faded away, a few have pre read his transcript and scores, and have greenlighted his admission. The...
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
One thing to remember is that a coach may send 20 pre-reads to admissions of potential recruits. The number of recruits for an Ivy for example may be 7 or 8, and the coaches already have on their board the prospects ranked. Lets say that all 20 come in with satisfactory pre-reads that means that the coach has 20 options and they will go according to their board rankings, so if the 7/8 top recruits decide to go to that school, the remainder recruits are out of luck. That is why regardless,...
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
Gov- The Ivies (aside from the baseball side) rely heavily on the rigor of the transcript (give a strong look at APs) and the AP test scores, coupled with board SAT/ACT scores. While SAT subject tests no longer "appear to be "required" of the Ivies, they are strongly recommended (from a link I read that came out this summer). I think my son took 4. Georgetown, another non-Ivy high academic used to require three tests, though they have pared that back. Most will accept either the SAT or ACT.
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
This is one tough thing to find out. A policy analysis professor of mine used to say, "Don't ask the question, if you can't stand the answer." RipkenFan Son at times wanted to think he was in the "mix" at several schools and thought such questions may bother RCs; he was hesitant. Schools often keep a large enough pool, so they may not want to eliminate candidates early; or feel there is "still time" to find better.
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
Ripken you are absolutely right, it is a tough question to ask, and what you really want to hear from the beginning is that your name is the one with three starts next to it; if you are in the 7/8 top main list they will let you know, otherwise, assume that you are not. One sign that may be recognizable as good is how often and firm they ask about you and other schools and if you are going to visit them. The feeling is in how they continue after they say 'we sent your papers to admissions...
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
Sometimes it's easy. 2017 did one visit where a whiteboard was visible in HC's office, and we could see where his name was positioned. But I guess allowing a player to see that could be deliberate.
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
4Bases with numbers above, 7/8, the road is is definitely tougher for a position player. Typical recruiting class: 4 pitchers, OF, MI and either Corner Infielder with pop who can throw a couple of innings or C. Schools which have a higher number of recruits will increase the P, power hitters, and take a C each class.
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
Just to comment and add our experience and 2 cents FWIW... - I believe Georgetown still STRONGLY recommends 3 SAT subject tests so not sure anything has been pared back. - The Academic Index at the Ivies weights test scores more than GPA since schools and grades are so varied across our great nation. - Most of the Ivies have 7 admission slots this year, with at least 1 having only 5. Those are the guys getting admissions support and likely letters. I do not agree with the above positional...
Reply
Re: Recruitable as Two Way Player for Ivy ???
Backstop22 really laid out the game plan about 2018's seeking a fit in academic ball. It's all about TESTING. Prepping , Tests, re-tests and for parents terribly expensive tutors. Also, I just sort of want to follow up my original post by saying. I'm reluctant at times to post about the realities of recruiting because I feel like I'm the 'grim reaper' . The reality of how offers come about and how schools recruit are cold and harsh. But it's the truth based on my experience. I also believe...