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36 replies

am i a divison 1 prospect?

B Baseball5070Member
I know this is a hard questions to answer just from reading what i have to say about myself, but i have had a little frusteration with the recruiting process. But i am a 6'6 senior, i turned 17 in september so i am young for my grade. I have a fastball that sits about 84-86, and ive been up to 88 before. I have a real good change up and a decent slider. My gpa is above 4.0 with a 1700 sat score. I didnt pitch more than 20 innings this hs season due to injury and sat out most of the summer for the same reason. HOwever ever since the first day of my junior year i got letters from many different division 1 schools, and a couple random division 3 schools. However the reason i am curious is because i have had different coaches tell me they are interested in me they will see me pitch i do well and they say they are following me. But my question is because right now i cant throw 90 do division coaches walk away from me?...or since i have size and am young and am "projectable" does that help me out?...everywhere i pitch whether it be scout ball or showcases there a radar guns therefore im starting to wonder if velocity is really all that matters to colleges and not a pitcher who can already pitch and has potential. But once again i know its hard to deduct an answer but any opionions/responses would be nice. Thank you.
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T tcw_1710+ posts
It depends really on what you want out of the college experience. You sound pretty much identical to me as a pitcher so let me see if I can help. At a d1 school, if you get an offer, you likely will be similar to all of the other pitchers. It'll be tough to earn playing time, but if you can play, you can play. At a d3 school, you would be one of the harder throwers on the staff right away. Simply based on numbers, you could be a weekend starter your freshman year. I had a similar issue with the way I was being recruited given that I didn't throw 90 but felt that I could pitch my tail off, people will say that being able to pitch is a large part of the equation, but many coaches look at the radar gun with much more interest.

I was never formally given a d1 offer, but was given preferred walk on spots. I was also heavily recruited by d3 schools and some area JC's. In the end, I decided to go where I was truly wanted, and could play ASAP. I still have the goal of playing professional baseball and feel that if I can play, they will find me.

If I were to give any advice, it would be not to get caught up in the name of the school and to focus more instead on your relationship that you have with the coach and whether or not you will be able to earn playing time.

Hope this was helpful
BumBum1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Baseball5070:
therefore im starting to wonder if velocity is really all that matters to colleges and not a pitcher who can already pitch and has potential.


Just the opposite, Baseball5070. BTW, Welcome Aboard HSBBW!

College coaches want polished pitchers who can help them now. Velocity is very important to them, yes, but so is hitting your spots, your movement, and your offspeed stuff. D1 velocity for RHP's is minimum 86+ but they want 88+. For LHP's, those numbers are 84+ to 86+. The top schools may demand even higher velocities.

Pro scouts want to see the velocity first. Projection is the second most important factor to them. For RHP's you need to be 90+ to attract serious pro interest, 88+ for LHP's.

Try to do a few college camps or the PG Uncommitted showcase. You may be D1 material if you are polished with good mechanics, or you may not be.. it's hard to say since I've never seen you pitch. I'm suspecting a lot of college coaches haven't, either, which is why you need to get your name out there. If you go to a few camps and a showcase you will see how you stack up against other guys they're looking at. Good luck.
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
quote:
Originally posted by Baseball5070:
I know this is a hard questions to answer just from reading what i have to say about myself, but i have had a little frusteration with the recruiting process. But i am a 6'6 senior, i turned 17 in september so i am young for my grade. I have a fastball that sits about 84-86, and ive been up to 88 before. I have a real good change up and a decent slider. My gpa is above 4.0 with a 1700 sat score. I didnt pitch more than 20 innings this hs season due to injury and sat out most of the summer for the same reason. HOwever ever since the first day of my junior year i got letters from many different division 1 schools, and a couple random division 3 schools. However the reason i am curious is because i have had different coaches tell me they are interested in me they will see me pitch i do well and they say they are following me. But my question is because right now i cant throw 90 do division coaches walk away from me?...or since i have size and am young and am "projectable" does that help me out?...everywhere i pitch whether it be scout ball or showcases there a radar guns therefore im starting to wonder if velocity is really all that matters to colleges and not a pitcher who can already pitch and has potential. But once again i know its hard to deduct an answer but any opionions/responses would be nice. Thank you.

My estimation from your writings is that you are a D1 prospect and also perhaps a pro prospect. You have physical attributes that cannot be taught.

Based on your self-assessment, I think a poor strategy for you would be to sit around and wait for the phone to ring. It might not and you could get left out in the cold.

Here is what I would do:

Research every school that has ever contacted you or sent you a letter.

Prioritize the list of schools from worst to first based on what you like about the baseball program and the academic setting.

Start contacting all the coaches who are at schools that your research showed might be a good fit.

Give them a call and listen to what they say.

They'll take your call and you'll find out exactly what they think you'll need to be a D1 prospect. Good luck Smile

PS - hope observer44 sees this thread. His sons are your size and from California. I think he would have some very good advice for you.
Last edited by ClevelandDad
B BobbleheadDoll5,000+ posts
When I hear a player ask if he is D1 material I wonder if he believes in himself. I also wonder what competition he has faced.
To me part of playing ball before college is about development and that includes know who you are and what you can do.
A D1 player is a guy who can't wait to face the best competition. Who cares how hard you throw ? If a coach wants just guys who throw 90 + you don't want to go there. You will sit. My son threw 78-82 and had some top programs talking to us.
You are the one who has to answer your question. You obviously have size and marks as well as reasonable velocity.
Last edited by BobbleheadDoll
B Baseball5070Member
thank you all!...bob williams i live in socal actaully. like bobbleheaddoll said about competition, im playing scoutball here in socal and went to the fall classic and am always competeing against better players, and been doing well. the only reason i question myself of d1 material is because i am a little frusterated nothing has happened yet (offer wise), after proving myself multiple time to various coaches however like i said im only throwing about 85, but i clearly showing i can pitch from results. But my best guess is that they see i did not play much my junior year and would like to see how i return this year, which doesn't bother me but i think i am caught up in wanting to sign early which i realize is a luxury to do. once again thank you for all your help, its really helping me out.
CPLZCPLZ1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Baseball5070:
but i think i am caught up in wanting to sign early which i realize is a luxury to do.


You probably are. My son didn't sign early but did wind up committing over the winter before his season. I understand the frustration you feel, but not to worry, everyone wants pitchers. Follow ClevelandDads advice and get pro-active. Show some interest in some schools an you'll probably have that interest returned by them.

Best of luck
B BobbleheadDoll5,000+ posts
OS if you are referring to my questions they are questions and not judjemental.
The young man has answered the questions well. He probably needs to be patient, not give up hope and be proactive. Great ball players can slip through the cracks but I think he may be over thinking the problem. It can be frustarating if your expectations are high and not being met.
Last edited by BobbleheadDoll
B brod100+ posts
Baseball5070;

You want advice, so here it is. At 6'6" you will always get a look. A RHP at 85-86 is not a scholarship D1 player, unless you have a tremendous high school record, spectacular summer team results, and a winning record against other potential D1 players (none of which you mentioned). That is why you have not signed early. But, you have good grades. That is a huge plus and opens many doors.

I am most concerned about your "injury." What was it? Will you recover? I don't blame coaches for backing off.

I like tcw_17's advice. Think about what you really want, but choose where you know you will play. Sure someone might put you on there D1 team (especially in the Spring after they determine their needs for next year and a schollie opens up), but the question is, will you play? There are wonderful schools and very good teams at other levels. Think long-term. It isn't a race to get to 90 mph by 17 (although I know it seems like it), instead it's about development and playing time, and ultimately, about finding the school that is the right "fit" socially, academically, athletically, and financially. You will fill in, and always be throwing on that downward plane coaches like so much.

Go ahead and write your letters extolling your virtues to coaches. But be mindful of your long-term goals.
Dad04Dad045,000+ posts
quote:
A RHP at 85-86 is not a scholarship D1 player.



We'll just agree to disagree. I have seen numerous D1 scholaraship players cruise way below 90 successfully. That is a flat misstatement of fact. The urban myth is that D1 pitchers are all > 90 MPH, which is not true. 90+ is actually the exception to the rule at most levels below high A or AA. Talent levels overlap alot in college. Velocity by itself will get noticed, but can't keep you on the field long term. (see Jason Neighborgall)
Last edited by Dad04
Dad04Dad045,000+ posts
I've seen 86-88+ guys "take a little off" all day long and carve up team, after team, after team, nibbling, changing speeds, then empty the tank late in the game, just for fun. The David Prices and Jon Papplebons are the rare birds in capitivity. The bread and butter college guys are below 90. The smart ones know they are college pitchers and leverage their education and contacts for life after college.

The new roster limits put a premium on grades. 6-6 + 1700 SAT + 85-86 = 1 nice college career, at the very least.
Last edited by Dad04
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
You have not been signed because you stated yourself that you had an injury and not productive dutring your junior year, which some feel is the most important year for those looking to sign D1.

I also agree that you appear to have all the attributes needed to be a Div 1 prospect, but you have to make it your business to be seen by teh right college coaches, they will not come looking for you.

Remember different D1 coaches want different things, so make sure you target where there would be interest. For the top tier D1 schools, high 80's over 90 is preferred, mid to low level programs you sound like you would have no problem, so maybe what you want is not what they want. Where are the coaches from that have seen you?

Attributes alone aren't always what a D1 coach wants. What he wants is someone who can throw strikes and get players out, it's really a no brainer.
G gimages100+ posts
BB5070

Here is an email my son recieved today. Check out the statement that they are looking for quality pitching. Thought the coach was upstanding for laying his cards on the table about his needs and not just going for the money. This is a southern California college. Send the coach an email you never know when a door will open. Good luck.

Dear Parents and Prospects,

We would like to invite you to our upcoming Holiday High School Camp for November 22-23rd. With the current state of our economy, it is important to make calculated decisions. Our needs are very specific for the upcoming years. For the 2009 recruiting class, we are looking for 2 – 3 quality pitchers, 2 quality outfielders, and a catcher. For the 2010 – 2011 recruiting class, middle infielders, and outfielders are a top priority. We would like to provide a great baseball experience that will benefit the aspiring player and strengthen our program for the years to come.

I have attached a word document with a registration form and information regarding our camp. Please complete and return ASAP as spots are filling fast! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email at Thomas.myers@athletics.ucsb.edu.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Best regards,

Tom Myers
Recruiting Coordinator
UCSB Baseball
APC President
805-893-2021
Last edited by gimages
BW Bob Williams500+ posts
Baseball 5070:

Tom Meyers UCSB is a very good coach and a great human person. He was one of our instructors at UCSB with Don Slaught and Dave LaRoche in our Area Code 5 day baseball school 7 years ago.

The year, we had Carl Crawford at our Texas Rangers 5 day camp and Area Code team tryout at TCU. There was a 6'5" LHP which I wanted on the AC Ranger team, however the pro scout managing the team declined. He was throwing 85 mph. Nine months later he improves as a senior in a Houston HS to 93 mph and is a "First Round" selection by Montreal Expos.

With pitchers and power hitters, no one person can predict.

Yesterday at Sonoma State [World Series Division 2], I noticed that 54 pitchers were trying to make the team. Maybe 20 will be selected.

Bob Williams
RJMRJMHSBaseballWeb member since 2007
quote:
Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:
Totaly agree 04. I have seen lots of mid 80s RHP guys in D1 and lower. I am not sure why people keep perpetuating this myth.
I asked a Phillies scout at an Atlantic Ten (mid major D1) game the average velocity of an A10 pitcher. He said 85/86.
H HitaHomer1100+ posts
Keep working hard. My son's junior year was his worst year. He had several DIs just like you that were not willing to commit early but said they would follow him. He ended up going with a mid DI - also could have played for one of the best DIIs in the country or a top 20 JUCO. Just keep getting that arm stronger AND become pro-active. Call, e-mail etc. You may have to be patient and wait until spring, but I there is still MUCH hope!!
B BobbleheadDoll5,000+ posts
In life it is important to not let the myths limit your potential.
Shoot for several levels of schools. We talked to several D1 through JC colleges. I guess we were not burdened by the hype that surrounds recruiting.
Look at Jupiter. There are lots of successful pitchers throwing 85mph. Yes they make a big fuss over the 90+ guys but there are lots of mid 80 guys in college. There are even some in MLB.
shortstopmomshortstopmom1,000+ posts
Baseball5070,
I agree with HitaHomer:
quote:
become pro-active. Call, e-mail etc.


Continue to kick in those doors! Don't wait for the colleges to come to you. Take your baseball future by the bullhorns and start contacting coaches. Go back to page one,..and call, email, etc. Cast a wide net ( not just DI ) and continue to believe in yourself. This recruiting process can get frustrating. Take that frustrated energy and turn it into a positive! Don't hope your dreams come true. Make your dreams come true.

The very best of luck. Let us know how things are going!!
H Homerun041,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by gimages:
BB5070

Here is an email my son recieved today. Check out the statement that they are looking for quality pitching. Thought the coach was upstanding for laying his cards on the table about his needs and not just going for the money. This is a southern California college. Send the coach an email you never know when a door will open. Good luck.

Dear Parents and Prospects,

We would like to invite you to our upcoming Holiday High School Camp for November 22-23rd. With the current state of our economy, it is important to make calculated decisions. Our needs are very specific for the upcoming years. For the 2009 recruiting class, we are looking for 2 – 3 quality pitchers, 2 quality outfielders, and a catcher. For the 2010 – 2011 recruiting class, middle infielders, and outfielders are a top priority. We would like to provide a great baseball experience that will benefit the aspiring player and strengthen our program for the years to come.

I have attached a word document with a registration form and information regarding our camp. Please complete and return ASAP as spots are filling fast! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email at Thomas.myers@athletics.ucsb.edu.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Best regards,

Tom Myers
Recruiting Coordinator
UCSB Baseball
APC President
805-893-2021


Not to pick on this program, but what is interesting on the timing is that the camp is after early signing for the 2009 recruiting class, the coach indicates what they are looking for in the 2009 class but I would think most D1 programs would have already determined who their recruits would be and have already nailed them down for the early Nov signing period, they could be looking for possible back ups but they could not sign them until April 2009, but I would think they would be more focused on the 2010 recruiting class if they are truly using this as a recruiting tool. JMHO
H Homerun041,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:
This isn't true. Most teams have lots of money left and positions still available. The magority of players are signed after early signing period.


You may be right, other than the fact that one of the largest recruiting events on the West Coast just occurred in AZ, just before the early signing period where schools that are looking for last minute prospects for 2009 and solidify the 2009 offerings and to build pipeline of 2010.

The school is in a pretty tough conference which recruits some of the top players from California and in the same area as two other very strong conferences (Pac 10 and WCC) and a third conference (WAC) which has the CWS champs in it, you may be correct in the fact that they would wait to recruit players after all the other top schools in California recruit and sign their players.

Short of that, they also don't indicate that they have already have verbal commitments from several players already to sign in between now and when the camp starts and they may very be no recruits that they are looking for when the actual camp kicks off.
H Homerun041,000+ posts
Baseball5070, you are in a tough but not impossible place in your recruiting cycle, you need to be very proactive in making it known to the schools that you are interested in them and to have them follow you and take another look at you as you get back into it after your injury.

I think there are D1 programs that will be glad to recruit you but they may not be the top schools and they also may not be the schools that had been looking at you due to your injury, so you will need to do more homework and may need to expand your search to other schools if you are primarily focused on D1 in California.

You may want to take the JC route that has a good pitching coach if you don’t establish yourself coming out of the spring season, which not a bad route given that you are young for your class.

Good Luck and don't stress the process, enjoy the ride!
B BobbleheadDoll5,000+ posts
I've never been hung up on top school ,top conference thing. If your goal is to get drafted or sign a MLB contract they sign players from all colleges and all conferences. In fact you may have a better chance at a school and conference where you might stand out. My opinion is that is is tough in any conference and any college.
I can name you colleges that you may not have considered top school top conference who draft players .
My advice is be proactive and look for a college that you will enjoy and get a shot at playing. We didn't go to showcases and we didn't sign until a couple weeks before college started. It was a bit of a panic getting the paper work done but we did it. There was lots of money. There were a few that had run out of money but we had been talking to them for a few months. They had never even seen my son play other than video.
Make sure the competition is good and the location is great. There is more to college than BB.
Last edited by BobbleheadDoll
PU Pop Up Hitter dad1,000+ posts
Baseball5070, tcw_17's advice is good, he has a very good understanding of how he intends to get to the next level. Don't get mislead by all the hype that if you don't go D1 somehow you're not as good a player.

I'll tell you what I think of D1 programs, and many on this thread will disagree. They string along too many kids, over recruit, and they can cherry pick from many good students, there is no way you can really determine where you stand. It all boils down to supply and demand, they have the supply, you and others are the demand. Who do you think has the upper hand?

I would open up your horizons to all types of schools and it may still happen for you. You may already be doing this I hope.

Pop ups quote of the day; "Sometimes the more one wants something, the harder it is to find it" .

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