Am I DI material?

If you are being contacted by "numerous D-1s", then wouldn't that mean that someone thinks you are D-1 material? There's no way to know exactly based on what you've posted. What kind of "contact" have you received? Is it general questionnaires, or are coaches personally talking to you? I don't know that one 2-inning outing at a single showcase is enough to go on.

Please keep an open mind, though. There are plenty of good "fits" at other levels. There are DII and NAIA programs that play as good a brand of ball as some D-1s. Also, you need to consider the school. Ask yourself, "if I didn't play ball, is this school the place I'd want to be?"

I haven't received any calls from D-1's, I just get the generic letters and questionnaires if that helps at all.

What year are you in high school?
That will make a difference on how a D-1 coach can contact you.

Senior.

Gametime24 your probably close. My son is in same situation. We get the same stuff. We went and talked to a friend that up on this. He helped several players and has a few go pro. His comments were that colleges now just want you to throw 90 for D-1. I think he is right too after watching a few scouts. It doesn't even matter if you have off speed stuff just light up the radar gun. If you hit 90 your in. Look for a PM

Gametime24. If you can live and work 85-87, then you can play D1. Successful pitchers at any level have at least a 3/1 K/BB ratio, keep the ball down, hit both corners with movement, and change speeds hitting the plate. "Stuff" and game management count as much as velocity at the next level. Two good pitches is mandatory, three or four is better. A good change up is very useful, especially throwing to lefties, which you will see more of in college.

81-84 probably won't get much interest, based on the players I know.

Coaches are looking for pitchers that can play now and hang zeros, not next year or later.

quote:

Originally posted by Dad04:
Gametime24. If you can live and work 85-87, then you can play D1. Successful pitchers at any level have at least a 3/1 K/BB ratio, keep the ball down, hit both corners with movement, and change speeds hitting the plate. "Stuff" and game management count as much as velocity at the next level. Two good pitches is mandatory, three or four is better. A good change up is very useful, especially throwing to lefties.

81-84 probably won't get much interest, based on the players I know.

Coaches are looking for pitchers that can play now and hang zeros, not next year or later.

Ditto. There are plenty of successful D-1 hurlers that throw mid 80s. But they have very good command of their pitches. I've seen plenty of guys at the D-1 level throwing in the 90s with flat fastballs that leave the yard more quickly than they arrive at the plate.

quote:

I've seen plenty of guys at the D-1 level throwing in the 90s with flat fastballs that leave the yard more quickly than they arrive at the plate.

Bizazz,

Seen it too. I know a few not throwing more than 10 innings because they can't control it, move it, command it, or even get it over the plate more than half the time. Flat and fat is bad.

College hitters are single-minded, twisted steel cage rats looking dead red. 90-95 belt high and flat is big fat cookie for them. They live for that.

follow up with each letter. try to actually speak with a few college coaches.

you're DI if one DI coach thinks your DI.

More advice: read posts on this board about the differences in D-I, II, and III. The lines aren't as bright and the differences aren't as great as in football and basketball, except of course at ther national powerhouses-ACC, SEC, etc. Aim for your dream school of course, but don't eliminate anybody right away just because of the division they're in. Lots of good baseball out there.

quote:

Gametime24. If you can live and work 85-87, then you can play D1.

I'll only grab a part of Dad04's excellent post. If anyone should know what it takes to get to the D1 level and succeed, it would be him. His son was one of the top D1 pitchers in the nation this year imho.

quote:

Originally posted by Dad04:

College hitters are single-minded, twisted steel cage rats looking dead red. 90-95 belt high and flat is big fat cookie for them. They live for that.

That is a great way of summing it up Dad04!

Game...87 is enough velocity for D1 programs throughout the U.S.

Most coaches don't have enough quality arms.

Good luck.

Been,

I agree with you - based on what I have seen.

The majority of pitchers in D-1 games I have seen the last 4 years have guys in the high 80's fastball range.

If you throw a high 80's fastball with some life - have another 2 pitches in your pocket with control - and know what you are doing as a pitcher - you should be fine.

I have also seen a bunch of "throwers" - in the 90+ range - get their brains beat in as well.

I agree with the responses. If you can consistently throw in the 87 area in college you are fine. Make sure, though, that you understand that 87 is not just the first couple of innings, but what you throw in the 5th or 6th as well. Command is crucial at any level and that is hard to quantify.