I turned 16 in June, I am a junior, LHP 6'2" 210 topping out at 84 at my last showcase. The letters have started coming but no D1's yet. Do i have a realistic shot at going D1 if I keep working hard? Thanks for any input.
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My son was a 6'3" LHP at 170 lbs and topped out at 83-84. he had lots of D1 interest but we had to chase it down. No real showcases to speak of.
the important thing is who you played against and how well you did. You have to realize that there are 1000s of great pitchers trying to get D1 schools to look at them.
the important thing is who you played against and how well you did. You have to realize that there are 1000s of great pitchers trying to get D1 schools to look at them.
Was that 84 on the Stalker or Jugs? The Stalker reads 2-3 MPH lower. You need to be minimum 85-86 on the Jugs to get low-level Div. I interest. And at that speed, you won't play much. To get high-level Div. I Interest, you need to be 87-88 on the Stalker. That's a big range, but I'd say velocity-wise you're right where you need to be.. keep working hard.
Bum - I won't argue with your numbers...they're certainly in the ballpark.
However, as you know its not all about velocity...especially for LHPs. I most certainly could give a number of examples of low-80s LHPs doing/did quite well at mid D1s and a few at higher.
The rules are different for LHPs. Command and 3 pitches are probably more valuable than the extra 3-4 mph.
OklahomaLefty - You certainly have the size to throw a bit harder. Do you have a pitching coach? Has he given you something to work on to add another 3 mph to your fastball? Do you long-toss? Do you have command of 3 pitches?
Ultimately, the level of interest and the type of college will tell you if you have what they're looking for. But you can improve the 2 or 3 things I asked you about. Good luck!
However, as you know its not all about velocity...especially for LHPs. I most certainly could give a number of examples of low-80s LHPs doing/did quite well at mid D1s and a few at higher.
The rules are different for LHPs. Command and 3 pitches are probably more valuable than the extra 3-4 mph.
OklahomaLefty - You certainly have the size to throw a bit harder. Do you have a pitching coach? Has he given you something to work on to add another 3 mph to your fastball? Do you long-toss? Do you have command of 3 pitches?
Ultimately, the level of interest and the type of college will tell you if you have what they're looking for. But you can improve the 2 or 3 things I asked you about. Good luck!
First off, I have no idea what gun it was on. It came back on a evaluation sheet showing 81-84 mph.
I actually have command of three pitches Fastball, curveball, and my best pitch the cutter. Change-Up needs some work, speeds right but movement needs to improve. We long toss in the fall, but its getting pretty cold so they try to keep us inside. My pitching coach is pretty good, developed first round pick of Marlins last year, and a senior on this years team has almost a full ride to Missouri State. He says that my mechanics are pretty good but I need to spend some time on the balance beam.
On the evaluation sheet from the showcase, I had the highest ranked curve ball, and command only a few were rated higher. I really impressed that school. They sent me a letter saying that they were impressed and would be in touch.
I actually have command of three pitches Fastball, curveball, and my best pitch the cutter. Change-Up needs some work, speeds right but movement needs to improve. We long toss in the fall, but its getting pretty cold so they try to keep us inside. My pitching coach is pretty good, developed first round pick of Marlins last year, and a senior on this years team has almost a full ride to Missouri State. He says that my mechanics are pretty good but I need to spend some time on the balance beam.
On the evaluation sheet from the showcase, I had the highest ranked curve ball, and command only a few were rated higher. I really impressed that school. They sent me a letter saying that they were impressed and would be in touch.
OK Lefty,
I agree with both Bum and JBB,
Your right on course at your age.
First off if you throw 84mph FB, then that is your speed 84.
Not 81-84, Understand?
You will gain MPH with what JBB said.
Also throw long toss into a net if your indoor's.
Just visualize the throw to another long tosser.
And Welcome to the HSBBW.
EH
I agree with both Bum and JBB,
Your right on course at your age.
First off if you throw 84mph FB, then that is your speed 84.
Not 81-84, Understand?
You will gain MPH with what JBB said.
Also throw long toss into a net if your indoor's.
Just visualize the throw to another long tosser.
And Welcome to the HSBBW.
EH
I also have an "am i what they are looking for" question. I am a 6'3" lefty who plays on the 6a defending state champions. I am a young junior and my coach (who has been around college and professional baseball players) tells me i have a realistic shot a college baseball. My problem is i top out around 75mph. Will the college coaches see the other things. I have a very good changeup with great movement and a good curveball. i have great control, the velocity just isnt there. I have received a few questionnaires but nothing else. Right now i am looking at juco's. Do i really have a shot?
Long toss will pick up your mph.
Your 6'3", you have the size and your a Lefty.
You say your a young Junior, All the better.
Have you been to a pitching clinic, with a qualified coach of pitching?
They may be able to help with mechanic's.
And that will add MPH also.
Juco's not a bad place to start for college.
Your area has some of the Top Juco's around.
Good Luck EH
Your 6'3", you have the size and your a Lefty.
You say your a young Junior, All the better.
Have you been to a pitching clinic, with a qualified coach of pitching?
They may be able to help with mechanic's.
And that will add MPH also.
Juco's not a bad place to start for college.
Your area has some of the Top Juco's around.
Good Luck EH
Oklahomalefty
You say you have topped out at 84 MPH----what is your "cruising" speed?
Many kids we see have topped out at 91 but "cruise" in the 86 to 88 range
You say you have topped out at 84 MPH----what is your "cruising" speed?
Many kids we see have topped out at 91 but "cruise" in the 86 to 88 range
lefty- definitely long toss. From what you've said in the past you have good potential, coaches love that. I know a few kids who I don't consider studs at all but they're tall and lefty with good mechanics and they're all at top 25 schools.
TRHit- agree completely. Throwing 84 isn't bad at all, but maybe the 84 was one pitch that somehow you got a whole lot of something behind. In Jupiter, we had a kid (2009 grad) who touched 88 and opened a lot of eyes (he will be a very good one). However, after the 88 mph pitch, he never got over 86 again and was more 83-84 the entire time. While the velocity always helps, it can be deceiving and overrated, and coaches know that.
TRHit- agree completely. Throwing 84 isn't bad at all, but maybe the 84 was one pitch that somehow you got a whole lot of something behind. In Jupiter, we had a kid (2009 grad) who touched 88 and opened a lot of eyes (he will be a very good one). However, after the 88 mph pitch, he never got over 86 again and was more 83-84 the entire time. While the velocity always helps, it can be deceiving and overrated, and coaches know that.
theEH, in january i will be working out with a former pitching coach at a Big 12 school. Thanks for the advice both EH and J H.
That's good LFP17,
Is the coach a lefty also.
Sometime's a lefty Coach can see thing's a little bit Different.
You said your 6'3",Did you have a growth spurt.
Are you still growing into your body. ( Late Bloomer ).
All those thing's can factor into your lack of speed.
Just keep working and you will see improvement.
EH
Is the coach a lefty also.
Sometime's a lefty Coach can see thing's a little bit Different.
You said your 6'3",Did you have a growth spurt.
Are you still growing into your body. ( Late Bloomer ).
All those thing's can factor into your lack of speed.
Just keep working and you will see improvement.
EH
theEH,
To answer your questions, the pitching coach is not a lefty. I believe i am still growing but i am not sure. I still feel like i am growing into my body and my high school coach told me i will gain some velocity once i finish "filling out"
To answer your questions, the pitching coach is not a lefty. I believe i am still growing but i am not sure. I still feel like i am growing into my body and my high school coach told me i will gain some velocity once i finish "filling out"
Justbaseball,
I agree totally, but I believe the kid was wondering what would get him interest. It is my belief that the velocity will get you the interest.. once beyond that, forget about it and PITCH.
Also, I am not so sure there is such a strong correlation (admittedly there is some) between size and velocity. Kasey Kiker was a 1st round draft choice last year throwing 95 at 5'10. Wagner is about 5'8" and throws 100. My own LHP-son (16) is "height-challenged" and is right where he needs to be to hit about 90 by his senior year. Who knows if he'll make it, but I won't for a minute let him believe he can't because he's short.
Merry Christmas all!
I agree totally, but I believe the kid was wondering what would get him interest. It is my belief that the velocity will get you the interest.. once beyond that, forget about it and PITCH.
Also, I am not so sure there is such a strong correlation (admittedly there is some) between size and velocity. Kasey Kiker was a 1st round draft choice last year throwing 95 at 5'10. Wagner is about 5'8" and throws 100. My own LHP-son (16) is "height-challenged" and is right where he needs to be to hit about 90 by his senior year. Who knows if he'll make it, but I won't for a minute let him believe he can't because he's short.
Merry Christmas all!
I would say my cruising speed is 81-83. At the camp I through 10 fastballs, 3-84 4-83 2-82 1-81. And the 81 was the last one. But it was indoors. If I attend another showcase, and get a little breeze I think 85 sounds better.
I have the benefit of having a pitching coach that is a lefty he is also pretty big 6'3". He went to Oklahoma State then later pitched for the Twins. So I think he can tell me what it takes to be at the level I need to be.
I have the benefit of having a pitching coach that is a lefty he is also pretty big 6'3". He went to Oklahoma State then later pitched for the Twins. So I think he can tell me what it takes to be at the level I need to be.
OL,
It sounds like you have everything going for you. But I'm confused why you're not getting DI interest. Talk to your coach since he played pro ball.. ask him to make some calls and get your name out there. And do some showcases which offer better exposure. Good luck.
It sounds like you have everything going for you. But I'm confused why you're not getting DI interest. Talk to your coach since he played pro ball.. ask him to make some calls and get your name out there. And do some showcases which offer better exposure. Good luck.
Bum- It seems like he has everything on track but it could just be that he has not been to the right places or events. Lefty- what summer team are you with and what events (showcases and tournaments) have you been to?
When I read all these posts about velocity I have to admit, it's what gets the coaches attention. However, it's not what all the lower level D1's are looking for. These schools understand their position in recruiting. One of my former players received 80% to go to school(one offer) and at that time topped out at 80 regardless of the gun make 
He went on to a great 4 year career where he set almost every pitching record at the school. He's a 6'1" LHP....This past year he beat Tulane 1-0 and then beat Nebraska in the regional. He was 12- 2 for the season and at 22 years old tops out at 86. He lives on his change-up and can PITCH... He never accepted lack of velocity as a handicap. During his minor league season this summer had 13K's in one 7 inning stint...
JH this is where your concentration should be...
This is what I would want my son to aspire to.. (I don't have one who's a pitcher). Learning how to pitch, work hard, compete. Kasey Kiker could flat out throw. He was a pleasure to watch. Some of the best LHP's in the 06' high school class were all in the 6'0" range.
JH this is where your concentration should be...
This is what I would want my son to aspire to.. (I don't have one who's a pitcher). Learning how to pitch, work hard, compete. Kasey Kiker could flat out throw. He was a pleasure to watch. Some of the best LHP's in the 06' high school class were all in the 6'0" range.
.
Oklahoma Lefty,
Have said this before...
Velocities, left handedness, height MAY, and often do, the open doors of opportunity...
But YOU will still have to walk through those doors. There is a great deal more to the craft of being a successful pitcher than velocity, being left handed, and being relatively tall. Motion, arm angle, pitch control, body type, fitness, work ethic, projection/upside, grades, suspected/estimated fast twitch fiber content, god given ability/genes, Bloom time, visibility, luck,...and much more, can all play a role. The best, and most honest news that anyone here can give you is that you MIGHT have a shot based upon the limited view of a few words you have given us.
It has been my experience that a great deal of athletic potential gets wasted because players do not understand, or are not willing to make a full effort to "out" their abilities. They get confused about what it is they really want and how to go about getting it. Don't get too hung up on DI, and make no mistake you cannot control opinion, viewpoints, bias, (DI interest).
Here is my suggestion: Leave as little as you can to the ides of opinion. Leave no doubt. To do this leave no stone unturned. Absolutely control the things you CAN control. Through a solid comittment to attitude, effort, preparation, and dedication to craft you can maximize your potential. You do this and you will give it your best shot. If it doesn't happen it wasn't because you didn't give it everything you have.
In the end will that be enough? Maybe, maybe not, but at least you will have held up your end.
Better yet you will also have prepared yourself for life.
.
Oklahoma Lefty,
Have said this before...
Velocities, left handedness, height MAY, and often do, the open doors of opportunity...
But YOU will still have to walk through those doors. There is a great deal more to the craft of being a successful pitcher than velocity, being left handed, and being relatively tall. Motion, arm angle, pitch control, body type, fitness, work ethic, projection/upside, grades, suspected/estimated fast twitch fiber content, god given ability/genes, Bloom time, visibility, luck,...and much more, can all play a role. The best, and most honest news that anyone here can give you is that you MIGHT have a shot based upon the limited view of a few words you have given us.
It has been my experience that a great deal of athletic potential gets wasted because players do not understand, or are not willing to make a full effort to "out" their abilities. They get confused about what it is they really want and how to go about getting it. Don't get too hung up on DI, and make no mistake you cannot control opinion, viewpoints, bias, (DI interest).
Here is my suggestion: Leave as little as you can to the ides of opinion. Leave no doubt. To do this leave no stone unturned. Absolutely control the things you CAN control. Through a solid comittment to attitude, effort, preparation, and dedication to craft you can maximize your potential. You do this and you will give it your best shot. If it doesn't happen it wasn't because you didn't give it everything you have.
In the end will that be enough? Maybe, maybe not, but at least you will have held up your end.
Better yet you will also have prepared yourself for life.
.
I may have not done my part so far in the showcasing my abilities. I have been to a couple showcase 1 being the Eastern Kansas Prospect Showcase and the Area Code tryouts here in Tulsa. From the Kansas one I got letters inviting me to things from Allen County Junior College(Dont know much about there baseball program, any knowledge would be appreciated) adn Emporia State University a D2 school that I hear is good. Nothing has happened from attending Area Code tryouts so, maybe I did not impress.
In my school district, we have to play summer ball for the booster club sponsored team, who just plays in this area and I dont think this is where scouts go. It is more like rec ball then anything else.
My parents happen to be nuts...I am required to put school first. So 4.1 GPA and 12 in a class of over 400. My grades will be one thing not to worry about.
I have my mind set on attending one of the three major schools in Kansas, Wichita State, KU or Kansas State. But my problem is I live in Oklahoma and its a little far to go to attend all of their winter camps and things. I am trying to decide how to let them know im interested and to give them a look, without having to make the trip to each school. Any suggestions on this one?
In my school district, we have to play summer ball for the booster club sponsored team, who just plays in this area and I dont think this is where scouts go. It is more like rec ball then anything else.
My parents happen to be nuts...I am required to put school first. So 4.1 GPA and 12 in a class of over 400. My grades will be one thing not to worry about.
I have my mind set on attending one of the three major schools in Kansas, Wichita State, KU or Kansas State. But my problem is I live in Oklahoma and its a little far to go to attend all of their winter camps and things. I am trying to decide how to let them know im interested and to give them a look, without having to make the trip to each school. Any suggestions on this one?
Oklahoma Lefty- Your grades are excellent. Definitely send them an e-mail and maybe a phone call. They might invite you to come out to the campus, they might ask for a schedule. No matter what if you present yourself well, they'll put your name on their list and perhaps check you out at their convenience next year.
Coach Merc- I know exactly the man you're talking about. My dad's alma mater, he played 3B and P there, graduated in '77.
Coach Merc- I know exactly the man you're talking about. My dad's alma mater, he played 3B and P there, graduated in '77.
Oh and I'm sure when my dad comes across that and sees that I told everyone the year he graduted he will be a little ticked off. So sorry in advance, Dad. 
[QUOTE]Originally posted by OklahomaLefty:
My parents happen to be nuts...I am required to put school first. So 4.1 GPA and 12 in a class of over 400. My grades will be one thing not to worry about.
QUOTE]
My son would be happy to know his parents weren't the only nutty ones!
Good for them!
What you do need to do is go speak to your folks, tell them what you would like to do, ask for help in attending camps at the schools you are interested in.
The should be very proud of you. Most kids don't give it a thought, their folks do!
If they don't understand, send them a link to the HSBBW!
We'll set them straight!
My parents happen to be nuts...I am required to put school first. So 4.1 GPA and 12 in a class of over 400. My grades will be one thing not to worry about.
QUOTE]
My son would be happy to know his parents weren't the only nutty ones!
Good for them!
What you do need to do is go speak to your folks, tell them what you would like to do, ask for help in attending camps at the schools you are interested in.
The should be very proud of you. Most kids don't give it a thought, their folks do!
If they don't understand, send them a link to the HSBBW!
We'll set them straight!
OKlefty...You are already big enough. Just have to tighten up.
Natural maturity/progression will/should get you to 86-87 in the next year and one half.
Working diligently will get you beyond.
Pick up the phone and call the coach at each of those schools.
Natural maturity/progression will/should get you to 86-87 in the next year and one half.
Working diligently will get you beyond.
Pick up the phone and call the coach at each of those schools.
OK Lefty,
One thing you might want to be sure to put on your agenda for next summer is KU's Allstar camp, usually the first week in August. Coach Price's camp is modeled after Stanford's with lots of other schools present and participating in the camp. Coach Price is amazing, in my personal opinion. I have had two sons that have attended KU's events.
Allen County is part of the Jayhawk Conference. (19 JUCO's & CC's in the Jayhawk.) You might very well look at one or several of the schools in the Jayhawk Conference if you do not find interest developing after your Junior summer. The Jayhawk conference is widely scouted. Lots of very good baseball played there, and most of the quality pitchers (right or left handed) are able to move on to a variety of 4 year programs. If you check the websites for the individual schools, you'll be able to see which schools players moved on to.
One other point. Most of the JUCO's have a reciprocal arrangement for reduced tuition for Ok residents. Plus with your grades, you will probably easily qualify for full or significant academic aid. (Not to mention all the schools have 24 baseball scholarships.)
I would also suggest you check the rosters of the 3 schools you mentioned to see where their transfer players are coming from. Many times, specific JUCOs act as feeder schools for the DI programs where the coaches have a strong relationship with the JUCO staff.
Feel free to PM me if you have other specific questions.
One thing you might want to be sure to put on your agenda for next summer is KU's Allstar camp, usually the first week in August. Coach Price's camp is modeled after Stanford's with lots of other schools present and participating in the camp. Coach Price is amazing, in my personal opinion. I have had two sons that have attended KU's events.
Allen County is part of the Jayhawk Conference. (19 JUCO's & CC's in the Jayhawk.) You might very well look at one or several of the schools in the Jayhawk Conference if you do not find interest developing after your Junior summer. The Jayhawk conference is widely scouted. Lots of very good baseball played there, and most of the quality pitchers (right or left handed) are able to move on to a variety of 4 year programs. If you check the websites for the individual schools, you'll be able to see which schools players moved on to.
One other point. Most of the JUCO's have a reciprocal arrangement for reduced tuition for Ok residents. Plus with your grades, you will probably easily qualify for full or significant academic aid. (Not to mention all the schools have 24 baseball scholarships.)
I would also suggest you check the rosters of the 3 schools you mentioned to see where their transfer players are coming from. Many times, specific JUCOs act as feeder schools for the DI programs where the coaches have a strong relationship with the JUCO staff.
Feel free to PM me if you have other specific questions.