Does size matter?

The sad fact is that he will be at a disadvantage. He'll just have to work hard to overcome it the best he can.

Most scouts I have talked with don't put too much weight on HS stats.

Big Rip - This subject comes up from time to time. Most here, usually say that it doesn't "prevent" a kid from moving up when there's true talent there. You can look on any roster and see kids under 6 ft tall. However, I have to believe that those bigger ones do get the first looks.

My own college freshman is only 5'10". It didn't really dawn on me that he was that much smaller (I have to look up at him) until seeing him with other college guys this fall. At that height, he is definately one of the smaller guys.

I do think the smaller ones can reach their goals, but I think they need to have something that really catches a coach/scout's eye more so than the 6'2" guy next to them. Just my opinion.

Every player has their challenges...

And their strengths.

Recruiters can measure and disciminate by height...

Recruiters can measure and discriminate by velocity...

But they cannot measure(but all value) heart...the dream...or the passion or the comittment. Follow the dream where it leads. If it is to DI great. If not, there is a lot of great baseball out there (DII, DIII, NAIA, JC) for a kid with a passion, skill and a off the chart work ethic. Develop the craft: Be the best that you can be, reach your own genetic potential, that's all you can do. Control what you can control: attitude, work ethic...let the rest go...the neysayers will do what they do...

Excellent advice Observer!

One of the best position players on my sons team is only 5'10". His ability makes up for his height. The ace of the pitching staff is 5'9". His bulldog go get him attitude helped lead his team to the super regionals. His finesse mkaes up for what he lacks in height. Due to his height, as a pitcher,it might not be in the cards for him to go beyond college.

Don't ever let anyone tell you that one can't play at a top D1 and be less than 6'.

As far as pitchers, size makes no difference in ability to be a good college pitcher. Having decent velocity, movement, a variety of pitches and being able to get the batter out is what counts.

I think you are asking a question that is very difficult to answer. At this time it would be in your son's best interest to work on improving his mechanics, fastball, and whatever it may take to get to the next level.

Size matters no matter what anyone says.

For every under 6 foot pitcher, there are 80 that are over 6'2".

As someone so long ago said: If you're small, you have to show everyone you can play. If you're big, you have to show everyone you can't play.

Tougher, but not impossible:

David Eckstein (Cardinals SS) = 5'9"

Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners RF) = 5'8"

Probably others that I can't think of top of mind. The unfortunate reality is coaches are still in awe of size. I have seen smaller guys with great arm strength pound the ball, but the coaches and scouts still there and drool over a guy three inches taller doing the same thing.

Your son needs to use this fact as motivation to bust his rear and he can do it.

BeenthereIL:

quote:

Originally posted by BeenthereIL:
Size matters no matter what anyone says.

For every under 6 foot pitcher, there are 80 that are over 6'2".

As someone so long ago said: If you're small, you have to show everyone you can play. If you're big, you have to show everyone you can't play.

Couldn't agree with you more. You are absolutley correct.



Big Rip:

My son is of the same size as your son. Even though what Beenthere said is true, don't be discouraged. My son is a freshman on his D2 college team. He will be pitching this year. He has shown that he can play. Bigger players on his team still have to prove that THEY can't play. While that is being decided, most of the smaller players sit. The stage belongs to the bigger guys.

Good luck to your son. Keep us posted. We're very interested.

Beenthere is right, size does matter, especially for a right handed pitcher. That being said, there are plenty of opportunities for pitchers and position players that are shorter of stature.

Most of the boys who pitch on our summer team are over 6'0", but one boy who is "only" 5'10" may be the best of the bunch. He legitimately has a fastball in the 89-91 range, and has touched 93, excellent breaking ball with tight spin, sharp break and good depth. Best of all, he's a strike thrower with a ton of heart. Every coach wishes he could have a kid like this fine young man, and I consider it a privilege to have come to know him and his family. I've talked with a number of scouts about him, and everyone is pretty much in agreement that he's a kid who's gonna "have to" go to college before he'll ever have a realistic chance to be drafted. Is that so bad? In this young man's case, not at all! He has accepted a very large scholarship to a quality private university that plays D-1 baseball, and has four great years ahead of him. He'll be getting a great education as well as being a possible two-way player for that team. Several scouts have opined that this kid might have the most upside potential of any of the local high school pitchers, but is going to have to prove it at the next level before getting a chance to play professionally.

Please remember this: If baseball gets your son into college when he might not have otherwise attended, or it gets him into a better college than he would have attended were it not for baseball; he (and you too) has gotten everything out of this great game that he could ever ask for. If he's fortunate enough to play beyond that level, it is surely "icing on the cake".

lafmam, observer44, Tiger Paw Mom, BeenthereIL, T-Bird Dad, and 06catcherdad:


Great posts and observations. Seeing as though my two sons are in the relative same physical category as Big Rip's son, your comments here are very much appreciated. All of what you say has been our experience. It makes the recruiting process that much tougher, but it can be done successfully.

My family is particularly grateful for this website. We did not know about the hsbaseball web during the recruiting process for our oldest son. But if we had, the results may well have been different. Despite not knowing about this website, we are fortunate that he is in the right school for him--academically, socially, and baseballwise.

We have an '07, and we will have some of the same obstacles as for our oldest. But with all of the knowledge from this website, we will go through the process in a much different manner.



Big Rip:

I'll send you a private message (PM) shortly.

Let size matter to someone else. Pursue individual interests free of opinions and limitations imposed by others. Whenever the experience ends let it happen after your best attempt. Statistical data should not influence your ability to enjoy while attempting to achieve. There is no need to even raise the issue. Play the game because it moves you.

Big Rip,

I, too, have a vested interested in this type of player. My '09 is 15 YO and is 5'8". He may grow more before he stops, but he ain't gonna be 6'2". He is a LH outfielder and pitcher. He is typically one of the better hitters on his select team going by BA, but he is also usually near the top of the team in extra BH's.

He works very hard, to the point where I get a little emotional about his work ethic. I don't know how far he will go in baseball, but I will never limit him because he doesn't limit himself.

Your son has shown the ability to compete. Never allow his size to be an issue for him and he should naturally take himself as far as he wants to go.

Big Rip and everyone else,
Sometimes when one comes onto a site such as this and you ask a question, do know that you will get a variety of opinions.

Don't be discouraged. Do know that many schools don't have it in their budget to sign a whole pitching staff that are the top ranked players in the country. There are many places to play. Coaches base their decisions on what each indivdual can bring to the team. They are all not perfect physical specimans!

There is nothing you can do about his height, so try to work on the things that can be improved to make him a better pitcher, a better student and a better team mate.

This question comes up a lot on the HSBBW.

Yes, size does matter, especially in pitching. There are many good reasons, but IMO the major reason is... The taller pitcher can naturally create a better throwing angle.

The other thing to keep in mind... There is not much a person can do about their height, so it's a complete waste of time to worry about it. Everyone loves the player who is the exception... Try to be one of the exceptions.

Here is a bit of good news for the below average sized pitcher. If they are good enough, they become a HIGH PRIORITY to top colleges.

Often the top pitchers who are your typical 6-2 or taller with good velocity and pitchability, are not considered the prize recruits for colleges. They are too used to losing these pitchers to the draft. The 5-10 RHP who throws 90+ mph with excellent skills... is a college recruiters dream.

Often you will see these smaller pitchers who are successful in college, go on to Pro ball and continue their success. ie. Konine

There's a place for everyone in baseball who has excellent ability. Talent will always be the most important attribute.

I think PGStaff brings up an excellent point. So often, people primarily think of professional baseball as the goal, when in fact it is a rare player who has that opportunity, regarless of his size. College baseball has so many fewer concerns about the height of a player, than they do about his ability or academics.

Instead of worrying about something over which you have no control, focus on what you can control, like being the best student you can be, and work your tail off when focusing on baseball. College opportunities abound, professional baseball opportunities are relatively rare; so if it happens that's great, but don't think you haven't acheived it all if you're not one of the very few who are chosen for pro ball.

play....Will you join us in Rosemont on the 18th of February?

Chicago area websters meeting?

BigRip,

Go down just about any college roster at any level. Note the heights. Then take anywhere from 1-2 inches off the players height. Most exaggerate the size of the player - and even if close - round up - not down.

Good luck to your son. If he has the talent - he will most likely have many opportunities to play college ball. IMO.

itsinthegame:

You're absolutely right about the heights listed on the rosters...and you offered Big Rip some solid advice.

The boy is just a sophomore so give him time-- he is succeeding now so give him time to grow and develop

Some very good advise so I will only add one thing:

There are two types of exceptions.

One is the player, who despite his size is able to prove he can play.

The other is the coach, who despite what others think is willing to give a small player a chance.

With talent, desire, and a little reseach you can double your odds.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by AParent:

The other is the coach, who despite what others think is willing to give a small player a chance.


I agree. And the coach who would do this is definitely in the minority. But they do exist. The tricky part is to find them. But it is worth the search.

quote:

Originally posted by BeenthereIL:
play....Will you join us in Rosemont on the 18th of February?

Chicago area websters meeting?

BeenthereIL:

I'm going to try to be there...That's my birthday! I can't think of any better party!

My husband and son would join me. Thanks.

Wow, what a great bunch of folks. Is it this web site or just baseball folks in general.

You all have made me feel great about my circumstances. My son while short in stature is tall in all other areas. Big heart, 4.0 student, great work ethic and a positve influence to all.

My only real concern is that I do all that I can to help him fulfill his lofty goals.

Thank you to all for your heartfelt and insightful replies.

Big Rip -
IMO your son is a perfect example of a player that would benefit from starting the "recruiting timeline" earlier. The more opportunities you give college coaches to see your son's consistent performance the better the chances of breaking down those height "barriers". With those grades and talent he has a great opportunity to make it at the next level. He just needs to be seen by a large audience of college coaches.

Yes/No.
Size, of course does not relate to talent, but it sure does in the "notice" dept.
Son is a 5'9 1/2" centerfielder/leading hitter at a D1 school- God if he were 6ft., they'd be ringing our phone off the hook...

Big Rip:

I agree with RHP05Parent. If we had to do it all over again we would follow his advice without question...we just were not too well informed while the process was unfolding...we relied too much on a scouting service...and we were not aware of this great website!

Fortunately for you this website is already paying dividends in regards to your son's college search.

Keep us posted!

I am glad this thread turned out to be on the topic it did.

At first glance, I thought some of the dad's on this site were going to sweat it out...

I gave up sweating years ago!