How much does position matter?

In recruiting, it matters. You have the order of preference correct... it's C then 3B and then 1B/DH. And C is ahead by quite a bit. My son had a decent informal offer from a lower tier D1 as a C. He tore his PCL during his HS junior season, which moved him to 1B. The D1 school was honest with him and told him they only needed him if he could play C. Your son needs to focus on mashing regardless of which of those positions he plays. The more positions he can play (in front of college coaches), the better. Good luck.

@MidAtlanticDad posted:

In recruiting, it matters. You have the order of preference correct... it's C then 3B and then 1B/DH. And C is ahead by quite a bit. My son had a decent informal offer from a lower tier D1 as a C. He tore his PCL during his HS junior season, which moved him to 1B. The D1 school was honest with him and told him they only needed him if he could play C. Your son needs to focus on mashing regardless of which of those positions he plays. The more positions he can play (in front of college coaches), the better. Good luck.

I echo this completely. My son had a huge year as a freshman JuCo third baseman. Even after that Rice only wanted him if he could convert to C.

Agree with others and will add... a big problem with being pigeon-holed as 1B is that this is where colleges look to play others who hit well but aren't good enough defensively to put elsewhere.  That is a group that is typically fairly crowded at most programs.

If ability allows, he is much better off as a prospect C or 3B and versatility adds to his value.  That said, if he mashes, someone will find a spot for him and it could very well end up being 1B so he could certainly benefit from getting reps there.

I think it depends on the school. My kid is C/OF. The HA D3 recruit told kid he will be an OF as they are locked in with the returning C and he is good with their staff.  My kid could care less as long as he is in the line up. I am curious if he will switch positions in HS ball next year to get more OF reps.

Positions matter and they don’t. Catching is a speciality. Being a quality catcher makes for easier recruiting. After catcher it’s middle of the field players (they have the speed and quickness) and corner field players (they might lack the speed but mash more). A middle of the field player might get moved anywhere. They’re typically the most athletic.

If a kid gets pigeonholed as a first baseman he better fit the physical characteristics and be able to absolutely mash. Some programs don’t recruit first baseman unless they’re absolute mashers. First base and DH is where the extra players who can hit get placed.

A friend’s son was an All American at short and a first round pick after junior year at a highly ranked program. The shortstop he was supposed to follow returned for senior year. The recruited shortstop played first freshman year. While he wasn’t smooth he had the hands for it.

I would avoid the 1B label for as long as you can.  I'm sure better coaches will decide for themselves and not care all that much about labels, but I don't think its worth the risk.  For many it comes across as "I'm not good enough or quick enough to play anywhere else."  I'd let a coach tell ME that I'm now a 1B versus telling the coach that I am.

Just like every other sport, the game is getting faster and faster.  Gone are the days of someone like Ortiz playing 1B.  The talent pool is so deep in college ball right now that many coaches are staffing 1B with guys who were all-state SS's in HS.  A school my son is targeting in the AAC has exactly that right now.  A local D1 here from the Summit league had 3-4 guys play 1B at some point this season.  All were OF's previously.

My son is playing Juco ball (started this week) in the Kansas Jayhawk conference and his HC told me he doesn't recruit 1B.  His exact words were "why would I want anyone who can only do one thing?"  Cast the widest net you can for as long as you can.  If 1B is his ultimate destination, he can get touches at other positions that will get him awfully close to being ready to play 1B should that time come.  But I'd encourage anyone who may end up at 1B to get as many reps picking balls as they can on their own.  In my mind, the ability to scoop is THE thing that separates good 1B from great ones.  Full disclosure - this is coming from the dad of a SS who doesn't always hit his 1B in the chest. The scoop is often a necessary partner in an outstanding play.  Without it, they often call it an E6.

As a Coach, when I build a "line-up", my goal is 5 left handed hitters, when a RHP is pitching.

If the opposing team has no Lhp then I stack the left handed hitters. #1 to #5.

If I have a Lhp, who is a good hitter, he is the DH. With this method the entire team is involved. Yes, the 1b needs to "scoop" the low throws. Before the game, the Redwood Pioneers [Class A California League] first baseman practice his "scoop" when a coach threw low throws for 10 minutes. A solid defensive 1B can win games with bunt defense, cut offs, hold runners at 1b.

It is not a position for a "novice".

Bob

We have four kids that got decent time at first this season - D1

1st kid - slow running lefty, typical first baseman, also our 4 hitter

2nd kid - SS with an average glove and a very good bat

3rd kid - Worst defensive outfielder, best OF bat. Either DH'd or played 1st depending on L/R matchups.

4th kid - backup OF who got hot for about two weeks after a few PH opportunities. Once he cooled down he didn't see the field again

Only the first kid had played 1st prior to college

@Consultant posted:

1st "kid" what is his RBI's per at bat? "teach him the "inside game of playing 1b"
he will "save" the team 1-2 runs each game

Bob

Not sure but he's a very good hitter.There is probably very little I can teach him considering he's a D1 first baseman and I'm just a guy with internet connection who has never played first.

But he's a true first baseman. A little bit of a defensive liability but he also lead the team in HRs. DH'd a lot for us this year.

My son's college team recruited 2 catchers, 2 SS, 2 CF, and 7 pitchers.  I think this is pretty typical.

This week at Headfirst there were three coaches who basically told my son the same thing Smitty posted. A couple of the D3's said they will play kids in multiple positions based on who has the hottest bats. If they didn't ask about academics first, they were asking him what other positions he plays.

@Consultant posted:

As a Coach, when I build a "line-up", my goal is 5 left handed hitters, when a RHP is pitching.

If the opposing team has no Lhp then I stack the left handed hitters. #1 to #5.

If I have a Lhp, who is a good hitter, he is the DH. With this method the entire team is involved. Yes, the 1b needs to "scoop" the low throws. Before the game, the Redwood Pioneers [Class A California League] first baseman practice his "scoop" when a coach threw low throws for 10 minutes. A solid defensive 1B can win games with bunt defense, cut offs, hold runners at 1b.

It is not a position for a "novice".

Bob

Thanks for the 1B love, Bob. As the father of a former college 1B, I do think the position gets short shrift because it doesn’t require the same level of athleticism as the others. My son took the position seriously, partly out of pride and partly because he knew he didn’t have much of a shot at any other position on the field. He made a lot of highlight reel plays in high school, helped by a SS who threw 90 across the infield with no idea where the ball was going. I thought he had mastered the position in high school, so I was stunned during his freshman season at college when his play hit a whole new level, thanks to excellent 1B coaching. In college he played with a 3B masher who had bouts of throwing issues. Countless times my kid turned an E5 into an out, helping that guy stay on the field and out of the DH. Even the split is a really important skill at 1B. Think about the number of times you see a replay where the ball hitting the back of the glove 2-3 feet further out would change a hit to an out.

My son played short in high school with the best pick it first baseman I’ve ever seen. The two of them made some spectacular plays. My son never ate the ball. He would throw from any position. He had confidence the first baseman would pick or worst case knock it down. As a hitter this kid crushed the ball. But he didn’t elevate.

The kid was recruited to a mid major as a first baseman. He got stuck behind two first basemen who were bigger and elevated the ball. He spent his college career as a late innings defensive replacement.

I believe had he started he would have hit .300+ with a lot of doubles. He hit high .300’s with minimal at bats. Or a good hitting coach could have changed his swing. He crushed the ball.

Don't switch to 1b if you don't have to. If you can play any other position they will assume you can play first base.

https://youtu.be/vyvu1nWjOlI

Try to stay at catcher but of course still mash. Unlike in pro ball in college they will put mediocre defensive catchers behind the plate if they can mash (think guys like schwarber)

@Dominik85 posted:

Don't switch to 1b if you don't have to. If you can play any other position they will assume you can play first base.

https://youtu.be/vyvu1nWjOlI

Try to stay at catcher but of course still mash. Unlike in pro ball in college they will put mediocre defensive catchers behind the plate if they can mash (think guys like schwarber)

I never noticed the coach saying “maybe I can teach one of them” when Hatti asks what about the fans. Made me laugh

Mid Atlantic Dad;

The 1B averages 12 outs each game therefore "good hands" are required. The joy of charging the hitter who is planning to bunt. The range of the 1b that is required when the 2b has a greater range to his right than his left. The "constant" reminder to the pitcher to cover 1b on any ground ball hit to the right side. When holding runner on 1b the first baseman takes away 1/2 the bag to force the runner to return into the tag.

The team will lose games with a "rookie" defender at 1B. The "split" is a great asset.

Bob

At MSU we has a SS who could throw the ball over the CF scoreboard. During a game he fielder a "hard hit" ball and the thrown ball was low over the infield, I did the split, however the ball "rose" as it arrived and the trow went into the 1b seats. Lesson learn

If he can play anything else, do not let him get locked in as a 1B.  That normally does not work out really well because teams can take any player from any position and put them at 1B including pitchers.  If you are a 1B only, you better be able to mash or you will get replaced by someone who can and they can easily teach them to play 1B.

Mine is L/L who didn't pitch past 14u and didn't run well enough to play outfield. I always told him you are competing with the roster and you have 2 spots. 1B and DH and he didn't want to DH. So he developed a great glove, he fields his position way above average, he is very very good at getting the lead runner, he picks exceptionally well, he blocks anything possible and hits. there was nothing else he could do.

Fortunately he has been able to hit well enough to always be in the line up and not be threatened much after his freshman season. His limitations did hold him back as fresh because he just wasn't part of the best combo for the team.

Keep your boy at 3B as long as possible.

@Consultant posted:

Mid Atlantic Dad;

The 1B averages 12 outs each game therefore "good hands" are required. The joy of charging the hitter who is planning to bunt. The range of the 1b that is required when the 2b has a greater range to his right than his left. The "constant" reminder to the pitcher to cover 1b on any ground ball hit to the right side. When holding runner on 1b the first baseman takes away 1/2 the bag to force the runner to return into the tag.

The team will lose games with a "rookie" defender at 1B. The "split" is a great asset.

Bob

At MSU we has a SS who could throw the ball over the CF scoreboard. During a game he fielder a "hard hit" ball and the thrown ball was low over the infield, I did the split, however the ball "rose" as it arrived and the trow went into the 1b seats. Lesson learn

Bob you are correct in your comments but in my OP in the college world Mid Atlantic is correct, he will be replaced regardless of whatever defensive liabilities are created.

He turned down the team wanting to convert him to a 1B.  He will continue to focus on catching and 3B.  He has received several offers for travel ball.

His power is really starting to show at tryouts.  He hit 3 HR in 12 pitches during his on field batting.  Missed 3 more that hit off that hit the wall. So, he is hitting the masher check box.

Everyone(travel coaches) keeps asking him why he isn't committed or at least seriously talking to schools.

Did they elaborate why they want your kid at 1B? Since this is for fall and for recruiting he should find a team that will play him at C.  Did your kid go to any camps? How was his hitting there?

I know they lost most of their 1B's to other travel organizations.  My assumption is that it was convenient for them, not him.

Did the PBR showcase last fall. Great numbers. COVID killed almost all the camps over the last year.  Sending him to a showcase this weekend with about 30 schools (7 D1, 12 D2,...). Travel coach has reached out to his top schools that will be at the showcase.

Working to find any camps in the Southeast this fall that make sense.  Attended two separate travel tryouts with scouts at the tryouts. Again, great feedback with an immediate offer to the top team in their travel orgs.  I hope it turns into contact from the scouts.

Just watched an outfielder playing 1B drop at least 4 throws in one game.  Definitely not easy.

Definitely not easy.  There are no easy positions, but most feel 1B is the easiEST.  But let's be fair and holistic.  Take a 1B and have him play OF.  What's that look like?  He may not drop 4 balls, but it's more likely he simply didn't get to them in time to even have an opportunity to drop them. 

One college summer I was recruited to play for a team that over recruited. The guy promised twelve guys starting positions. He didn’t recruit any first basemen. I told him if it made life easier I would play first.

He asked if I had ever played first. I said I had. I didn’t say it was LL all stars. I had been a pitcher/center fielder in high school and an outfielder in college.

I didn’t have any trouble making plays at first even though hard shot grounders straight at me bothered me. I drove the second baseman nuts ranging to far too my right. I didn’t have a feel for how far was too far. I was fielding balls he could get to. It also meant making some hard, snap throws to pitchers covering first. One commented if I miss the glove I’m going to kill a pitcher.

I still remember a hooking, straight at me cannon shot on one skip hop. Since it was a left handed hitter I was hugging the line. I knocked it down, crawled to first on my knees, tagged the bag, then turned around and puked. I forgot my cup.

@RJM posted:

I drove the second baseman nuts ranging to far to my right. I didn’t have a feel for how far was too far. I was fielding balls he could get to.

Ah, JUST like a little-leaguer!

@DanJ posted:

Definitely not easy.  There are no easy positions, but most feel 1B is the easiEST.  But let's be fair and holistic.  Take a 1B and have him play OF.  What's that look like?  He may not drop 4 balls, but it's more likely he simply didn't get to them in time to even have an opportunity to drop them.

Lol.  My 2025 LHP is such an awkward position player.  When not pitching they've stuck him at 1B because he's big and can hit a little.  Honestly though... a below avg fielder.   I had to beg the coach to put him in OF a bit this season just bc I know only having 1b skills is a quick road to PO-ville.  Amazingly in RF he made play after play.  Diving catches.  Sliding shoelace grabs.  We were like "who is this guy".  So you never know.  My boys surprise and amaze me!

@Dadbelly2023 posted:

Lol.  My 2025 LHP is such an awkward position player.  When not pitching they've stuck him at 1B because he's big and can hit a little.  Honestly though... a below avg fielder.   I had to beg the coach to put him in OF a bit this season just bc I know only having 1b skills is a quick road to PO-ville.  Amazingly in RF he made play after play.  Diving catches.  Sliding shoelace grabs.  We were like "who is this guy".  So you never know.  My boys surprise and amaze me!

You say he’s awkward. What kind of a jump on the ball is he getting? Is he diving for balls other outfielders catch on the run on their feet? Or, in the case of kids who get exceptional jumps, would have been camped under? Questions aside, it’s good for him to learn outfield play.

From midle school through high school I spent hours at the field with my son driving balls straight at him, directly over his head and up the gaps. I ran him ragged. We didn’t waste time with routine flys other than learning how to get behind a catch for a tag throw to third or home.

RJM.  Oh don't get me wrong. Just horrible jumps.  Deer in headlights stuff.  He made plays much more dramatic looking than need be.  But he made them all!  And hosed a couple runners to boot.  It was just so much fun.  I know where he ll end up in the long run... LHP.   This summer though, he was Mookie. 

@DanJ posted:

Definitely not easy.  There are no easy positions, but most feel 1B is the easiEST.  But let's be fair and holistic.  Take a 1B and have him play OF.  What's that look like?  He may not drop 4 balls, but it's more likely he simply didn't get to them in time to even have an opportunity to drop them.

I challenge this one, probably because I have an LHP/1B (well ok PO in college).  First basemen need to scoop a few balls a game, they are also a hot corner for left-hand hitters.   They have a lot of cut responsibilities, bunts, pick-offs from pitchers, etc. Think about how many times they touch a ball in a game.   Most pitchers parents have heard their son complain about the weak 1B when he's on the mound, afraid to throw over?

My son played the field this summer but they threw him in RF mostly.  RF see's significantly less action than 1B.  Touched the ball 3x a game maybe and not because he couldn't get to balls but your point here is good, without a lot of reps the jumps are not as good as full time OF.  That's my two cents.  Son hit great this summer by the way but it's most likely back to PO in 3 weeks!