how to decide the college level where a player "fits"?

Those numbers are certainly in line with similar numbers of pitchers from around here who have played Ivy League & Patriot League...

Good to hear that your son stuck with the mechanics changes even though the early results weren't great.  Kids can be very results oriented.

Maybe by next summer he’s consistently cruising 86/87. Good luck.

From OP  "...Still too many walks, but they were down and he was effective.  I know these numbers don't make him a P5 prospect..."

Walks at his age are generally not a big concern for coaches and recruiters from my experience. It is important to remember that a lot of what is being decided is based on potential.

If you look at PG, there have been several recent commits in the 2019 class that have committed to  D1 baseball teams in the P5 conferences that top out at 86-88 mph, and I saw several cruising this velo in the CWS last month. Another thing to note, is that there are currently only 7 pitchers in the 2019 class that remain uncommitted that have  touched 90 or 91.  No one that has 92 or more has remained uncommitted.  Most all of these kids committed to D1 baseball programs.

So, if your son adds 3 or 4 miles per hour by next year, I think that he is a legit D1 commitment ANYWHERE.  Regardless of when coach/recruiter say they look for something other than velocity, the facts just don't show that to be true.  The instant most kids touch 90, they become a recruitment target. I have seen this repeatedly in my son's 2019 class.

Additionally, P5 does not mean the same thing in baseball that it does in football or even basketball.  The SEC is different.  The ACC, BIG12 and PAC are not too different from other competitive conferences.  The Big10 ( and I spent most my life living in the middle of Big 10 country) is on par with D2 in the Southeast.  That's not a dig at the Big10, they have great baseball players. It just tells you how competitive the southeast is.

Now just because your son is potentially high D1 caliber, that does not mean it is the best place for him.  My son, could go just about anywhere he wanted, and we have always made education the top priority.  He was contacted by several of the Ivy's, and really liked Georgetown.  Ultimately, while he loved those schools and their academics (we made time to visit several), he felt the schools commitment to baseball, not the coaches, was lacking.

My short advice would be this for your son.

1. Work at Baseball - become a better stronger pitcher

2. Visit the schools and learn about them - decide where you want to go to school

3. Let schools know your interested - make a list, visit, call, go to their camp, send a 30s bullpen video

4. Keep an open mind - you may find you like the situation at D2 or D3

5. And Most important - have fun playing HS and Summer seasons

There are some high academic mid majors (D1s) with baseball out there.

William & Mary is considered a "public ivy". 

Good luck!

So, make a list of the schools he would like to attend for the Academics. Don't matter if it's D1, D2, or D3. The question will eventually come up as to what is his priority? A strong Academic school with a strong program in his interested Major and a chance to play baseball?  or is he willing to forego one of his listed high academic schools for the opportunity to play? There is no wrong answer but something to think about.   

My son & I discussed this topic a little this week.

This winter as a Sophomore he is going to start out with a list of about 50 schools.  15 schools where he knows he can play (i.e. The perennial loser D3 a half mile from our house, local low level in state JUCO's etc), 25 schools at the level that his travel program director thinks he is currently projecting towards (this is important, getting qualified objective opinions from someone who isn't immediate family) and 10 schools that are Dream Schools (LSU etc).

Then once he attends a PG or PBR Showcase in the spring he'll have a web link with his measureables to send out to coaches, and he can begin the process of contacting coaches.  And when time allows we'll visit some campuses, and take in a game or two.  And yes attend a few camps.

We already started visiting campuses in the last few weeks on Travel Ball weekends (Illinois & Valparaiso).  I want him to visit dozens of campuses over the next few years so he can really get a feel for what he likes and doesn't like in terms of college campuses.

We'll adjust the lists over time if his skill level increases or based on interest or lack of interest from coaches.

Your son's situation is similar to my son's when he made his decision a few years ago (although he is a position player not a pitcher).  He chose a HA D3 and loves it. 

A few thoughts based on your OP.  It sounds like your son's priority is (1A) academics, and (1B) baseball.  My response is influenced by this.  I think something he should consider is the challenge of balancing the academic schedule with his baseball schedule.  A D1 schedule averages ~56 games in the spring.  A D3 schedule is 40 regular season games plus any playoff games.  Travel to away games is usually more local as well for D3.  There may be an early spring trip to Florida or the west coast for a week of games but that typically the extent of travel.  As for the fall, they will have morning workouts 4-5 times a week at 6:30 AM.  I don't think that is any different than D1.  However they are more limited to coach led practices in the fall. 

The quality of talent that we see at the HA D3s is outstanding (this was one of the most unexpected things for me).  Most pitchers consistently throw 85-87 and you will see several guys throwing 92-93 with schools at the top conferences. 

Good luck at HeadFirst, they do a great job. Your son should take advantage of interacting with the coaches.  He will have access to them during games on the field and in the dugout unlike any other showcase my son attended.  HF was where he received the most real interest from coaches and was also the showcase that first started his communication with his school. 

Chico, this thread may be helpful: 

https://community.hsbaseballwe...r-at-certain-schools

Feel free to PM me. My son just went through this process.

For a 2020, next Summer is the prime time for HA D3 and some HA D1 recruitment.  Averaging 83 now, and touching 87, puts your son in the discussion at both levels as a 2020.

As others have noted, he has time for development/improvement.  Given his desired college focus on HA schools (very few verbal commitments yet at most HA D1), he should focus on improvement of velocity and command now.  Average velocity continues to rise across baseball.  And it can be improved.

Also, as has been noted, casting a very wide net at this stage is a great idea.  Lots of schools could fit...hard to say where at this point.

Having been to this rodeo a couple times, I'd look at camps/showcases beginning later this Fall and into the Winter to begin testing the waters again after more development.  Places like Headfirst Jupiter and Winter camps at places like Harvard or Northeastern.  Continue to work a plan of engagement with coaches (and potentially admissions reps) of the schools on his vetted list, e.g., campus visits, send video and emails, etc. through next Spring.  The time to really shine will be Summer 2019. 

Good luck!

The process will lead you to the right fit.  My 2019 is going through it now and it’s amazing how many schools from the same leagues are showing interest..so you know he must belong there.

Chico Escuela posted:

I know no one can evaluate a player based on posts here.  But I could use some advice:

My son is going to Headfirst in August.  He is a 2020 RHP and his goal is a high-academic school.  Several coaches have told him he could potentially play at a lower-level D1, but he has been thinking D3 because his primary goal is getting into the best academic school he can, rather than the best baseball school.

Son's coach recently made some changes to his delivery and he has struggled to incorporate those.  His velocity is up, but he has not performed well this summer (far too many walks). 

At the WWBA earlier this week, things finally clicked:  touched 86-87 on several pitches and averaged 83 mph; 2 Ks per IP.  This is the fastest he has thrown by a good bit.  Still too many walks, but they were down and he was effective.  I know these numbers don't make him a P5 prospect.  But in addition to D3 HA schools, should he also target the Ivies and/or Patriot League (and similar)?  He's 6'1", built like a tight-end, won't get any taller.  His pitching coach, who is the best around these parts, says there is still room to increase his velo.  I'm not asking "will he get a D1 offer?" but just "are these numbers likely to get a HA D1 coach's interest"?  He'll continue to target HA D3s in any case.  I know he has nothing to lose by sending emails to D1 coaches; but I'm trying to help him set realistic expectations and goals.

congrats!  Sounds like he is in a good place... with his velo, his focus on academics and having access to a great P coach.

Curious... what is the primary change in his delivery?  is the control issue attributed mostly to getting comfortable with the changes or something else?

Pedaldad posted:

Another thing to note, is that there are currently only 7 pitchers in the 2019 class that remain uncommitted that have  touched 90 or 91.  No one that has 92 or more has remained uncommitted.  Most all of these kids committed to D1 baseball programs.

 

You raise a really good point -- throwing harder will give Chico's kid a lot more options.

I checked PG and they show 28 RHPs at 90 or higher who are uncommitted. Here's another interesting data point: in the 2019 class there are only 171 RHPs in PG's database who have touched 90 or higher.* And only 24 LHPs. So 205 total. Those numbers will rise when the 17U WWBA data gets published, and throughout the fall, but it will probably only be 350-450.** Maybe some others never do a PG event, but still, 1000 or more RHPs will go D1 each year, so clearly not everyone is touching 90 as a rising HS senior. 

*of the 143 that are committed, 1 is committed to a JUCO -- the other 142 are committed to a D1 program

**Edited to add: for the 2018 class, pitchers who have touched 90 or higher in the PG database total 387 RHPs and 74 LHPs, and for the 2017 class it's 294 RHPs and 52 LHPs

cabbagedad posted:

Curious... what is the primary change in his delivery?  is the control issue attributed mostly to getting comfortable with the changes or something else?

I'm not knowledgeable enough to tell you in detail, but my son says he has changed the way he brings his arm back and has been working on various things to use his lower half more.  Son says he was having trouble with timing after the changes (and IMO just with changing old habits).  His delivery doesn't look very different to my untrained eye, but the ball definitely is coming out his hand quite a bit faster than last summer.  Several coaches had described the boy in prior years as "raw" but with potential.  So here's one data point to suggest good coaching can increase velo substantially.  

A couple more things:  First, thanks to all for some very helpful posts.  As always, they are much appreciated and this site is a great resource.

Second, it wouldn't surprise me if my son's pitching coach frequents this site (hi coach!), so:  I trust it's clear I think very highly of son's PC.  I have had a couple of very preliminary conversations with PC about colleges and expect to rely on him heavily.  I'm just here to gather all the info I can.

DiamondsRmomsBF posted:

The process will lead you to the right fit.  My 2019 is going through it now and it’s amazing how many schools from the same leagues are showing interest..so you know he must belong there.

 

same thing's happening to my kid

Chico,

does your son's fastball move up, move down? Does he have the 6th tool?

do you have College players in your area? Have your son pitch BP and they can evaluate his future College opportunity. use  pitching screen!

Bob

Chico,

Best of luck at HF.   If your son is considering a schools academics first and then baseball second it becomes somewhat easier because your son knows exactly what he wants.  Most HA coaches will offer their support for an admission slot or tip.   After my son figured out what he wanted to do after college it became somewhat easy to pick the school that would get him there....find the best school in his area of study and then reach out to those coaches who are looking for a pitcher like him.   This approach was a lot easier than "boiling the ocean" to see who was looking for a baseball pitcher, and then trying to figure out the academics later.   You're on the right path by attending HF and other showcases like this.   It will become very apparent which schools fit him and which schools want him.

Another important aspect if not already mentioned above are the JUCO players coming in which dont show up on schools PG recruitment lists.  Not to hijack your thread, but wanted to share where we are coming from.  2019 RHP, 6'3, 180.  Played all summer (and last), Jupiter, etc.... in PG events with a competitive team from the ATL area.  Son consistently hits 88 in his outings, cruising 85-86.  WWBA 17U his last outing ( against a very good team), 5 innings, 7 K, 1BB, 3 hits, No runs, 72 pitches thrown.    Reached out to about 10-15 mid major D1 schools beginning last summer.  Reached out to schools to send schedule for his outings this summer.   Good grades and ACT, highschool and travel coach seem to really like him and his attitude, work ethic, etc....  Number of contact/offers from the mentioned schools: ZERO.   I really believe that if 90 was his velo things would be different.    We are now starting to look at some local JUCOs.....which he would be thrilled if he had the chance to play baseball in college at any level.      

My son made a list of his preference for school, Academics, size, city size, etc. He then targeted schools that met those criteria, regardless of conference. He visited those schools and targeted the ones he thought he may be able to play at. Eventually the Process showed him where he belonged. There is nothing wrong with some stretch schools, but remember coaches recruit players, players do not recruit schools. If they are interested and they know about you they will get in touch. If they don't you probably will not change there mind. 

To Answer the original question, "where does a player fit?' here's what I can offer based on my son's recruiting: 

1) We looked at the chart which listed measurables (footspeed, arm strength, etc) for a MI. It delineates the levels based on "expected numbers" for D1, D2, D3 

(I know that it's located on HSBBWEB, some "oldtimer" could offer the link)

2) He had a D1 offer early on (local school) .He also had a D3 offer early on who wanted to follow him, but HC thought son would land at a HA D1. This said if son was patient he would eventually land at a D1, which he hoped was HA. 

3) Son went to showcases where you got a write-up in the end from one of your "dugout" coaches. These read-outs indicated he had some (not all) D1 level tools.

4) Lastly, son went to see games which involved schools he was vetting. Here he could see the level of play, pitching speed, etc. 

5) There is the academic piece as well, and SAT/ACT scores, transcript will give you an idea if you compare them to the "general population" of the schools are looking. 

HF is a good plan, and your son will be even more successful (camp worthwhile) if he has been in contact with schools prior to HF. You want to be on as many "clipboards" as possible.

Be prepared for the "how are your grades?" question.  

Best of luck to you and your son. 

"If you go out to the field and listen real close , the game will tell you where you belong"

-Tracy Smith

Head Coach Arizona State

stayfocused posted:

Another important aspect if not already mentioned above are the JUCO players coming in which dont show up on schools PG recruitment lists.  Not to hijack your thread, but wanted to share where we are coming from.  2019 RHP, 6'3, 180.  Played all summer (and last), Jupiter, etc.... in PG events with a competitive team from the ATL area.  Son consistently hits 88 in his outings, cruising 85-86.  WWBA 17U his last outing ( against a very good team), 5 innings, 7 K, 1BB, 3 hits, No runs, 72 pitches thrown.    Reached out to about 10-15 mid major D1 schools beginning last summer.  Reached out to schools to send schedule for his outings this summer.   Good grades and ACT, highschool and travel coach seem to really like him and his attitude, work ethic, etc....  Number of contact/offers from the mentioned schools: ZERO.   I really believe that if 90 was his velo things would be different.    We are now starting to look at some local JUCOs.....which he would be thrilled if he had the chance to play baseball in college at any level.      

Wow, with your son's measurables, I would think there would be a lot of contact.  Is he also reaching out to those schools, sending emails, schedule, etc?  I can see little contact last summer, as a rising junior, but I would think there would be a lot of interest this year.

Good luck!

Yes he has been reaching out to those schools. Last fall we were invited for unofficial visit to a top choice, met with coaches, etc... all went well. Son and RC would talk on a weekly basis. Then......nothing, no reply’s to texts, emails, phone calls not answered, etc...  I do know that school had some coaching changes at end of their season.  

Touching 87 as a junior to be is plenty good enough to get D1 looks.  Heck, my son is at a mid-major and I can tell you we saw a lot of RHP this season that weren't throwing above that.   As others have said....if he gets a few more MPH his options will increase dramatically and at that point you/he will have to decide if the high academic D3 is still the goal....or playing D1 because he's likely to get some opportunities there with those kind of numbers.

stayfocused posted:

Yes he has been reaching out to those schools. Last fall we were invited for unofficial visit to a top choice, met with coaches, etc... all went well. Son and RC would talk on a weekly basis. Then......nothing, no reply’s to texts, emails, phone calls not answered, etc...  I do know that school had some coaching changes at end of their season.  

Yeah, this happens. It's frustrating. My 2018 had a D1 school go so far as to ask him to swing by on his way back from WWBA two years ago and that they would "have an offer for him." Drove out of the way. Swung by. They had a volunteer assistant we had never met give him a very short tour. "Glad you came by." No offer. Never heard from them again and have no idea what happened.

I feel like this 2020 class is extremely strong.  There are several 2020s throwing 95+.  I know they are the freaks, but my 2020 throws 90 and I think he is right in the middle of a large group in the same space.  A lot of them (like my son) are uncommitted.  That said, we played a team with a RHP last week committed to a top SEC team and he sat 84-86 most of the game.  Very effective pitcher.  I would say your son will get some interest from D1s.

The NCSA website has a breakdown by position and by level of play. 

https://www.ncsasports.org/rec...nes/baseball-pitcher

This link is for pitchers. The menu on the left will allow you to change the positions that you can reference as a guideline.

DiamondsRmomsBF posted:

The process will lead you to the right fit.  My 2019 is going through it now and it’s amazing how many schools from the same leagues are showing interest..so you know he must belong there.

 

I hear (and read) this a lot along with “the game will tell you where you fit”.

One of the challenges I find is knowing the process. If the game tells me (or my son) something, did I hear it? Did he?

 Do I even speak that language to understand what it means? What if they told me and I missed it?

There’s a bit of humor in those statements but there’s some reality in there too. 

In order to fish in the right pond, the unfortunate reality is that you may have to fish in a few wrong ponds first. If you’re fortunate, someone may tell you where the fish are biting, what bait to use and whether to fish early or late in the day. Otherwise, I think you have to do some prospecting in different ponds to see what bites....and that’s where the hard decisions have to be made. Fishing in every pond doesn’t always make a lot sense financially. 

PlayWithEffort posted:

The NCSA website has a breakdown by position and by level of play. 

https://www.ncsasports.org/rec...nes/baseball-pitcher

This link is for pitchers. The menu on the left will allow you to change the positions that you can reference as a guideline.

 

Thanks.  I had seen that a while back, but it's good to have the link again.

Does the hsbaseballweb community generally agree with this chart?  And if so, at what point in HS would you say these metrics apply--sophomore HS season?  summer after junior year?   

The "nationally recognized travel team" metric on the chart is an interesting one...  In my experience, unless you happen to live in the right town, signing up for a big-time travel team means playing with a group of teammates you see only on tournament weekends and don't practice with.  My son insists he doesn't want to do that--he wants to have regular practices and to know the guys he plays with.  I understand most folks recommend playing with and against the best competition possible, but I have to admit I never saw much appeal in the just-show-up-for-games model. 

You will know if you cast a wide enough net. However there are some things you must ask yourself. 

In no particular order.

1. What type of academics am I looking for.

2. How far away do I want to attend school. 

3. What size/type school. Large, small. Public/Private.

4. What can I afford to pay.

Answer these questions and it will tell you what to target a academically. Then look at schools at all levels that meet these requirements. Get in front of these schools. They will have camps, many assistant coaches that work school camps are also on the lookout for players. Many supplement there income by working, these.

Those that show interest, could reveal where you belong. Who is reaching out? 

That is ONE way to determine where you belong. There are others. Not all paths are right for everyone. 

Chico Escuela posted:

PlayWithEffort posted:

The NCSA website has a breakdown by position and by level of play. 

https://www.ncsasports.org/rec...nes/baseball-pitcher

This link is for pitchers. The menu on the left will allow you to change the positions that you can reference as a guideline.

 

Thanks.  I had seen that a while back, but it's good to have the link again.

Does the hsbaseballweb community generally agree with this chart?  And if so, at what point in HS would you say these metrics apply--sophomore HS season?  summer after junior year?   

The "nationally recognized travel team" metric on the chart is an interesting one...  In my experience, unless you happen to live in the right town, signing up for a big-time travel team means playing with a group of teammates you see only on tournament weekends and don't practice with.  My son insists he doesn't want to do that--he wants to have regular practices and to know the guys he plays with.  I understand most folks recommend playing with and against the best competition possible, but I have to admit I never saw much appeal in the just-show-up-for-games model. 

That website looks roughly right on velo -- which I've always thought of as junior year and the summer after, because very little recruiting is done off senior year metrics -- but the stats metric (whether here or elsewhere) always struck me as completely bizarre -- doesn't it depend GREATLY on the level of competition?

Saw the attached Q and A in this week's chat by ESPN's Keith Law -- see the question from Matt. I don't see how there can be a national standard for stats. Heck, even within a region, the classification can make a huge difference -- e.g., in SoCal, there is a giant chasm between Division 1 (highest) and Division 7 (lowest).

There are certain measureables that make a player a "No Doubt" candidate   for Power 5 schools.... What gets a little more unclear is what the measureables are that are needed for Mid-Majors, it can depend a bit on conference and individual school.

You can go through rosters and look up players' PBR and/or Perfect Game profiles and see what numbers they put up at showcases in high school.  I will caution you to mostly look at freshman & sophomores though because the game is changing that fast.   I'm seeing lots of Exit Velos 95+ among players at Mid-Majors who were 2017 or 2016 HS graduates, and also lots of corner infielders who run 7.2 or faster...

Ultimately, having a great experienced travel director who can effectively tell you what schools to target is invaluable.  Even better if you can get a second or third opinion.

The mph for pitchers and the 60 time for position players remains the most important criteria.

3and2Fastball posted:

There are certain measureables that make a player a "No Doubt" candidate   for Power 5 schools.... What gets a little more unclear is what the measureables are that are needed for Mid-Majors, it can depend a bit on conference and individual school.

You can go through rosters and look up players' PBR and/or Perfect Game profiles and see what numbers they put up at showcases in high school.  I will caution you to mostly look at freshman & sophomores though because the game is changing that fast.   I'm seeing lots of Exit Velos 95+ among players at Mid-Majors who were 2017 or 2016 HS graduates, and also lots of corner infielders who run 7.2 or faster...

Ultimately, having a great experienced travel director who can effectively tell you what schools to target is invaluable.  Even better if you can get a second or third opinion.

The mph for pitchers and the 60 time for position players remains the most important criteria.

I would include arm strength for position players too.

The more plus tools / measurables you have, obviously, the more appealing to the P5 programs. That, along with grades, could be the differentiator between P5 and mid major. 

PWE -  I agree on arm strength for position players.  You are right the more top flight measureables you can have the better.  I've been looking at corner infielders from mid majors and one trend I'm seeing that you used to see more from SEC schools and Power 5's is high school shortstops playing college 3B.  High School shortstops who run 6.9-7.1 are getting moved to 3B.

I have seen 3B's at mid majors whose PBR profiles show 77-82 mph infield velocities.  That surprised me a little, although I suspect that their throwing velocity increased once they got on campus.  UW Milwaukee has a 3B who was All Conference in the Horizon League who threw 77 on his PBR profile, for instance.

Organize a travel team:

survey each player as to the preferred college. Run a 2 day tryout camp, time in the 30 yard, 60 yard [bring in a track coach to instruct in improving time], use a radar gun from a local scout, use the scout or College players to instruct. Always use wood bats. Develop a game schedule for games at or near the "preferred" colleges. Inform the College coaches of your schedule.

Two teams benefit and if you conduct a tournament you now benefit other players. Interview the College Coaches as to their needs. Develop a "player profile" for each of your players include the 6th Tool.

We did this and our players benefited with 6 players to Division 1 schools and one to the NY Yankees [MVP World Series].

Bob

Northern California

Chico Escuela posted:

PlayWithEffort posted:

The NCSA website has a breakdown by position and by level of play. 

https://www.ncsasports.org/rec...nes/baseball-pitcher

This link is for pitchers. The menu on the left will allow you to change the positions that you can reference as a guideline.

 

Thanks.  I had seen that a while back, but it's good to have the link again.

Does the hsbaseballweb community generally agree with this chart?  And if so, at what point in HS would you say these metrics apply--sophomore HS season?  summer after junior year?   

The "nationally recognized travel team" metric on the chart is an interesting one...  In my experience, unless you happen to live in the right town, signing up for a big-time travel team means playing with a group of teammates you see only on tournament weekends and don't practice with.  My son insists he doesn't want to do that--he wants to have regular practices and to know the guys he plays with.  I understand most folks recommend playing with and against the best competition possible, but I have to admit I never saw much appeal in the just-show-up-for-games model. 

There are teams that are national/regional that do practice every day. Their players are from several different states. It will require your player to live with a host family. They do play the big events. Son did this and it was the best thing for him.  Feel free to pm me if you would like to know more about his experience 

Chico, I agree with Roadrunner but they are few and far between.  It takes a special kid to do the work away from the field, but in reality most of the national high level teams do not have time to practice.  They are not playing in the weekend tournaments but the week long tournaments and playing back to back.  Once they get up and going, there is little time to practice.  The pitchers throw their bullpens at the field during a game they are not pitching.  the fielders get their time in during games and before games.  When they are home, they have to do the work themselves which one scout told me is a good sign of a top D1 player anyways. 

A couple of scouts told me they were impressed that my son had played on several teams that were not near us, which told me they had read his PG page, which some here believe does not happen.  They also said it took some of the fear of the kid moving away from home and being on his own away from them as scouts.  They knew he could relate to kids he did not know.

I would suggest every kid wanting to play away from home and at a high level have to play on a team at some point where they did not know anyone.  It is a reality check. 

THe Royals SCout Team tries to replicate P5 world and minor league for their players.  They make the kids stay with them and they assign roommates.  They encouraged us as parents to let our players learn life on their own and see if it is really what they want.  We never travelled with him and never stayed at the team motel.  Great experience.  I knew after the past two summers that whatever the future brings he will be able to handle himself.  He drove 4 hours to Atlanta four times this year by himself, drove 10 hours to West Palm Beach by himself and flew to Arizona from Charlotte by himself through Atlanta on the way out and Detroit on the way back.  It was tough on mom and I but I know he can take on the world.  I just have to be here when he stumbles.

I appreciate the info about some types of travel teams I didn’t know existed. For the kid who wants to do it, sounds like a great experience. Mentioned it to my son, and he said “no way.”

Chico Escuela posted:

I appreciate the info about some types of travel teams I didn’t know existed. For the kid who wants to do it, sounds like a great experience. Mentioned it to my son, and he said “no way.”

If your son is going to WWBA and JOs, and assuming he's getting good workouts I don't see any reason to worry about his travel team.  Personally I'd take the NCSA chart with a huge grain of salt (D1 pitchers at 84 to 95mph and ERA below 2.00... this doesn't seem very helpful).  With his size and velo I wouldn't rule out mid-level D1s, which may be a better fit than HA D3s unless his grades and scores are very high.