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Hey guys,
I don't really know where this post is going to go or how long, but I feel like I have to express some frustration I've been dealing with so if someone could bear with me id appreciate it.

I am a 2017 HS graduate. LHP and OF (first base goes to the big guys on the HS team). This season I played on the JV team and did get moved for 2 V practices. since there's 26 kids on V I wasn't really of much use, so I'm on to summer ball. We play higher level tourneys like Black Swamp in a few weeks.

But what is bothering me is that I feel like I am running out of time in the college recruiting game. I want nothing more but to play college baseball, anywhere that I can get a education with my major I think I want. However, I only throw around low 70s with a decent CH and slider/curve. Obviously velocity is below average. In the outfield I am not too fast (7.75 60 time last August), and struggle to make good long throws on a line at a far distance.  Maybe at this point you're thinking I just don't have it, but i am trying unbelievably hard to get a lot better in a short amount of time. Weight room, resistance bands, (just starting working on sprint workouts) and finally some serious Long toss (220 is only my max distance right now). I am also looking into buying Drivelines Weighted ball set and doing the Ballistic training methods program.  My arm is feeling stronger and my mental game has been changed thanks to a Brian Cain book I bought.

But what is bothering me is that I feel like I am running out of time with college recruiting. Obviously I would not target a major D1 at this point, but i feel like I have to rapidly "catch up"with other guys in my class if I want to have a chance at playing in college. So I guess my question is, is it too late for a major velo jump/strength/skill jump? With junior year coming up I am getting uneasy, although my work ethic is still very strong.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, I'd appreciate any responses
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I'm glad you posted, wildcats.  There are some on this board who believe there is a place for anyone who wants to play college bad enough.  The fact of the matter is that with your current skill set, it would likely be near impossible to make someone's roster. 

 

Now the good news...  You have two years left and you seem to have the desire and initiative.  It is certainly not out of the question that you could work yourself into a player who does have a chance.  I don't recall what kind of student you are but it is extremely important to put grades on the same high pedestal that you have put with your efforts to improve your game.  Particularly for someone like yourself, good grades will ultimately afford you exponentially more options than mediocre grades... so many D3's are high academic and only feasible with good grades.  And many of these schools are likely to be better fits with baseball. 

 

Don't feel rushed but feel urgency and a need to consistently commit to the effort.  Every individual is different (we don't even know how you play outside of the numbers you have provided) so none of us can promise that you can work your way into someone who can make it in college but it's certainly possible and you do have time.  Realize that some of the D3, NAIA and JC recruiting efforts occur quite late, even after graduation in some cases.

Last edited by cabbagedad
Well Wildcats 21, you're at an age were your body and your abilities can change dramatically between now and the start of next season where you'll be a Junior.  So, though I don't know what your physical attributes are, you should simply keep working hard on your game.  And if you can find some coaching help to refine your skills.... go for it.   There's a lot of improvement that can take place over the next couple of years.  Play hard, keep positive, do what coaches ask of you and be coachable.

 

If you don't find that you're getting interest from college coaches while in HS, you might keep in mind (particularly that baseball sounds very important to you) there's always JC's that offer opportunities to play college ball and if you do well enough there, doors can open to other colleges where you can be pick up.... even for D-1s.  So, baseball doesn't have to end at HS if things are working out well there for you for what ever reason.

 

Theres a trickle down effect to recruiting. This means D3 players typically won't be recruited until the summer and fall after junior year. You have another year to develop before it's showtime. Do e work to get stronger and increase velocity. You have the advantage of throwing left handed. Get to 80+ and throw strikes with your fastball and an off speed pitch.

I want to echo what RJM and Truman said. Yes the velo isn't there but you can do some things. Keep long tossing!! And keep backing up. Try to get to 300 ft and chart it. Keep track and be consistent. If you don't have a partner just get a bucket of balls and do it yourself. But keep doing it! There is no secret to velo but Long toss is the closest thing I've seen that actually works or helps for incremental velocity increases. Lots of long toss info online. Stay with it and the band work. Learn about Alan Jaeger and what he is trying to do. Go to youtube and search Alan Jaeger.

Also, check your stride. When you break your hands you gotta step that front leg WAY out front. Stride length adjustments ( longer) can have an impact on Velo. Get a piece of chalk go on your driveway and do your windup / delivery then mark w/chalk where your front foot lands. Then add a foot and make a mark, now do your delivery and land THERE. Then in a few days try to add another foot.

Also, there is no substitute for a good pitching coach. Ask around or go to the nearest University and go to the baseball dept and ask for help. Tell them you are looking for a pitching coach.

You are a LHP. That is a coveted player at the College level. Keep working, get a coach and you will be fine. You are gonna grow and or get stronger. Hang in there and work hard. The guys that play at the next level work their tails off. Get busy!

Last edited by StrainedOblique

What others have hinted at, but not really asked, is how tall are you, how much do you weight, what are the heights of your parents?

 

I'm not going to say this is the typical scenario here, but I know of a guy personally who sat around 75mph in 10th grade....he grew 8 inches and gained 50 pounds by the end of 11th grade.  He said it was the hardest time of his life because he felt like every day he had to relearn how to throw, but while his body changed he worked every day, and he worked hard, and that hard work actually landed him with an offer from a D2 his senior year when he touched 92 at a showcase.  He swears if you had asked him that week if he was throwing 90 he would have said no....for him it was all about timing.   

 

If you are a 6'5 11th grader and taller than both of your parents then I would focus on the JUCO D3 route if baseball is passion....if you are 5'9 and your dad is over 6 foot I would say you are a late bloomer who needs to work hard and maybe, just maybe, you will bloom in time.  If not, well I hear that is what the JUCO's are for, for the late bloomers to catch up to everyone else.

 

Good luck!

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