Son (2015) recently attended 2 different prospect camps and at both they said they like him better in the infield. He's been a primary catcher for years but has also been working on infield since we were told a while back that he projected better at 2B. The concern is both his summer and high school teams use him as a starting catcher - have plenty of depth for infield and outfield but not at catcher. He's happy to play any position but is worried about his chances of making it to college ball if they want him as an infielder and the only position he plays is catcher. I'd hate to make waves with either coach since he gets good playing time and is happy on the teams - but will colleges still be interested if they only see him play catcher? Thanks!
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He will be fine and just relax and enjoy your son's time in HS and summer ball. If your son can hit and is athletic they will find him a spot on the field at the next level. College coaches / pro scouts support their families on being able to judge talent. They know if your son can play or not even looking at him behind the plate.
Also, most recruiting doesn't happen during HS ball because colleges are playing at the same time. So your son needs to be on a team where he can play his projected position (BTW - who made this projection? Are they credible?) so he can be seen there. Or go to camps / showcases where schools he wants to attend will be there.
Get him to some individual showcases as an infielder. Also, when you notify coaches of your target schools of upcoming events it could be noted he's also interested in playing infield. They will be able to tell if he has the speed, quickness and hands to convert.
Son was at a pitcher/catcher showcase this summer as a catcher, one of the college coaches asked if ever played SS. Catchers did the normal catcher showcase stuff, block pitches, block pitches throw to a base and pop times. Any interest is a good thing in my mind.
Why does he project as a second baseman rather then a catcher?
I played 2B/SS all the way until HS, where I'm a C/OF. I've made a few return stints to the infield in practice and summer ball and I can honestly say that catching improved my confidence in the infield tremendously. I no longer hesitate to field off a short hop and feel like I'm getting better reads and ground balls. I suppose reading dirtballs at catcher has improved my hand coordination and ability to read balls coming at me.
Thanks, All! Very reassuring!!
Son is 5'8", fast and could stand to improve his arm strength... 2 different college coaches at 2 different prospect camps wrote in their eval that they like him better in the infield.