Move from catcher to MIF?

Any reason why he couldn't do both. During practices get have him to take some infield.  Do what you think is in the best interest of your son first.  Regardless of what anyone else thinks. High school baseball can be political.  

Baseball Chauffeur: I can definitely relate with the recruitment journey of my 2015. Son really disliked playing 3B, but played many innings on his HS and summer team as it was the "black hole" (no one could play it) position. Son's flexibility and versatility helped due to other players who could play one position. As your son's case, mine too always started and could hit (for contact). It sounds like your son's bat will keep him recruitable. My 2015 played 6 positions at varsity. Scouts would watch him play, and wonder why he wasn't playing 2nd base (or CF).  (I wanted to tell him that the coach just wanted to say he had the fastest 3B in state )

If colleges like your son for a specific position(s), then you will have to "showcase" at that position. C/MI is not a common dual position, though some an athletic kid (strong arm and especially quick footwork) could do both. My Son would showcase (and pay extra) to take skills set at IF and OF.

Finally, if SSs are better your son, how does he match up with the second baseman?  Colleges talk to HS coaches about when a pitcher will play (start). If a coach has good rapport with your HS coach, perhaps your HS coach can slot you over to MI for a game. Your HS coach should be able to schedule it (not all games are against rivals). Just a thought.

Good Luck!

If a catcher has the athletic ability they make great second basemen. They have a very quick release turning two.

RJM posted:

If a catcher has the athletic ability they make great second basemen. They have a very quick release turning two.

Ala Craig Biggio

Sounds a lot like my son's situation. I was hoping he was going to shoot past me height-wise but he's 5'10". Of course, I grew 2" between 18-19 and hope he will too (or more). He's ripped but can't seem to get north of 170. "For a catcher" he's fast (7.25 60 and that's without ever taking any training on running 60s). Sometimes I wish he tried to play COF or 2B, but he loves playing behind the plate and has been a year-round, primary catcher for 6-7 years. I doubt he will try to play another position beside some rare 1B and LF/RF time.

I figure D3 is his best chance to play college baseball. He's even mentioned playing club ball and going to a big in-state school for the experience and fit. We'll see.

Good luck to you and your son.

2ndmardiv--nothing political with his high school team, thank goodness.  Apparently coach and AD took a lot of grief over son being pulled up freshman season, but I was oblivious to it all.  He's at a small class A school, and while we're not a power house and don't have the talent the big schools have, I believe the coach does what he thinks is best for the team.  Last year they had a team chemistry that movies are made of...despite only having one pitcher that could barely hit 80, they went 14-1 in conference.  

Thanks RJM!  He has picked up a few innings at 2nd as well as showcased there.  I think the coaches are starting to mention short due to the fact that he has finally increased his arm strength to the point of it being noticeable, plus they say he has "excellent range".  However, he's not to the point where they are going gaga over him so there are still improvements to be made! 

Ripken, did things work out for your son?  Did he finally find a dream school?  Son has mentioned that 3rd is probably his least favorite position, lol.  I laughed at your comment about the fastest 3rd baseman...son runs a 6.9 60.  Probably one of the quicker catchers in the area.  He's working on getting that down to a 6.6.  I didn't think that was possible, but his numbers are increasing like crazy lately.  He might just do it .   

In regards to other players, I believe the summer SS is better than him, but that he would probably be a better SS than high school SS (at least on paper and overall athleticism).  But for team performance, they need him behind the plate.  Coach is playing people in correct positions:  he's got an all conference catcher that wants to change positions, um no way, jose!  While he can easily play anywhere they stick him, there is no one to back him up at catcher, unless they really get to work on a sophomore so I'm hoping he's been working hard this winter too!

Batty, I've enjoyed reading about your son, they sound very similar.  My son is 5'10" if he stands really, really straight.  He only weighs in at 150, despite 6 straight months of eating and training for weight gain.  Looks bigger because he's ripped. We probably share the same frustrations too.   I start thinking, "if he can pop a 1.85-1.92 at 140 lbs, just think what he can do at 180 lbs! What is wrong with these coaches?"  Then I get back to reality.  He's supposed to end up around 6'-6'2", but who knows?  I've started mentioning JUCO to him.   Like you stated, he loves being behind the plate but is starting to realize that if the baseball dream is to continue he might just have to change positions.  He grew up idolizing Pudge so it's hard to let go of the small, tough as nails catcher image in his mind.

Batty67 posted:

Sounds a lot like my son's situation. I was hoping he was going to shoot past me height-wise but he's 5'10". Of course, I grew 2" between 18-19 and hope he will too (or more). He's ripped but can't seem to get north of 170. "For a catcher" he's fast (7.25 60 and that's without ever taking any training on running 60s). Sometimes I wish he tried to play COF or 2B, but he loves playing behind the plate and has been a year-round, primary catcher for 6-7 years. I doubt he will try to play another position beside some rare 1B and LF/RF time.

I figure D3 is his best chance to play college baseball. He's even mentioned playing club ball and going to a big in-state school for the experience and fit. We'll see.

Good luck to you and your son.

My son is also of similar size and a catcher (5-9" 175) but is a converted SS. His 60 times is similar. All I can offer is that you keep working on the field and just as importantly in the class room. My son is a 2016 and has been offered by a very high academic D3, all he is waiting on now is for admissions. The HC did ask my son of he also played MIF.      

Ivan Rodriguez is 5"9. Why is size important at catcher? I read durability but. I would assume a smaller guy has less wear on his back and knees squatting all day, doesn't he? Especially in these days when you can't run the catcher over anymore.

I'll add this.  First, what are his measureables?  Pop time, velocity, exit speed, etc.  Second, what you play in a game is dictated by the coach, especially in HS where the goal is to win.  In summer showcase ball, the coach should be more lenient and mix it up a bit if a school wants to see a kid somewhere.  So, I wouldn't worry about where I play in the games.  Get reps at SS in practice situations, somehow some way.  Do the video at SS.  And when/if you go to a showcase, camp, etc. go as a SS.  Good luck.   

Pudge is a fireplug - he's short but he's also 200+ pounds. If you think yours will end up with a similar body-type, go for it. 

BaseballChauffeur posted:

  Ripken, did things work out for your son?  Did he finally find a dream school?  Son has mentioned that 3rd is probably his least favorite position, lol.  I laughed at your comment about the fastest 3rd baseman...son runs a 6.9 60.  Probably one of the quicker catchers in the area.   

 

Chauffeur: Fortunately,things did work out for son and is at his dream school. Son is a 6.4 runner and 3.90 HTF from right side. Sooooo, what position did scouts/RC/coaches think he should play??? Son is playing 2nd base in college. Can't wait until first game!

"Son has mentioned that 3rd is probably his least favorite position"

when I started a 13u travel team I accumulated some of the best talent from our LL district's all star teams. I had the kids introduce themselves and state what position they would like to play. Selecting thirteen former top shelf LL all stars you can imagine how many said shortstop.  Some said pitcher, catcher and center.

i told them none of those positions were available. I saw parents eyes rolling. They were thinking my son is going to play short. And the assistants kids will pitch, catch and play center. Then I added, "We have nine positions available out there (pointing to the field). Everyone one of them is better than the four in there (pointing to the dugout)."

A valuable lesson was learned. Who played all over the field? My son. He played wherever the pitcher came from for three years. It allowed others to play a limited number of positions. But all but one was moved from short. It was the best training he could get for college where he has played seven positions to stay on the field. In middle and high school he played short until moving to center junior year.

As players move up the ladder and down the talent funnel any position can be a favorite position if it's on the field.

For those worried about height. 1) Don't worry about what you can't control. 2) Look in the mirror and at the family tree. My son hit 5'11" freshman year of high school. He's slowly grown three inches over the past eight years. The ortho said his growth plates aren't fully closed yet. His grandfather didn't stop growing until twenty-four.

Thanks Golf, great advice as always.  I sent you a PM .

Don't worry RJM, I'm not trying to get another size thread going.  Just trying to deal with the reality of the situation and be proactive.  If he looks like a MIF or OF and moves like one, he can play where ever coaches need him, but might just need to step up the training and showcasing at the other positions.  As always, I need as much help from this board as possible.  Thanks everyone!

How many home runs has he hit (you mentioned - go to hitter)?  This question came from two different big D1 college coaches. Catchers in our program are expected to hit home runs - end of story.  You hit for average / on base percentage, play MI.  And, don't worry about framing, managing the game, or blocking - they'll teach you that.  Pop is king.  Not that they are important, but every catcher of interest can already do those things (or at least well enough) and the disqualifier is Pop time.  The bigger the program, the greater the position expectations.  Like the school first, anything can happen in baseball and if that is taken away, you still have school.

RJM posted:

"Son has mentioned that 3rd is probably his least favorite position"

when I started a 13u travel team I accumulated some of the best talent from our LL district's all star teams. I had the kids introduce themselves and state what position they would like to play. Selecting thirteen former top shelf LL all stars you can imagine how many said shortstop.  Some said pitcher, catcher and center.

i told them none of those positions were available. I saw parents eyes rolling. They were thinking my son is going to play short. And the assistants kids will pitch, catch and play center. Then I added, "We have nine positions available out there (pointing to the field). Everyone one of them is better than the four in there (pointing to the dugout)."

A valuable lesson was learned. Who played all over the field? My son. He played wherever the pitcher came from for three years. It allowed others to play a limited number of positions. But all but one was moved from short. It was the best training he could get for college where he has played seven positions to stay on the field. In middle and high school he played short until moving to center junior year.

As players move up the ladder and down the talent funnel any position can be a favorite position if it's on the field.

With respect to the highlighted text, I heard a funny story about Daniel Murphy and his first year in college. On the first day the coach had the freshmen introduce themselves and state what position they play. They're going through the freshmen one by one and it gets to Murphy and he says "My name's Daniel Murphy and I bat third."

Based on what you've described, and assuming that his goals are "big schools and good programs", I think he would face extremely long odds finding a spot at MIF at this point. He's going to need tons of reps to work on his range, glovework, footwork around the back, etc., and there just isn't enough time. Many big schools / good programs already have their MIF commits for 2017.

Does he love catching? Sounds like he does. I have two thoughts:

1) Play catcher at the highest level of JuCo where he is confident that he can earn playing time. You expect him to grow, and maybe he will be big enough and will improve enough to transfer to a solid DI after two years.

2) If academics are a priority, stick with catching and start reciprocating some of that DIII love. Look for a high level program that competes for conference titles. Don't plan to transfer to DI, just enjoy the experience, and get yourself a degree that can help lead to a good job.

2forU posted:

How many home runs has he hit (you mentioned - go to hitter)?  This question came from two different big D1 college coaches. Catchers in our program are expected to hit home runs - end of story.  You hit for average / on base percentage, play MI.  And, don't worry about framing, managing the game, or blocking - they'll teach you that.  Pop is king.  Not that they are important, but every catcher of interest can already do those things (or at least well enough) and the disqualifier is Pop time.  The bigger the program, the greater the position expectations.  Like the school first, anything can happen in baseball and if that is taken away, you still have school.

Is that really so? In MLB there are few catchers who hit home runs, catchers in MLB have a lower ops than short stops and second basemen.

2forU posted:

How many home runs has he hit (you mentioned - go to hitter)?  This question came from two different big D1 college coaches. Catchers in our program are expected to hit home runs - end of story.  You hit for average / on base percentage, play MI.  And, don't worry about framing, managing the game, or blocking - they'll teach you that.  Pop is king.  Not that they are important, but every catcher of interest can already do those things (or at least well enough) and the disqualifier is Pop time.  The bigger the program, the greater the position expectations.  Like the school first, anything can happen in baseball and if that is taken away, you still have school.

He only had 2 last year, bounced a handful off the fence, and one hopped several. Hoping the couple of inches and pounds he's added will help a few more of those out this year, but only time will tell . He batted 3rd during hs, summer and lead off during fall ball.  Exit velo in mid80s, which I'm guessing needs improvement. Only struck out three times in hs season, though I don't think coaches care about that stat much?  Pops are consistently under 2.0, was in mid 1.8s during summer season.  Again, I know he's not top program material, but it seems like some of the instate lower d1, or mid d2s would be a bit interested.

Midatlantic, thanks for the feedback.  He has good grades, 3.7, but not really interested in a high academic school.  Has responded and visited small schools reaching out.  Just hasn't found "the one". Coaches have been great and he understands that it's nice to be loved and there are other players that would like the opportunities he has had. I guess we'll have to see how the spring goes. Jc is looking better and better. He played against several of them during the fall and knows he's already at that level. Then I get confused because if he held his own with juco players as a rising junior, how do you try to plan two years down the road?