Need some advice

Yes, to some extent being 5'7" will work against you. Of course, as a sophomore you may still grow some.

Visit the websites for the colleges in which you are interested. Look at their season stats. See which pitchers got most of the innings. Go back to the roster and see the height listed for those pitchers. Also, scan the roster for the pitchers' heights.

You will find that some colleges will not have a pitcher less than 6' tall on the roster. Some will not have a pitcher less than 6' tall throwing any significant innings.

If you can truly pitch, you can probably find a place to play. But it will take more effort.

Look around more on this site, especially the recruiting section listed on the main website page.

Best wishes & keep working hard.

You should also keep in mind that in many cases the heights listed are "in cleats" heights.

Good point, HC.

Do not let your size bother you---the past two years we have had guys in the top of our lineup who stood 5-6 if that---in fact HC saw one of them this year at the college level

Yes there are people who look down on short players but I can tell you we don't---provided you can play the game

I concur with the general tenor of the posts above. Do not let your height deter you. It is true most D1 coaches like bigger size in their pitchers (they call them "projectible"). However, if you can get outs, coaches will notice and you will get a chance to play at some level after high school (make sure your HS coach understands your desire to play in college and enlist his help).

My son is a 5'9" freshman (just finished his freshman year) and pitches for a D1 program. He always had to "overcome" his size. On his team, most pitchers are 6'4", but his coach acknowledged to him that he "has good enough stuff to get outs at this level". It's all about throwing strikes and getting outs. When given your chance, you'll have to perform (and, unfortunately, you may not get as many chances as the 6'5" guy...but it's just the way it is). You can't control your height...you can control how hard you work and how much you want to play.

Finally, the pitcher who led the league in strikeouts in my son's conferene (the Missouri Valley...check its RPI among other conferences) is only 5'8" and doesn't overpower people...he changes speeds and throws strikes.

I saw quite a few college players this year that were under 5'8". Bryant has a few. While you can't tell from their roster, I walked by these kids at the Northeast10 playoffs and I was looking down at them. I'm 5/8"! Stonehill's lead-off hitter couldn't have been taller than 5'6". SNHU's leading hitter is 5'8". The list goes on and on and on...

I know about the attention big guys get, my friend has already recieved letters from some big time programs and scouts from big league teams. Velocity is not my problem, I was gunned today after my first post. I was consistently 79-82 and topped out at 85.

I don't know where to start with looking at colleges. Being a player from the Northeast where would you reccomend looking?

Start to get to know Tom Rizzi (TRHit here on the boards), or visit www.collegeselect.com He'll have some advice for you.

Oops, just saw that TR had already replied above.....

You need to read some of the advice on this website - go to local showcases and college camps, I think there is a good one at Uconn. Look at some of the Div 2 and 3 college baseball sites in the northeast, there is a list of D3 schools on www.d3baseball.com and call or email and ask. You need to just hunt around and get some ideas, junior year is the important time. Good luck!

My son finished his freshman year at the University of Rochester (D3). He is 5'8" and 160, at best, and is 19 years old. He was the everyday centerfielder and lead-off hitter. He received Honorable Mention for conference and also was Rookie of The Week in April. He worked his butt-off to get to "play" baseball, and to accomplish these honors. Next year is not a given, as you earn your spot every year. His coach gave him goals for next season that will hopefully improve upon his achievements from this year.

My point is that if you can pitch, or if you can hit, you will play, BUT you can't take anything for granted. You have to earn it in every practice, in every game, and still perform academically. It's not easy, but you can do it. And like "Krakatoa" advised, contact Mr. Rizzi. He can help with any questions you may have about the schools in your area. My son did!

Boomer - Well said!