Recruiting

size, power, hitting ability, and a left handed bat is probably preferred all else being equal.

Beware, there are many a coach that won't recruite a pure first baseman. It is not uncommon for coaches to use players who's primary position is elsewhere. Effectively, coaches look at first baseman as an offensive position. If they have a good offensive (catcher, 3rd baseman, OFer) that they want in the lineup you may be fighting an uphill battle.

In doing your research, if you are a true first baseman, see if any given coach has a history of using other postion players as first baseman. You may avoid a tough situation if you know in advance.

do they ever look at their ability to "dig" the ball out of the dirt and make the play? not all first basemen seem to be able to do this as well as others.

I think ILVBB summed it up: "If they have a good offensive (catcher, 3rd baseman, OFer) that they want in the lineup you may be fighting an uphill battle." Unless you are also good at the plate of course. One example I can think of right off is Prince Fielder with the Brewers. I watched him play AA ball and enjoyed his performance at the plate much more than at first.

The other position player such as a catcher or 3rd baseman should have adequate skills to "dig" the ball out.

A 1B is usually a power hitter generally without too much speed, preferrably left handed - for the stretch, and then also at the plate. Switch at the plate would be even better, with lefty being the glove. Now, if you have speed and power hitting, you will be an OF.

ILVBB is right on - many other position players, OF, C, 3B etc will/can be moved to 1B if they hit.


so....

would they possibly consider a RIGHT handed 1B if he is also a power hitter and a pitcher?

i understand that it probably depends on the school and on their needs.

what does "switch at the plate" mean?

I think it is safe to premise most recruiting posts as "there are exceptions"....but, from my experience the poster above is right on target. Hitting and offense is number one, can't be a liability at first base, but don't have to be a slick gold glove winner...just make the average players and hit, hit, hit. Every program I have been a part of has moved players from other positions that were "hot" at the plate, and some had never really played first base at all, and where given a crash course, in order to get them in the line up and move them over.

Bottom line, many of true first base signees have been moved to other positions, or replaced at first by others with better offensive capabilities....