Velo & Heighth

Chances are, he still has almost 2 years before entering college. I would be surprised if he didn't gain a few more mph anyway. I watch our D! schools around here and whereas we don't have any top D1 baseball schools, we have a few good D1 schools and they regulary recruit kids who are in the mid 80's. Their rosters also have a lot of kids in the 5'10"-6' range also. The biggest thing they are looking for is guys who have decent velocity and can pitch, height doesn't seem to matter much.

quote:

Originally posted by Shelby:
A couple of questions:

(2013 son, 16 w/ Spring birthdate, 5'11 / 185, lean & muscular frame, w/ what Scouts @ events term: has a strong lower half.)

Started working with new Pitching Instructor at the end of Summer, with mechanics, control, etc. tweaked, but the biggest change has been in the increase of velocity in a matter of a few months of weekly workouts. Seen an increase of several mph. Have him sitting @ 85-86, tops @ 87.

*Is this expected at this age, to see this kind of increase?

Given his current height, with his brothers only reaching 5'11' & 6'1", he may not grow a lot taller. Dr. stated that growth plates haven't closed, so he is still growing. Supposedly to end up around 6'0" & 210 lbs. He's R/R, P/MIF/OF. Runs the 60: just under 7.

*Would D1 schools look at a Pitcher @ 6' or under / 200+ lbs, throwing high 80's?

My suggestion as a parent that has been through this, don't worry about something that you have no control over (your son's height) or worry about what his velocity will be in another year or three.

There are some pitchers that do not hit 6ft and throw hard, and some well over that can't. Just learn to enjoy and get him in front of the right people when the time is right. Keep in mind that sooner or later he will need to settle into what is his best position. The problem with doing everything is that you rarely get better at one thing, that's just my opinion. Keep in mind that for position players it's about hitting and for pitchers it's all about pitching. You do not have to hit 90 to get D1 interest.

I agree with TPM - a jack of all trades is usually a master at none. But its probably too early to simply drop either hitting or pitching; time will dictate which area he enjoys/has the best chance to succeed. (I think its easier to be recruited as a pitcher.) Also worry about what you can control and not what you can't - in this case work on mechanics and conditioning; height is what it is.

Some kids add velo some kids don't; some peak at 16 others at 22.

This fall, I went to most of the D1 scrimmages in our area with a radar gun. There are roughly 18 pitchers for each of the 2 D1s. Of the 36 total, 7 sit above 90, 6 touch 90 (sit 88ish), 10 sit 87. The rest are lower but generally the lower velo guys are LHPs/unique delivery guys (sidearm, knuckle ballers).

While taller is preferred, velo trumps height (though height will have the "projectible" term mentioned more often). Rob rassmussen of UCLA was drafted a few years ago in a high round - 5' 10" - but he was a LHP.

As a anecdotal rule, short isn't drafted as much out of HS; short need to prove himself in college (since short isn't as "projectible.") There are exceptions to the rule - Bums son comes to mind - but he was a LHP throwing 90.

Thanks to all.

*Starting at multi player positions...not by choice....



And as a new friend, reminded me... Don't forget to enjoy the ride!

Great question!
Don't get caught up in how much you weigh! Some of the great pitchers in the major leagues now weigh less than 200. What matters is location, change of speed and movement.
If a coach sees your natural ability they can help add 5 mph to your fastball easily.
If you have two other great pitches, not just good but great, then you may have a chance. You will have a better chance of course if you are a lefty.

Good luck to you!