Velocity/College Question

Originally Posted by Slinger6:

Hi, first post here so here's a little background info. I am 6'2", 165lbs, RHP, and i throw at a low 3/4 arm slot. 

 

Last year as a freshman I was gunned of the mound in early march. I was sitting at 79-81 and touch 84 twice. this year i have yet to be gunned and i was not gunned at any point after that. What velocity would I be able to reach by the end of my senior year?

 

Of course there's really no way to tell as there's so much involved. . . a lot having to do with genetics as to how your body will mature, your athleticism and how strong you'll become.  With that understood, I'd say it's surely possible to get your velocity up to 90 with the proper mechanics and strength development. 

 

Originally Posted by Slinger6:

 Is 90 unthinkable? 

 

So, yes. . .90 is not "unthinkable".

 

Originally Posted by Slinger6:

Also, I intend to pitch at the college level, I have a 3.95 GPA that will be there as a senior, I can drop 10MPH off my change-up, and have a sick slider. My low armslot also give my fastball some wicked tail. What would you say my chances are at making it in college?

 

You don't need velocity in the 90's to be a college pitcher.  Most college pitchers do not throw in the 90's. . . not even at the D-1 levels.  More importantly is your skill at hitting your spots and having good movement with every pitch you throw.  The more consistent you are the better your chances for college ball.

thank you for the reply. On another note, how many MPH should i be dropping on a change. I have been working with a pitching coach separate from my high school and am keeping my arm speed the same. Is 10 enough? And will a low 3/4 give me and advantage over a regular RHP in a college coach's mind?

Differential of pitches is different from pitcher to pitcher. Generally the drop between fastball and change would be 10%. So, if you cruise fastball is 80 mph then your change woyld be 72, a drop of 8 mph. Deception is key. The harder you can throw the change the better up to a point as it has greater deception the closer to fastball velocity it has. Lincecum comes to mind as one whose changeup is about y-8 mph slower than fastball to amazing results. Your armslot has its unique advantages wherever it may be and colleges dont really care where your arm slot is,  each has its advantages. Sisearm to 3/4 guys get more natural side to side movement or tail whereas overhead or high 3/4 need a 2 seam grip to get same movement. More overhand guys get a slightly better downward angle to the plate. 3/4 guys tend to get more effective hard breaking balls whereas over the top guys get better soft breaking balls such as that slower 12-6 hook. Bottom line- dont change your natural slot for some perceived advantage.

You really shouldn't worry about the velocity differential as movement in your pitches is much more important whether it's your fast ball or your off speed pitchs.  If your mechanics are good, you'll have plenty of velocity differential.  Yes, 10 is plenty . . .but, if there is no good movement it's not going to help much. 

 

Stick to your "bio-mechanical signature."  What this is mostly is your natural arm slot that you'd throw anything without thinking about it (like a rock at a squirrel).  Changing your bio-mechanical signature tends to increase risk for arm injury.  Everyone has their own signature and you can do just fine by sticking to it.  So, as Skylark suggests, don't change your natural slot.  Use what's comfortable for you and develop your consistency.