What do colleges look for in pitchers

quote:

I was wondering if I get my velocity up to the mid high 70's to low 80's would a D2 or D3 college be interested in a player like me?

no, better take up golf

Wisconsin,

I'm glad to see you are an expert. The purpose of this forum isn't to belittle players looking 4 help.

Does DPHS have an uphill battle, probably. If he is going into his jr year he is 3 seasona away from his first college spring season. At 5'10 might he grow some, bulk up with lifting, increase his conditioning, etc,etc, Does he have a long way to go yes.

Since I see you are both from Wisconsin, I'll assume there may be a personal relationship that caused your harsh answer.

wisconsin

I see you are O5 RHP, HS I presume---since you know so much where is your college destination?


Your attitude precedes you


DPHS


Keep working hard and it can happen==dont ever say never

DPHS ...

Keep working hard for your dream and remember that you do have some great genetics on your side ... YOU ARE A LEFTY !!!!

Good luck.

DPHS,

Confidence on the mound, presence of mind about the game and each batter, ability to throw strikes and get batters out, limit walks, and most important be able to tell the coach how good of a student you are - good grades & SAT scores. NCAA core courses in order.

Good Luck !

CV

If you can pitch and what I mean by that , locate your pitches and change speeds then there is a place for you. You are a rising sr and you are in the mid 70's. Whos to say that by the end of your sr year you can not be mid to high 70's? You go to college continue to work hard and you could be in the low to mid 80's. If you have a dream go for it. Dont let anyone else decide your future. There are a ton of community college and d-3 guys in the 78-82 mph range. To those that say someone else can not do it save that trash for yourself. Son if you can dream it you can achieve it. Thank you for being honest about your velocity. That is something alot of people could learn from you. Yes it is possible for you to pitch at the college level. If you have the work ethic and desire to work for it and you dont listen to people who wont have to look in your mirror 20 years from now.

dphs, good question and you've been given some good advice, including that from your fellow "wisconsin pitcher" - - hey now, what's everyone got aganst golf, anyway?

the fact is, along with "atta boy, you can do it" folks, you also need the reality check view

those numbers just won't get you noticed -

you'll have to start yesterday to get yourself noticed and marketed - -
your work ethic will have to clearly stand out to those that see you pitch, practice, and/or relate to your team-mates/coaches on the field

your off field conduct & academics needs to be something that would make any MOM proud

also there is plenty of good advice in the recruiting section of this site

one more suggestion, get second opinions targeting the level of play you're shooting for, make wise exposure choices & make sure you're "game" ready when you attend a camp or showcase

good luck

DP,

You can pitch for me anytime...I love the soft toss lefties with great stuff!!!

Don't be discouraged, there is someplace out there for you. Keep looking!

Hit the weights hard this fall. Lifting all summer has help my velocity, it can do the same for you. If you can go out and shut a team down you can get noticed. Don't give up.

I'm ready for school to start, How bout you.

Similar question,

I am a 6'0 155 lb. LHP, rising junior. fastball topping out at about 81 cruising at around 78-79, Sharp 10-5 curveball, slow looping 12-6 curveball, 72-74 mph changeup with late movement. Only problem is accuracy 20 walks in 35+ innings during HS season. First season pitching last season experienced considerable success on the varsity level.

Where can I expect to end up playing baseball after HS?

If you throw in the low 80's you have to have pinpoint control and good ball movement---there is no margin for error when pitching 78 to 81 even if you are a lefty

hey..velocity is great but not everything.
I have a son who attends a D#3 school in CT. Honestly he throws 87-89 range has hit 90 and 91 on the gun at school. Last year he was a freshman. His coach would not let him pitch ubtil he strided the way the coach wants him to stride.
He still has not done that.
His location is ok.. maybe a 65 -70 % strike range.
This summer he has refused to work in the "stride" issue because he feels uncomfortable. ( I am not a college coach but his stride seems ok to me)
Therefore even though his velocity has gained slighty and his summer league adores him there will be no place for him at this school, until he strides.
Point making. Alot of pitchers there throw in the upper 70's low 80's. THey are ahead of him.
So don't fuss, be smart and do waht needs to be done weither you feel comfortable or not.

Paul

DPHS basebllplyr...

I caught a RHP who topped out at 73 ... probably in the ball park of 69-72. But the kid could flat out pitch, he would paint the black part of the plate all day long, and just keep our opponents off balance. If you are determined, have a good work ethic and stay away from distractions there is a college for you to play at.

Good luck.

DPHS-
I only throw mid 70's top out at 78, fastest i ever hit was 80 and i am lefty and i do just fine. most dont throw as hard as they think. My pitching coach says that the average high school pitcher throws like 80. Do weighted balls and long toss like i am going to do and you should increase it. Hopefully i will be 78-80 MPH by the time the season starts. Good luck- we have something in common.

OK even though (based on three years on the recruiting trail) I am a firm believer that velocity seriously matters to college coaches....

There is a place in baseball be it DII, DIII, NAIA and JC ball for most everyone particularly lefty pitchers.

1. Work hard. Develop your God given skills, no matter what they are.

2. Posess the attitude that makes college coacches want you on their team.

3. Market and network yourself.

4. Adapt. If DII, or DIII, or NAIA doesn't happen. Don't fret, go the JC route and keep up steps 1,2,3 & 4.

If you can hit your spots, throw any pitch for a strike no matter the count, you will be a successful college pitcher.

There are plenty of pitchers in my son's NAIA league that throw upper 70s - low 80s. There are also some that throw upper 80s - low 90s.

As previous posters said, you can pitch in college at that velocity as long as you have command of your pitches.