What do D2 and D3 coaches look for in firstbasemans?
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D-2 and D-3 look for the same thing as D-1 JUCO and pros because a firstbaseman is a firstbaseman. Most firstbasemen have good power at the plate and and above average height. Sometimes a player's weaknesses in arm strength and speed will eliminate him from playing other positions and he will end up at first base.
Fungo
Fungo
From watching my son's D3 team, I would agree with Fungo.
Number one qualification for playing 1B at that level is, "Can he hit?". Number two is, "Can he hit?". Number three is, "Can he hit?".
Number four is height (6'0"+, usually 6'2" or better).
Number one qualification for playing 1B at that level is, "Can he hit?". Number two is, "Can he hit?". Number three is, "Can he hit?".
Number four is height (6'0"+, usually 6'2" or better).
At D-3's the academics are critical as is english
Can we start with firstbasemans?
Can we start with firstbasemans?
Confusing ain't it? I saw a first baseman that was a female and they called her a first baseman. I think most colleges will allow a few grammatical errors if you can hit.
Purple and Black,
You will soon learn that First Base is the "Maytag Repairman" position of baseball. If a guy can hit, and can't do anything else, he'll find a first basemen's mitt on his hand. Many schools, at all levels, do not recruit first basemen, but convert someone who hits well but might not field some other position as well (3B/OF for example).
Schools like to see size and power at first base, but the first three requirements are hitting, hitting, and hitting. Hitting with power helps a great deal.
A guy can be as slick a fielding first baseman as ever walked the planet, but if he can't hit, he'll sit. Good defense is expected and normally first basemen are only noticed defensively when they don't come up with a scoop.
(And TR is right, academics are very important at all levels. Good grammar is very important not just in college, where you'll write many many papers, but in the real world, bad grammar jumps out in a conversation like a rattlesnake...it even got you a shot from TR. A lot of high school students treat grammar like a disease, only to later learn its importance. If you're in high school, do everything you can to improve your communication skills. Good luck!)
You will soon learn that First Base is the "Maytag Repairman" position of baseball. If a guy can hit, and can't do anything else, he'll find a first basemen's mitt on his hand. Many schools, at all levels, do not recruit first basemen, but convert someone who hits well but might not field some other position as well (3B/OF for example).
Schools like to see size and power at first base, but the first three requirements are hitting, hitting, and hitting. Hitting with power helps a great deal.
A guy can be as slick a fielding first baseman as ever walked the planet, but if he can't hit, he'll sit. Good defense is expected and normally first basemen are only noticed defensively when they don't come up with a scoop.
(And TR is right, academics are very important at all levels. Good grammar is very important not just in college, where you'll write many many papers, but in the real world, bad grammar jumps out in a conversation like a rattlesnake...it even got you a shot from TR. A lot of high school students treat grammar like a disease, only to later learn its importance. If you're in high school, do everything you can to improve your communication skills. Good luck!)
quote:Number one qualification for playing 1B at that level is, "Can he hit?". Number two is, "Can he hit?". Number three is, "Can he hit?".
Those are, in fact, the requirments for firstbasepersons.
My son fits your profile question. He is a 1st baseman at a good D3 school. He his 6'3", 220lb, LH 1st baseman.
He is there because he is a good student first and can hit, both for average and power. Like the comments before, he doesn't have great speed and has an average arm; but fields his position well and can snag almost any ball thrown his direction.
From experience, if you can not play solid defense, you will likely not play. However, with solid defense, the focus turns quickly to hitting.
In the end, he ended up at the school he is at because he had the grades and test scores.
He is there because he is a good student first and can hit, both for average and power. Like the comments before, he doesn't have great speed and has an average arm; but fields his position well and can snag almost any ball thrown his direction.
From experience, if you can not play solid defense, you will likely not play. However, with solid defense, the focus turns quickly to hitting.
In the end, he ended up at the school he is at because he had the grades and test scores.
As others have mentioned, a first baseman MUST hit.
Coaches may like to see height but it's not that important if the player can hit. I played at a D1 baseball school that regularly used a 5'6" guy at first base. He led the team in home runs and was among the leaders in average.
Coaches may like to see height but it's not that important if the player can hit. I played at a D1 baseball school that regularly used a 5'6" guy at first base. He led the team in home runs and was among the leaders in average.
From what I have seen.
# 1 Hits for POWER.
# 2 hIts for POWER
# 3 hiTs for POWER.
# 4 hitS for POWER
# 5 Slugging %
# 6 hits from the left.
# 7 glove on the right.
(Keeps them runners close).
# 1 Hits for POWER.
# 2 hIts for POWER
# 3 hiTs for POWER.
# 4 hitS for POWER
# 5 Slugging %
# 6 hits from the left.
# 7 glove on the right.
(Keeps them runners close).
Sonetimes I am amused how we categorize the game. A D1 firstbaseman a d2 firstbaseman a d3 firstbaseman. sometimes I feel people think the rules are different at the different levels 90 feet between the bases 60 feet 6 inches from the mound to home. Play ball
No matter whether it is Division I, II or III they are looking for a glove and a bat--if it is lefty all the better