What do D2 and D3 look for?

I think you have an uphill battle, but it is nothing that is insurmountable. By the fact that you have made the comitment to work on your weakness is a great sign.

The key for someone in your position, is to be able to throw any pitch for a strike regardless of count. If you can do that, then your speed will become less of an issue.

Try to get on a Fall Showcase Team, this will help you get some exposure. Agian if you can throw strikes and get outs some one will notice.

If you can get hitters out with a low 80s fastball and your other pitches, you will be able to pitch at some DII schools, some NAIA schools, and most DIII schools.

From what I saw last year, there are plenty of D3 programs where low 80s would be extremely welcome.

The key for the pitcher with the velocity mentioned, RHP or LHP, is location and control.

If you have that you can win at any college level.


And you can take that to the bank !!!!

I'm gonna second what TR said. If you can get guys out, you can pitch anywhere. Keep the ball down and be able to throw all your pitches for strikes. The high velocity is impressive and gets peoples eye but a good era and win loss record your senior year can catch some eyes too. Bottom line is, if you want to play college ball there is a place out there for you.

You should master your pitches and be able to pitch any pitch on any count and on the corners and you could become a harder pitcher to face than someone that throw 88 with no command. Try showcases or RawSkillsonline.Com and get filmed so coaches across the country can review your video and recruit you.

The issue will be to get colleges to see you. Hopefully you are playing on a competitive summer and fall team as well as a showcase team or attending showcases that feature schools that will be interested in your abilities.

Going to a showcase that features ACC, SEC, etc schools probably is not where you need to spend your time and money. Its fine if they are there but make sure there is a strong small school representation at the events.

The short answer-Yes. Low 80s works at the Div. III level, and it works at most Div. II levels.

The long answer-Depends.
My brother was the ace at Tufts this year. He's 6-0, 170, and he throws in the mid 80s. Tufts had the #5 ERA in the country this year for Div. III, with one of the toughest schedules. The only guy who throws harder than my brother is the closer. They acheive that type of success, because every pitcher in the rotation and bullpen throws 3 pitches for strikes, has command within the strike zone, holds runners on, fields his position, and works his tail off in the weight room, swimming pool, and on the track.

You will find guys at the Div. II and III levels that throw much harder than you, but it does not mean that they will be more successful. The only thing you can do is continue to work as hard as you can at increasing your velocity and, more importantly, improving your offspeed pitches, especially your changeup, which has to be the out pitch for any top pitcher who does not light up the radar gun.