When my son was just a little older than yours, I asked the same question to an experienced coach.

 

"What level should he be aiming for," I asked.

 

"Well, whenever he stops getting better, that's what level he is."

 

It didn't give me the definitive answer I was looking for, but it let me accept that as long as he was hanging with the college bound kids as they got bigger, faster, stronger, it was okay for him to aim for what they were aiming for,

With him only being a 2017, a lot of things can change between now his SR year. It is a good sign to be getting some D1 attention.  There may be many options for him if he keeps working hard to improve on everything, but sound like he's off to t great start.

It's difficult to say without being able to see the player what level he should be at.  And a 2017 will change a lot in 12-18 months.

 

I would suggest talking to the high school and travel coach and get their opinion.

 

Attend a few more showcases and maybe a Perfect Game showcase . 

 

If he is a blue chip player you will know, they will tell you.

I can't remember who posted this or I'd give them a shout out.  This page seems like a good read on what coaches expect to see from a D1 recruit. 

 

http://michiganbaseballprospec...at-colleges-look-for

 

 

There is no calculator because there is no one size fits all answer.  Colleges look for different things from players.  One school may recruit based on firm stats and another may use body style to project a recruit.

 

We are in the same position as you.  Fortunately I was a recruited athlete back in the 80s (track) so I have a little more insight into what needs to be done.  The best advice I can offer you is to try to find someone in your area who knows the recruiting game and talent and have them give you an honest evaluation of your son.  You should avoid his pitching/catching/hitting coach, your travel team coach, your HS coach, etc.  They all have an interest in your son and probably wont be as neutral as then need to be.  

 

Also, do some research about how to market your son to colleges.  You really need to be out in front of the process.  My son has been to 2 showcases and will be attending a coaching seminar with about 30 D1 schools in attendance this weekend.  Out of the first two (primarily 1 of the 2) showcases we received a number of camp invites and questionnaires with coaches personal contact info (ie phone number and cell numbers).  He crossed referenced the list of schools who have shown some interest in him with those attending the camp this weekend.  He sent them all an email this week letting him know he will be at the camp.  

 

Some of the schools interested in my son are fairly large D1's and others are lower level D1's.  Based on the mix Im sure each one has a different reason for being interested.  In addition some schools who I thought would have interest have none.  There really is no rhyme or reason to why they are or are not interested.  

 

Do some research on this site and ask questions. There are lots of folks who either just went through the process or are in it right now who I have found to be really helpful.

 

 

A starting point anyway for consideration. from NCSASPORTS.ORG

 

BASEBALL CATCHER

No, there is no calculator. We sort of went through the same mental exercise. What I found out is the player and the coaches recruiting him is the only ones who can decide at what level he can be competitive.

 

Our player was a mid-high 80's RHP in high school, which can cover many levels in college, depending on command and secondary stuff.

 

He went to a couple of nationally competitive D2 unofficial visits/practices during his junior year. He felt he was competitive at that level and raised his sights.

 

I think that helped him see where he could fit and I recommend watching some practices and games at various levels. Most players can translate that experience to their own skill set.

Welcome Tools!  The others have posted great advice and I don't have much to add as I have a 2017 as well.  Does your son have a good summer ball plan in place?  If it's thru a facility, see if there's someone that others recommend and will give you straight answers.  For example, a while ago son's hitting coach sat him down, letting him know that he has all the tools but not to waste money on camps and showcases until he hit a growth spurt. Just keep working his tail off and worry about those things later. This was much appreciated information.  And make sure he hits those books!

 

This board is great for learning all kinds of info regarding baseball.  Just about every question you'll have has been answered already and almost everyone on here is helpful.  The biggest thing that has helped me is to realize that not every recruiting story is the same and I'm trying to just enjoy the whole experience.

"You should avoid his pitching/catching/hitting coach, your travel team coach, your HS coach, etc.  They all have an interest in your son and probably wont be as neutral as then need to be. "

 

Hopefully this will not be the case as these people know your son better than anyone right now.   

Your travel coach should be helping you find the right fit academically and athletically.

Tools, one other thing we have "learned".  The right travel/club program is very very helpful  in getting your son noticed.  We moved from a very strong program.  Won lots of games, state championships (if there is such a thing in travel ball), etc with the old program.  As we started to look into how the process works I came to the realization that they have very few college contacts.  There was another program across town who was a mediocre team stacked with good players.  Turns out they are known for getting their kids into colleges.  They have many contacts at the college level, and work with them and the kids to get the right kids in front of the right colleges. 

You are doing the right things going to showcases and camps to see how he stacks up versus others and to get feedback from actual coaches.  You will have a pretty good idea by Feb/March of his junior year. He will obviously continue to make improvements after that time, but the next 6 months from that Feb/Mar point will be his final recruitment sell to colleges if D1 is his ultimate level.

 

IMO... fundamentally sound catching skills with a consistent sub-2.0 POP and ability to hit with an exit velocity at least in the 80 MPH range gives a catcher a good shot of playing at least at a mid-major D1 level.

Playing against D1 signees should help him gauge his "current level". Does he look totally overmatched against guys throwing high 80s or 90?  Honestly its about the bat first, if he doesn't look like he could ever hit a guy throwing 90 his playing opportunities will be very limited at the D1 level.

 

Take him to some D1 and D2 games.  The right college prospects camp can also help.  i.e. you'll know your "current level" if you go to Stanford allstar camp, 

 

I might add the "current level" can also change beyond HS. i.e. attend JC.  

IMO, you're asking the right question, at the right time.

 

I've actually thought about putting together some kind of questionnaire that I could use to help some of the local kids with this process. Not a calculator, but an inventory of the important information that would help guide a kid in the right direction.

 

The items that you listed are all important, but the one variable that took me the longest time to appreciate is athleticism. Pitching is its own category, but most position players at major and mid-major DI schools are extremely athletic. In general, these are mostly very naturally strong and fast athletes. (By "naturally" I am not saying that they don't work at it, just that they're starting from a better foundation.) In high school, these guys stand out from the crowd. They jump higher, move quicker, and generally make athletic movements look easier. Many were, or could have been, a star QB/RB/WR on their HS football team.

 

Do you know any baseball families who have been through the process? A kid who's played high level DI or any level of pro baseball might be able to give you a good evaluation. Or an MLB scout? Some are very generous with their time and will give you an objective opinion. Be prepare for Insist on brutal honesty. Anything less only makes the process more difficult.

Thanks for the information. Here are some of his #’s

GPA: 3.6, ACT: n/a not taken yet

Height: 6’1’’

Weight: 170 lbs.

Bats: Left

60 time: 7.37

Pop time: 2.05-2.11

Position velocity: C/ 74, OF/83

Exit velocity off the tee: 83

Just want to make this a great experience for him, and not to make any mistakes down the road.

Lots of good advice above.  Your son being a lefty hitter certainly helps.  I'd suggest he work with a good catching coach on his mechanics to see of he can bring that pop time down some.  Also I would make sure he really knows the grind that is college baseball and that he is willing to put in the work to make it happen.  I have seen so many local kids I know in the past few months quit colleges and baseball because they had no clue how hard it is.  

 

Lastly as a parent enjoy the ride and don't stress the small stuff it has a way of working out for the best.

       
       
pretty good 60 time for a catcher.  He had plenty of time to drop a little off his pop time and add about 7 mph (hopefully more) to his exit velocity.  He seems to be tracking well for D1 but of course having the measurables are one thing squaring the ball up consistently and hitting the good breaking ball are another.  Hopefully he does those things well and I would say his future is bright.

The only measurable to playing capability is whether you can play like Domingo.

 

You'll know for sure if he's a D1 talent when he gets an offer. Then you'll ask the next question: can he be an everyday D1 player? And you'll know as soon as he's in the lineup each day, or not.

 

We all have these questions, but the answer is determined by others. 

 

My advice (my kid was a catcher too) is to just help him be his best, and let the cards fall where they may.

Rob, 

Good to see you back.  Be warned that Cleveland Dad is looking for you.  He placed a wager on your behalf over the college football playoff.  You lost, so he expects to see a tOSU logo for your avatar.

I learned my lesson losing that bet in the Oregon/Ohio State Rose Bowl game a few years ago! 

I wouldnt start looking per se at a specific division program until your son is evaluated at what level he may be at (later) and has test scores available. Dont forget about how important it is to do well in school.

Just get him out there to be seen and as Rob Kremer has said, you will know by the amount of interest he will get.  Its not the player but others who will make the decisions.

And listen carefully to what is being said to your son by these coaches. The D1 coach indicated in his own way that there is most likely work that has to be done.  Don't keep running back to camps because of what is said, what he needs to do is just get out and play.

And keep in mind that everyone's timeline is different.

Some say there is no rhyme or reason, but the truth is that you will find that out after all is said and done, because coaches do have a method to all this madness.

My 2015 just went through the process.  As many have said in prior posts, there is not a formula!  My advice is….get as much exposure as you can to all divisions/colleges.  Whether it is showcase or tournaments, the summer before their senior year your 2017 will know where he belongs. How…by what division/schools are recruiting him with the most interest.  It was once told to me…”your level of play is dictated by who you are being recruited by” 

As many have said, there are no guarantees and recruiting can be quirky. I have a friend, who's son is a 2015 Catcher. 6'0" 205lbs and a 1.88 pop. He is smart, a great team mate, a leader, has a very high baseball IQ and did not get a big time D1 scholarship from a premier school. He plays on 1 of the best (consistently) travel teams in the country so he has seen championship baseball and excelled. I have NO idea why he isn't at LSU, Texas, Miss State, A&M, or any of the other top 10 ranked teams. He is a winner. He did get a scholarship to a smaller D1 conference college and i'm sure he will do well there. The description of "toolsy" was given to describe him. He hit for extra bases until last year when he heard he needed more power, so he started hitting home runs instead of doubles. It's crazy how it works but thats a kid that i cannot believe isn't at a top program so be prepared and set your expectations and goals accordingly...as sometimes things don't work out like 1 + 1 = 2.

It's not uncommon for a really good catcher to not get any top D1 scholarship, especially if there is a catcher on that staff already that proves he is the main man.

 

Best advice, make sure that your catcher can play other positions as well as being fairly good at coming off of the bench.  

 

In college ball, its very important to be a strong leader, and IMO, that's a hard trait to find. Think Buster Posey, Yadi Molina, there arent too many of them out there.

Bottom line is that there are many reasons why players are either over rated or overlooked. Coaches more often miss on their evaluation and some coaches analyze so much they talk themselves out of a player (usually pitchers).   Every coach is looking for something different depending on their current roster need.

Keep playing in front of the coaches and if you have the skills an opportunity will present itself.  Not every player can begin at the school or level they want.  There are many players who start out at the big d1 only to transfer a year later. Then there are the many players that start out at the JC only to find the big d1 opportunity a year later.

I am a firm believer a player will end up where they belong . 

I don't think anyone here can give you a "number" that your son needs to be at to play D1....especially as a catcher.

 

My son is a perfect example.  He's committed to a D1 as a RHP/IF.

 

He's small....6', 170

He's not fast....barely 7.0 in the 60

He doesn't hit for power....2 HR's since he's been playing on full size fields

87mph Fastball

87mph Exit velo

 

However...he has struck out 4 times in 200 HS AB's....he broke the school record with 18 doubles last season....and he was willing to play anywhere a college team asked....even if it means giving up being a position player...and possibly being a PO.

 

2 years ago, very few people would have given him a shot at D1....heck, even last year it was a stretch.  2 D1's saw him as a 2B/3B...with no chance of pitching....and 2 saw him as PO...1 wasn't even willing to give him a shot at playing IF. 

 

Coaches see things nobody else can...and it's impossible to predict what a particular coach will or won't see in your son.  Once he gets in front of college coaches, you'll have a pretty good idea where things stand....all you can do is tell your son to give 100% every game...no matter how bad the day is going (my son last a D1 offer due to that).

 

Good luck

My son had a summer teammate, good catcher, really nice bat, good student with some MLB interest and no scholarship offers as of Halloween senior year, ten years ago. He was on a top scout team for three years, going to East Cobb, Jupiter multiple times.

 

The RC where my son signed saw the kid at a fall tournament. He official visited the next week and committed to the school at the visit, his only offer.

 

The same player was a 3rd round pick in 2007 and started the 2014 All Star Game. The Hank Congers are the exception, imho.

 

http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.c..._id=518960#gameType='R'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2015&level='ALL'

 

 

D1 Coaches tend to recruit catchers that already posses skills they can't teach such as: velocity, athleticism and squaring up guys that throw 90. .

 

If a players velocity is under 80 from behind the plate it will be tough sledding all 4 years in D1 unless he hits the crude out of the ball.

 

 

 

I know this was posted already but these guidelines I have found are very accurate. 

 

http://www.ncsasports.org/recr...elines-Get-Recruited

Son's experience was along this as well. Mine figured out he better become a pitcher