making varsity as a freshman......

[Go Cardinals]

I want to make varsity as a freshman. What do I need to know, what do I need to do. Should I focus on a certain aspect of the game, etc.

Thank you

Connor

[swingbuilder]

Connor, you should want to play as much as possible. Every inning if you can. If thats on Varsity then go for it. I wouldn't want to see a good player sit on the bench just to be on varsity. You'd have to be one of the 9 best players and hitters to make the varsity for me. If not I'd prefer you get playing time and as much of it as possible. Do you feel you would start on the varsity as oppossed to just maing varsity?

[Encinitas]

Connor that's very rare in SoCal, not sure how much different it is in NoCal.

The thing is even as freshmen a good many kids are not even close to developed. I was thinking the other day remembering I was 5-7, 130 in the football yearbook as a freshman QB. By the time I was a sr. I was a shade over 6-0", and 30-35 lbs more. So work at this but don't beat yourself up if don't make varsity. At our local HS which a few years ago won a mythical national championship, I see can't miss studs, who have a tough time making JV as freshman. I mean the type of kids throwing mid-70's LL with 15-20 HRs, and playing on elite travel teams that beat up squads in Colorado and Cooperstown, and they still have to bust their rear to make to the HS JV team as freshman.

- Continue working on your swing. Hopefully you have a dad/friend/brother/teammate where you can get some basic front toss. I don't want to litter your request here with how to swing, hopefully you've come to that decision on your own.
- wind sprints, and do some uphill sprints. go to a track and run 60's
- Use some stuff from Deezledog's site to get stronger with better agility
- take grounders, and some flies if you can.
- Throw, long toss, throw some more, long toss. Try to throw a little everyday.
- take a break. Pick a 2-3 week time frame, so something fun, you should rest your arm, and not swing so much. Christmas break?

This is just a game, have some fun with it and don't be afraid to work hard.

[kylebee]

Connor,

It wasn't long ago that I was in high school feeling the same way you did. However, like swingbuilder said, you should want to play every inning of every game and get every at-bat possible. This probably wouldn't happen if you did make the varsity team! As a high school JV coach, I get a few kids who are bummed they were assigned to the JV team as a freshman or a sophomore. When I speak to the Varsity coaches and we decide who is going to be on the varsity squad full-time, we go over player development and see what the status of the upper squad is to determine assignments. It's very common to have 3 solid starters on varsity, so the JV will get some talented kids who have the skills to play on varsity but are instead assigned to JV so they can get regular work.

Look at it like the minor leagues - lots of promising young arms make it to AAA but are demoted to AA so they can get regular starts in the rotation when there's a logjam at AAA. It's the same way in the majors - there's no use in promoting a prospect too early if they're not going to play everyday.

You'll find that the speed of the game increases as you move up levels - if you rush to varsity and you find yourself overmatched, the coach might write you off after a few games. Better yourself mentally, physically, and psychologically at the lower levels where development is the first goal, not winning. When you make it to varsity with that experience under your belt, the other players will respect you AND you'll be better prepared.

[Go Cardinals]

Do you feel you would start on the varsity as oppossed to just maing varsity?[/QUOTE]

I don't know. When I played with some of the varsity players this summer, they weren't that good at all. Also, the varsity was horrible record wise, which could or could not say something about the players. I'm good at the really fast pitchers but need more work on the offspeed stuff (I've hardly seen that many at my old league). It's my goal to be the 3 or 4 hitter on varsity ad bat 1.000. Thats my goal!

[Jake Patterson]

Connor, you should want to play as much as possible. Every inning if you can. If thats on Varsity then go for it. I wouldn't want to see a good player sit on the bench just to be on varsity.
Ditto, playing is always better than sitting...

[Jim W.]

All you have control over YOU.

The Coach will fill his V roster with the best he has available. Since you are a Freshman, you have years of development (and growth) he can look forward to.

The Coach may have depth in your strongest position and that's ok. Keep working to earn a spot in case of injuries or eligibility issues. Let the coach decide what's best for the team. You just hustle everwhere and keep working hard. I don't think you would but never put down another player or your coaches decisions. Hopefully those days are gone.

Best of luck and chill.

[Drill]

There are times when you see some players envy the best or are jealous of players of better abilities. I am not saying you do this but there were and are times in my life I fall into envy. Please don't do this because it belittles ones self and cause confusion in ones life. Be happy with the blessed abilities that you have and work on improving those abilities to be a added piece in the puzzle. The more abilities that you develop as a player the bigger piece to a managers puzzle you will be.

I have seen players of all levels do magical things with a glove, ball and bat. It's at the higher levels in this game they happen more often. I watched tv last night and saw this on the last hit and catch that the center fielder for the Red sox's made to end the game, and he was benched and brought into the game in the last inning of the game. If he expected to be on the field all the time and was benched because of lack of hitting and walked around in a mental downer do you think he would of made a magical catch like that to end the game. No way

When you go 0 for 4 walk with your shoulders up, don't exhibit negative emotions, always walk away from any situation like you learned something. Be confident and don't be cocky, walk like there is a higher power watching you all the time. (a scout up to God). We all are blessed with certain talents, it up to you to be patient with yourself and walk in a calm confidence like you will be the best in all aspects of your game. This should make the metal aspect of it easier for you.

Respectfully yours,

drill

And if you believe in a higher power, God blessed you already, all you have to do is figure out how far you want to take it. Oh and God does things in his own time so be patient.

Its your choice to pick up the spiritual part of training. I am just throwing this out there on the table. Please don't think I am pushing this in anyway, on anyone on this forum. We disagree on swing thoughts and how to throw the ball I know from history there will be some dissent when it comes to the spiritual end of adding a spiritual base to any training program.

Love always

[cubsphill]

the one constant ive seen with under classmen on varsity is that theyre all superb defenders at least decent hitters. i dont know how it is in cali, but atleast thats the way it is here.

[CoachW]

I am a high school varsity coach and know how difficult it is to make varsity as a freshman. We had one kid last year start most of the year at the varsity level and did pretty well considering he was a freshman. That was the first freshman in 35 years to letter as a freshman. I think it is great to want to play on the varsity level as that should be everybody's goal in the program. Realistically though, a lot of depends on how good the juniors and seniors are. If you have a good upper class then the chances are pretty much not going to happen especially in a big HS. The other things is if you play a certain position and the program is weak there at the varsity level you might get a chance, but you have to be exceptional either defensively or offensively.
As far as what can you do to get on the team, as somebody already said that is somewhat out of your hands. I would say be willing to play almost any position. Keep working on the hitting!!! If you are a stud hitter that might get you a chance to at least DH at the varsity level. If you can hit you will play.
So in summary a lot depends on what position you play compared to what the strengths are of the varsity team coming in. If your a stud catcher and there aren't really any catchers in the program you might have a shot. If you see there is a need for outfielders you might consider(if you are a natural infielder) also working in the outfield some. Supply and demand:)
Coach W
If you have any other questions feel free to contact me. I would love to have players in my program with your passion Connor!! Keep it up!!!

[Xavier&Trin...]

We have had three frosh make varsity in 7 years. They made varsity because they were better then the juniors and seniors. If you are BETTER then the upper classman then you should be OK. If not, enjoy JV.

[TG Coach]

I'd rather have my son on the bench on the varsity than playing for the JV's. He would be practicing with the big dogs and one step from being on the field to prove himself in a game, versus being on the next field and not having a shot to get on the varsity field. He can get his game reps on his travel team.

That said, even though he's getting a varsity tryout I believe he'll be starting on JV. He won't be on the freshman team. Our school has a policy requiring not allowing freshman and sophomores to play up to a level where they aren't in the playing rotation in any sport. Very few freshmen play varsity in large classification high schools.

I'll provide the same advice I provided to my son. The big difference between freshman and upperclassmen is upper body strength. Start doing baseball related workouts to build strength. You have a great advisor on this site in Jon Doyle.

[Baseball gLove]

Some of our jv players are often called up to varsity. It's usually when varsity has a lot of games in a week or when they go to a tournament or CIF playoffs.

[Go Cardinals]

Thank you for the many replies.... here are some things directed at anyone who brought this up.....

One thing, I can play (order from best position to worst) right field, center feild, left feild, catcher, 1st base, 3rd base, and pitcher. Last year, my league's competition level was low, so I tried to learn as many positions as I could.

Next, does speed help alot? Will being fast be something they look at, or is it over looked?

Also, what is a average arm (mph) for varsity? What is a good arm for right feild.... (basically all of the positions I named, but right feild is most important to me)?

Thank you for the advice, hopefully you guys can offer me more...

Connor

[TG Coach]

You're asking a lot of people who have never seen you, your competition or your league play. Just prepare the best you can and work hard in tryouts. Then you will go as far as you can. No one here can tell you if you're going to make it. Be the first to arrive, the last to leave, hustle at all times, and get dirty.

[jima]

To kind of follow up on TG's post, what type of competition have you faced and how succesful were you? If this past spring and fall you didn't face the best 14 yo's in your region, and had some success, it's very hard to predict whether you can hit or field at the HS level.

[Go Cardinals]

To kind of follow up on TG's post, what type of competition have you faced and how succesful were you? If this past spring and fall you didn't face the best 14 yo's in your region, and had some success, it's very hard to predict whether you can hit or field at the HS level.

I've faced the "so-called" best. I've faced people in my region that everyone thinks are the best. I haven't had a challenge yet of anyone my age. I know exactly what pitch is coming, and I hit it. That sipmle. At my age, I've never seen anyone faster than me, can throw harder than me, hit farther, or has a better work ethic. I'm not trying to brag here or anything. I'm just telling it how I and many other people I know see it.

I could give you numbers if you wanted it, but the numbers mean nothing. It's how you play in the game.

Actually, what I find quite funny is that "the so-called best" players in the area, are on my team. What's even funnier, is that no offense to my teamates, but *some* of them don't know what they are doing, and are total *** to everyone. The "Mr. Baseball" (old one, I'm the new one at my school) thinks he's all that, but he is the biggest ******* I've ever met. When you mess up... you ** is what he says to you! When you make a nice play... "lucky play!"

[jima]

Connor, just do your best and let the chips fall as they may.

[Jake Patterson]

Actually, what I find quite funny is that "the so-called best" players in the area, are on my team. What's even funnier, is that no offense to my teamates, but *some* of them don't know what they are doing, and are total *** to everyone. The "Mr. Baseball" (old one, I'm the new one at my school) thinks he's all that, but he is the biggest ******* I've ever met. When you mess up... you ** is what he says to you! When you make a nice play... "lucky play!"

Conner,
baseball is a great game in that the talented usually suceed and those who are all talk usually fade away. You can supress talent for only so long.

The best way to quiet people like him with good play. Coaches (If they are worth their weight) will see the difference.

[TG Coach]

To kind of follow up on TG's post, what type of competition have you faced and how succesful were you? If this past spring and fall you didn't face the best 14 yo's in your region, and had some success, it's very hard to predict whether you can hit or field at the HS level.

It's really a lot deeper than how he did against other competition his age. High school varsity is 18U baseball. We (15U/fourteen year olds) played in a 17U tournament this fall. The quote of the tournament was one of our hitters walking back to the dugout muttering, "That was nasty bleep."

All he can do is prepare and do his best. not making varsity freshmen year isn't a disappointment.

[TL_Dad]

If you want to play outfield you need to be fast.

[Go Cardinals]

If you want to play outfield you need to be fast.

I have a 4.5-4.6 40, and a 6.6-6.7 60.

[Jake Patterson]

I have a 4.5-4.6 40, and a 6.6-6.7 60.
Good times for a freshman.

[Go Cardinals]

Does your vertical matter in baseball? I was reading up on the sparq training, and it had your vertical as one of the things that colledges look for.

[Jake Patterson]

Does your vertical matter in baseball? I was reading up on the sparq training, and it had your vertical as one of the things that colledges look for.

Explain vertical...

[Go Cardinals]

Explain vertical...

How high you can jump.... you know, take 1 step then jump, or no steps than jump...... The distance between your highest point that you touch, and how high you can reach up.....

[Jake Patterson]

How high you can jump.... you know, take 1 step then jump, or no steps than jump...... The distance between your highest point that you touch, and how high you can reach up.....
I was at a UCONN showcase this past week. I did not see the coaching staff measuring verticals.

[Go Cardinals]

I was at a UCONN showcase this past week. I did not see the coaching staff measuring verticals.

http://sparqtraining.com/ratings/baseball.php

[Jake Patterson]

http://sparqtraining.com/ratings/baseball.php
Not saying it isn't done - I'm just saying at the showcases I have attended I have not seen it measured.

[Go Cardinals]

Not saying it isn't done - I'm just saying at the showcases I have attended I have not seen it measured.

Yeah, I've been reading this site, and it seems like a fake cheesy system that alot of people bought. Look at the prices they charge for their products....

[TG Coach]

Don't get caught up in SPARQ in baseball. Baseball isn't about being a super athlete like basketball or certain glamour positions in football. You will not be asked a SPARQ score by a scout. If you have a great SPARQ score and make it known, the scouts will still want to know if you can hit a baseball or throw it over ninety mph from a mound.

[kylebee]

I have a 4.5-4.6 40, and a 6.6-6.7 60.

A 4.5 40? If you can run that fast after you hit your growth spurt, you might want to look into the NFL. Those are WR-quality times.

[TG Coach]

A 4.5 40? If you can run that fast after you hit your growth spurt, you might want to look into the NFL. Those are WR-quality times.

There are several 4.5's on our high school football team who won't even be going D1 much less NFL. Success in football takes a lot more than speed.

[kylebee]

There are several 4.5's on our high school football team who won't even be going D1 much less NFL. Success in football takes a lot more than speed.

Oh, I agree. Just saying a 4.5 40 is the first of the hardest tools to acquire for football. There aren't too many kids that run that fast, and if he runs that fast without sprint training, he might shave off another tenth or two.

[Go Cardinals]

A 4.5 40? If you can run that fast after you hit your growth spurt, you might want to look into the NFL. Those are WR-quality times.

I still have alot more to grow according to the doctor.

[Drill]

I've faced the "so-called" best. I've faced people in my region that everyone thinks are the best. I haven't had a challenge yet of anyone my age. I know exactly what pitch is coming, and I hit it. That sipmle. At my age, I've never seen anyone faster than me, can throw harder than me, hit farther, or has a better work ethic. I'm not trying to brag here or anything. I'm just telling it how I and many other people I know see it.

I could give you numbers if you wanted it, but the numbers mean nothing. It's how you play in the game.

Actually, what I find quite funny is that "the so-called best" players in the area, are on my team. What's even funnier, is that no offense to my teamates, but *some* of them don't know what they are doing, and are total *** to everyone. The "Mr. Baseball" (old one, I'm the new one at my school) thinks he's all that, but he is the biggest ******* I've ever met. When you mess up... you ** is what he says to you! When you make a nice play... "lucky play!"

You are answering your own question..... Don't compare yourself to the best, you are gifted in your own way


drill

[juggins]

Be the first to arrive, the last to leave, hustle at all times, and get dirty.

This sounds like good advice, and I'm sure it is, but it does make you wonder what happens if everyone else is doing the same thing. How can everyone be the "first" to arrive or the "last" to leave? And are any of these things going to make any difference if you don't have talent? "It takes no talent to hustle," I've often heard, but if you really have no talent, no amount of hustling will get you very far. On the other hand, no sensible coach would cut a really talented kid just because he didn't happen to be the last to leave, or didn't get very dirty.

[TG Coach]

This sounds like good advice, and I'm sure it is, but it does make you wonder what happens if everyone else is doing the same thing. How can everyone be the "first" to arrive or the "last" to leave? And are any of these things going to make any difference if you don't have talent? "It takes no talent to hustle," I've often heard, but if you really have no talent, no amount of hustling will get you very far. On the other hand, no sensible coach would cut a really talented kid just because he didn't happen to be the last to leave, or didn't get very dirty.

The coach has a fairly good idea who is going to make the team going into tryouts. These four things (above) among others, will be tiebreakers. Also ....


wear baseball pants
have the baseball hat on straight
respond to the coach with "sir"
if the coach is talking, pay attention
if the coach is talking, look him in the eye
warm up with another accurate thrower (stray balls on are both of you)
don't be a clown
stay away from the clowns
act confident after errors or a bad swing ... keep plugging


You would be surprised how many players trying out don't do these things.

[Jake Patterson]

The coach has a fairly good idea who is going to make the team going into tryouts. These four things (above) among others, will be tiebreakers. Also ....


wear baseball pants
have the baseball hat on straight
respond to the coach with "sir"
if the coach is talking, pay attention
if the coach is talking, look him in the eye
warm up with another accurate thrower (stray balls on are both of you)
don't be a clown
stay away from the clowns
act confident after errors or a bad swing ... keep plugging


You would be surprised how many players trying out don't do these things.

TG and I disagree often on coaching issues, but on the above we agree. Look and act like a baseball player. Shirt out -1 point, hat bill to the side -3 points, acting like a clown -1 point, late to practice -4 points, etc..........

[jima]

The coach has a fairly good idea who is going to make the team going into tryouts. These four things (above) among others, will be tiebreakers. Also ....


wear baseball pants
have the baseball hat on straight
respond to the coach with "sir"
if the coach is talking, pay attention
if the coach is talking, look him in the eye
warm up with another accurate thrower (stray balls on are both of you)
don't be a clown
stay away from the clowns
act confident after errors or a bad swing ... keep plugging


You would be surprised how many players trying out don't do these things.

concur on all of the above

[Go Cardinals]

The coach has a fairly good idea who is going to make the team going into tryouts. These four things (above) among others, will be tiebreakers. Also ....


wear baseball pants
have the baseball hat on straight
respond to the coach with "sir"
if the coach is talking, pay attention
if the coach is talking, look him in the eye
warm up with another accurate thrower (stray balls on are both of you)
don't be a clown
stay away from the clowns
act confident after errors or a bad swing ... keep plugging


You would be surprised how many players trying out don't do these things.

I think I'm very lucky that I know the head coach, and when I see him we joke around. We have advocates at our school, and my advocate is the second sports administarter, second to the varsity coach. Also, I'm getting to be very good friends with this other guy. He is right now a teacher and a pro scout for the reds. He was the old varsity coach (which he lost year before last for political reasons), and he has a aau team. Also, he's a great guy.

I got to play with the varsity for one practice this summer (I was invited to more, but I couldn't because of all stars).... they liked me alot... They like my work ethic, my hustle, and my potential.... thats what they told me at least.

[Jake Patterson]

Also, I'm getting to be very good friends with this other guy.

Coach or Friend - very difficult to be both and be fair.

[kylebee]

The coach has a fairly good idea who is going to make the team going into tryouts. These four things (above) among others, will be tiebreakers. Also ....


wear baseball pants
have the baseball hat on straight
respond to the coach with "sir"
if the coach is talking, pay attention
if the coach is talking, look him in the eye
warm up with another accurate thrower (stray balls on are both of you)
don't be a clown
stay away from the clowns
act confident after errors or a bad swing ... keep plugging


You would be surprised how many players trying out don't do these things.

Unfortunately, I'm not surprised after just two years of coaching.

[juggins]

All of these things are great to do, and should be done by everyone, and maybe they make a difference in choosing between two players of similar ability.

But I am cynical that they make any difference with kids at the ends of the talent spectrum. Seems like the really good players can get away with not doing these things. Kids with less ability can be the hardest workers with the best attitudes and still sometimes not even make the team.

[TG Coach]

All of these things are great to do, and should be done by everyone, and maybe they make a difference in choosing between two players of similar ability.

But I am cynical that they make any difference with kids at the ends of the talent spectrum. Seems like the really good players can get away with not doing these things. Kids with less ability can be the hardest workers with the best attitudes and still sometimes not even make the team.

You're right. Those items are not going to help a stiff make the team. An occasional violation isn't going to keep previous starters off the team. I remember when I was a junior and a senior the coach would throw baseballs at us in the outfield to "break up the sewing circle" as he called it. My sophomore year I was told RF was mine to lose. I did all those things listed.

Doing the things on the list, depending on ability, can be decision makers in making the team, starting and the coach pushing a player to scouts/recruiters. Coaches either won't promote problem players or promote them with a warning label.

Did I goof off in the outfield when I knew I was a starter? Sure. I caught a few balls behind my back. My daughter did the same. But there was never any disrespect for the coach. THe rule was don't be a distraction. Even the coach knew tryouts are boring for returning players who are set in their positions. We didn't get to do too much except shag balls and throw a little BP.

[Baseball gLove]

Add to the list: Get Good Grades! If you get good grades, the coach doesn't have to worry if you will be eligible to play. If you are borderline eligible and your competition for SS is getting a 4.00 while taking honors courses, guess who won't make varsity....

[bronxkid]

If you are not a stand out impact player then I do not think it is worth it just to make varisty and not get your at bats. Physically are you cut for Varisty. Will you make an immediate impact with your arm and your stick? Are you the best defensive player if you were moved to Varisty? My son was in the same position last year. Although he could of handled the pitching his size and strength would have been an issue. He will try and make it as a sophomore and to be honest with you he is prepared this time around.

I have seen young kids go up to varisty only to get their ego's and emotions destroyed by the pitching. I am in SOCAL and when you are facing lower 90's and upper 80's on a regular basis it is hard on a youngster.

Anyhow I'd focus on getting stronger and getting many at bats to prepare for the future. Good luck! :gt

[Baseball gLove]

If you are not a stand out impact player then I do not think it is worth it just to make varisty and not get your at bats. Physically are you cut for Varisty. Will you make an immediate impact with your arm and your stick? Are you the best defensive player if you were moved to Varisty? My son was in the same position last year. Although he could of handled the pitching his size and strength would have been an issue. He will try and make it as a sophomore and to be honest with you he is prepared this time around.

I have seen young kids go up to varisty only to get their ego's and emotions destroyed by the pitching. I am in SOCAL and when you are facing lower 90's and upper 80's on a regular basis it is hard on a youngster.

Anyhow I'd focus on getting stronger and getting many at bats to prepare for the future. Good luck! :gt

High 80's low 90's in SoCal?... [open sarcasm] You gota be kidding me[/sarcasm]

Where in So Cal are you? My son plays high school ball in North L.A. County and plays high level club in Covina and Orange County. One of the pitchers from his high school was clocked at 92 mph a couple of weeks ago.

[metrotheme]

There has been a lot of different information given here, but I want to relay a story about a high school kid whom I played ball with this summer in a pretty good men's wood bat league.

Here's our team filled with a bunch of college players and former college players, and during the first game we find out we have a high school freshman (just finished 9th grade) starting at first base. Most of us laughed, and we figured this kid has some connection to the coach to be playing over the rest of us. After a few games, he's roping extra base hits and homeruns with the wood bat off of solid men's league pitching.

During practice, he would be cranking out homeruns with the wood no problem. Mind you the kid is about 6'0 160 dripping wet, and while his swing didn't have that WHIP you would see from an older player, he rarely got "beat" by a fastball all summer with a wood bat, and hit over 400 in a very competitive league. He easily won our homerun derby at the end of the season. I almost felt embarassed that he basically showed up our whole team of former and current college players. Yeah, he had a few weaknesses with some off speed pitches, but most high school players can't really hit change-ups and sliders. I see why he was a starter on a reputable catholic league HS team this year as a freshman and why people were talking about him.

The only thing that rubbed me a bit was that he didn't seem to have that spark yet. Maybe the game comes too easy for him, or he's not at that point yet that he wants to take it to the next level. I really thought he should be playing with at least high school aged kids solely for the social aspect, but he excelled against grown men.

If you can play and they can find a spot for you to play regularly, you'll make it. Don't put all of your hopes in that basket though. If you don't make varsity, look at JV as another door that has opened for you. It can give you an opportunity to do some things that you might not have experienced and receive more instruction than you possibly would be having on the varsity level. The varsity coach isn't necessarily the best "coach" in the system.

[Drill]

My son plays very good baseball and gets all A's for now in school...... He had a chance to jump ahead a grade level in algebra last year and this year he would of had to travel over to high school and miss some optional classes if he decided to jump ahead for a year. Sooner or later he will get to trig or calculus if he wants. Why push him and let him loose out on other life skills at this age.

What gets me his trainer/baseball coach I take him to for lesson, was asking him how school was going. He said OK in a monotone voice, never saying he just got all A"s and A+'s . But that is not his nature. He is happy to achieve and be modest about it.

He knows in baseball that if you are real good you will get to play all the time. That is what Little league taught him with all the politics. No matter how many coaches kids made the all-star team, he made the team on his own skills.


What is the advantage of jumping a head sooner or later you will caught up to your grade level and the same goes for baseball. Sooner or later you will caught up to your skill level. So where are you going to play once you are 11th or 12th grade. If you are really good someone will see your skill and sign you. Enjoy yourself. Go to some show cases college camps and see what you are competing against on a state level. The college coaches who look players over will give you good advice on what you need to improve on and if you are good at baseball, have good grades and is coach-able you can make it to the next level.

How do I know this you may ask. Well one of the coaches that my son got lesson from was a college recruiter and former scout for pirates org. He said what gets you noticed was your skills but what makes a difference is grade. But what gets a plus mark and gets you a I want you to consider playing ball at ____if you have all of the above, Is a coach-able attitude. He will not sign kid who think they are all that, he said its OK to know your good but if you don't want to learn, and not having a serious/focused attitude he will not ask you to play for the school, because that kind of player causes to much animosity on a team.

The above came from the horses mouth so to speak. He told my son that he could go as far as he wanted to if he maintained a good attitude. We all knew what he was saying, my son needs to develop more and he learn that there is more to it than being good. Being a team player


good luck,


drill



below is some info. you may find interesting

This is what kind of skills you need below, but remember grades and attitude








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Baseball Recruiting Guidelines
NCSA Commitments - Cody Raile; University of Nebraska -- Omaha; BaseballNCSA Commitments - Casey Hays; Warner Southern College; BaseballPrinter Friendly Page Division I:

The typical Division I baseball player is 'polished' and seems to already have all the tools necessary to be successful as a freshman. As opposed to the Division II baseball player, the typical DI player needs far less development, if any. The position players possess at least 4 of the 5 measurable tools - hit for average, hit for power, arm strength, speed, and defensive abilities. The pitchers display a command of at least 3 pitches with high velocities. On average, they have the ability to throw many innings, and most often they are only used on the mound and rarely as position players. Most D1 players come from large high schools. Many of these programs are considered the best in their area or in the State. In addition, most DI players have been awarded accolades such as All-Area, All-County, or All-State.

The average characteristics by position are as follows:

Right Hand Pitchers:
-Height: 6'1"
-Weight: 180 Pounds
-Over 1 K per Inning Pitched
-ERA below 2.50
-Velocity: 88-90 MPH (Verified by neutral source)

Left Hand Pitchers:
-Height: 6'1"
-Weight: 180 Pounds
-1 K per Inning Pitched
-ERA below 2.50
-Velocity: 85-87 MPH (Verified by neutral source)

Centerfielders:
-Height: 5'11"
-Weight: 170 Pounds
-60 Yard: 6.6 (Verified)
-Velocity for OF: 86-87 MPH (Verified by neutral source)

Middle Infielders:
-Height: 5'11"
-Weight: 175 Pounds
-60 Yard: 6.8-6.9 (Verified by neutral source)
-Velocity from INF: 85+ MPH (Verified by neutral source)

Catchers:
-Height: 5'10"-6'0"
-Weight: 180 Pounds
-Pop Time: Sub 1.95 (Verified by neutral source)

Corner Infielders:
-Height: 6'2"
-Weight: 200 Pounds
-Power Numbers: 8+ HR, 30+RBI

Division II:

For some colleges, especially those in the Southern States and out on the West Coast, DII Baseball is an extension of DI. There are very few differences between the typical West Coast or Southern DII player and the average DI player. For the DII schools up North, the athletes may be a notch below the average DI and perhaps a little less polished. They may not throw as hard, play for the top high schools programs, or possess at least 4 of the 5 measurable tools. This is not always the case, as there are some very solid DII Baseball Programs up North. However, it is no secret that overall, the better baseball schools are those located in warmer climates.

The Minimum Requirements by position are as follows:

Right Handed Pitchers:
- Height: 6'0' (Preferably taller)
- Weight: 175 lbs
- Averaging about 1K per inning pitched
- ERA below 3.00
- Velocity: 85 MPH

Left Handed Pitchers:
- Height: 5'10' (Preferably taller)
- Weight: 165 lbs
- Averaging about 1K per inning pitched
- ERA at 3.00 or below
- Velocity: 83 MPH

Centerfielders:
- Height: 5'9'
- Weight: 150 lbs
- 60 Yrd Time: 6.8 or below

Middle Infielders:
- Height: 5'7'
- Weight: 150 lbs
- 60 Yrd Time: 7.1 or below
- 79-80 MPH from SS

Catchers:
- Height: 5'9'
- Weight: 175 lbs
- Pop Time: 2.0 or below

Much can be determined on film. It is very difficult to measure defensive abilities on paper. Fielding percentage cannot be used as an accurate statistic because it is difficult to calculate and it can be easily manipulated. Most Division II players have received several accolades, such as All Conference or All Area.


Division III:

Some DIII programs are stronger than others, but there seems to be more continuity with the physical characteristics of DIII players than there are for DII or NAIA. Certain DIII programs, such as Wisconsin Whitewater or George Fox, play at a superior level. However, for the most part, the range of physical characteristics was slim.

The Minimum Requirements by positions are as follow:

Right Handed Pitchers:
- Height: 5'8"
- Weight: 155 Pounds
- 1 or less than 1 K Per Inning Pitched
- ERA below 4.00
- Velocity: 81 MPH

Left Handed Pitchers:
- Height: 5'8"
- Weight: 155 Pounds
- 1 or less than 1 K Per Inning Pitched
- ERA below 4.00
- Velocity: 79 MPH

Centerfielders:
- Height 5'7"
- Weight: 140 Pounds
- 60 Yard Dash: 7.0 or below

Middle Infielders:
- Height: 5'7"
- Weight: 150 Pounds
- 40 Yard Dash: 4.9 or below

Catchers:
- Height: 5'8"
- Weight: 165 Pounds
- Pop Time: 2.1 or below


NAIA:

The discrepancies in characteristics are very severe when it comes to NAIA baseball. Some NAIA schools are playing at a DII level, while others are competing at a lower DIII level. NCSA found a mix of D2 criteria and D3 criteria make up the recruiting guidelines for this league.


Junior College Baseball:

Unlike the NAIA, Junior Colleges do have 3 divisions for the purpose of separating stronger JC programs from the weaker ones. While there may be somewhat of a drop off in talent between Division III Junior College and Division I and Division II Junior Colleges, there is little difference between DI and DII Junior Colleges. Many of the Junior College players lack the 'polish' to be considered DI players coming out of HS, but they already possess the necessary physical tools to be successful at the DI level. All they need to do is harness and polish those skills. The GPA's of most of the Junior College athletes are lower than those attending 4 year schools, suggesting that these athletes need to two years to mature academically as well.

Preferred Grades for All Divsions:
3.0 GPA +24 ACT + 1000 SAT (out of 1600)
(No scores needed for underclassmen)

In order to compile these Recruiting Guidelines, NCSA tracked hundreds of former NCSA student-athletes who have gone on to compete at the collegiate level, polled college coaches across the nation, and analyzed college rosters at all levels of competition.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Baseball by the Numbers


Schools Offering Baseball
NCAA Division I
285

NCAA Division II
247

NCAA Division III
369

NAIA
205

NJCAA
394

Total
1,500

Athletic Scholarship Opportunities
Division I (per school)
11.7

Division II (per school)
9

NAIA (per school) 12

Student-Athlete Participation
NCAA Division I
10,011

NCAA Division II
8,100

NCAA Division III
10,656

HS Student-Athletes
470,671


Note: Division III schools offer merit, academic, and need-based scholarships.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baseball
Overview
Recruiting Guidelines
Recruiting Calendar
NCSA Collegiate Power Rankings
Baseball Archives
2. Get Educated
Learn from our recruiting experts how to maximize your collegiate recruiting potential via our video library. View our top five recruiting FAQs.
3. Get Started
If you have a student athlete who is serious about playing their sport in college apply online or call (866) 579-6272 to speak with an experienced NCSA Collegiate Scout immediately.

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© 2002-2007 National Collegiate Scouting Association - All Rights Reserved

[Go Cardinals]

My son plays very good baseball and gets all A's for now in school...... He had a chance to jump ahead a grade level in algebra last year and this year he would of had to travel over to high school and miss some optional classes if he decided to jump ahead for a year. Sooner or later he will get to trig or calculus if he wants. Why push him and let him loose out on other life skills at this age.

What gets me his trainer/baseball coach, was asking him how school was going. He said OK in a monotone voice, after getting all A"s and A+'s . But that is not his nature. He is happy to achieve and be modest about it.

He knows in baseball that if you are real good you will get to play all the time. That is what Little league taught him with all the politics. No matter how many coaches kids made the team, he made the team on his own skills.


What is the advantage of jumping a head sooner or later you will caught up to your grade level and the same goes for baseball. Sooner or later you will caught up to your skill level. So where are you going to play once you are 11th or 12th grade. If you are really good someone will see your skill and sign you. Enjoy yourself. Go to some show cases college camps and see what you are competing against on a state level. The college coaches who look players over will give you good advice on what you need to improve on and if you are good at baseball, have good grades and is coach-able you can make it to the next level.

How do I know this you may ask. Well one of the coaches that my son got lesson from was a college recruiter and former scout for pirates org. He said what gets you noticed was your skills but what makes a difference is grade. But what gets a plus mark and gets you a I want you to consider playing ball at ____if you have all of the above, Is a coach-able attitude. He will not sign kid who think they are all that, he said its ok to know your good but if you don't want to learn, and not having a serious/focused attitude he will not ask you to play for the school, because that kind of player causes to much annamosity on a team.

The above came from the horses mouth so to speak. He told my son that he could go as far as he wanted to if he maintained a good attitued. We all knew what he was saying, my son needs to develope more and he learn that there is more to it than being good. Being a team player


good luck,


drill



below is some info. you may find interesting









--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NCSA - National Collegiate Scouting AssociationStudent-Athlete Login
About NCSA
Partners
NCSA Foundation
Search:
Home
Student Athletes & Families
College Recruiting
College Coaches
High School ADs & Coaches

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recruit-Match™Scholarships & Financial AidCoach RequestsVirtual Tryout
Your Sport Choose your sport... Baseball Basketball Cross Country Field Hockey Football Golf Ice Hockey Lacrosse Soccer Softball Swimming Tennis Track & Field Volleyball Wrestling
Baseball Recruiting Guidelines
NCSA Commitments - Cody Raile; University of Nebraska -- Omaha; BaseballNCSA Commitments - Casey Hays; Warner Southern College; BaseballPrinter Friendly Page Division I:

The typical Division I baseball player is 'polished' and seems to already have all the tools necessary to be successful as a freshman. As opposed to the Division II baseball player, the typical DI player needs far less development, if any. The position players possess at least 4 of the 5 measurable tools - hit for average, hit for power, arm strength, speed, and defensive abilities. The pitchers display a command of at least 3 pitches with high velocities. On average, they have the ability to throw many innings, and most often they are only used on the mound and rarely as position players. Most D1 players come from large high schools. Many of these programs are considered the best in their area or in the State. In addition, most DI players have been awarded accolades such as All-Area, All-County, or All-State.

The average characteristics by position are as follows:

Right Hand Pitchers:
-Height: 6'1"
-Weight: 180 Pounds
-Over 1 K per Inning Pitched
-ERA below 2.50
-Velocity: 88-90 MPH (Verified by neutral source)

Left Hand Pitchers:
-Height: 6'1"
-Weight: 180 Pounds
-1 K per Inning Pitched
-ERA below 2.50
-Velocity: 85-87 MPH (Verified by neutral source)

Centerfielders:
-Height: 5'11"
-Weight: 170 Pounds
-60 Yard: 6.6 (Verified)
-Velocity for OF: 86-87 MPH (Verified by neutral source)

Middle Infielders:
-Height: 5'11"
-Weight: 175 Pounds
-60 Yard: 6.8-6.9 (Verified by neutral source)
-Velocity from INF: 85+ MPH (Verified by neutral source)

Catchers:
-Height: 5'10"-6'0"
-Weight: 180 Pounds
-Pop Time: Sub 1.95 (Verified by neutral source)

Corner Infielders:
-Height: 6'2"
-Weight: 200 Pounds
-Power Numbers: 8+ HR, 30+RBI

Division II:

For some colleges, especially those in the Southern States and out on the West Coast, DII Baseball is an extension of DI. There are very few differences between the typical West Coast or Southern DII player and the average DI player. For the DII schools up North, the athletes may be a notch below the average DI and perhaps a little less polished. They may not throw as hard, play for the top high schools programs, or possess at least 4 of the 5 measurable tools. This is not always the case, as there are some very solid DII Baseball Programs up North. However, it is no secret that overall, the better baseball schools are those located in warmer climates.

The Minimum Requirements by position are as follows:

Right Handed Pitchers:
- Height: 6'0' (Preferably taller)
- Weight: 175 lbs
- Averaging about 1K per inning pitched
- ERA below 3.00
- Velocity: 85 MPH

Left Handed Pitchers:
- Height: 5'10' (Preferably taller)
- Weight: 165 lbs
- Averaging about 1K per inning pitched
- ERA at 3.00 or below
- Velocity: 83 MPH

Centerfielders:
- Height: 5'9'
- Weight: 150 lbs
- 60 Yrd Time: 6.8 or below

Middle Infielders:
- Height: 5'7'
- Weight: 150 lbs
- 60 Yrd Time: 7.1 or below
- 79-80 MPH from SS

Catchers:
- Height: 5'9'
- Weight: 175 lbs
- Pop Time: 2.0 or below

Much can be determined on film. It is very difficult to measure defensive abilities on paper. Fielding percentage cannot be used as an accurate statistic because it is difficult to calculate and it can be easily manipulated. Most Division II players have received several accolades, such as All Conference or All Area.


Division III:

Some DIII programs are stronger than others, but there seems to be more continuity with the physical characteristics of DIII players than there are for DII or NAIA. Certain DIII programs, such as Wisconsin Whitewater or George Fox, play at a superior level. However, for the most part, the range of physical characteristics was slim.

The Minimum Requirements by positions are as follow:

Right Handed Pitchers:
- Height: 5'8"
- Weight: 155 Pounds
- 1 or less than 1 K Per Inning Pitched
- ERA below 4.00
- Velocity: 81 MPH

Left Handed Pitchers:
- Height: 5'8"
- Weight: 155 Pounds
- 1 or less than 1 K Per Inning Pitched
- ERA below 4.00
- Velocity: 79 MPH

Centerfielders:
- Height 5'7"
- Weight: 140 Pounds
- 60 Yard Dash: 7.0 or below

Middle Infielders:
- Height: 5'7"
- Weight: 150 Pounds
- 40 Yard Dash: 4.9 or below

Catchers:
- Height: 5'8"
- Weight: 165 Pounds
- Pop Time: 2.1 or below


NAIA:

The discrepancies in characteristics are very severe when it comes to NAIA baseball. Some NAIA schools are playing at a DII level, while others are competing at a lower DIII level. NCSA found a mix of D2 criteria and D3 criteria make up the recruiting guidelines for this league.


Junior College Baseball:

Unlike the NAIA, Junior Colleges do have 3 divisions for the purpose of separating stronger JC programs from the weaker ones. While there may be somewhat of a drop off in talent between Division III Junior College and Division I and Division II Junior Colleges, there is little difference between DI and DII Junior Colleges. Many of the Junior College players lack the 'polish' to be considered DI players coming out of HS, but they already possess the necessary physical tools to be successful at the DI level. All they need to do is harness and polish those skills. The GPA's of most of the Junior College athletes are lower than those attending 4 year schools, suggesting that these athletes need to two years to mature academically as well.

Preferred Grades for All Divsions:
3.0 GPA +24 ACT + 1000 SAT (out of 1600)
(No scores needed for underclassmen)

In order to compile these Recruiting Guidelines, NCSA tracked hundreds of former NCSA student-athletes who have gone on to compete at the collegiate level, polled college coaches across the nation, and analyzed college rosters at all levels of competition.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Baseball by the Numbers


Schools Offering Baseball
NCAA Division I
285

NCAA Division II
247

NCAA Division III
369

NAIA
205

NJCAA
394

Total
1,500

Athletic Scholarship Opportunities
Division I (per school)
11.7

Division II (per school)
9

NAIA (per school) 12

Student-Athlete Participation
NCAA Division I
10,011

NCAA Division II
8,100

NCAA Division III
10,656

HS Student-Athletes
470,671


Note: Division III schools offer merit, academic, and need-based scholarships.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baseball
Overview
Recruiting Guidelines
Recruiting Calendar
NCSA Collegiate Power Rankings
Baseball Archives
2. Get Educated
Learn from our recruiting experts how to maximize your collegiate recruiting potential via our video library. View our top five recruiting FAQs.
3. Get Started
If you have a student athlete who is serious about playing their sport in college apply online or call (866) 579-6272 to speak with an experienced NCSA Collegiate Scout immediately.

See If You Qualify »









Contact Us Careers Technical Support Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Sitemap Extranet Login
1415 N Dayton St 4th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60622 | Phone: (888) 333-6846 | Fax: (312) 624-7401
© 2002-2007 National Collegiate Scouting Association - All Rights Reserved

Wow, thanks for the info, I read most of it. I have a 6.6-6.7 60 and I'm a right feilder, is that ok? What are the stats for the right feilders and left feidlers?

[Drill]

Wow, thanks for the info, I read most of it. I have a 6.6-6.7 60 and I'm a right feilder, is that ok? What are the stats for the right feilders and left feidlers?



sorry i posted early and was still editing the original post. I know it long but don't forget about good grades.


Really if you got the skills check the college web page you are interested in and go to a prospect camp.... University of Virginia has one coming up in the middle of November in my area. Virginia tech. has a prospect camp that has multi-able coachs recruiters coming and looks at the up and coming talent. They will let you know what you have to improve on.... Just go to the college web sites baseball page and look under Camps. Oh don't compare yourself to those number just use them as a basic standard you can improve upon. Remember stay coach-able.


again hope this help, God Bless,

drill


below is a web site to national college scouting asso. Which from looking the web site over this is a private money making org, that puts you togather with colleges and your sport for a fee.
http://www.ncsasports.org/college-recruiting/