I mainly play infield and I like to hit, but I enjoy pitching to. I just graduated from HS and will be playing at a community college. I am 6' and throw about 86-88 topping off around 90. I never try to throw as hard as I can so I don't know if I can throw a whole lot harder, but I would guess that I can. I throw a 2 seam fastball with late movement and a pretty good curve. I can throw a change up not always for a strike and a good knuckle ball for a strike for the fun of it. I have very good control.
I want to play MLB and have had some interest as a hitter and infielder. I was not drafted but was asked what I would sign for by one team. I am told that I will be my best after my 2nd year of college.
I know that most scouts look for a 6'5" pitcher these days or someone that can throw mid 90's, but if things do not work out for me as a hitter do you think that my size and not throwing mid 90's would be enough to keep me from making it professionally as a pitcher. I weigh 180 now.

You are one in a hundred blessed with very high percentage of fast twitch Muscle fiber. The question is can you fool todays improved swings and get outs. Don’t ever sell your height short. If Guidry did that we would never have been able to enjoy him. The fastest pitcher that ever lived was 5’8”, a very smart man once said “As long as you don’t tell the ball how tall you are, you’ll be OK”.

IMO, The whole choosing process in the MLB on whether a kid should be a Field player
or a pitcher is a wak. They seem to always make the low to mid nine guy’s pitchers.
Had not my beloved Dodgers made Dreifort a pitcher; I believe he would still be hitting 50 a year, although probably not for LA.

Brn2hit,

I really like what yardbird had to say to your question. I agree that pitching a 90+fastball is not a prerequisite to become a major league pitcher. Greg Maddux was and still is one of the best pitchers around and he normally doesn't throw in the 90s on purpose. Just recognize that your path to becoming a major league may take a little longer. However, remember this cream usually rises to the top. If you prove to be a success as a pitcher and put in the time, you will find the opportunity.

Hope this helps,
Jack Elliott
Baseball Strategy

brn2hit,
When you go off to play in college you may not have a choice as to what you prefer to do. The coaches will make that decision, based on their needs. If you can pitch and get people out, despite size or velocity, most likely that is where you will end up. Your future to play beyond college may be greater as a pitcher than as a position player.

If it were my son, I would suggest to him to work on improving as a pitcher. Begin a good off season pitchers conditioning program which includes lots of tossing for strengthening your arm and stop worrying about your size.

I pitched in two games up at east cobb. The first one I was brought in the 7th inning with runners on 2nd and 3rd and a 3-0 count and 1 out. I walked him on the next pitch, but got out of the inning without anyone scoring. The game ended in a tie

The next game I went 7 innings and gave up one unearned run with 6 hits, 8 k's and 3 bb's. The game ended in a 1-1 tie against the team that won our pool. I think I stayed around 86-89 except for my off speed stuff.

That sounds like a terrific outing, congratulations. Proves that maybe pitching is the way to go. Pitchers have many more opportunities than position players.

Good luck.