My son is a HS soph (Class of 2011). He is a LHP/1B and aspires to be a LHP/1B at a top D1 school 3 years from now. We're new to all this stuff, and I'm hoping that some of you can shed a little light on this for us.

In this world of radar guns, stopwatches, and sparq testing, we're trying to nail down what type of numbers he has to hit in order to be seen as a legit D1 prospect at his 2 primary positions.

Understanding that the most important numbers for school choice (and later life) is his GPA & test scores, he is working very hard in this area. From there it gets more difficult:

What are top D1 schools looking for in Height? Weight? He is currently 6'-0", 185, and is still growing (he just turned 15). We expect him to top out around 6'-4".

What tpye of 60 time does he need as a LHP/1B? Other strength and fitness measures?

As a LHP, what type of velocity does he need to sit on, and touch? How many pitches does he need to have?

As a 1B, what are they looking for out of a hitter? Fielding? Speed threat?

What are the priorties in scouting/evaulating LHP's and 1B's?

You can assume that we know nothing, and are trying to learn as much as possible to help give my son targets to shoot for in his training and preparation. Thank you in advance for letting us tap into your knowledge and experience.

Welcome aboard! And remember, the most important thing is to "enjoy the ride".

At 6' and 185lbs for a 15 year old, it sounds like your son may have the physical stature that large D-1's like to see. Being a southpaw is obviously a plus as well.

Velocity and then movement (assuming control). I would expect that 86-88 cruising touching 89-90 should get some looks.

As far as pitches a good fastball is king, maybe a 2 seamer for movement. Then, a change-up and add a duce for good measure.

60 times do not matter for Pitchers, and are not a huge concern for 1st base. But you don't want to go slower than 7.4 if you can help it. The faster the better.

If you are a 1st baseman then you better be able to hit for power, especially if you are not running 7.1 or better.

A good 1st baseman saves his infielders by being able to pick the short hops and save the errant throws.

Pitchers priorities will always be VELOCITY. Position players, especially those not fleet of foot will want to be able to drive the ball with authority, and have a good average.

Many other suggestions will follow, but I thought I would get the ball rolling!

Good Luck & Best Wishes!

quote:

aspires to be a LHP/1B at a top D1 school 3 years from now.

Don't want to pop his bubble right off but while D-1 programs have a lot of 2-way players on their rosters, very few ever get the chance to hit AND pitch. Continue to work on both positions during high school and see how it plays out. Your son's primary position will surface.

1B --- hit for power. While speed is always a plus, A LH first baseman with speed and a strong arm will end up in the outfield.

Fielding? Quick and adequate might be the appropriate answers. Most good first basemen don't appear to be "slick" fielders but they knock down balls and get the job done. Understand too that most first basemen are big strong players and it's difficult to put everything in one package.

Pitching --- Ability to throw strikes and get outs. Velocity will always be debated but a "Big" D-1 will go after the top performers and in LHP that usually means somewhere around the mid 80's on the low end. The high end --- the higher the better.

As the father of a former D-1 2 way player I suggest your son stick with one position especially if he has aspirations of playing professional ball. If he insist on being a two way player in college then I suggest he lean toward the college that is primarily recruiting him as a position player. It's much easier for a position player to be called on to pitch than it is for a pitcher to be called on to play a position.
Fungo

SPD:

My son is LH1b now entering his jr year. I think fungo's remarks are very accurate.

There is far more opportunity for a 6'+ LHP then for a LH1b, unless you can crush the ball. The numbers are in your favor as a LHP.

My son came out of Calif, where he was one of many, big LH bats. In HS, there program was more like a college program and he only hit.

On my son's college team last year they had 2 LH1b's. My son at 6'3, 230 and another young man at 6', 180. My son had better "bag skills" the other fellow had good wheels. My son played 1b, the other young man played the outfield.

If he can hit, he will play, the question is where. If he has wheels and can throw, he will likely get more chances. However, if your son wants to focus on a handful of schools, he will be far more marketable as a LHP than as a LH1b.

I have never heard of anyone recruiting a 1st baseman. What they do is recruit hitters that can play 1st.

A LHP that has 2 or more pitches, fastball 88+ is a D1 prospect for sure. This year I know of a few LHP's topping 87 cruising 84-85 that have Mid D1 offers.

Thanks to all. This is very helpful. It is easy to say go train to become as big, fast, and athletic as you can become; but it is more pratical to know what he has to be able to do if he hopes to achieve his goals. I appreciate your comments, and welcome all additional input.

quote:

What they do is recruit hitters that can play 1st.

An excellent observation................

College Coaches are looking for "players"---it is simple as that