Generally speaking, how much of a gap is there between each of the three major divisions? I.E. pitch velocities, hitting skills, etc.? Is there even that much of a difference, or is it more of a result of scholarships available in D I, development, or something else?

Talent level will vary widely even within divisions. I have seen D3 teams with the same talent level as my son's 16U select team and D3 teams that can compete with D1's. (In fact, one local D3, Trinity University, will play D1 program Notre Dame this coming spring.) Pitching velocities for D3 can vary from the upper 70's to low 90's, depending on the program. Even with D1's, there are those that make the NCAA regionals year after year and others that have little funding, marginal talent, and consistently mediocre seasons.

The better programs in all divisions will have great coaches and good recruitment and will put a lot of focus on developing their players. I'm probably leaving out a lot of important factors and would love to hear other viewpoints.

I don't necessarily agree with some of the assertions in this link, but take it for what it's worth:

http://www.ncsasports.org/student-athletes-families/bas...ecruiting-guidelines

You are going to find, on any given D3 team, a player (or a few) who are legit D1 player, who, for whatever reason, are playing at the D3 level. Just the same, you are going to find perhaps a player or two who should not be on a D1 roster. At D2...it is going to be in-between.

In terms of overall talent, you are going to find many more hard throwers at D1...and even comparing a good D3 team with an average D1...the D1 is going to have many more ATHLETES...players who are bigger, stronger, faster, and in better physical shape. That is my observation from working in D1 athletics for 16 years and my son playing on a nationally competitive D3.

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I'd have to agree with most of what has been posted. Things have changed, of course, over the many years that baseball has been played.

I remember my days scampering around the outfield asphalt on Salem OR's Garlock Avenue. Catching and fielding everything between the curbs. You didn't have to be big so much as you had to be quick...and alert. Mr. Grimm's '58 Oldsmobile was always on the prowl. The difference between a 6.9 and a 7.1 was usually a goosing by his front bumper.





It used to be you could be of small stature and still be considered a top baseball player...

There are obviously great players at all divisions. It is obvious because players get drafted from all of them. I think that there are usually a deeper roster at D1 .