Recruiting for Hitters: What College Coaches Look At

A college coach evaluating a hitter is trying to answer one question: will he hit our pitching? Everything in your recruiting material should help answer it.

The measurables

• Exit velocity. The quickest indicator of power potential. As a rough guide, high school hitters commonly sit in the 70s to 80s, and college hitters in the 90s and above. Coaches care about the number and about how consistently you reach it.
• Bat speed, if you have it measured.
• Running speed, usually a 60-yard dash.
• Arm strength for your position, and pop time for catchers.
• Size and athleticism.

Performance

• Results against good competition count more than statistics against weak pitching.
• Walks and strikeouts show how well you control the zone.
• Extra-base hits show whether the power plays in games.

Video

• Side view of the swing, whole body in frame.
• Rear view, from behind the hitter toward the pitcher.
• Game swings against real pitching, if the angle is usable.
• Defense at your position: footwork, hands, throws.
• Keep it to about ninety seconds, with your best swings first.
• Show exit velocity on screen or include the report.

Presenting it

Include your name, graduation year, position, bats and throws, height and weight, school and travel team with coach contacts, grades and your contact details.

Be honest. A coach will see you in person. Numbers that do not match what he sees end the conversation.

What has changed

Division I rosters are capped at 34 players, and coaches can fill spots through the transfer portal and junior colleges. That affects position players as much as pitchers. We covered it in the 34-man roster.

• Look across divisions and at junior college.
• Versatility helps. A hitter who can play several positions is easier to carry.
• Left-handed hitters and catchers are often in shorter supply.

What to work on

• Raise exit velocity through strength and bat speed.
• Hit velocity. Coaches want to see you handle good fastballs.
• Control the zone.
• Play a position well. A bat with nowhere to play is hard to recruit.
• Keep your grades up. They widen the list of schools.

Timing

Division I coaches cannot contact a prospect until August 1 before junior year. Use the time before that to improve your numbers and build video, and send updates when something real changes.

Recruiting guidance is part of Summit's baseball program.