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You have to hit to play. It’s a common saying in baseball. And it’s true, especially at a high level like Division I.
The reality is D1 baseball is an elite level of play. The game speeds up, typically requiring players that are bigger, faster, and stronger.
With most D1 starting pitchers throwing at least upper 80’s to low 90’s, coaches know that a certain level of bat speed is required to hit with any consistency.
Not just to catch up to higher velocity, but to rocket ground balls past quicker infielders and drive balls in the gaps past faster outfielders or over their heads (and over the fence, of course).
Your swing metrics are just 1 of 3 main factors in determining your hitting potential, but they are absolutely a box that needs to be checked.
Technology has made it much easier to measure key metrics like BAT SPEED [bat sensors] and EXIT VELOCITY [radar].
These metrics directly translate to D1 success. High school/travel ball game stats do not. Hitting .454 off of mostly upper-70’s velocity won’t matter to coaches if your exit velocity is 73 MPH with 57 MPH bat speed as a High School junior or senior.
So… are there magic numbers for BAT SPEED and EXIT VELOCITY? Certain standards or benchmarks you must meet in high school coaches need to see to consider you D1 caliber?
Yes and no. It’s a moving target. Context is required, but we’ll get to that.
Important Disclaimer:
- Metrics aren’t everything but they are indicators of ability early in the process of identifying potential D1 caliber players. And they certainly make it easier to understand if you’re on track in an area that was previously less tangible for players & parents.
- Of course defensive ability & defensive fit will be a factor [more info here].
- Plenty of kids work hard, are competitive, are good students, etc. These are tie-breakers that only come into play once it’s been determined that you potentially have D1 ability.
#1: Sufficient Bat Speed & Exit Velocity?
D1 Caliber HS seniors typically reach low-90s bat speed and low-70’s exit velocity. But what were their metrics as physically underdeveloped HS freshman or sophomores?
#2: Is Bat Speed/Exit Velocity On Trend?
Think in terms of the direction your metrics are trending and being in the appropriate range for your age/year & level of physical development.
#3: Where does your bat speed come from?
Strength/Size + Mechanics = Your Metrics. Are your metrics below the D1 curve for your size? Mechanics are likely the culprit. Are you near the D1 curve despite being undersized? You likely have solid mechanics and strength gains could put you over the top.
#4: Will your bat speed improve?
Typically, significant metrics improvement only comes from two main sources: 1) strength gains and 2) mechanical adjustments/improvements.
#5: Is your bat speed usable?
It’s one thing to generate bat speed, but quite another to apply it consistently. An efficient bat path is what makes power/metrics consistently usable at the D1 level.
#6: Appropriate metrics for position?
Different positions carry different expectations from a power/production standpoint. In general, middle-of-the-diamond positions [C/2B/SS/CF] have more of a defensive emphasis and can get away with “average” swing metrics. Corner positions [1B/3B/RF/LF] cannot.
#7: Appropriate metrics for defensive ability?
Mediocre defenders should provide premium offense with above average swing metrics. Premium defenders can get away with mediocre swing metrics.
#8: Is there a clear defensive fit?
Having a true position fit based of your defensive tools & attributes [that makes sense with your hitting metrics] will be critical. Coaches factor this into roster and scholarship decisions.