*These ideal D1 bat speed and exit velocity ranges are based off the high school/showcase metrics of thousands of eventual D1 hitters.
What now?
- Evaluate your swing mechanics [click here to learn how] to determine if you’re likely to be in the right range for your age and level of physical development, in accordance with the Metrics Formula [your metrics = your strength + your mechanics]
<<Read Next: 8 Questions D1 Coaches Need Answered about Hitting Prospects>>
- Verify metrics with a bat sensor (bat speed) and radar (exit velocity)…
<< Diamond Kinetics [used by PerfectGame, MLB, USA Baseball] – $50 on Amazon>>
<< Blast Motion [used by Prep Baseball Report] – $150 on Amazon >>
Keep In Mind:
- It’s OK if you don’t know your exact metrics right now
- You can approximate based on your size and swing evaluation with the Metrics Formula [Metrics = Strength + Mechanics]
- Your swing metrics are just 1 of 3 ways D1 coaches evaluate hitters
- Think metrics “ranges” instead of hitting magic numbers. Your “relative” metrics [your metrics relative to your age/year and size/level of physical development] matter more than hitting absolute benchmarks [the metrics of current D1 players].
Caution: Younger-Underdeveloped Players
It can be tricky projecting metrics forward into the future, with younger/less developed players [in that 135-155 lb range].
At that size, a lot of players will have very similar metrics near the ideal range, giving false hope.
- Typically around 59-62 bat speed and 72-77 exit velocity
- Players that eventually get to D1 AND guys that never get better.
Mechanics are the key [the separator].
- Good swings will be the separator as they add strength.
- At around 160 lbs we start to see this happen.
- Mechanics will determine how the metrics will progress as they get stronger.
- Adding strength to an inefficient swing typically won’t be enough to get [or keep] your metrics in the right range.
- Players with inefficient swings [that don’t create stretch/torque/separation] see their metrics level off as upperclassmen as they fall out of ideal ranges.
<<D1 Caliber Swing? Find out for $7>>
For more info on the basics of how coaches evaluate hitters, what bat speed and exit velocity actually are, how your position and defensive ability affect how coaches will evaluate you and more helpful college baseball recruiting information check out our article series “8 Questions Coaches Need Answered About Hitting Prospects.”