Introduction: Every high school baseball player dreams of making it big, but what sets a D1 prospect apart from the rest? It’s not just about playing for your high school team; it’s about the relentless pursuit of excellence and standout abilities. Let's look at what differentiates these top athletes from their peers.
Key Attributes of a D1 Baseball Prospect:
Experience: Most D1 prospects have at least three to four years of varsity baseball under their belts. Starting all those years is a testament to their skills and consistency.
Exit Velocity: A bat swing that sends the ball off the tee at speeds greater than 90 mph demonstrates the kind of power that catches scouts' eyes.
Throwing Velocity: If a player is throwing the ball at velocities exceeding 85 mph, they show the arm strength necessary for the next level.
Speed: A 60-yard dash time of 7 seconds or lower showcases the explosive speed required for elite baseball.
Case Studies - Hard 90 Alumni:
Tommy Troy, Los Gatos High School to Stanford, later a 1st-round pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks, is a prime example with an exit speed greater than 100 mph, throwing velocity over 90 mph, and a 60-yard dash time of 6.4 seconds. Tommy was a 4 year varsity high school starter, slashing .321.
Jake Sapien of Buhach High School also made it to Stanford, presenting similar elite stats with an impressive batting average of .367. Jake was a 4 year varsity starter.
Devon Walczykowski from Jesuit High School to Pepperdine. Devon was a 3 year varsity starter, putting up big power numbers with exit speeds well above 100MPH, slashing .355 in high school with 15 home runs.
Trevor Haskins of Valley Christian to Stanford, exhibited the exceptional attributes of a D1 player, with high exit speeds, strong throwing velocities, and swift 60-yard times. Trevor was a 3 year varsity starter.
The Path to Excellence: There are no shortcuts to becoming a D1 athlete. It requires doing more than the average player. Attending high school practice isn't enough; the best players hit the field 7 days a week, engage in rigorous throwing programs, and commit to strength, conditioning, and agility training with specialized coaches.
Programs to Pave the Way: Organizations like Hard 90 offer a combination of programs and expertise to help dedicated players reach their dreams. Their high school hitting program and combine have helped over 400 alumni achieve collegiate and professional success.
Conclusion: The journey from high school to D1 baseball is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about daily commitment, relentless training, and consistently pushing beyond limits. By recognizing the traits and work ethic of successful D1 players, aspiring athletes can set a roadmap for their own journey to the top.