Future?

Question
In your opinion do you think I have a chance to make a D1 college team, I'm 6'6'' 215lbs going into my junior year of highschool (16 years old). I throw 79-82 mph fastball and good curve ball and a 68-72 mph change up. I'm very dedicated to the sport I throw of a mound 3 days a week, run everymorning and long toss the days i dont throw off a mound (goaline to goaline on a football field.) I plan on putting on more muscle this offseason to gain more velocity. Also I go to many player showcases with my summer team giving myself plenty of chances to be seen. Do you think putting on the muscle will help and Do you think I have a chance of going further in my baseball career past highschool?

Answer
Ryan,

It's impossible for me to tell whether you'd make a college team (or any level beyond high school) without being able to see you play. If you're successful in high school with your ERA & win-loss record, college scouts normally will find out about you unless you're at some high school in the middle of nowhere. I would guess that with all the effort you're putting in, you'll have a good chance to make a college team. College coaches also like to see a player with enthusiasm, a good work ethic, and a willingness to be coached. If you can display those qualities, that will help. It's also a plus if you can play other positions, and of course being a good hitter can be important as well. If you're just a pure pitcher, that's fine (good pichers are always in high demand, especially if you're a left-hander), but with an 80mph fastball, you'll need to demonstrate that you can throw with good location. I would also work on movement in your pitches (such as a 2-seam fastball or a cutter), since most college players will have no problem hitting a straight fastball, no matter what the speed.

Putting on muscle may help some, but it normally will not result in a significant increase in throwing strength. Some of the skinniest, wiry guys I know can throw a baseball much harder than most guys that are far more muscular. Pitching is more mechanics than arm strength. However, conditioning is indeed important to prevent injury and to maximize stamina. Just be careful of putting on too much muscle which can actually inhibit throwing speed.

Keep working hard at your craft, and remember the three most important parts of pitching: Location, CHANGE of speeds, and ball movement. The more you can master those three elements, the better chance you'll have of moving forward to the higher ranks.

Good luck, and judging from the tone of your email, I have a feeling you'll probably be successful.

Mike Fortunato