Be Informed During Your College Baseball Search
Data asymmetry is a massive challenge during the college baseball recruiting process. College coaches typically have access to a robust set of performance data on prospective players. This information is often made accessible to coaches through scouting organizations like Perfect Game, or is sometimes collected directly at camps hosted by the program. That same level of transparency is typically not available for players who want to get a better understanding of college coaches and the way they run their baseball programs. When making important college decisions, student-athletes rely on first impressions, experiences at official/unofficial visits, and word of mouth recommendations. To no surprise, these inputs fail a lot of players.
A key component of your college baseball search and recruitment should be thoroughly researching the programs that you are interested in. Rosters, records, and player statistics can tell you so much about a college coach and the baseball program as a whole. Some of the key indicators are relatively easy to see, while others will take some time and effort to uncover. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the key areas where we evaluate college baseball programs. By subscribing to our membership, you’ll have complete and quick access to these metrics for over 1,000 college baseball programs. You’ll also have access to programs ratings, skill guidelines, institution data, and so much more.
Roster Size
The size of a program's roster can tell you a lot. A smaller roster provides more opportunities for playing time, but can be an indication that the program has a lower level of funding. Being a versatile player, who can play multiple positions, is extremely valuable for these programs. With a larger roster comes more competition for playing time and fewer multi-position opportunities. It may also be an indication of the program's financial budget, because each additional player comes at a cost to the university. Unlike the D1 level, some of the lower levels don't have roster size limits, so it's not uncommon to run into programs with rosters greater than 45 players.
Freshman Retention Rate
From our experiences, the highest period of volatility with player retention occurs during a player's freshman year. This metric evaluates the percentage of true freshman that returned to the program for their sophomore year, and how many did not, as a result of quitting, transferring, or being cut. Any quality program can run into a year where a significant amount of their freshman don’t return. When you see a pattern of poor player retention, that is when it should be identified as an area of concern.
Redshirts on Roster
Many recruits don't realize that there is a possibility of sitting out a year to develop athletically. For programs that have tendencies of red shirting players, it is import to talk with the coach about their vision of a 5 year experience and the financial impact that may have. Sitting out a year to for development purposes will also have some eligibility impacts that will need to be ironed out.
Incoming Transfers
This metric evaluates the number of new players on the roster that transferred in from another college. It's helpful for players to understand if a coach tends to rely on a steady replenishment of transfers to fill in gaps, or if they depend on their underclassmen to develop and become contributing players. A program's tendencies in this area will have an impact on what your competition for playing time will look.
Players Graduating by Position
Evaluating the number of players that are projected to leave the program by position, this metric gives players a better idea of the positions that a program is in need of and is likely recruiting for. Players typically see a higher level of engagement from coaches that have a need for their position, so it's a key component to consider throughout the college baseball search.
Current Position Depth
This metric provides a breakdown of how many players are currently at each position. It's important to understand a coach's roster depth preferences. This is a great way to get a feel for the number of players that are typically stacked up at each position. This data can also be used to better understand a program's positional needs.
Program Performance
By taking a look at the performance over the past few years, players can get a better feel for the program, and can set realistic expectations with what their college baseball experience will look like. Will you have a shot at a conference championship every year? Is the program coming out of a rebuild mode with consistent progress? Is the program a bottom dweller?
Players' Majors
Unfortunately, there are some majors that don't mesh well with the schedule of a student athlete. Many student athletes come to the realization that they can't keep their current major and continue to play their sport, while staying on pace to graduate in four years. We provide you with a list of majors that players have been able to balance with the rigorous college baseball schedule.
Players by State
It's often overlooked, but understanding the locations where a coach typically recruits is extremely valuable. This metric provides a breakdown of where players live by state, so you can get a feel for a coach's recruiting grounds. If you don't live in those areas it might be a little more difficult to get noticed.
Depth by Batting Side and Throwing Arm
At the collegiate level, coaches are mindful of handedness as they build their rosters. During the recruiting process, it is helpful to get a feel for a program's current depth and needs, from a batting side and pitcher throwing arm perspective.
Height by Position
Some coaches have a tendency of recruiting big, physical players. This metric can help you get an understanding of the physicality of players on a positional basis.