College Pitcher Recruiting
What velocity do you need for D1? Find out exactly where your arm fits and what you need to work on.
Evaluate My PitchingPitcher Velocity Requirements by Division
What coaches are looking for at each level. Remember: velocity opens doors, but it's not everything.
Power 4 / Elite D1
Top 50 programs
Fastball
Secondary
D1 (Mid-Major)
Solid D1 programs
Fastball
Secondary
D1 (Low-Major)
Smaller D1 conferences
Fastball
Secondary
D2
Competitive D2
Fastball
Secondary
D3
Quality D3 programs
Fastball
Secondary
NAIA/JUCO
Path to 4-year programs
Fastball
Secondary
What College Coaches Evaluate in Pitchers
Primary Factors
Your top velocity and sitting velocity
Arm-side run, vertical movement, spin rate
Ability to locate pitches in and out of the zone
Quality of slider, curve, changeup
Repeatability, deception, injury risk
Secondary Factors
Expected velocity gains based on frame/age
Overall body control and coordination
Competitiveness, coachability, work ethic
GPA and test scores for eligibility
Stats against quality competition
Complete Pitcher Metrics by Division
Beyond velocity: all the metrics that matter for pitcher recruiting
| Metric | Division I | Division II | Division III | NAIA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fastball Velocity | 88-95+ mph | 84-90 mph | 80-86 mph | 82-88 mph |
| 60-Yard Dash | 6.6-7.0 sec | 6.8-7.2 sec | 7.0-7.4 sec | 6.9-7.3 sec |
| GPA (Core) | 3.0+ | 2.5+ | 2.5+ | 2.0+ |
These ranges are general guidelines based on average recruited athlete metrics. Individual programs may have different requirements. Academic requirements, character, and coachability also play significant roles in recruiting decisions.
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See exactly where your arm fits and what to work on to move up a level.
Evaluate My PitchingCan I Gain Velocity?
Yes! Most pitchers see significant velocity gains during high school. The average pitcher gains 3-5 mphbetween freshman and senior year, with some seeing jumps of 8-10+ mph.
Factors that influence velocity development:
- Physical maturity: Growth spurts often correlate with velocity jumps
- Strength training: Proper strength programs can add 2-4 mph
- Mechanical efficiency: Better mechanics = more energy transfer
- Weighted ball programs: When done safely, can add velocity
- Arm care: Healthy arms develop better than injured ones
Our calculator considers your age, frame, and current velocity to assess your projectability— helping you understand not just where you are, but where you could be.
Pitcher Recruiting FAQ
What velocity do I need to pitch D1 baseball?+
D1 programs typically recruit pitchers throwing 88-95+ mph fastballs. However, elite command, a quality breaking ball, and projectability can help pitchers with lower velocities find D1 homes. Mid-major D1 programs may recruit in the 85-88 mph range.
Do college coaches care more about velocity or command?+
Both matter, but at the college level, velocity often opens doors while command keeps you on the mound. A pitcher throwing 90+ with average command will get more initial interest than an 85 mph pitcher with plus command, but the latter often has more success once on campus.
What secondary pitches do D1 programs want?+
Most D1 programs want pitchers with at least one quality secondary pitch (slider, curveball, or changeup). Elite programs often recruit pitchers with two plus secondary pitches. A good changeup is especially valuable as it takes longer to develop.
How important is a pitcher's 60-yard dash time?+
For pitchers, the 60-yard dash matters less than for position players, but athleticism still counts. Most D1 pitchers run 6.8-7.2 seconds. Slower times wont disqualify you but may limit defensive value as a two-way player.
When do pitchers typically get recruited?+
Pitchers often get recruited later than position players because velocity can develop rapidly. Many pitchers see significant velocity jumps between sophomore and senior year of high school. However, elite arms are identified as early as freshman year.
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