Penn State Greater Allegheny Baseball Recruiting

As a college baseball coach at Penn State Greater Allegheny just outside Pittsburgh. I am very involved in the recruitment of players from not just our base area which is Western PA, but from places across the United States. We are always receiving emails, messages, recommendations as well as constantly being on the road at showcases and camps looking at prospects that we think may be a good fit for us baseball wise and academically.

Lets look at what I look for in different positions and players.

Pitchers: You never have enough of them. When looking for pitchers on our staff the #1 attribute I look for is that highly competitive kid who wants the ball and will battle for every out. Velocity wise I look for mid to high 80's kids and some 90's kids who have slipped through. I look at their Fastball command. Can they hit the high and low inside and outside corners. Do they work ahead in the count and do they always present themselves as in control on the mound. Off Speed pitches do they command and can hit the key spots to put kids away or get them to hit the pitch they want them to hit. Do they know the game, field their position, backup bases and carry themselves in a highly positive manner throughout the ballgame.

Catchers: This kid has to be a leader. He is in charge of setting the infield and their plays, helping the pitcher get through tough spots and generally being the player on the field who is a player with a high baseball IQ. Skills I like to see. Is he a tough, hard-nosed kid, is he athletic and mobile to move and block around the plate. Does he have quick feet. good transfer skills and an arm that is accurate and and has some zip on it.

3rd Baseman: This is usually a hard position to fill at our level. Ideally I would love to have a power bat kid. Realistically, I will take the kid who soft hands, quick feet, and an arm that is above average and accurate all the way across the diamond. There is a lot to positioning and knowing what depth and area to play hitters. Can they make all the routine plays plus the ones taking 3 steps to the right and left.

Shortstop: I definitely set the bar high here. Ideally I want a highly athletic, aggressive kid who attacks everything and wants every ball hit to them. A take charge playmaker who makes fundamentals look easy and has the pension for making the big play when needed. High baseball IQ, great communicator on the field and leader who works with catcher to setting the infield for every situation, covering bases, cutoffs, communicates well with the outfield. Above average, accurate arm is always on the list as well.

2nd Baseman: I want a steady, fundamental, routine player who knows how to position, has some range and just makes all the routine plays. This is the guy who does not get all the hype or honors but when you come down to it he is a kid who does not make mistakes and also is a communicator.

1st Baseman: I love to have a big, athletic kid with footwork, soft hands and has a great baseball IQ. This is the kid who is behind the scenes and makes plays to save his other infielders. Positioning, movement and toughness all are things I look for.

Outfielders: I #1 want athletes. I love having kids that can run, cover ground, make plays and make us solid defensively. I look at CF's. If I have 3 kids who all take charge are aggressive. I will settle for a little less arm, but I want to take away doubles and triples and be able to cover ground. Yes, our home field is big. If I can get a big bat power kid who can play in the OF I might change, but most of them are divisions higher than we are.

So there are the attributes I look for when evaluating talent to come in and play for us a Penn State Greater Allegheny

Now there are the qualities I look for in players. #1 are they good kids. Do they have great academics. Do they have work ethic. Are they respectful and carry themselves the right way. Do they have baseball IQ and do they like to play and have fun while playing. Are they always involved in the game even when on the bench. Are they good teammates. Are they willing to compete for positions day in and day out. Do they play without communicating with their parents and being coachable. Are you tough and always looking to get better and learn.

If you are a player and possess and want to play and set a great culture and get an education from one of the top colleges in the US then I would love to hear from you.

Lets add to your Recruiting Process and talk about a future at Penn State Greater Allegheny Baseball.