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What College Baseball Coaches Look For in Players: Key Traits & Skills

What do college baseball coaches look for? Signs of maturity, both mentally and physically.
Physically

Quick Answer

College baseball coaches primarily seek players who demonstrate maturity, both mentally and physically, evaluating their potential for growth and their work ethic. They assess physical attributes like the five tools of the game and body condition, alongside mental aspects such as alertness, game knowledge, and the ability to perform under pressure. Coaches also scrutinize emotional and social traits, looking for cordial interaction with teammates and coaches, a positive attitude towards authority, and a strong sense of responsibility, as highlighted by Bobby McKinney, a scout for over 15 years with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Excellence in 5 tools of the game
Condition of body
Strengths & weaknesses of body
Potential for growth
Is this player raw or polished?
Project how good this player can become
Is he a worker or does he look lazy?
How much effort does this player expend to play at the top of his game?
Ceiling…how much better can he get given his physical body?

Mentally

Alertness (being in the game)
Knowledge of the game
Ability to react correctly
Intuit nature – Does the game come easy?
Ability to focus
Ability to rise to the challenge
Does he know all that he should know about the game and what it takes to succeed?
How often does he react correctly to a situation?

Emotionally/Socially

Cordial interaction with coaches and teammates
Attitude towards authority figures/coaches and teammates
Signs of misdirected anger
Proper taking of responsibility
Does he make others around him better or worse?
Is he a cause or a cure for trouble and disruptions?
Is he a comfortable leader?

Major Questions Coaches and Scouts Will Ask Themselves

Has he performed well in the classroom?
Is he coachable and teachable?
Will his personality compliment or clash with the growth of the team?
Will he work hard both in the classroom and on the field?
Has he demonstrated the ability to perform under pressure?
What is his quality of character?

Anything you can do to answer any of these questions a college coach or pro scout might ask will distinguish you from the crowd.

It all comes down to a basic premise:
Prepare yourself…. Physically …Mentally…..Emotionally….Socially

Bobby McKinney, a scout for over 15 years with the Pittsburgh Pirates, has taken his years of life experience and compiled the most complete reference guide to the making of a college or professional player. His book “A Guide to College Baseball and Beyond” is used as a reference manual at countless camps and clinics around the country and Bobby speaks to thousands of players on college campuses throughout the year.