What's required to get a college baseball scholarship as a pitcher?

I'm a high school pitcher aiming for a college baseball scholarship. What do coaches typically look for, and what can I do to increase my chances of getting recruited by college teams?

Coaches look for not just talent, but a few other factors as well when determining who to recruit and who to offer scholarships to.

1. Athletic skills: As a pitcher, your throwing speed, accuracy, endurance, and technique are key. It's not just about having one fast pitch either, colleges want to see a range of pitches at your disposal, including fastballs, curveballs, change-ups, etc. Film can help showcase these skills.

2. Academic performance: Remember that as a student-athlete, you're a student first. Recruiters will definitely take a look at your GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and overall academic condition, because the university wants to maintain a high academic caliber among its athletes as well.

3. Commitment to the sport: Present yourself as dedicated and passionate about baseball, which you can show through your involvement in many tournaments, summer leagues, and high school games.

4. Positive attitude and leadership: Coaches look for players who exhibit leadership qualities and can stay calm under pressure.

To increase your chances of getting recruited, here's what you can do:

1. Contacting Coaches: Start reaching out to college coaches, letting them know about your interest in their program and providing information about your athletic and academic status. Regular, polite communication goes a long way.

2. Using Recruiting Services: Utilize recruiting services that can connect you to college coaches. Appily, for instance, has a service that helps you understand your chances at different schools.

3. Be Active in High School & Club Games: The more exposure you get, the more likely college scouts will notice you.

4. Attend Showcase Camps: These events are specifically designed for recruiting purposes, often with college coaches and scouts in attendance.

5. Improve Your Skills: Never stop developing your game. Whether it's improving your pitch speed, learning a new type of pitch, or working on maintaining your stamina, constant improvement will always catch the attention of scouts.

Remember, a scholarship isn't the only way to play college baseball. Many players join as walk-ons and earn a scholarship later. Keep all your options open, work hard, and good luck!