High D1/ Elite JUCO Middle Infielder

Physical Measurables:

• A Division I middle infield recruit will generally run between a 6.5 and a 6.8 60 yard dash. This time needs to be verified by a 3rd party for college coaches to truly believe it.
• In terms of arm strength, elite middle infield recruits will throw the ball across the diamond anywhere between 85 MPH and 95 MPH.
• Height and Weight for MIFs are really not as important as the key measurables and obviously the technical offensive and defensive ability. Coaches look for these key measurables first at these levels. If the key measurables aren’t there, it doesn’t matter how big you are - they will be taking a pass. Only at the next level will coaches start to consider height and weight more in hopes of a projection or skill development.

Stats:

• OB %: .500; Slugging: .600 (Minimum 2 AB's per game)

Coach Keys:

Top middle infielders are evaluated first from a defensive standpoint, and then from an hitting standpoint. The most important factors when evaluating an elite middle infielder defensively are speed, quickness, good hands, and arm strength. Coaches at the top levels will look for middle infielders that display outstanding defensive ability in all of these categories. While having a fast 60 time is important, college coaches will also look for an agile middle infielder that can cover a lot of ground laterally, this is often referred to as range.

Having great range allows the middle infielder to field ground balls that may deep in the hole or up the middle. Top middle infielders will also be able to hit at a high level. The prototypical elite middle infield recruit can hit for a high average as well as steal a lot of bases and occasionally hit for power.

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Lower D1/High D2/NAIA/Lower JUCO Middle Infielder

Physical Measurables:

• Prototypical MIFs at this level stand anywhere between 5'8" and 6'2"
• Weight is between 165 and 190 lbs.
• 60 Yard Dash: 6.9 or below.
• Infield Velocity: Low 80s and above from SS.

Stats:

• OB%: .550;
• Slugging: .450 (Minimum 2 AB's per game)

Coach Keys:

MIFs at this level must be polished in at least one phase of the game (fielding or hitting), but more often than not they are more of an asset defensively and have things to work on from a hitting standpoint. Speed is still a quality that coaches will look for.

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Lower NAIA/D2 Middle Infielder

Physical Measurables:

• Height: 5'11"
• Weight: 170 lbs.
• 60 Yard Dash: 7.0 or below
• Velocity from the INF: 78+ MPH from SS

Stats:

• OB%: .400
• Slugging: .500

Coach Keys:

Athleticism, knowledge of the game, and leadership skills are necessary for shortstops at this level. Defensive skills are the focus for shortstops, with offensive skills being a bonus. Shortstops at this level will be missing a few elements of the top shortstop, but they still make plays and contribute in the line-up.

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D3/Community College Middle Infielder

Physical Measurables:

• Height: 5'10"
• Weight: 165 lbs.
• 60 Yard Dash: 7.1 or below
• Velocity from the INF: Upper 70’s MPH from SS

Stats:

• OB%: .350
• Slugging: .450

Coach Keys:

A good shortstop is always in need for a college coach and for programs at this level it’s no different. This should be the best athlete on the field, but these shortstops aren't playing at higher levels because of a lack of speed and lateral quickness. They make the plays, but don't have the best range. A batting average may be sacrificed for a great leader in the field.