The National Collegiate Athletic Association is the governing body of Divisions I, II, and III college baseball. Much like Major League Baseball's minor league divisions, the NCAA divisions are designed to match the college players' skills and overall team abilities. Division I consists of colleges with strong baseball programs, while other divisions may have smaller or developing programs. This does not mean, however, that the players are less talented.
Measurable Tools
Measurable tools are the NCAA's method of referring to baseball skills and statistics that can be measured. High rankings in measurable tools can separate a Division I athlete from a Division III athlete. These are hit-for-average, hit-for-power, arm strength, speed and defensive abilities, according to the National Collegiate Scouting Association. To participate at the highest levels of the sport, an athlete must possess most or all of the measurable tools.
Division I
Examples of Division I schools include Louisiana State University, the University of Miami, Stanford University and the University of Michigan. Division I players are considered those who require the least development to take to the playing field. Players of this caliber have at least four of the five measurable tools. On the high school level, these players typically were all-state, all-county or all-division winners. Pitchers in the Division I level typically throw between 88 and 90 mph, according to the National Collegiate Scouting Association.
Division II
Schools in the Division II league include the University of California at San Diego, Delta State University, Troy College and Jacksonville State University. Division II schools in the Southern states and on the West Coast often are considered to be on the same level as Division I schools but may be smaller in terms of student enrollment. Division II players may have potential to meet most of the measurable tools but require more practice and guidance before they can play at a higher level. The average Division II pitcher throws between 83 and 85 mph.
Division III
Schools in the Division III NCAA league include Illinois Wesleyan University, Eastern Connecticut State University and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Division III players tend to be physically smaller and less powerful than Division I or II players. Pitchers at this level tend to throw between 79 and 81 mph. Division III players usually are from smaller high schools and play for smaller colleges than their higher-division counterparts.
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