Key Takeaways:

• Are you a "Warehouse Kid"? Find out why one-dimensional players fall short in college recruiting.

• Speed isn’t just a skill—it’s the key to standing out in a crowded field of prospects.

• Hitting metrics alone won’t secure your future; athleticism and versatility are essential.

• Dive into data from over 1,700+ college baseball programs to see how recruits measure up.

• Learn how Eagleclaw’s insights can help you build the skills college coaches are looking for.

   

The Coveted Athletic Skill-Set You Probably Aren't Training Nearly Enough

Baseball has always had its own language. Terms like Can of Corn, Ducks on the Pond, and Golden Sombrero carry a certain charm, capturing the essence of America’s pastime in ways that only players, coaches, and fans can fully appreciate.

But language evolves, and recently, a new phrase has emerged from the mouths of college coaches: "Warehouse Kids." The term is laced with equal parts humor and frustration, a label for a growing group of recruits who, despite their technical prowess, lack the all-around athleticism that defines a complete player.

What’s a Warehouse Kid?

To understand what makes a "Warehouse Kid," imagine a young player spending countless hours inside an indoor training facility. Their swing is flawless, their exit velocities turn heads, and their batting practice tape would make a great highlight reel. But take them out of the cage and onto the diamond, and the cracks start to show: an underwhelming throwing arm, shaky defense, subpar speed, and a shortage of the instincts that only develop through live game reps.

It’s not that these players lack talent, far from it. The problem is their one-dimensional skill set. In today’s college baseball landscape, the one-dimensional player is an endangered species. Watch any college game, and you’ll see athletes all over the field: shortstops who glide across the dirt, outfielders who track down balls in the gap, and even first basemen who run better than you’d expect. The common thread? These players are versatile. They bring multiple tools to the table, and speed is usually one of them.

The Forgotten Skill: Speed

Despite its undeniable importance, speed often takes a backseat to other skills in modern training. Yet it’s one of the most coveted attributes in baseball, capable of making or breaking a player’s chances on the recruiting trail.

It’s the difference between a groundout and an infield single, a double and a triple, or a fly ball that’s caught and one that rolls to the wall. Speed applies pressure to defenses and creates opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise exist. For college coaches, speed is a signal: it’s evidence of athleticism, work ethic, and potential.

And yet, many "Warehouse Kids" fall into the trap of believing their hitting will carry them. While a strong bat is important, it’s rarely enough on its own. College baseball is a fast-paced, dynamic game where athleticism can be the deciding factor. A player who can run a 6.7-second 60-yard dash and cover ground in center field is inherently more valuable than one who can only hit cage bombs.

Coaches are looking for athletes—players who can hit and run, field, throw, and think on their feet. The days of recruiting a player for their bat alone are largely over, especially in an era when rosters are limited and competition for spots is fierce.

The Numbers Tell the Story

The 60-yard dash has been the gold standard for evaluating a baseball player’s running ability for decades. Here’s how times typically break down for college players:

While these benchmarks aren’t absolute, they paint a clear picture of what coaches are looking for. Falling short doesn’t mean you’re out of the running, but it does mean you’ll need to compensate with exceptional skills in other areas.

Let's explore the average metrics of former Colorado School of Mines commits, a Division II baseball program, to see how their foot speed stacks up against their overall athletic abilities. Below, discover the benchmarks high school prospects need to meet by graduation to stay competitive for the Orediggers.  

Eagleclaw Analytics calculated these averages as part of its College Recruiting Research Platform, a central part of our advising services which analyzes over 1,700 college baseball programs to support student-athletes in their recruiting journey. Click here to view our full Colorado School of Mines analysis. 

How to Build Speed

Developing speed requires intentionality. Here’s how to get started:

1. Strength Training: Speed starts with power, which comes from building lower-body strength. Exercises like squats and deadlifts develop the muscles needed to push off the ground with force, creating the propulsion that drives speed. Adding lunges and single-leg exercises can enhance balance and correct imbalances, ensuring a more efficient stride.

2. Technique Refinement: Proper running mechanics are critical to minimizing wasted energy. Posture plays a major role: a slightly forward lean keeps the center of gravity in motion. Arm drive should be strong and coordinated, with elbows bent at 90 degrees, while foot placement should emphasize striking the ground directly under the body to maximize efficiency and power transfer.

3. Acceleration Drills: The first few steps in a sprint are the most important for baseball players. Short sprints, such as 10- to 20-yard dashes, focus on developing explosive starts. Hill sprints and sled pushes build the strength and power needed for acceleration, training the muscles to overcome inertia quickly and effectively.

4. Plyometrics: Explosiveness is key to speed, and plyometric exercises are designed to train the body’s fast-twitch muscle fibers. Box jumps, depth jumps, and lateral bounds not only improve power but also enhance the coordination required for rapid movements. These exercises translate directly to the quick bursts of energy needed on the basepaths or in the field.

5. Consistency and Recovery: Speed training is not a one-time effort. Regular sessions, ideally two to three times per week, are essential for measurable improvement. Equally important is recovery—adequate rest allows muscles to repair and grow stronger, while preventing overtraining and injury. Nutrition and hydration also play vital roles in optimizing recovery and performance.

The Bigger Picture

The rise of "Warehouse Kids" reflects a broader trend in youth baseball: a shift toward specialization and metrics at the expense of well-rounded athleticism. But the message from college coaches is clear: one-dimensional players have a hard time finding a home at the next level.

If you want to stand out, it’s not enough to hit well in a cage. You need to show you can run, field, and perform under pressure. Watch any college game, and you’ll see athletes all over the diamond. That’s the standard. And while not everyone can run a 6.6-second 60, everyone can get faster.

So step out of the cage every now and then to hit the track. It could be the difference between whether or not you get that college opportunity you are after. 

Take the First Step Toward Becoming a Complete Player

Ready to take your game to the next level? Sign up for a free consultation with Eagleclaw’s Total Student-Athlete Advising Service. Our experts combine athletic insights with academic and recruiting guidance to help you stand out to college coaches. Let’s map out your path to success today!