AthleteBridge

College Baseball/Athletics from the persepective of a current college athlete

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I am a college baseball player and I want to help youth athletes get the most out of their athletic careers

  • 3 Advantages of D3 Baseball

    Freedom of Training

    At the Division III level, you’ll typically practice less during the fall semester and winter compared to other levels of college baseball—NCAA Division I and II, NJCAA, and NAIA. Because of this, you have more flexibility and control over your independent training time.

    This means you can experiment more, take ownership of your development, and ultimately decide how much time you want to invest in your game and what training style you implement.

    You Decide How Much Being an “Athlete” Defines You

    There’s a noticeable difference in how D3 athletes are perceived compared to D1 athletes. For example, being the shortstop at a D1 school often carries a bigger title and spotlight than being a quarterback at a D3 school like Oberlin College as you can imagine.

    For some athletes, that difference is a plus. If you don’t want your entire identity wrapped up in being “the baseball player,” D3 can offer a more balanced experience. Being a D3 athlete is often more low-key, giving you the space to explore other parts of your identity outside of your sport.

    Academic Rigor

    Many D3 schools are smaller liberal arts colleges or technical institutions that emphasize education first before sport. This is reflected in both the less practice hours and more competitive admissions standards.

    For student-athletes who want a strong academic experience alongside their baseball career, D3 schools offer an ideal environment.

    Conclusion: Why D3 Might Be the Best Fit

    In my opinion and from my experience, D3 baseball is ideal for the player who is self-driven, motivated to improve, and eager to take control of their own development.

    You’ll get less structured practice time and less direct oversight from coaches, which to some might seem like a disadvantage. But for the right player, it’s an opportunity. If you’re the type who’s excited to train independently or with a few teammates using resources like Driveline, Tread Athletics, or other outside programs, you’ll have the freedom to shape your training schedule and approach.

    Compare this to other levels, where you have organized team practice more and coaches often have greater control over your training. If your coach is open to modern training methods, that’s great—but if they’re rigid in their approach, it can be tough to explore what works best for you.

    At D3, that autonomy is built in. For many players, that’s the key to unlocking their full potential.

    -Sam

    Pictured above is a throwing session during the off-season in which no coaches are allowed but players can attend to get their work in. All of the people in this photos are players.

    Pictured above is wipeboard I used in preparation for a Federal Taxation exam. This is what I spend a lot of my time doing off the field.

  • Maximize Your Playing Time in College Baseball

    3 Ways to Maximize Your Playing Time

    1. Fit the Positional Mold at Your School

    Every coach has different preferences when building their roster. Some prioritize speed and on-base percentage, while others value power and slugging.

    For example, if you’re a fast, contact-hitting shortstop who consistently gets on base, and your goal is to play as a freshman, you’ll want to find a program that values that profile. If the team typically recruits power-hitting shortstops, it might not be the best fit right away.

    You don’t need to change your game to fit a program—but if you choose a school where your current playstyle aligns with what they’re looking for, you’ll have a better chance to contribute immediately. Changing your play-style takes time—maybe a year or more—so choose a fit that lets you be impactful from day one if you want to maximize your playing time from the get-go.

    2. Learn Your Strengths and Weaknesses

    Baseball is a game of adjustments. No one succeeds every day, especially over a long season. The best players learn from failure and make adjustments.

    This doesn’t mean obsessing over uncontrollables—like when a pitcher makes three perfect pitches. It means identifying patterns—like rolling over breaking balls—and working to correct them, for example by learning to drive those breaking balls on a line to the outfield.

    Turn your weaknesses into strengths.

    3. Build Your Capacity for a Lot of Baseball

    The “off day” can be a trap. If your offseason is filled with days off, how can you expect to handle the rigors of a season with 4–5 games a week?

    From my experience, consistent training—hitting, throwing, lifting—helps your body adjust to the grind of the season. Of course, recovery is important, but training consistently builds your resilience.

    Train past your comfort zone. Simulate the demands of the season. There will be days you’re playing after long bus rides, doubleheaders, or late nights. Train while a little tired so you’re ready to perform when you’re fatigued during the season.

    – Sam