First Base Softball Recruiting
First base is a bat-first position: coaches recruit first basemen primarily for power and run production. Defensively, the premium is on footwork around the bag, receiving throws, and digging low ones out of the dirt. A left-handed first baseman with power is especially coveted.
What College Coaches Look For at First Base
- Power and run production — the primary recruiting driver
- Footwork and flexibility around the bag
- Scooping and receiving errant throws to save infield errors
- Reach and hands on line drives and short hops
- Left-handed hitting/throwing is a bonus at the position
The Metrics That Matter Most
Exit velocity
The single most important number for a bat-first corner position.
Overhand throw velocity (mph)
Secondary — enough arm to make routine plays and start a 3-6-3.
See target numbers by division on the softball recruiting standards page.
How to Get Recruited as a First Base
- 1
Make your bat the headline: exit velocity, extra-base power, and RBIs.
- 2
Send at-bats that show power to all fields, plus scoops and footwork at the bag.
- 3
If you hit or throw left-handed, say so — it's a real plus at first base.
- 4
Corner power bats can also DH; note that flexibility.
Get Seen and Be Ready at First Base
Build your recruiting profile, track the metrics that matter for your position, and reach out to coaches — all in one place.