What College Coaches Look For in Corner Infielders

Corner infielders first basemen and third basemen play a huge role in a college lineup. They’re expected to provide power, stability, and reliability on both sides of the ball. But the truth is this: not every big hitter is college-ready, and not every strong defender has the offensive profile to earn a roster spot.

Here’s what college coaches are actually looking for in corner infielders and how you can position yourself as a standout prospect.

1. You Gotta Be Able to Bang in the Box

Everything starts with the bat.

Coaches recruit corner infielders to hit for power and produce runs. That means owning the batter’s box, not just swinging hard.

To truly stand out:

• Understand the strike zone.

• Avoid living in pitcher’s counts.

• Bring thump to the lineup with disciplined aggression.

• Pair power with a strong approach and plan at the plate.

Power is great, but if you’re not getting yourself into good hitter’s counts, that power becomes useless. Command the zone and bring a presence that coaches can trust in big moments.

2. Big Guys Can Be Athletic Too

Corner infielders at the D1 level typically average around 6’2” and 210 lbs but size alone won’t get you recruited. You have to move well for your position.

Even if you’re not that size yet in high school, that’s okay physical development comes with time. What coaches want to see is projectability and athletic movement.

Ways to stand out:

• Play multiple sports (football, basketball) to show agility.

• Move well laterally and demonstrate body control.

• Show versatility if you can handle an outfield corner too, that’s a plus.

Coaches aren’t just looking for “big.” They’re looking for big and athletic.

3. Commanding the Strike Zone

This point is so important it’s worth mentioning twice.

A corner infielder can’t just be a power hitter they must also be a complete hitter. That means:

• Power

• Contact

• Approach

• Decision-making

Swing decisions separate college hitters from high school hitters. A great corner infielder can adjust to pitching, shrink the zone when needed, and produce quality at-bats consistently.

The ability to control the strike zone impacts the game far beyond just your numbers. It influences lineup construction, run production, and how much confidence a coach has in you when the game is on the line.

Final Thoughts

If you want to play 1B or 3B at the college level, remember this:

College coaches aren’t just searching for the biggest players or the strongest hitters they’re searching for productive hitters, athletic movers, and smart competitors.

Bring power, stay athletic, and own the strike zone and you’ll check the exact boxes they’re evaluating.