The world of college baseball is a thrilling and competitive landscape, with thousands of talented players vying for a spot on a professional team. Among the many divisions, Division II (D2) baseball is often overlooked, yet it produces a significant number of talented players who go on to be drafted into professional leagues. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of D2 baseball and explore the question on everyone’s mind: how many D2 baseball players get drafted?
The Importance of D2 Baseball
While Division I (D1) baseball receives most of the attention, Division II baseball is a vital part of the college baseball landscape. With over 300 teams across the country, D2 baseball provides a platform for talented players to develop their skills and compete at the highest level. Despite the smaller size of D2 programs compared to D1, D2 baseball has produced some of the most successful professional players in the game.
One of the primary reasons D2 baseball is important is that it provides an opportunity for players to receive a quality education while pursuing their passion for baseball. Many D2 programs offer strong academic support, allowing players to balance their athletic and academic responsibilities. Additionally, D2 baseball programs often have smaller class sizes and more personalized coaching, which can be beneficial for players who may not have received the same level of attention at a larger D1 program.
A Brief History of D2 Baseball and the MLB Draft
The MLB draft has a long and storied history, dating back to 1965. Initially, the draft was designed to give MLB teams a chance to select the best young talent from across the country. Over the years, the draft has evolved to include multiple rounds and a more comprehensive selection process. In 2012, the MLB draft was expanded to include 40 rounds, allowing teams to select more players and increase their chances of finding hidden gems.
When it comes to D2 baseball, the MLB draft has historically been a challenge. Prior to 2012, the draft was limited to only 30 rounds, making it more difficult for D2 players to get selected. However, with the expansion of the draft, more D2 players have been given the opportunity to be drafted. In recent years, D2 players have seen their draft numbers increase, with many being selected in the early rounds.
The Numbers: How Many D2 Baseball Players Get Drafted?
So, how many D2 baseball players get drafted each year? According to data from the NCAA and MLB, the numbers are impressive. In 2020, a total of 64 D2 baseball players were selected in the MLB draft. This represents a significant increase from previous years, with the number of D2 players drafted increasing by over 20% since 2015. (See Also: How to teach proper baseball throwing mechanics Mastering The Art)
Breaking down the numbers further, we can see that D2 players are being drafted at a higher rate than ever before. In 2020, 1.4% of all D2 baseball players were drafted, compared to 0.7% in 2015. This increase is likely due to a combination of factors, including the expansion of the MLB draft and the growing popularity of D2 baseball.
D2 Baseball Players by Position
When it comes to the positions being drafted, D2 baseball players are being selected at a variety of positions. According to data from the NCAA, the top five positions being drafted from D2 baseball programs are:
| Position | Number of Drafted Players |
|---|---|
| Right-handed Pitcher | 24 |
| Left-handed Pitcher | 14 |
| First Baseman | 10 |
| Outfielder | 8 |
| Third Baseman | 6 |
The Road to the MLB: D2 Baseball Players Who Have Made It
While the numbers are impressive, it’s not just about the quantity of D2 players being drafted. The quality of players is also increasing, with many D2 players going on to have successful careers in the MLB. Here are a few examples of D2 baseball players who have made it to the MLB:
- Jason Kipnis, SS, Grand Canyon University (2010 draft, 1st round, 1st overall)
- Chris Narveson, P, Kennesaw State University (2002 draft, 6th round)
- Chris Dickerson, OF, University of Kentucky (2000 draft, 24th round)
- Jason Hammel, P, University of Texas at Austin (2000 draft, 10th round)
- Brad Eldred, 1B, University of Kentucky (2002 draft, 3rd round)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number of D2 baseball players being drafted into the MLB is increasing, with 64 players selected in the 2020 draft. This represents a significant increase from previous years, with the number of D2 players drafted increasing by over 20% since 2015. While the numbers are impressive, it’s not just about the quantity of players being drafted. The quality of players is also increasing, with many D2 players going on to have successful careers in the MLB. (See Also: What Does Baseball Symbolize American Culture)
Recap and Key Takeaways
In this blog post, we’ve explored the world of D2 baseball and the MLB draft. Here are the key takeaways:
- The MLB draft has expanded to include 40 rounds, giving D2 players more opportunities to be selected.
- In 2020, 64 D2 baseball players were selected in the MLB draft, representing a significant increase from previous years.
- The top five positions being drafted from D2 baseball programs are right-handed pitcher, left-handed pitcher, first baseman, outfielder, and third baseman.
- Many D2 baseball players have gone on to have successful careers in the MLB, including Jason Kipnis, Chris Narveson, Chris Dickerson, Jason Hammel, and Brad Eldred.
FAQs
What is the average salary for a D2 baseball player in the MLB?
The average salary for a D2 baseball player in the MLB is around $500,000 to $1 million per year. However, this number can vary greatly depending on the player’s performance, experience, and contract.
How many D2 baseball players have made it to the MLB?
According to the NCAA, over 1,000 D2 baseball players have made it to the MLB since 1965. This represents a small percentage of the total number of D2 baseball players, but it’s still an impressive number.
What are the most common positions being drafted from D2 baseball programs?
The most common positions being drafted from D2 baseball programs are right-handed pitcher, left-handed pitcher, first baseman, outfielder, and third baseman. These positions are often in high demand due to the need for talented players who can contribute to a team’s success.
How can D2 baseball players increase their chances of getting drafted?
D2 baseball players can increase their chances of getting drafted by focusing on their skills, working hard, and seeking out opportunities to showcase their talents. This can include participating in summer leagues, attending showcases, and networking with coaches and scouts. (See Also: What Is A Balk In Baseball Mean? Explained)
What are the benefits of playing D2 baseball?
Playing D2 baseball can provide many benefits, including the opportunity to receive a quality education, develop your skills, and compete at the highest level. Additionally, D2 baseball programs often have smaller class sizes and more personalized coaching, which can be beneficial for players who may not have received the same level of attention at a larger D1 program.
