5 Myths About D2 & D3 College Baseball – Let’s Set the Record Straight!
When it comes to college baseball, many players and parents think that Division 1 is the only path to success. But guess what? That’s far from the truth!
Division 2 (D2) and Division 3 (D3) baseball programs offer amazing opportunities—both on and off the field. Let’s break down some common myths about D2 and D3 baseball so you can make informed decisions about your player’s future.
Myth 1: D2 and D3 Athletes Don’t Go Pro
The Reality: If you think D2 and D3 players never make it to the big leagues, think again! Over the past two years, around 60 players from these divisions have been drafted into professional baseball each year. So, while it might seem like D1 dominates, plenty of talented players go pro from smaller programs. Talent finds its way to the next level, no matter the division.
Myth 2: D2 and D3 Teams Can’t Beat D1 Teams
The Reality: Ever hear the phrase, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog”? Well, that’s true in baseball too. D2 and D3 teams are filled with competitive, talented players, and they’ve proven time and time again that they can beat D1 teams. There are countless examples of D2 and D3 programs pulling off big wins over their D1 counterparts.
Myth 3: D1 Walk-Ons Are Always Better Than D2 and D3 Players
The Reality: Don’t assume a D1 walk-on automatically outranks a D2 or D3 player. While making a D1 roster is an achievement, it doesn’t guarantee playing time. In fact, many walk-ons spend their time on the bench. Meanwhile, D2 and D3 players often get more playing time, allowing them to develop their skills and gain valuable experience. In other words, playing in D2 or D3 could mean more time in the game, which is ultimately what players want.
Myth 4: The D2 and D3 Experience Isn’t as Good as D1
The Reality: Think a smaller school means a lesser experience? Not at all! In fact, many athletes at D2 and D3 schools have a more personalized and tight-knit experience. They form strong relationships with coaches, get individualized attention, and play meaningful roles on their teams. Plus, smaller campuses can offer a more connected community feel, making the college experience just as—if not more—fulfilling.
Myth 5: D3 Schools Don’t Offer Financial Aid
The Reality: While it’s true that D3 schools can’t offer athletic scholarships, they are incredibly generous with academic aid. Many student-athletes receive substantial scholarships based on their academic performance, often exceeding what’s offered by athletic scholarships at other levels. Don’t underestimate the financial support available at D3 schools!
⚾ D2 and D3 baseball programs are brimming with opportunities for players who are serious about the game and their education. Don’t let these myths fool you—there’s a world of possibility outside of Division 1. Whether it’s getting drafted, beating top-tier teams, or finding the perfect balance between academics and athletics, your son’s path to success could be right where you least expect it.
Explore all your options—your son’s baseball future might just be waiting in D2 or D3!
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About Alex
Meet your college baseball recruiting specialist: Alex Swenson.
As a high school baseball player, I navigated the college recruiting process all on my own. Despite average statistics, I landed a spot on a Division-1 baseball team Jacksonville University, where I became a 3-time team captain. Post-college, I became a D1 coach, scout, and recruiter at Georgetown University and Ole Miss, where we won an SEC championship.
After experiencing the process as both recruit and recruiter, I’ve successfully dissected the best strategies to connect with college coaches and draw offers from them.
Receive professional direction from Alex himself until your son commits to his desired school. A step-by-step action plan will be provided with strategic small-group coaching meetings every 2 weeks to ensure we are making progress. Included is a baseball networking platform that connects him to coaches, optimizes his exposure to scouts, alerts him to college camps and showcases, and MUCH MORE.