Everyone is always looking for that “5 tool” player. I’ve even had parents tell me how their child has all 5 tools and that they are the best in the state for their age group. Talent is great, and no matter what line of work you are in, it will help you become more successful. However, talent alone will not take you to the top. As much as we want to fill our rosters with these 5 tool athletes, coaches & scouts will all tell you that they really strike it rich when they find the “6 tool” athlete. What is it you ask? I’m about to tell you…after we go over the other five.
Arm Strength, Defensive Ability, Foot Speed, Hitting Ability & Hitting for Power. Scouts are going to judge you on these 5 things, and more often than not they will put them in a certain order depending on the defensive position you play. Hitting ability is important for all positions, however a scout will most likely rate hitting for power from a 1st base prospect higher than foot speed & arm strength. When looking at a catcher the first 2 things that many scouts look for is defensive ability & arm strength. Middle infielders & outfields alike are rated high on both of these tools as well as foot speed. Scouts also like to see a lot of power & arm strength when they are evaluating a 3rd baseman.
So what is this 6th tool and how do you rate such a thing? It is called Player Makeup and it can be as important, maybe even more important, than the other five. Player makeup in my opinion is comprised of the following items: character, leadership, work ethic & knowledge.
How do you define character? I say it would include, among other things honesty and respect. No Major League ball club or college wants to give a bunch of money to someone who’s going to make them look bad in public. How about leadership? They want someone who can do this both on and off the field. Someone their fans will believe in. Work ethic goes without saying. As you climb the ladder everyone has talent. The great ones have the outstanding work ethic to go with it. Last, but definitely not least is knowledge. I want smart players. Guys who are thinking about what he’s going to do before the ball is hit to them.
Now 10 different people may give you 10 different stories when discussing this topic, but trust me. Teams don’t want cancers and if they see you as a possible one, it will greatly diminish your chances of a big scholarship or payday.
