60-Yard Dash Times for College Baseball Recruits
Updated October 2026
The 60-yard dash is baseball’s standard speed test, and it’s on nearly every showcase report. Coaches use it to judge range, baserunning and overall athleticism. Here’s what recruits typically run at each level, by position, plus the arm strength and pop times that go with it.
Quick answer
- D1 center fielders and middle infielders usually run 6.8 or faster; strong ones run 6.5.
- Corner infielders and catchers are recruited at slower times, around 7.3 for D1.
- D1 catchers usually pop 1.95 or faster.
On this page
60-yard dash by level and position
Lower is faster. The first time is where a typical recruit starts; the second is a strong recruit.
| Position | D1 | D2 | D3 / NAIA | JUCO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Center field | 6.75–6.45 | 7.00–6.60 | 7.15–6.65 | 7.00–6.70 |
| Corner outfield | 6.80–6.55 | 7.00–6.65 | 7.15–6.70 | 7.00–6.75 |
| Shortstop / 2B | 6.80–6.50 | 7.00–6.65 | 7.20–6.75 | 7.10–6.80 |
| Third base | 7.30–6.85 | 7.40–7.00 | 7.60–7.10 | 7.60–7.05 |
| First base | 7.35–6.90 | 7.45–7.00 | 7.65–7.10 | 7.65–7.05 |
| Catcher | 7.35–6.90 | 7.50–7.00 | 7.70–7.10 | 7.70–7.10 |
For grades, rules and every number at one level, see the D1, D2, D3, NAIA and JUCO requirements. To see the numbers coaches check first at each position, see recruiting standards by position.
Why speed matters more at some positions
- Center field covers the most ground, so it has the fastest targets.
- Shortstop and second base need quick range and first steps.
- First base, third base and catcher are judged far more on the bat, arm and defense.
- Speed still helps everyone: it shows athleticism and adds value on the bases.
Arm strength by position
| Position | D1 | D2 | D3 / NAIA | JUCO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | 85–93 | 82–88 | 78–85 | 77–84 |
| Third base | 85–93 | 80–88 | 76–84 | 76–85 |
| Outfield | 87–95 | 82–90 | 80–87 | 78–86 |
| Catcher (throw) | 76–83 | 73–80 | 71–78 | 71–80 |
- Infield velocity is measured across the diamond; outfield velocity on a crow-hop throw.
- Second basemen who don’t also play shortstop need a little more arm to be recruited at D1.
Catcher pop time by level
| Level | Pop time (sec) |
|---|---|
| D1 | 1.95–1.85 |
| D2 | 2.10–1.90 |
| JUCO | 2.10–1.95 |
| D3 / NAIA | 2.15–1.97 |
- Pop time runs from the ball hitting the catcher’s glove to the fielder’s glove at second base.
- A quick, clean transfer saves more time than raw arm strength.
- Receiving and blocking matter just as much; coaches judge those on video.
How times are measured
- Electronic or laser timing at a showcase is what coaches trust most.
- Hand times often read faster than electronic times, so treat them as a guide.
- Timing usually starts on the runner’s first movement, so a clean, explosive start matters.
- Always note the date, the event and how it was timed.
Age changes the picture
- These times describe players at the end of high school.
- Younger players usually get faster as they grow and get stronger.
- Many players take tenths of a second off their time between sophomore and senior year with good training.
How to run a faster 60
- Starts: practice a strong first three steps out of your stance.
- Sprint work: short starts and full 60s twice a week, with full rest between reps.
- Power: sled pushes, broad jumps and split squats.
- Mechanics: drive the arms and stay low through the first 10 yards.
- Retest every few months to track progress.
How to improve pop time
- Exchange drill: 3 sets of 15 quick glove-to-hand transfers.
- Footwork-only reps: 3 sets of 10, focusing on speed and balance.
- Timed throws to second: film and time glove to glove, tracking your best and average.
On testing day
- Warm up fully: a light jog, dynamic stretches and a few build-up sprints.
- Practice your start position before the event so it feels automatic.
- Run through the finish line, not to it.
- Wear the shoes you trained in.
Common mistakes
- Sharing a hand-timed 60 as if it were electronic.
- Testing cold or tired, late in a long event.
- Comparing a corner infielder with center-field targets.
- Ignoring arm strength and pop time, which matter as much as speed at many positions.
How to share speed with coaches
- List your verified 60 time with the date and event.
- Add arm strength or pop time for your position.
- Pair it with your exit velocity, since coaches look at speed and power together.
Common questions
Is a 7.0 sixty good for college baseball?
A 7.0 fits D2 for most positions and D3, NAIA and JUCO for nearly all of them. For D1, it is quick enough at catcher, first base and third base, but a bit slow for center field or shortstop.
What 60-yard dash time do D1 recruits run?
D1 center fielders and middle infielders usually run about 6.8 or faster, while D1 corner infielders and catchers are recruited around 7.3 to 7.35.
What is a good pop time for a high school catcher?
About 2.10 or faster fits most college levels. D1 programs usually look for 1.95 or faster.
How can I lower my 60-yard dash time?
Work on your first three steps, sprint short starts and full 60s twice a week with full rest, and build leg power with sled pushes, broad jumps and split squats.
More recruiting guides
Know Your Player’s College Level Before You Spend on Showcases and CampsWhat Exit Velocity Do You Need to Play College Baseball?How Hard Do You Need to Throw to Pitch in College?Ranges are BaseballFuture recruiting targets built from published college recruiting guidelines and recent commit data, checked October 2026. They are planning targets, not NCAA standards. Players get recruited above and below them.