A right-handed, power hitting outfielder, pitcher and catcher, Collins was scouted by a number of professional teams the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals when he was in high school and college. He began his baseball career in the Khoury League as an outfielder, pitcher, and catcher for the St. Louis Hornets. He played for the Hornets from 1963 to 1967, and was named to the Khoury League all-star team every year. Collins hit five home runs in one game while playing for the Hornets. From 1966 to 1970, he was an outfielder, infielder, and catcher for Sumner High School. He once played all nine positions in a game. He had a composite batting average of .386 during his four years on the Sumner Bulldogs baseball team. In 1970, he was selected to the All-Star team.