WALKING Is the Enemy! || Baseball Dudes LLC

Thrower:

The streets are our enemy!! Of course there may be times later in the game where we might throw a hitter to set up a DP or power situation, but in general it’s not great. Ultimately if I throw multiple “4 balls” I am putting myself and my team in unnecessary and undesirable situations. One of our main goals as pitchers is to limit it as much as possible. Try focusing on these to help:

• Better focus on mechanics and location during games of catch. Throw all your types of pitches at the catch. If you’re all over the catch, chances are you’ll be all over the mound.

• BREATHE!! Keep it cool out there. Don’t let the game rush you. The situation is what it is. Stay focused on the future and be present in the moment. “What is the purpose of this throw here at this time?”

• Have regular weekly bullpens to focus on feelings, repeat your delivery, and reiterate your pitch.

• Avoid “3 ball” counting by getting better at 2 ball counting. Have the attitude to end the fight right now. Forced action. Eliminate walks by eliminating 3 ball counts.

• Every day out there is different. On days you’re not as sharp as you’d like, use a larger plate section. Be careful about trying to throw to the corners when you don’t have that ability in that inning or game.

• If your FB command is off, use your other tone. That’s one of the reasons why we have so many offers. Throwing a few/some in a row can act as a distraction from the negative feelings surrounding our FB at the time and also act as a reset for our FB release.

• Stop giving hitters too much credit. Hitting is hard!! Yes, they will win sometimes but on average they won’t win more often. Challenge them!

Pitchers, we need to stay off those roads. Keep learning and thinking about the little things to help you walk less, throw fewer pitches, and stay in the game longer.