Pitcher Qualifications

While being fast, or having a lot of pitches, is a good start, there is a lot more to being a great pitcher.  Here a few different aspects of pitching that must be a part of your game.

1.  Discipline to pitch every day.

    A.  If you are not throwing every day, you diminish the chance of a college scout's attention.
    B.  Throwing a ball by a 14 year old, doesn't guarantee you can get it  by a 18 year old.

2.  Control, Control, Control

    A.  If you don't have it, see #1A above.
        1)  The ball must be pitched where the catcher calls for it.
        2)  The pitch must be the pitch which the catcher is calling.
    B.  Control (and a wicked fast ball) will get a college scout's attention.
    C.  Control shows an umpire you're good. A control pitcher usually gets close pitches.

3.  Intelligence

    A.  Studying the game makes you a better pitcher.
        1)  Which pitch is the correct pitch in a given situation?
        2)  Where should that correct pitch be thrown?
        3)  Are your teammates correctly lined up for your next pitch?
    B.  Studying your opponents can make you a great pitcher.
        1)  What is each batter's weakness?  low inside, high fast ball, off speed, etc.
        2)  Will the batter be overly aggressive at the plate or try to slow you down?
            a.  How will you handle either situation?
            b.  Will you control the batter mentally, or will she control you?
    C.  Knows how to handle an umpire.
        1)  KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT !  Never complain.  Don't wine.  Don't roll your eyes.
            a.  It is the catcher's job to quietly express displeasure with an umpire's call.
            b.  You job is to pitch (with control).
            c.  See # 2. C above
            d.  You're 40 feet away
        2)  If you embarrass an umpire, he'll embarrass you with more of the same calls.

4.  Great temperament

    A.  You must be relaxed & determined in all situations.
        1)  Whether our team is ahead or behind by any amount of runs, you have the same attitude.
        2)  Bases loaded in extra innings, your thoughts are the same as at any other time.
            a.  What is the right pitch?
            b.  Where is the right pitch to be thrown?
            c.  Are my fielders in the correct position?
    B.  Can  deal with infield / outfield errors.
        1)  Encourages other players, instead of embarrassing them after mistakes
        2)  Does not feel any added pressure from those mistakes.
            a.  Understands that we win and lose as a team.
            b.  Becomes more determined to throw the right pitch, on the next pitch.
    C.  Every coach will be different, but on our team you never shake off the catcher.
        1)  Shaking off the catcher is an embarrassment to our catcher.
            a.  Our catcher will have studied the opponents as much as you.
            a.  The catcher is closer to the batter and can see the eyes, hands, and other movements easier.
        3)  If you disagree with the call, you are to call time out and discuss the pitch.

If you're a pitcher, and think you could be an attribute to our team, please contact Coach.