Amac Productions

Alright, this week we’re talking about positions! And we’re going to go over each one, one by one.

Starting in order as each position is assigned a number on the field.

Naturally, the number 1 goes to the pitcher.

After all, nothing starts without the pitcher. No play, no stealing, nothing can happen until the pitcher moves.

The pitcher is easily the most recognizable on the field for what they contribute or fail to contribute to the team. All eyes are on them, they start the play, the team builds them up, or backs them up or doesn’t.

Overall, the pitcher is one of the most important players on the field at any time.

But!

Despite being the first one on the list, they are nothing without the other eight players as no one but Superman or Supergirl or Flash can play this game alone.

It takes a whole team.

Now, in my experience as a catcher, pitchers tend to be head cases.

They get in their own head and own way more than anyone else.

If you’re looking for a diva on the team, it’s probably the pitcher.

Big ego?

Pitcher.

Now, I’m not saying it’s always a bad thing. Sometimes, it’s well-earned.

I’m just saying, someone who has chosen to be a pitcher loves the spotlight and having all eyes on her.

BUT.

That being said, they have no easy job.

From 43 feet away from the plate, they must pitch accurately without hitting the batter, contend with terrible strike zones, and constant pressure of controlling the game.

Often, the pitcher sets the tone for the team.

Good or bad.

So choose wisely when you step into the circle. Your teammates are following your lead.

Every hit, every ball, every missed pitch weighs on them throughout the game. Every bad call, every fumbled ball, every error whether it’s theirs or not cuts deep.

They’ve got a tough job.

One I never wanted.

Pitchers usually have a variety of pitches. Fastballs to curves to screws and even a rise of two.

One thing I cannot stress enough for most pitchers is to focus on accuracy over speed first and foremost.

I’ve seen countless pitches focus on a speedy fastball and fall prey to the rest of the players catching up to it with no tricks left in their bag.

Having a deep bench to pull pitches from is important no matter what.

I’ve seen more pitchers win games with effective, accurate, and various pitches, than with sheer speed.

Scaring your opponents only works for so long.

If you want some advice from a catcher who has caught for so many different pitchers, take a deep breath.

At the end of the day, it’s only a game.

Find your calm on that mound. In your mind.

You’ll be untouchable if you let more roll off your back when bad things happen.

Because they will.

No pitcher is perfect.

And if you’re at the age where you scare everyone with sheer speed alone, it’ll fizzle out eventually. If you want to remain the best, learn new pitches. Learn to read batters.

Find a catcher you trust.

There’s more to the game than one thing.

Also, stop the play when you can.

Don’t keep faking to the runners. They can run. Force them to make a choice by standing still no matter how hard it is.

It’ll be easier to catch a mistake than, because it will be the runner’s and not yours.

For one last piece of advice, your catcher is important.

No matter what anyone says.

If you found you trust implicitly, take her with your everywhere. Forge a friendship or an alliance. You’ll pitch better when you trust the other with your life on that field.

Trust me.

Spread the love and read on!