An observer of one of last Friday's Senior games commented, "Why does it always come down to the pitching?" It may not always come down to the pitching, but this person makes an astute observation: pitching is one of the most important components of baseball and the pitching position, is one of the most, if not the most, important defensive positions. And, yes, games are often determined by the quality of a team's pitching.
Indeed, the main action in a baseball game is pitching. One of the nine defensive players, the pitcher, stands on a rubber strip, or a mound, and throws the ball to his catcher, who crouches behind home plate, glove at the ready, wearing a helmut, mask, and padding. Players of the offensive team take turns trying to hit these pitches while standing next to home plate.
Indeed, the main action in a baseball game is pitching. One of the nine defensive players, the pitcher, stands on a rubber strip, or a mound, and throws the ball to his catcher, who crouches behind home plate, glove at the ready, wearing a helmut, mask, and padding. Players of the offensive team take turns trying to hit these pitches while standing next to home plate.
If the pitch goes directly over home plate above the knee level and below the armpits of the batter, it is a strike, even if the batter does not swing at the ball. If the batter swings and misses the ball, this is also called a strike. Three strikes and a batter is out and the next one comes up to bat. Three outs and the offensive team goes out to the field to play defense while the other team bats. Good pitchers can prevent the opposing team from scoring many runs.
Pitching may look easy but have you ever tried to hit a target 15 to 20 meters away with a stone? If you hit it the first time, could you do it 2 more times? How many times could you hit the target if you threw 50 times. There is a lot of skill involved in consistently throwing pitches over home plate so that the batters cannot hit them. So, how does a child develop into a good pitcher?
First of all, every baseball player needs to learn to throw properly and practice a lot. From a young age,the child should be playing catch regularly. Mom and Dad, you can start by playing catch before and during baseball season with your son or daughter (say, 10 minutes a day, 3 times a week). You can also encourage your children to play catch with each other.
Kids who want to pitch, however, need to go one step further. After a child has developed his throwing skill , he can begin to learn proper pitching form from his coach (usually around ages 10 to 12). In addition to regular throwing, those who want to pitch need to practice throwing at a target with good form and at different speeds. Over time, plenty of practice will strengthen the muscles and tendons and prevent injury. If kids have the desire and dedication, by the time they get to be "Seniors" (age 14 to 17) they will be able to throw 95 pitches in a game at around 90 to 110 or more km/hour speed.
The Amman Little League baseball program needs more pitchers every year at all levels to have better quality games. You could give your son or daughter the opportunity to pitch some day by playing catch often with them while they are still young.
Coach Tom
Commissioner
ALLA Baseball
