The value of baseball pitchers cannot be overestimated. They are not only the most important cog in the defense of any baseball team, they are also the life and spirit of the ball club. A strong, competent, confident pitcher can carry a weak team a long way-especially in the lower age groups. Weak pitching, on the other hand, will often keep an otherwise sound team in last place. If a boy has the potential, gets the proper instruction and works hard, the results can be mighty rewarding.
The pitcher should have the strongest throwing arm on the team. He also needs a sturdy body because, with the exception of the catcher, he works harder than any other player. Above all else, however, a pitcher must be able to throw accurately. If a boy can’t get the ball over the plate, in the strike zone, he had better give up pitching.
With beginners, accuracy is almost as important as power. Here’s why: on a pitched ball, the batter can (a) swing and miss; (b) ground out to the infield; (c) hit a fly ball for an out; (d) foul out, or (e) get a base hit.
As indicated earlier, the pitcher needs something more than physical ability. He needs to be calmly aggressive, coolly efficient and possessed of good judgement. Most of all, he needs a fighting heart!
The pitcher must learn that no matter what his mates do, no matter what the score, or the inning, he’s to always give his best. He ought to learn, too, that it’s wise to keep his thoughts to himself-about the errors his teammates have made, about the walks he’s given up, or the taunts of the fans or players on the opposing team.
He should constantly say to himself: “I’ve got three things to do-throw the ball over the plate, field my position, back up the bases.” In selecting a pitcher, the manager should look for “Head, Heart and Arm!”