|
Post by BTB07 on Apr 24, 2009 13:43:21 GMT -5
It is great working with the kids. They are starting to throw the ball very well. We have played 4 games and have given up 3 walks.
The pitch count thing is interesting. Finally they are putting in some precautions for the kids arms (it killed me last year to see kids on other teams throw too much, and too often).
Last year I didn't let one pitcher throw over 65 pitches (even late in the year). Just too much stress on their arms... This year the max number of pitches allowed is 65.
I always tell them that I want to win, but not at the expense of them not wanting, or being able to throw a baseball by age 16.
Modify: The weather is supposed to be great!
|
|
|
Post by tophb21 on Apr 24, 2009 16:46:45 GMT -5
It is great working with the kids. They are starting to throw the ball very well. We have played 4 games and have given up 3 walks. The pitch count thing is interesting. Finally they are putting in some precautions for the kids arms (it killed me last year to see kids on other teams throw too much, and too often). Last year I didn't let one pitcher throw over 65 pitches (even late in the year). Just too much stress on their arms... This year the max number of pitches allowed is 65. I always tell them that I want to win, but not at the expense of them not wanting, or being able to throw a baseball by age 16. Modify: The weather is supposed to be great! Good move BTB. The pitch count is a great idea for these young kids. Another of my pet peeves for Little League kids is the number of them throwing breaking balls. Typically, they don't throw them properly and end up with serious arm issues. What are your thoughts? I say have them learn how to adjust the speed on their fastballs and hit all their spots. I never threw a curve in game action until I was 15 and I never was behind developmentally from the other kids and in fact my arm was much more fresh in HS. That and I had a ton of movement on my 2 seamer. JMHO
|
|
|
Post by BTB07 on Apr 24, 2009 21:25:14 GMT -5
I agree with ya for the most part Toph. The pitch count is a necessity because the inning count isn't enough. We faced a really bad team last year and their starter went 1/3 of an inning (giving up 12 runs). He threw 85 pitches and in the book it went as 1/3 inning. Doesn't always tell the story... The only issue I see is preventing a kid from completing a game, but they know their stats like that are not important to me.
All my guys throw 3 pitches. A fastball (2 and 4 seam), a cutter (which is a two seam grip with increased pressure on the middle finger on the seam, it is thrown with the same arm angle and motion as their fastball), and a circle change (some throw a type of palm ball because of their smaller hands).
What I do is have them all throw a bullpen or two a week (about 25-30 pitches). This is done before we start our games, and only certain guys throw during the season depending on when they pitched last, and are going to pitch again. I have the catcher work inside, outside, and upstairs (our strikeout pitch).
The pitch count is going to be awkward to enforce IMO. The coaches have to keep track of it (for both teams) and the umpire has to be updated and the end of every inning. If people wouldn't abuse the damn rules it would be fine...
|
|
|
Post by tophb21 on Apr 25, 2009 9:47:49 GMT -5
I agree with ya for the most part Toph. The pitch count is a necessity because the inning count isn't enough. We faced a really bad team last year and their starter went 1/3 of an inning (giving up 12 runs). He threw 85 pitches and in the book it went as 1/3 inning. Doesn't always tell the story... The only issue I see is preventing a kid from completing a game, but they know their stats like that are not important to me. All my guys throw 3 pitches. A fastball (2 and 4 seam), a cutter (which is a two seam grip with increased pressure on the middle finger on the seam, it is thrown with the same arm angle and motion as their fastball), and a circle change (some throw a type of palm ball because of their smaller hands). What I do is have them all throw a bullpen or two a week (about 25-30 pitches). This is done before we start our games, and only certain guys throw during the season depending on when they pitched last, and are going to pitch again. I have the catcher work inside, outside, and upstairs (our strikeout pitch). The pitch count is going to be awkward to enforce IMO. The coaches have to keep track of it (for both teams) and the umpire has to be updated and the end of every inning. If people wouldn't abuse the damn rules it would be fine... BTB, You and I are on the same page there. I always threw a cutter. When I was doing it, the term wasn't as en vogue. ;D I threw the exact same pitches that you did. I just don't like young kids trying to throw curves, sliders, etc. I saw too many kids do damage to their elbows b/c of poor mechanics. Not to mention most of those kids couldn't locate there pitches very well. I like your methods. You are on your way to being a top notch pitching coach. Let me know when you get up to the Reds, so I can hit you up for tickets. ;D
|
|
|
Post by BTB07 on Apr 25, 2009 23:44:00 GMT -5
Thanks Toph! Today my brother pitched. He is about 4'8 and 60 pounds dripping wet. He brings the fastball about 45 MPH and throws the cutter for strikes all day. Today he faced a good hitting team and went 5.1 innings (had to come out due to pitch count rules, he was at 65 pitches). He has a bit of a funky delivery and might be the second crafty righty I have ever seen. He was beaming ear to ear. We won both of our double header...and used 3 pitches. Damn that only leaves me 9 options of who to pitch tomorrow. I'll let ya know Toph, but I am a small timer...just a common man They asked when I would teach them how to throw a curveball I told them when they were ready which would most likely be 14 years old or so.
|
|
|
Post by tophb21 on Apr 26, 2009 8:24:57 GMT -5
Thanks Toph! Today my brother pitched. He is about 4'8 and 60 pounds dripping wet. He brings the fastball about 45 MPH and throws the cutter for strikes all day. Today he faced a good hitting team and went 5.1 innings (had to come out due to pitch count rules, he was at 65 pitches). He has a bit of a funky delivery and might be the second crafty righty I have ever seen. He was beaming ear to ear. We won both of our double header...and used 3 pitches. Damn that only leaves me 9 options of who to pitch tomorrow. I'll let ya know Toph, but I am a small timer...just a common man They asked when I would teach them how to throw a curveball I told them when they were ready which would most likely be 14 years old or so. Good to hear BTB!! Congrats to your brother. He went 5.1 on 65 pitches. That is efficiency right there. Must have been locating the pitches really well. Love to hear that. You're biggest problem sounds like having to satisfy all those kids desire to see some time on the mound. ;D Funny thing is BTB, you kind of sound like my uncle. He was one of the greatest basketball minds that I've ever been aroun and he's always been content to coach HS. He's a guidance counselor down near PJ and 20 years ago when he was getting started coaching he was 75-1 in his first 3 years as the girls hoops coach including back to back state titles. He probably could have moved up, but he never had the desire. Keep up the good work man. Kids need good coaches too.
|
|
|
Post by BTB07 on Apr 26, 2009 8:34:34 GMT -5
He was locating his pitches, that is the only reason he didn't get hit hard. I told he him he did it with 'smoke and mirrors'.
I work my catchers harder than most I think. I give them signs from the dugout, and tell them 'be smart' on your location. During practice and our bullpens I will stand in the box. I have the catcher read my feet and swing to so they know when to setup inside or outside.
They are 10, and they are learning to think the game.
I am content to stay where I am at, coach, and be a teacher. Right now the kids listen to just about everything I say, and I am not a guy who wants to deal with the big attitudes that are found when moving up.
Thanks Toph! Two more today man, but with awesome weather.
|
|
|
Post by tophb21 on Apr 26, 2009 9:00:39 GMT -5
At that age kids are like sponges and they look up to someone that they can picture still playing the game.
|
|
|
Post by BTB07 on Apr 26, 2009 9:04:42 GMT -5
At that age kids are like sponges and they look up to someone that they can picture still playing the game. I told those guys that I threw that cutter along with a bigger breaking ball all the way through high school. They enjoy throwing the pitch, and always want it to be their last pitch in their bullpens because they like to see it break just a little. Guess I forgot to mention that one of our big kids (he is like 5'7) hit a walk off homer. It made the score 12-2 so it was a run rule, but a walk off homer, and every kid was jumping up and down like they just won a world series.
|
|
|
Post by BTB07 on Apr 28, 2009 10:28:15 GMT -5
We played one of the top teams in our league (the highest division) and we beat them in a double header as well.
They threw one kid who threw the ball 60 MPH. We scored 1 run on him in 4 innings. He reached his pitch count and had to come out. We then scored 5 runs in the 5th inning to go ahead 6-4. Our two pitchers held them to 5 hits (they can HIT!) and didn't walk any batters.
The second game was a little sloppier (it wasn't a league game, only the first one was). We ended up winning 8-7 with the other team trying to make a comeback by scoring 3 runs with the tying run on second before our closer shut it down.
|
|
|
Post by BTB07 on May 4, 2009 20:22:15 GMT -5
Well our team got our ass kicked today. We were up 3-1 in the bottom of the 5th inning (we play 6). We had our best pitcher on the mound and he was dealing it. A couple of errors from our middle infielders...and boom damn flood gates opened.
They scored 10...yep 10 in the 5th inning. Had to put in another pitcher (once the game was tied) and he threw too many waist high strikes that got hit to the fence (their fence was 240-250 feet).
Maybe it will humble them a bit (they were 8-0 and flying high).
|
|
|
Post by tophb21 on May 6, 2009 10:02:45 GMT -5
Good updates BTB. Hope the kids keep up the good work. Sometimes at that age a little humble pie is OK.
|
|
|
Post by BTB07 on May 6, 2009 16:32:08 GMT -5
Good updates BTB. Hope the kids keep up the good work. Sometimes at that age a little humble pie is OK. Yeah too bad we got rained out tonight. I think we would have crushed the team we were playing tonight, good for their confidence. Guess I forgot to an update... the leadoff hitter (who was probably our 3rd or so best pitcher) broke his hand the other day at school. How you ask? Another kid slammed his hand in the door (so he says...). They have to act older on the field, but still have to remember that they are 10 years-old. I yelled at our pitcher the other night, for throwing strikes that were too good (I told him they were 'on a tee'). Too many right at the waist, and he got smacked around. Hopefully he learned from it at least a little... The most impressive thing to me thus far has been our catchers. I give them signs for the pitch I want, but tell them to read the batter, and their reaction to pick a spot (and they have been doing it very well!).
|
|
|
Post by MIZ-SIU on May 6, 2009 18:53:34 GMT -5
Catchers are the smartest people on the field
|
|
|
Post by BTB07 on May 6, 2009 18:59:52 GMT -5
Catchers are the smartest people on the field It is funny... The kid who catches for us most of the time is a bit of a goofball, and LOVE joking with me in the bullpen, and during practices. When I see him move according to the batter, and remind his pitcher to keep it low or get it high when necessary is something that makes me pretty damn happy.
|
|
|
Post by BTB07 on May 7, 2009 22:12:44 GMT -5
We beat up on a team tonight that is in a division below us. We pitched a couple of our bottom kids and won 17-4. Not too bad, but they only scored runs because we walked 5 batters Got 3 kids to get their innings in though...
|
|
|
Post by tophb21 on May 8, 2009 13:58:52 GMT -5
We beat up on a team tonight that is in a division below us. We pitched a couple of our bottom kids and won 17-4. Not too bad, but they only scored runs because we walked 5 batters Got 3 kids to get their innings in though... Location! Location! Location! ;D Seriously, it's good that you got some of your lower tier guys some work. It'll be good for their confidence.
|
|
|
Post by BTB07 on May 8, 2009 16:22:23 GMT -5
We threw 3 pitchers Toph.
The first kid threw 23 pitches in 2 innings (great defense behind him!)
The second kid thew 48 pitches in 2 1/3 innings (this was the walks came in...)
The third kid thew 17 pitches in 1 2/3 innings.
Not bad, but they still have work to do.
They know I am a jerk in the bullpen cause I complain when they don't hit the spot the catcher sets up in. But when it comes to the game, and they can do it (to an extent) they have a great advantage on the mound.
|
|
|
Post by tophb21 on May 8, 2009 22:04:44 GMT -5
We threw 3 pitchers Toph. The first kid threw 23 pitches in 2 innings (great defense behind him!) The second kid thew 48 pitches in 2 1/3 innings (this was the walks came in...) The third kid thew 17 pitches in 1 2/3 innings. Not bad, but they still have work to do. They know I am a jerk in the bullpen cause I complain when they don't hit the spot the catcher sets up in. But when it comes to the game, and they can do it (to an extent) they have a great advantage on the mound. If that's the back end of your pitching depth, I'd say your team is just fine.
|
|
|
Post by BTB07 on May 8, 2009 22:13:52 GMT -5
We don't strike out umany guys with out staff. But we throw a hell of a lot of strikes.
The other night our best pitcher went 4 innings in 43 pitches.
They know...if they go out there and throw balls, they won't be out there long.
|
|
|
Post by BTB07 on May 10, 2009 21:44:37 GMT -5
They were able to help out a group of kids who were handicapped play a game of baseball at our field today. The names were announced over our loudspeaker, and each kid was paired up with a handicapped kid. They acted very responsibly, and helped the kids out the entire day.
After a picnic was held, and the fathers did all the work while the mothers sat back.
It was a great way to spend an afternooon, and I couldn't help but be very proud of the young men they are (they ain't bad at baseball either).
They did small gestures such as wheeling the kids around the bases after they hit a ball, and giving them their wrist bands (they wore pick for breast cancer...which they bought and put together themselves!). Just enough that I thought I had to share it here...
|
|
|
Post by BTB07 on May 13, 2009 14:44:58 GMT -5
Man we got a tough stretch of games coming up.
Game Friday against a really solid team that draws from all over Columbus.
Game Saturday against the best team in our league (some of those kids drive 40 minutes a night to get to practice). Last year they played 70 games as 9 year olds and went like 61-9 or something.
Double header Sunday against the same team we play Friday and they are tough as well.
|
|
|
Post by tophb21 on May 14, 2009 12:15:59 GMT -5
Man we got a tough stretch of games coming up. Game Friday against a really solid team that draws from all over Columbus. Game Saturday against the best team in our league (some of those kids drive 40 minutes a night to get to practice). Last year they played 70 games as 9 year olds and went like 61-9 or something. Double header Sunday against the same team we play Friday and they are tough as well. Holy Shit that's a lot of games. In fact for that age, that might be entirely too many. JMO though.
|
|
|
Post by BTB07 on May 14, 2009 17:46:43 GMT -5
Yeah they played way too many games last year. Their schedule would have looked like our really busy part, but every week.
I am worried about forcing our two catchers to catch all those games, and worried about the number of arms we have to use against some really top tier competition.
For the record that team (Cobras) that played 70 games last year disbanded because the parents were upset, and they got back together with a couple of changes to the coaching staff...
|
|
|
Post by BTB07 on May 15, 2009 23:03:23 GMT -5
Man a real tough one tonight. We pitched well and unfortunately had too many errors and gave up 4 unearned runs. We ended losing in the 7th inning (6 is our normal amount of innings) 5-4. The last run scored on an overthrow to first on what would have been the third out.
Tough on...but got another real tough one tomorrow.
2 pitches threw 88 pitches in 7 innings.
|
|
|
Post by tophb21 on May 16, 2009 10:42:28 GMT -5
Still a solid pitch count for 7 innings. 12 and change per inning isn't that bad.
You'll have games like that. You said this team wasn't as experienced, so hopefully they learn from games like this and progress. It's your job to teach them. ;D
|
|
|
Post by BTB07 on May 16, 2009 23:01:56 GMT -5
Man that was a tough game. We lost 6-5 in 7 innings. Our starter went to the pitch max (65) and got 4 1/3 innings in giving up just 1 ER. Our other pitcher came in and gave up a couple of runs. We scored one in the top of the 7th and then gave up 2 in the bottom of the seventh.
Real tough one.
That was the team that recruits from all over the central Ohio area, and we stuck right with them. I was damn proud of them. Last year we lost to them 10-0 and they threw a perfecto against us...
2 More tomorrow...
|
|
|
Post by BTB07 on May 17, 2009 18:13:52 GMT -5
Good lord those kids are going to give me gray hair...
Today we had 6 errors and gave up 8 runs in the first inning (1 was earned). We were behind and came back to take the lead heading into the bottom of 6 (10-9). They scored two runs in the last inning to pry the victory from our hands.
The second game we had a similar start and gave up 7 runs in the first inning (2 were earned). We ended up coming back and winning that was one 14-11.
We got stretched this weekend with 4 games (totaling 26 innings). Our pitching got stretched to the limit and held up pretty darn well.
Just finished with the stats and with 95 innings pitched our team has walked 27 batters.
|
|
|
Post by tophb21 on May 17, 2009 20:13:28 GMT -5
Good lord those kids are going to give me gray hair... Today we had 6 errors and gave up 8 runs in the first inning (1 was earned). We were behind and came back to take the lead heading into the bottom of 6 (10-9). They scored two runs in the last inning to pry the victory from our hands. The second game we had a similar start and gave up 7 runs in the first inning (2 were earned). We ended up coming back and winning that was one 14-11. We got stretched this weekend with 4 games (totaling 26 innings). Our pitching got stretched to the limit and held up pretty darn well. Just finished with the stats and with 95 innings pitched our team has walked 27 batters. That is a really solid walk ratio, especially given their age.
|
|
|
Post by BTB07 on May 17, 2009 21:44:15 GMT -5
Yep thanks Toph. We don't strike out a bunch of guys though. So when our defense isn't stout we really struggle. Usually our defense is top notch (0 errors on Saturday and just one walk in 7 innings), but really struggled today for whatever reason.
I guess it is because they are 10 years old...
|
|