Switch Pitching 101

Ryan Perez - ESPN Interview

2012-02-13T16:51:00.000-08:00

Westminster Christian (Hampshire, Ill.) hurler Ryan Perez has really been turning heads on the baseball diamond as of late, not just because he's been mowing down opponents, but because he's been doing it with both arms..

Perez started alternating throwing arms when he was three years. His dad had Ryan skipping stones in the backyard pond.

Perez is like a starter left-handed and more like a closer right-handed. He has better off-speed pitches left-handed and more velocity using the fastball right-handed.

Ryan Perez is also a solid switch hitter. He tends to hit left-handed against right-handed pitchers. (source: ESPN)

Watch the interview with Ryan Perez

Ambidextrous pitcher gains notoriety

By Scott Powers
ESPNChicago.com

ELGIN, Ill. -- Professional scouts are paying increasing attention to a right-handed pitcher and a left-handed pitcher from a tiny school in Elgin, Ill., and it happens to be the same player.

Ryan Perez has become a spectacle for fans and scouts to witness at Westminster Christian, a school of 350 students in Chicago's suburbs. Perez can throw a fastball, changeup, cutter and curveball with both arms, and he's been clocked at 90 mph right-handed and 87 mph left-handed.

"To them, it's so weird," said Perez, whose father began teaching him to use both arms as a toddler. "To me, it's natural."

Ryan Perez - Switch Pitcher News

2012-01-14T13:54:00.000-08:00

News articles about Ryan Perez - a high school ambidextrous pitcher from Illinois.

Elgin-area POY Perez one of a kind

By Erick Jacobsen, suntimes.com, June 24, 2011

By definition, talent is a special natural ability or aptitude.

When it comes to what Ryan Perez possesses on the baseball field, that entry in the dictionary doesn’t quite seem to do the Westminster Christian junior justice.

Merely calling Perez talented is an understatement considering his ability to dominate on the pitching mound with both his right and left arms. As the regional and national media members who covered Perez in recent months now realize, the 6-foot, 170-pound ambidextrous kid from Hampshire isn’t just some sideshow act playing high school ball out in Elgin.

Illinois prep pitcher well-armed as a lefty or a righty
nptelegraph.com May 10, 2011

Ryan Perez uses a 90 mph fastball to dominate his high school opponents.
And that's just with his right arm.
Perez throws 87 mph with his left and has four pitches he can throw for strikes with either arm.
Major colleges have been interested in the 17-year-old Chicago-area junior for a year, and his goal is to become the first switch pitcher in the major leagues since Greg Harris two decades ago.

POTW: Perez pitches left- and right-handed
By Scott Powers, ESPN, May 22, 2011

Ambidextrous pitcher Ryan Perez is ESPNChicago's prep player of the week.

ELGIN, Ill. -- Wearing his Wilson glove on his left hand, Westminster Christian junior pitcher Ryan Perez stepped on the mound on a recent Saturday and began his practice throws before the fifth inning.

After a couple of warm-up pitches, one of the opposing fans noticed something different in Perez from the previous inning.

“He’s throwing right-handed,” the fan remarked. “He was left-handed last inning.”

The fan’s eyes weren’t deceiving him, and Perez doesn’t have a twin. Perez is a right-handed pitcher, and he’s a left-handed pitcher. In other words, he’s an ambidextrous pitcher, which is also known as a switch pitcher.

“To them, it’s so weird,” said Perez, who wears a Rawlings glove when he pitches left-handed. “To me, it’s natural.”

Ambidextrous pitcher proves nearly unhittable with either hand
By Cameron Smith, Rivals April 13, 2011

The first time a batter saw Westminster (Ill.) Christian High pitcher Ryan Perez stop warming up right-handed, pick up another glove and start warming up left-handed, the hitter's jaw dropped with a wide-eyed reaction. The man outside the batter's box had good reason for the reaction, too: Perez is a top flight pitcher with either hand, one of the few -- if not the only -- legitimate ambidextrous pitching prospects in the United States.

Ryan Perez Stats - maxpreps.com

First pitch strike

2012-01-13T21:39:00.000-08:00

Ryan Perez is a dominant switch pitcher in high school. He emphasizes the importance of getting the first pitch strike.

Perez has four pitches that he can throw for strikes with either arm. He throws a changeup, curve and cutter for strikes, in addition to his 87-90 mph fastball.

From the Chicago Sun Times:
June 24, 2011

Perez’s most incredible outing came against Luther North on April 25 in a game that was shortened to five innings. In that contest Perez threw a perfect game, striking out 13 of the 15 batters he faced.

For Perez, the ridiculous strikeout totals and the sense of being in complete control on the mound boils down to a simple approach: Getting ahead in the count.

“The key is getting a first-pitch strike all the time,” Perez said. “It’s all about the first-pitch strike.”

Pat Venditte the Switch Pitcher

2012-01-13T20:46:00.000-08:00

New York Yankees: Pat Venditte the Switch-Pitcher

by Bill Ford, bleacherreport.com

Most die-hard Yankee fans are familiar with the prospects in the minor league farm system. Many know the name Pat Venditte, but there are some who don’t.

Venditte is an ambidextrous pitcher with the Yankees affiliate Double-A Eastern League Trenton Thunder.

Currently, he is the only known pitcher at the professional level who has the ability to pitch effectively with both arms.
Read more

Watch a video of Pat Venditte switch pitching for the Staten Island Yankees against the Brooklyn Cyclones in 2008.

Base Stealing Secret

2012-01-01T15:50:00.000-08:00

Former N.Y. Met, Randy Curtis, Voted the Years "Outstanding Baserunner" shares one of his Base Stealing Secrets.

Talent vs Hard Work

2012-01-01T15:29:00.000-08:00

Ed Tseng talks about talent versus hard work.

What ever you want to be successful at, put in the work, figure out the strategy and you can do anything.

Moyer's Pep Talk at Notre Dame

2011-12-28T08:59:00.000-08:00

MLB Pitcher Jamie Moyer talks with the Irish baseball team.
Work hard, get better every day and keep a notebook to document your progress.

Left-Handed Pickoff Move

2011-12-15T16:48:00.000-08:00

This three-part video series covers the pickoff move to first base by a left-handed pitcher.

Part 1 "Mistakes"

Part 2 "The Move"

Part 3 -"The Throw"

(Source: Pinkman Baseball)

Article published in Collegiate Baseball News.

Read articles

Keep your head quiet

2011-12-11T17:51:00.000-08:00

Writer Eric Liu learns how to throw a change-up from Bryan Price, former pitching coach for the Seattle Mariners. One key suggestion about pitching is to "keep your head quiet."

The timing of this lesson, it turns out, was rather apt. All my life, I've been the equivalent of a fastball pitcher—trying to use blazing speed and brute force to wow the people I face. Lately I've been realizing that it would help if I knew how to change speeds from time to time, to be less predictable.

We got to work. My first few attempts at a change-up were wobbly. I had no control, no feel for the pitch in my fingertips. Worse, I began to think about how I had no feel. I began to think how ridiculous I must look, a clueless amateur. Bryan could see a dozen things wrong with my delivery: arm slot too low, hips not turned enough, follow-through too unbalanced, and on and on. But he chose to home in on one thing only: "Keep your head quiet," he said.

This meant making sure I held my head steady and square as I pitched, so my eyes would remain fixed on the target. It also meant not overloading my brain with anxiety and data. A quiet head in the psychological sense is hard to achieve. Bryan got me there by emphasizing a quiet head in the physical sense. By worrying only about keeping my gaze steady and my skull centered, I stopped overthinking.

source:How I Learned to Pitch by Eric Liu
Slate.com - Jan 13, 2005

Liu, author of Guiding Lights, a book about mentoring, has traveled the nation seeking out mentors in a number of widely different fields.

Unbelievably Believable

2011-12-11T16:24:00.000-08:00

After winning the Heisman Trophy, Robert Griffin III said:

This is unbelievably believable.
It's unbelievable because in the moment we're all amazed when great things happen.
But it's believable because great things don't happen without hard work.

Remember -
Great things don't happen without hard work.

Work hard and have fun during the off-season.

...

Fastball Speed: Windup vs Stretch

2011-12-10T21:59:00.000-08:00

Is there a difference in velocity when pitching from the Windup or Stretch?
I ran across this interesting article that answers the question.

Does the stretch cost a pitcher fastball speed?

Posted by Mike Fast - The Hardball Times

It's often said that the stretch costs a pitcher 2-3 miles an hour off his fastball, and (considering how easy that is to check) I'll assume that's roughly accurate. (Rob Neyer)

It is very easy to check, and it turns out that it's not accurate at all. A pitcher's fastball speed turns out to be almost identical with runners on base as compared to his average fastball speed with the bases empty. If anything, the average starting pitcher throws about 0.1 mph harder with runners on base.

Justin Verlander wins AL Most Valuable Player

2011-11-22T11:41:00.000-08:00

Justin Verlander predicts the debate is over for a few years. Pitchers can now win the Most Valuable Player.

"I think this set a precedent," the Detroit Tigers ace said Monday after becoming the first starting pitcher in a quarter century voted MVP. "I'm happy that the voters acknowledged that, that we do have a major impact in this game and we can be extremely valuable to our team and its success."

After winning the AL's pitching triple crown by going 24-5 with a 2.40 ERA and 250 strikeouts, Verlander received 13 of 28 first-place votes and 280 points from the Baseball Writers' Association of America. He became the first pitcher voted MVP since Oakland's Dennis Eckersley in 1992 and the first starting pitcher since Boston's Roger Clemens in 1986.

November 21, 2011 -
Verlander wins AL MVP, 1st starter in 25 years by Ronald Blum, AP Sports Writer

Ed Tseng Exclusive Pat Venditte Interview

2011-11-19T22:30:00.000-08:00

Ed Tseng interviews Yankee minor league pitcher, Pat Venditte, the only ambidextrous pitcher (switch-pitcher) in professional baseball.

Ed Tseng asks the million dollar question:

Do you think that anyone can be a switch pitcher, be ambidextrous, with the right training and strategy?

Absolutely, if you start young enough you can train yourself to do anything. It takes a lot of time
but those breaks are where it comes in ... if you can prove people wrong, then you can continue to do it.and it also takes some breaks. You need those breaks in there. There are going to be a lot of people may try to deter it, but those breaks are where it comes in ... if you can prove people wrong, then you can continue to do it.
- Pat Venditte

Justin Verlander wins AL Cy Young Award in 2011

2011-11-16T12:14:00.000-08:00

Justin Verlander was the unanimous choice for the AL Cy Young Award in 2011.

Verlander, a right-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tiger's, went 24-5 with a 2.40 ERA and 250 strikeouts.
(source: Associated Press)

Justin Verlander captures third Tiger Cy Young in unanimous fashion - Detroit Free Press

Justin Verlander Stats - ESPN

Aroldis Chapman throws 105 MPH

2011-11-15T20:47:00.000-08:00

It's been said that hitting a baseball is the toughest task in professional sports. Hitting a 100+ MPH fastball off of Reds Aroldis Chapman is nearly impossible.

Pitching expert Tom House and the Sport Science team explain Chapman's mechanics that enable him to throw 105 MPH. His 7.5 ft stride and quick release gives the hitter a very short time to react to the fastball.

Aroldis Chapman, the 6' 4" left-handed pitcher, is know as the "Cuban Missile."

The Fastest Pitcher is Baseball History - Baseball Almanac

Aroldis Chapman Statistics and History - Baseball-Reference.com

Interview with Trenton Switch Pitcher Pat Venditte

2011-11-06T21:01:00.000-08:00

MiLB.com's Matthew Stucko catches up with Yankees Minor Leaguer Pat Venditte, who discusses pitching with both arms and his offseason plans. (video 04:50)

Drew Vettleson - 2011 Princeton Rays

2011-10-11T23:53:00.000-07:00

Drew Vettleson caps steady 2011 performance with impressive stats and two awards

Vettleson proved in his first minor league season that he has the ability to hit for a high average as he finished with a .282 batting average after being above .300 for the greater part of the campaign. He ended the 2011 season in Princeton with 13 doubles, 4 triples and 7 homers in 234 at-bats. (minorleaguebaseball.com)

Read More

Minor League Team: Princeton Rays

Full Name: Drew G. Vettleson

Born: 07/19/1991

Birthplace: Bremerton, WA

Height: 6' 1"

Weight: 185

Bats: L

Throws: R

Position: OF

2011 Stats:

AVG: .282

HR: 7

RBI: 40

SB: 20

more stats

What is a perfect game in baseball?

2011-10-10T23:05:00.000-07:00

"A no-hitter in which no opposing player reaches first base, either by a base hit, base on balls, hit batter, or fielding error; i.e., the pitcher or pitchers retire all twenty-seven opposing batters in order."
- Paul Dickson in The New Baseball Dictionary (1999)

Perfect Games by Pitchers - Baseball Almanac

Perfect Games (MLB.com) - Only 20 pitchers have tossed perfect games in Major League history.

Angel Macias pitched a perfect game in the 1957 Little League World Series

2011-10-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

Angel Macias, an ambidextrous pitcher from Mexico, threw a perfect game in the 1957 Little League World Series. Macias set down all 18 batters, in six innings, from the Northern La Mesa Little League to win the Little League World Series.

1957 Little League World Series Newsreel Stock Footage

The Perfect Game Movie

Ambidextrous Angel

TIME Magazine, Monday, Sept. 02, 1957

By the time they got to Williamsport, Pa. last week, the barnstorming little ballplayers from Monterrey, Mexico were just about worn out. They had beaten their way across country for a month, had played and won eleven games from Texas to Kentucky.

Coach César Faz called on his best pitcher, ambidextrous Angel Macias, a twelve-year-old 88-pounder with a fine assortment of curves and sliders, plus a plain, old-fashioned fast ball under disciplined control. Against Bridgeport, Angel had played a flawless game at shortstop. He can, in fact, play any position on the team—becomes a southpaw on first base, a righthander in the rest of the infield, whatever he happens to feel like when he switches to the outfield. At bat, says he, he is a "turnover" hitter like his hero Mickey Mantle.

Pitcher Angel studied the La Mesa lineup, saw mostly right-handed hitters and decided to pitch righthanded. The big crowd (10,000) which had seen him play excellent ball in the field saw him in a perfect performance on the pitcher's mound. He allowed no hits, struck out eleven, walked not a single boy. And his team breezed to the title, 4-0.

Read More

The 1957 Little League World Series took place during August 1957 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. This was the first LLWS tournament to include a team from outside of the United States or Canada, Industrial Little League of Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. The Mexican team defeated Northern La Mesa Little League of La Mesa, California, in the championship game of the 11th Little League World Series. In the championship, Angel Macias pitched a perfect game for the Mexicans, the first perfect game thrown in the Little League championship. (Wikipedia)

Pat Venditte Stats

2011-10-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

Pat Venditte is an ambidextrous pitcher drafted by the New York Yankees in the 20th round of the 2008 MLB June Amateur Draft. Venditte has been switch pitching, with success, in the minor leagues for the past four seasons.

In 2011, Venditte pitched for the Trenton Thunder, Class AA in the Eastern League. The Thunder team is affiliated with the New York Yankees.

Minors Pitching Stats

After four seasons in the minors, Venditte has a combined record of 13-11 (.542)
with a 2.28 ERA in 173 games.

2011 Season

Pat Venditte went 3-7 (.300) with a 3.40 ERA pitching for the Thunder in 2011.

Pat Venditte Minor League Statistics - Baseball-Reference.com

Rawlings Ambidextrous Baseball Glove Prototype

2011-10-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

After Googling for ambidextrous baseball gloves, I ran across an eBay auction for a one-of-a-kind Rawlings Ambidextrous Baseball Glove Prototype.

This prototype looks like a glove design that my son came up with when he was ten.
Make a glove that has two webs.

Of course, there is problem with this design - Where do the fingers go?

From the backside, it looks like the middle fingers might go into finger loops on the outside of the glove.

Glove description from the seller:

RARE Rawlings prototype HOH DOUBLE WEB baseball glove

My uncle was the glove supervisor at Rawlings for over 40 years, he saved a few prototypes. This one is the last of his collection and the Holy Grail..... This prototype was made with two webs. Very unusual and one of a kind! It was displayed at the Missouri Rawlings Headquarters years ago. Please check my 100% positive feedback before you bid, I listed two other prototypes tonight, this is the only glove that I'm going to put a reserve on, and if it doesn't sell, it may go to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

thanks, Terry
(Springfield, Missouri)

Learn more

Best baseball movie ever

2011-10-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

Since the movie "Moneyball" was released this year people are asking:

What is the best baseball movie ever made?

The Seattle Times recently published a survey on the topic:

Readers' choice: And the best baseball movie ever is ...

"Field of Dreams" edged runner-up "The Natural" and No. 3 "Bull Durham" in voting this week for the best baseball movie ever. "Moneyball" was a distant ninth in our Take 2 poll.

1."Field of Dreams"
2. "The Natural"
3. "Bull Durham"
4. "Major League"
5. "The Bad News Bears"
6. "The Pride of the Yankees"
7. "A League of their Own"
8. "Eight Men Out"
9. "Moneyball"
10. "Bang the Drum Slowly"
(source: The Seattle Times)

What are your favorite baseball movies?

Baseball Bullpen App

2011-09-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for an inexpensive mobile app to track pitch counts or record bullpen sessions?

Baseball Bullpen is an intuitive utility for coaches, parents, players, scouts, and fans to easily track and improve a pitcher's performance.
(source: Hachisoft Corporation)

Learn more

$1.99 at the App Store

I watched a short iPad demo of the Baseball Bullpen app that looked interesting. I don't think the speed indicator would be very accurate (depending on your reaction time), but the pitch type and location tracking would be handy.

View the Baseball Bullpen demo by Paul Reddick

Ryan Perez - Ambidextrous Pitcher Video

2011-09-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

Ambidextrous Pitcher Ryan Perez

Ryan Perez throws consistently, right or left-handed, in the 86-88 mph range. Ryan is a natural right-hander who learned to throw with both hands when he was three years old.

Video of Ryan Perez, pitching right and left-handed in the Chicago White Sox Area Code game. He uses a special six-finger glove from Akadema.

Aiden McNasby - 8 year old switch pitcher

2011-09-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

Aiden McNasby
Age: 8
Little League Team: Roseville Pirates
School: Kaseberg Elementary, Roseville, CA

Aiden McNasby is a young pitcher who can throw strikes using either throwing arm. That's right, he's a switch pitcher.

Dan, Aiden's father, said - "When I use to practice with him, he would throw with both arms. Put the ball in front of him - which ever hand he picked it up with he would throw it back to you ... he would pick it up one time as a right, the next time he would do it as a left."

Aiden says that he can pitch really well with both hands.

When asked which hand is easier to throw with, Aiden responded:

"I don't know what is the easiest part, all easiest parts."

"I do three (pitches) with one batter, then when he gets out I switch."

Graylon Duncan, his pitching coach, said that Aiden doesn't really have a dominant side - "he's pretty standard from both sides."

Aiden is allowed to throw 40 pitches or two innings in a game at his age. In two innings that he pitched, he had three strike outs.

It's something that he is enjoying. His parents just want him to have fun.

A short video features Aiden using a six-finger Akadema glove that he uses to switch throwing arms.

Switch Pitcher Aiden McNasby's KCRA 3 News
report by Del Rodgers

How fast does Ryan Perez throw?

2011-09-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

Ryan plays with a special mitt that he can wear on either hand. It was his dad who taught Ryan how to use both hands as a toddler. This past spring, Ryan went 9-1, with a 1.56 ERA. He has a full arsenal of pitches and is the first high school pitcher to be clocked over 90 mph with both arms.

“The fastball, the changeup, the curve and the slider on both sides, and he has the velocity. The velocity was surprising. I didn’t think he would touch 90 at this age, but he been gunned on scouts and colleges on 90 both ways,” his father said.

Pitching with both arms has its advantages, but what a lot of people don’t realize is that he has to put in double the work and needs to practice fielding from both sides. On top of that, he‘s also a switch hitter.

Source: Switch Pitcher Hoping to Take Both Arms to Big Leagues
Megan Mawicke, CBS Chicago
July 13, 2011

Two Arms Better Than One - Interview with ambidextrous pitcher Ryan Perez

-----

90 mph right-handed and 87 mph left-handed.

Right-handed: 91-92 mph

Left-handed: 87-88 mph

Source:

Ambidextrous pitcher gains notoriety

by Scott Powers, ESPNChicago.com

May 23, 2011

How fast does Pat Venditte throw?

2011-09-12T18:24:00.000-07:00

In a recent interview with Matt Leon, Pat Venditte said that his velocity is better from the right side.

Right-handed: 88-90 mph

Left-handed: 81-85 mph

It takes him less time to warmup left-handed - throwing sidearm. He states that locating 2 to 3 pitches with a consistent delivery is the key to his success as a switch-pitcher.

Pat Venditte Interview - 2011

2011-09-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

Trenton’s Venditte An Effective Switch…Pitcher

August 4, 2011
Pat Venditte was a 20th round draft pick of the Yankees back in 2008, out of Creighton. Now 26-years-old, Venditte is one of the top relievers for their Double-A team, the Thunder. And he is ambidextrous, having become an effective reliever with both his left and right arms.
A natural right-hander, Venditte has pitched in 41 games this season, compiling a 2.82 ERA. In 73 1/3 innings, he has allowed just 61 hits while striking out 71. This success is nothing new. In four pro seasons, he has compiled a 2.03 ERA.

Listen to Matt Leon’s interesting interview with Pat Venditte
More..

source: CBS Philly

High School Switch Pitcher Ryan Perez Throws 90 mph

2011-05-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

Ambidextrous pitcher, Ryan Perez, from Westminster Christian is dominating on the mound.

Ryan Perez has become a spectacle for fans and scouts to witness at Westminster Christian, a school of 350 students in Chicago's suburbs. Perez can throw a fastball, changeup, cutter and curveball with both arms, and he's been clocked at 90 mph right-handed and 87 mph left-handed.

Perez's two arms have been no match for the local competition this season. He has a 9-1 record with a 1.56 ERA and 131 strikeouts in 63 innings this season. He's pitched predominately left-handed (44 innings) because he also plays at shortstop and third base right-handed when he's not on the mound.

(source: Scott Powers, ESPNChicago.com)

Read article ..

Trenton switch-pitcher Pat Venditte takes on the Squirrels

2011-05-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

Pat Venditte, 25, is professional baseball's only ambidextrous pitcher. When right-handed batters step up to the plate, Venditte throws right-handed. When lefties are at bat, then Venditte pitches left-handed, mainly throwing sliders.

What happens when he faces a switch-hitter such as Flores, as was the case in the sixth inning Thursday?

Baseball created a rule to address the situation. Venditte is required to declare which arm he will use before the switch-hitter enters the batter's box. As Flores approached the plate, Venditte raised his right arm, indicating he would pitch right-handed.

"Whatever he wants. Doesn't matter to me," said Flores, who batted left-handed and struck out.

Trenton's Venditte shows Richmond his switch-pitching ability
By JOHN O'CONNOR, Richmond Times-Dispatch
Published: April 29, 2011

Switch pitcher Ryan Perez has a chance to dominate

2011-05-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

Chicago teen can switch hit and pitch

High school pitcher Ryan Perez is a southpaw and a righty, too. The Chicago-area junior can throw strikes with either arm. Major colleges are interested in him. But Ryan isn't sure what the fuss is about. He says he's been throwing with both arms of all of his life.

He hopes to become the first switch pitcher in the major leagues in two decades. But Ryan isn't just a switch pitcher. He's also a switch hitter, with .418 average for Westminster Christian School in Elgin, Illinois. (Source: AP, May 2011)

CHICAGO WHITE SOX ACADEMY 2010 FALL EXPOSURE CAMP
TOP 25 LIST

2) Ryan Perez – P, Westminster Christian, 2012

Switch pitcher that has a chance to dominate with both throwing arms. FB was 87-88 topping 91 right handed and sat 84 left handed topping out at 86. CH was straight, 79, RH while 76 with fade LH. RH breaking ball was tight with late break at 67.

Ambidextrous pitcher Ryan Perez evaluated
by Tampa Bay Rays Minor League Pitching coordinator

Ryan Perez - Switch Pitcher Leads Team to State Title

CABA pitcher changes speeds, arms By ROSS JACOBSON

Ryan Perez is a pitching coach’s dream prospect.
He throws a cutter, curveball, change-up and a fastball that tops out above 80 mph, and he is entering his sophomore year of high school at Westminster Christian in Elgin.
But what separates him from the other 15-year-old pitchers in the Continental Amateur Baseball Association World Series is his ability to throw those pitches with either arm, a rare switch-pitcher.

Pitching warmup routine

2011-04-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

It's a good idea to establish a regular routine before pitching in a game. Get the advice of a pitching coach and follow it before pitching.

Pitchers on the local Koufax team start with this warmup sequence:

Run, stretch, throw,
then warmup pitching in the bullpen with a catcher
and work on the game plan

Go over signals and figure out which pitches are working that day

Make sure that the next pitcher in the rotation has time to warm up an inning before they go into the game.

Avoid overuse injuries

2011-04-06T23:12:00.000-07:00

A warning on overuse injuries for youths

Personal Health: A look at how some school-age competitors develop serious overuse injuries, and what can be done to protect the young athletes.

By JANE E. BRODY

The New York Times

Just as warming weather brings millions of young athletes back onto sports fields, a major athletics association has renewed this warning: Some school-age competitors who are inadequately prepared, or improperly coached, continue to develop serious overuse injuries. Read More

National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement:
Prevention of Pediatric Overuse Injuries

"Proper training and conditioning, both before and during the season, may prevent overuse injuries," the athletic trainers' association said. The group recommended starting a fitness-improvement program at least two months before the sport's season begins.

---
Switch Pitching can help to prevent overuse injuries by alternating the use of throwing arms. For youth pitchers, throwing one inning left, then another right-handed can work well.

Slow pitching works against big hitters

2011-04-06T23:08:00.000-07:00

Amazingly, slow pitching works well against big hitters. Slow pitching worked great for Jamie Moyer in the big leagues, so it can also work well in youth leagues.

At a recent 13U tournament, the small guys locating slow pitches in the zone kept big hitters off balance and swinging early.

The big power pitchers over threw, hitting the backstop or bouncing the ball in front of the plate. No pitchers dominated the game, but the slow pitchers forced pop ups and easy ground balls to get hitters out without much effort.

Most hitters spend a lot of time practicing to hit the fast ball and don't spend much time working on hitting slower pitches. In game situations, they slow down their swing trying to make contact with the slower pitch. Swinging a bat slowly will result in a weakly hit ground ball or popup for an easy out.

Remember to locate pitches in the strike zone. Work in some off speed pitches including the change-up. Rely on your fielders to make the outs. Keep moving the ball around the corners of the strike zone.

Throw low in the strikezone to induce grounders. Keep the hitter guessing by changing speed and location.

Learning Pitches

2011-01-06T20:01:00.000-08:00

Start with developing a good fastball. Ball control and movement is more important than velocity. The aim is to keep batters off balance and mess with their timing. It's nice to be able to blow the ball past the hitter, but pitch location helps to get hitters out.

Fastball
4 -seam fastball is the primary pitch (two fingers across the seams, thumb on bottom)
2-seam fastball uses the same arm motion and speed, but with a different grip (with the seams)

4-seam and 2-seam fastballs

Change-up
The change-up uses the same arm motion of the fastball but the grip is with more fingers causing additional friction on the ball. Young kids often use the claw grip. Older kids tend to use a circle change.

Bonus

Knuckleball pitches

Short video instruction talking about the basics of throwing a knuckleball.

Get a Grip

2011-01-06T20:00:00.000-08:00

Four-Seam Grip

The basic baseball grip is the four-seam or across seam grip. The four-seam grip is used for throwing fastballs that will stay up longer and move in a straight path to the target. The more spin, the faster the ball cuts through the air.

Use the four-seam grip for infield throws to bases and cut-off throws from the outfield.

Two-Seam Grip

To get movement on your fastball, try a two-seam grip held with the fingers along the seams. The ball will drop and move when thrown well.

Claw Grip

Young players often use all of their fingers to hold and throw a baseball. Some players call this the three finger grip or box grip - used for the change-up by older players. These throws are slow, but more accurate for young players with small hands.

Has there ever been a switch pitcher in Major League Baseball?

2010-12-29T22:51:00.000-08:00

Yes. Greg Harris, in 1995, threw one inning of shutout ball switch pitching for the Montreal Expos against the Cincinnati Reds. Harris faced a total of four hitters -- two as a righty, and two as a lefty.
Read More about Greg Harris

Pat Venditte, in 2010, switch pitched in spring training for the New York Yankees in relief of CC Sabathia. Venditte is currently a minor league pitcher with the NY Yankee organization.

Yankees' ambidextrous pitcher Pat Venditte Debuts

MLB Ambidextrous Throwers
The four players listed by Major League Baseball as being able to throw both left & right handed are: Tony Mullane (1881-1894), George Wheeler (1896-1899), Moxie Manuel (1905-1908) & Greg Harris (1981-1995).

Switch Pitchers in the News

2010-12-27T19:44:00.000-08:00

Switch-pitcher comes to Rays with 42nd pick
Despite rare ability, Vettleson likely to make name in outfield
By Bill Chastain / MLB.com 06/08/10

ST. PETERSBURG -- Drew Vettleson, a high school outfielder/pitcher from Silverdale, Wash., became the third and final pick of the Rays on Monday, Day 1 of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft.

The Rays selected Vettleson with their "sandwich pick," which was the 42nd overall of the Draft.

Vettleson is also a high school player and possesses the rare ability of being able to throw right-handed and left-handed. Though he can touch 90 mph on the mound, he is known as a better outfield prospect with power potential from the left side.

Read More

Switch-pitcher: More than just a novelty act
Carla Swank | Rivals High April 19, 2010

New York Yankees pitcher Pat Venditte got the attention of the sports world last month when he became baseball's first "switch-pitcher" in a spring training game - throwing to batters as both a right-hander and left-hander.
Drew Vettleson, a senior at Central Kitsap High in Silverdale, Wash., was watching more closely than most.
Vettleson is an ambidextrous pitcher, too.
Read More

How do you beat a guy who throws righty and lefty? You don't.
by Rick Reilly | ESPN The Magazine

You'll probably never witness an unassisted triple play in your lifetime, right? (There have been only 14.) Or see an intentional walk with the bases loaded. (Six.) Or watch one player hit two grand slams in an inning. (Once.)
But you can see something right now that hasn't been around in baseball since the late 1800s: a switch-pitcher.
His name is Pat Venditte, he's 23, and he's pro baseball's only ambidextrous pitcher.

Yanks fond of switch-pitching Venditte
In relief of Sabathia, 24-year-old gets results from both sides
By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com March 30, 2010
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Listing Pat Venditte's name on the Yankees' travel roster on Tuesday was born out of curiosity for manager Joe Girardi, who has been scouring the organizational reports on the switch-pitcher with a certain level of fascination.
Yet for the 24-year-old Venditte, coming out of the bullpen to relieve CC Sabathia against the Braves represented an opportunity to showcase his stuff -- with both arms -- while hopefully demonstrating that his career is more than just a popular Minor League gimmick.
Read More

Girardi intrigued by 'switch-pitcher'
Venditte likely to appear in Yanks' game against Braves
By Anthony DiComo / MLB.com March 29, 2010

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Manager Joe Girardi does not usually have input on which Minor Leaguers accompany the Yankees on Spring Training road trips. This spring, however, Girardi made one special request.
Pat Venditte, the ambidextrous "switch-pitcher," will accompany New York to Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on Tuesday for a 1:05 p.m. ET split-squad game against the Atlanta Braves on MLB.TV. There is a good chance that Girardi will call on Venditte to pitch in his first Major League Spring Training game.
"I've wanted to see it all spring," Girardi said. "I think it's interesting."
Read More

Switch-Pitcher Venditte Impressing Fans but Not Many Scouts
By ALAN SCHWARZ | NY Times June 13, 2009
CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Yankees, whose bullpen is among the worst in the American League, have two arms in Class A ball leading the minor leagues in saves. The left-handed one has kept hitters to a .121 batting average; the right-handed one has not walked anyone in 20 innings. This would all be rather straightforward, except that both arms belong to the same body.
Pat Venditte, the only switch-pitcher in professional baseball, is one of the most dominant — and well-known — players in the minor leagues. National news organizations travel to Charleston, S.C., to revel in his uniqueness. Fans see his statistics and dream of matchup mayhem. But experienced talent evaluators see not just one underwhelming fastball, but two. Sorry, kid.
Read More

The Switch Pitcher

Minor League Ball Player Blessed With 2 Great Arms, Prompts New Pitching Rule

By Jim Axelrod, CBS Evening News May 21, 2009

Pat Venditte is a pitcher who puts on his pants just like every other minor leaguer. But when it comes to his glove …

It's a six-fingered glove," Venditte said. "There's two thumbs. There's one pocket here in the middle."

That's when you realize he is unlike any pitcher you've ever seen, blessed not with one great arm, but two, reports CBS News correspondent Jim Axelrod.

The reversible glove allows him to switch pitch in a moment's notice, throwing a 90 mile-an-hour fastball with his right arm, then unleashing a collection of baffling curves with his left.

Baseball Players Change-Ups
CBS Evening News July 15, 2008

Ambidextrous Staten Island Pitcher, Pat Venditte pitches lefty and righty. Brooklyn's switch-hitting catcher, Ralph Henriquez attempted to switch accordingly. This charade went on for several minutes.
Watch the Video

Creighton's Venditte is two pitchers in one
by Sam Miles, Columbia Missourian, May 6, 2008

It’s the eighth inning of Tuesday’s Creighton-Missouri game, Creighton leading 4-1, and Bluejays pitcher Pat Venditte has just made Tigers outfielder Ryan Lollis look silly. Pitching left-handed and releasing the ball from a point just above sidearm, Venditte fired three consecutive nasty pitches, the final one resulting in a swing, a miss, and a return to the dugout for Lollis. He never had a chance.

Pat Venditte is an oddity. He’s a pitcher, he’s ambidextrous, and he’s very good, good enough to be drafted by the Yankees last year. Because batters tend to hit considerably better when facing a pitcher throwing from the opposite side, Venditte always has the matchup advantage. When a left-hander comes to bat, he pitches left-handed, and when a right-hander is up, he throws right-handed. According to the Creighton media guide, he’s a natural right-hander who has been able to throw with both arms since he was three years old.

Ambidextrous Venditte turning heads

Creighton University reliever a complete bullpen in himself

By Conor Nicholl / MLB.com May 18, 2007

NORMAL, Ill. -- At first, Pat Venditte resembled hundreds of other collegiate pitchers. The Creighton University reliever entered Saturday's contest against Illinois State and started throwing left-handed. Every pitch was tossed sidearm and crossed the plate at 78-81 mph.

After a few throws, however, Venditte made a remarkable transformation.

He moved his glove to his left hand and started throwing right-handed. This time, every pitch was thrown over the top and hit the catcher's mitt at 88-91 mph. He repeated the process to three hitters, hitting a batter right-handed, coaxing a double play left-handed and striking out another with a right-handed curveball.

Why are switch hitters rare?

2010-12-24T19:59:00.000-08:00

One issue for a switch pitcher is what to do when facing a switch hitter - do you throw right or left-handed - but this situation rarely happens.

Switch hitters are rare in baseball, especially at the youth level, since it takes extra work.

Little League -

There are only a handfull of regular switch hitters in the local Little League. Typically, these kids are natural right-handers who also learn to bat left-handed. They are rarely ambidextrous and do most things right-handed - eat, write, and throw. Most of these players start hitting from both sides of the plate in tee ball.

High School -
The best hitters practice in the off-season to develop their skills. Popular sports like football, soccer and basketball compete for a kids practice time, making it less likely you will see many switch hitters in high school.

College -
After reviewing dozens of college baseball rosters, I found that only 3% of players bat from both sides - that's about one switch hitter per team. Many teams don't have any switch hitters on the roster.

MLB -

In 2010, 99 players on the 30 major league teams could switch hit. That's an average of 3 switch hitters per team - 3 times the average of college teams. The Yankees, Red Sox, Twins, Orioles, Mets, and Angels had six or more switch hitters. Apparently, switch hitters are valued in the major leagues.

Remember Mickey Mantle, Pete Rose, and Chipper Jones - they all were excellent switch hitters.

So the question is

Why are switch hitters rare?
You don’t see as many switch hitters, because coaches at younger levels are not patient, and players are not patient. In today’s society, no one likes to fail, so if a kid is not doing well at the left-side it’s easy to say, “well I’m a natural righty, I’ll just go back to that”. (College hitting coach)

You will not see many switch hitters because it takes a lot of work to be good at hitting from both sides. Coaches often suggest that batters hit from the stronger side. During batting practice, most coaches throw the same number of pitches to all players, so a switch hitter only gets half the number of swings from each side. (Pony League coach)

Why switch hit?

"The reason someone would switch hit is so they don’t have to face a slider. That is one of the biggest reasons. The slider will always come into the bat barrel if you’re facing a RHP as a LHB, or a LHP as a RHB." (College hitting coach)

Another reason is if the batter is struggling on one side, then they can switch to the other side to hit. Two all star players were able to get out of their slump hitting left-handed, by switching to the right side.

Some young pitchers have a tough time throwing strikes with a left-handed hitter at the plate. In the local league, the lefty hitters get walked more often than the right-handed hitters.

Switch hitting has also helped players make the local All-star team. It gives coaches another option and players tend to stay in the game longer as a switch hitter. (All-star coach)

Bunting can be easier by switching sides, depending on the pitcher and game situation. Bunting is a good way to begin switch hitting - it forces the player to track the ball all the way to the plate. Remember to practice bunting from both sides.

Chipper Jones best switch-hitter of his era:
batting higher than .300 with good power, braves slugger challenges pitchers from both sides of the plate.

Jones, a natural right-hander, became much more than a left-handed slap hitter, one-step closer to first base. The left side is his power side, with more opposite field pop. He hits a homer every 16 at-bats left-handed, every 22 at-bats right-handed.

When to start switch pitching

2010-12-22T14:19:00.000-08:00

Some parents who have seen the video of Pat Venditte switch pitching, ask:

What is a good age for my son to start throwing with both arms?

7-9 years old is a good age to start throwing with both arms.

Many switch pitchers start throwing with both arms as a toddler, but they often have poor throwing mechanics when they get older. Poor throwing mechanics can lead to arm injury.

Players who learn to throw with good mechanics with the dominant arm, can have success throwing with the other arm with proper training. Learn throwing mechanics from a pitching coach first, then work on the throwing motion at home - doing mirror drills.

Does my child need to be ambidextrous to throw with both arms?

No. You don't need to be ambidextrous to begin throwing with either arm. This skill can be learned and most of the current switch pitchers are not ambidextrous - but right-handed.

Stick to throwing a baseball -
Teaching a child to write with both hands, or throw a football with both arms doesn't help a kid to pitch with both arms (I have tried this and it was a waste of time).

The Pat Venditte Effect

Minor league switch pitcher Pat Venditte, started training when he was a toddler, so some parents think this is the way to go. Start training them really young, work them hard and they will be successful. The training strategy worked for golfer Tiger Woods and seems to be working for Pat Venditte.

It's not necessary to start throwing with both arms as a toddler. Some parents discover that their 2-3 year-old can throw a ball with either arm, but this is very common and does not mean the child will be ambidextrous when older.

From my experience, I found that it is best for a young player to learn proper throwing mechanics before attempting to throw with the non-dominant arm. I think it is better for a kid to spend time learning to switch hit first.

Learn to switch hit

Almost all the switch pitchers could also switch hit when they were young. Switch hitters are fairly rare and valued in game situations, so I recommend that players start off with switch hitting before attempting switch throwing. Switch hitting is fun and it takes less work than switch pitching.

Only about 3% of all college players are switch hitters, but switch hitters are more common in the big leagues.

Sometimes, a right-hander finds that they hit better left-handed and lefty hitters often do well in youth baseball. Henry Knight is a natural right-hander who primarily hits left-handed in games (.500), but switches to the right side against left-handed pitchers.

Switch pitcher, Drew Vettleson from Washington, found that he hits better left-handed. He was drafted out of high school by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010.

Bob Feller - 'Rapid Robert'

2010-12-16T18:35:00.000-08:00

#19 Cleveland Indians
nicknamed "The Heater from Van Meter", "Bullet Bob", and "Rapid Robert"
November 3, 1918 – December 15, 2010 (aged 92)
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Height: 6' 0", Weight: 185 lb.

Bob Feller grew up on a farm in Iowa, and in his spare time he loved playing baseball. His father built a baseball diamond on the farm that he named "Oak View Park", then recruited his son and others to play for a team he named The Oakviews.

Feller was signed at age 16, by scout Cy Slapnicka for $1 and an autographed baseball. What a steal. Known for his high leg kick, this All-star pitcher could bring the heat - throwing the fastball over 100 mph. Feller credited his arm strength and ball speed to milking cows, picking corn, and baling hay.

Career Highlights
- Winningest pitcher in Cleveland Indians history (266 victories)
- 8-time All star
- Inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1962
- Record: 266–162
- Strikeouts: 2,581

Bob Feller - Wikipedia

Bob Feller Museum

Bob Feller Stats and History

Three pitches for Little Leaguers

2010-12-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

Forget about throwing the curveball when you are 9 years olds. Here are three pitches that a Little League pitcher can use to keep hitters off balance and mess up their timing.

1) 4-seam fastball
2) 2-seam fastball
3) changeup

These pitches can be thrown with the same arm angle and speed. The key is to locate the pitches on the corners or low in the zone for strikes.

4-seam Fastball - The Heater
Use the 4-seam fastball on most of your pitches. Throw the fastball on the inside or outside corner for strikes. If they start fouling it off, then switch to the two seam fastball.

2-seamer - The Sinker
Hitters have trouble tracking the movement of a 2-seam fastball, especially when thrown by a lefty pitcher. The 2-seamer thrown toward the middle of the plate, by a lefty, can run low and away from a right handed hitter. The pitch will run to the outside of a left-handed hitter, when thrown by a right-handed pitcher.

Cy Young award winner Félix Hernández throws a fastball that has been clocked at 100 mph, although he does not rely entirely on overpowering velocity. Instead he uses a two-seam fastball, which comes in a bit slower but with more movement and the ball sinks as it approaches the batter. (Wikipedia)

The changeup - Keeping the hitter off balance
The chageup works great for keeping a hitter guessing and makes them look silly when they lunge at the slow moving ball. The pitch is thrown with the same arm motion as the fastball, but using a loose three finger grip.

Pat Vendetti - Ambidextrous Pitcher is Double Threat

2010-12-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

by Kevin O'Donnell, FOX 13 Tampa Bay

TAMPA - Pat Vendetti causes a lot of double takes. He's not a twin, but he's two different pitchers -- actually ambidextrous. He started at the age of three.

"It was my Dad's idea," Vendetti said. "He's been working with me ever since I started. He's been very supportive of me and I wouldn't be here without him today. I'm very appreciative of that."

For Vendetti, throwing with both arms comes natural. What makes it easier is his specially designed six-finger, two-pocket glove.

"It's a six-fingered glove," he says. "Two-thumbed glove with the pocket in the middle. You just kind of catch the ball over here, your makeshift pocket on either side. Depending on which hand you are catching with."

In 2010, Vendetti was one of the top relievers for the Tampa Yankees with an ERA of 1.84 in 24 games.

Little Leaguer's Elbow

2010-12-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

WHAT IS LITTLE LEAGUER'S ELBOW?

Little Leaguer's Elbow is pain on the side of the elbow that is closest to the body. In Little Leaguer's Elbow, the growth plate is irritated or inflamed. This problem is often caused by overuse of the throwing arm by pitchers.

The most important treatment for Little Leaguer's Elbow is to not throw if the growth plate is inflamed. Rest the arm and see a doctor for treatment.

Read more

Source: University Sports Medicine, University of Buffalo

HOW CAN LITTLE LEAGUER'S ELBOW BE PREVENTED?

The best way to prevent Little Leaguer's Elbow is to limit the amount of throwing a player does. Since this problem occurs the most in young pitchers, there are guidelines for how many pitches or innings a child can throw in a week.

Even without overuse, poor throwing mechanics can lead to arm injury, so it is important to learn proper throwing techniques from an experienced coach.

Little League Pitch Count Limits and Mandatory Rest Rules Remain in Place for 2011
In an effort to stem the alarming increase in elbow and shoulder injuries among young baseball pitchers, Little League Baseball adopted important new rules in 2007 to limit the number of pitches a pitcher can throw in a game and how much rest he must take pitching appearances.

Read more

Throwing Strikes - Changeup

2010-12-08T00:35:00.000-08:00

The changeup is thrown with the same arm angle and speed as a fastball, but using a looser three-finger grip instead of two. Players with small hands often use the claw grip, while players with larger hands can use a circle changeup.

According to pitcher Steven Ellis - The key to an effective changeup is deception. A changeup must look like a fastball, but come in slower and lower in the strike zone.

A fastball is held tightly with the index and middle fingers. With the change up, you hold the ball lightly, keeping the wrist loose, and there is more contact with the ball to create friction.

Think fastball arm speed
The arm speed of a changeup should be the same as a fastball. Young pitchers tend to slow their arm motion down and good hitters will soon recognize the pitch as being off speed. A good changeup looks like a fastball on release, but is 8-10 mph slower than the pitcher's fastball. The slower velocity of the ball causes a hitter to slow down their swing and lunge at the ball. The result is often a swinging strike, foul ball, or a weakly hit ball put into play for an out.

In addition to the unexpectedly slow velocity, the changeup can also have a significant amount of movement, which can bewilder the batter and throw off their timing. The best changeups utilize both deception and movement.

How To Throw Changeup - Steven Ellis
Usually, with a fastball, you have 100 percent of your strength in these two fingers, the index and middle fingers. You take 50 percent of that strength away by removing the index finger. So you're holding the ball real lightly. ... Your wrist is real loose. The ball is real loose in your hand. And you just throw a fastball.

ViewDo: How to Throw a Changeup (video)

Ambidextrous Coach - Joe Vavra

2010-12-03T15:38:00.000-08:00

Joseph Alan Vavra
Born: November 16, 1959 in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Bats: Left
Throws: Right or Left
Positions: 2B, 1B, SS, 3B, OF, C
College: University of Wisconsin-Stout

Joe Vavra, htting coach for the Minnesota Twins can throw right- or left-handed. This talent comes in handy when throwing batting practice.

Vavra threw right-handed as a player, going from Wisconsin-Stout to the Dodgers' organization and reaching Class AAA.

At age 11, he began toying with throwing left-handed, too. He tried it only once in a game, pitching to one hitter in an amateur contest and inducing a ground out. (source: StarTribune.com)

Twins fail first test vs. lefties | StarTribune

SEATTLE - Twins hitting coach Joe Vavra usually throws batting practice with his right arm, but the schedule has taken a strange twist, so there he was in the batting cage Tuesday, pitching lefthanded.

Vavra is ambidextrous, an uncommon bonus at a time like this.

The Twins don't have a lefthanded batting practice pitcher, and they're in the process of facing six lefties in a row.

Joe Vavra - Wikipedia

Joe Vava - Managing and Coaching History

Throwing Strikes - The Curveball

2010-11-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

Curveball - The curveball is a type of pitch in baseball thrown with a characteristic grip and hand movement that imparts forward spin to the ball causing it to dive in a downward path as it approaches the plate. (Wikipedia )

How to throw a curveball (video)

Explains the curveball grip and throwing technique.

When Should Young Players Start Throwing a Curveball?

One thing that I've noticed in my 15 years working with pitchers is that there are more pitchers who hurt themselves from throwing fastballs due to poor mechanics or because they aren't functionally strong or because their workloads are too high - than ever hurt themselves throwing curveballs.

Any one pitch thrown with the proper mechanics is not going to hurt your arm. Any pitch thrown with improper mechanics can and will lead to arm problems. (www.hardballacademy.com)

Know when to throw the curveball

Once a Little League player learns the curveball, they fall in love with the pitch. When they start striking out hitters with the breaking ball, they tend to throw the pitch too frequently in games - in the wrong situations. Some tournament players throw the curveball on 70-80% of their pitches. This pitch can be very effective against young hitters who don't see the curveball in league play, but it doesn't work as well against a skilled hitter who can lay off the pitch or blast it into the outfield.

Ask your pitching coach when to use the curveball. You want to reserve the pitch for special situations. Don't use it on a batter who is not going to swing at any pitches.

If you have two strikes on a hitter with the 0-2 count, then forget about throwing a breaking ball. Throw the fastball low and away. Lots of young pitchers try throwing a curveball is this situation, but will leave the pitch hanging over the plate - resulting in a hit to the outfield. This happened several times in the Little League World Series.

Remember, the primary pitch should be a good four-seam fastball. The changeup is a good second pitch to use in Little League.

Nicknames for the Curveball
Popular nicknames for the curveball include "the bender" and "the hook" (both describing the trajectory of the pitch), "'Uncle Charlie," "the hammer," "yakker," and "Public Enemy No. 1." It is also referred to as "the deuce" or "number two" because catchers have traditionally signaled their pitcher to throw the curveball by showing two fingers.

The Truth about Breaking Pitches

By Bill Ripken

There are many young pitchers who enjoy tremendous success as 10- , 11- and 12-year-olds. They have a pretty good fastball and develop a breaking pitch that seems to baffle most of their opponents. Unfortunately, many of these successful young pitchers are never heard from again once they move to regulation-sized diamonds. What happens to them?

Pitchers who fall in love with their breaking balls at young ages often risk or even ruin their futures on the mound for the sake of winning a few games that really won’t have a whole lot of meaning in 10 or 15 years. The more breaking balls a young pitcher throws, the fewer fastballs he or she is throwing. Kids develop their arm strength by throwing fastballs. Developing arm strength by throwing fastballs with proper mechanics helps build the foundation for a successful pitching future.

Switch Pitching Rules - The Pat Venditte Rule

2010-11-23T13:44:00.000-08:00

Ambidextrous pitcher Pat Venditte's ability to pitch right- or left-handed prompted a change in the MLB rule book.
At the heart of the new guidelines, for switch pitchers, is the following provision:
The pitcher must visually indicate to the umpire, batter and runner(s) which way he will begin pitching to the batter. Engaging the rubber with the glove on a particular hand is considered a definitive commitment to which arm he will throw with. The batter will then choose which side of the plate he will bat from.
The guidelines also permit both the batter and pitcher to change positions (from right-handed to left-handed or vice versa) once per at-bat.

The Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation (PBUC) released its official rules for dealing with ambidextrous pitchers in July 2008. These guidelines were reached after PBUC staff consulted with a variety of sources, including the Major League Baseball Rules Committee.

The new rules regarding ambidextrous pitchers:
• The pitcher must visually indicate to the umpire, batter and runner(s) which way he will begin pitching to the batter. Engaging the rubber with the glove on a particular hand is considered a definitive commitment to which arm he will throw with. The batter will then choose which side of the plate he will bat from.
• The pitcher must throw one pitch to the batter before any "switch" by either player is allowed.
• After one pitch is thrown, the pitcher and batter may each change positions one time per at-bat. For example, if the pitcher changes from right-handed to left-handed and the batter then changes batter's boxes, each player must remain that way for the duration of that at-bat (unless the offensive team substitutes a pinch hitter, and then each player may again "switch" one time).
• Any switch (by either the pitcher or the batter) must be clearly indicated to the umpire.
• There will be no warm-up pitches during the change of arms.
• If an injury occurs the pitcher may change arms but not use that arm again during the remainder of the game.

Read More

Pitching Velocity

2010-11-22T17:53:00.000-08:00

Is pitching velocity overrated?

Yes, maybe. Young pitchers with a strong arm often have trouble locating the fastball in the strikezone. An experienced umpire commented that pitchers would do better if they took a little off the fastball - maybe 3-5 mph and controled the location of the pitch. The best pitchers have success locating the fastball low and away for strikes.

It is more important to locate a pitch, have movement and change speeds. This will keep a hitter off balance and mess up their timing.

My son prefers to have a low pitch count inning - under 10 pitches. By locating his pitches and changing speeds, he is able to get out of an inning quicker than the power pitchers.

A Little Leaguer can use three pitches to keep a hitter guessing:
4-seam fastball, 2-seam fastball and change up (10 mph slower than the fastball).

Add in a splitter or a knuckle ball and watch the hitter walk back to the dugout shaking their head. Remember, a ball with movement is very hard to hit.

Why can't anyone throw a baseball faster than 100 mph?
By Noam Scheiber, Slate Magazine
When baseball's elders swap stories about fireballers, the name that ends the conversation isn't Nolan Ryan or Sandy Koufax. It's one that never appeared on the back of a major-league uniform: Steve Dalkowski. Legend has it that the 5-foot-11-inch, 170-pound lefty threw his fastball well in excess of 100 mph. We don't have an exact number for the same reason Dalkowski, who toiled in the minors in the late 1950s and early 1960s, never made the big leagues: He was too wild to time.
In the last two decades, baseball managers and GMs have focused less on speed and more on injury prevention. According to Fleisig, whose clinic has diagnosed mechanical problems in professional pitchers since 1990, "[Baseball executives] don't come to me and say make this guy a few miles per hour faster. They say, help this guy stay on the field."
Read More

Where can I get an ambidextrous baseball glove?

2010-11-22T14:31:00.000-08:00

A baseball glove for switch pitchers is available from Akadema

Until recently, ambi gloves were custom made and very expensive ($400 - $600), so players used two separate gloves. Now you can order a high quaility ambidextrous glove for $120 from Akadema. This can be cheaper than owning two separate pitching gloves - plus it's really cool.

My son has been using an Akadema ambi glove for six months and likes being able to switch between throwing arms without changing gloves. The six-finger glove is stiff out of the box, and requires breaking in like other quality gloves. I tried it out and it's fun to use.

The glove doesn't have webbing like a standard glove - which is actually ok since it means you use two hands on the catch. When you get it down on the ground to snatch ground balls it fans out like a large scoop which is really nice. Sure beats the old flattened gloves.
Akadema's Ambidextrous Glove

12" Trap design. Each year Akadema makes a limited 100 gloves for Ambidextrous players.
Akadema website

Baseball Glove Options for Switch Pitchers

Information about glove options for young ambidextrous players.

Stephen Kenkel - Ambidextrous Pitcher

2010-11-20T23:52:00.000-08:00

17 year-old
IKM-Manning High School
Manilla, Iowa
#5, Wolves Baseball

RHP / LHP
Glove: custom ambidextrous glove TPX $400
Bats: Switch hitter

Stephen Kenkel, a high school switch pitcher, hopes to follow Pat Venditte's example and play professional baseball. He says he still has some work to do. Sometimes when he switches sides, he gets confused and forgets his form. Kenkel also said he needs to work on his velocity.

KETV.com feature (YouTube)
Interview with Stephen Kenkel, ambidextrous pitcher - shows him pitching from both sides.

Ambidextrous Pitcher Jeered, Cheered - Sports News Story - KETV Omaha

Joey Watson - High School Ambidextrous Pitcher

2010-11-20T23:22:00.000-08:00

Joey Watson, a switch pitcher, was featured in the news during his junior year in High School.

HS School Team: Harselle Tigers
Harselle, Alabama

College: Wallace State Community College, Hanceville, Alabama - 2005

Naturally right-handed
Glove: six finger custom glove with two thumbs

LHP: 83-84 mph fastball; curveball
RHP: 86-87 mph fastball; curveball

His father taught him to throw with both arms when he was five-years-old. Practice throwing a bucket of balls every day. Started switch pitching in games at 10-years-old.

If he is pitching well with one arm he will usually stay with it until he gets tired, then he can switch and fool everyone. According to the coach, nobody notices the switch since he is so smooth.
Averaged 10 strike outs per game. The coach said that his best pitch is the curveball - on both sides.

News feature in 2002

48 WAFF - Double Duty (YouTube)

Fox News feature story (YouTube)

Throwing Strikes - Control the Glove

2010-11-19T13:44:00.000-08:00

It is critical for a pitcher to have good glove control. Pitchers who block the glove side throw more strikes and reduce their chance of injury.

This young pitcher finishes a throw with the glove up behind his back - with the body totally exposed to a hit up the middle. The uncontrolled glove arm puts a lot of strain on the shoulder. Blocking the glove, in front of the chest. would help solve the problem.

Problems I see with young pitchers:

- glove side elbow moves behind the center of gravity creating counter rotation

- no glove control; the glove goes way behind the back causing shoulder strain

- pull the glove into the armpit causing them to open up to early

- glove flops to the side and causes release point to be off

Lack of glove control results in fielding problems:

- no glove protection from a line drive

- glove is out of position for fielding ground balls

- pitcher is off balance, falling to the side of the mound, with their back to the hitter

Midshipman 2nd Class Tom Van Dam throws a pitch during the U.S. Naval Academy season home opener game against University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). Note the glove position. photo credit

How to maintain glove control:
- "block the glove" by keeping the glove out in front of the body
- move your chest to the glove when throwing
- glove side elbow should be in front of the chest at release and follow through
- watch slow motion videos of pro pitchers for examples
- practice blocking the front side in front of a mirror

Pedro Martinez blocking the glove side.

Advantages of controlling the glove side:
- blocking the front side leads to a consistent release point
- serves as a timing mechanism
- creates leverage for a stronger throw
- glove protection from line drives
- reduce arm and shoulder strain
- better fielding position with the glove out in front
- better balance when throwing
- easier to locate pitches
- throw more strikes

Blocking vs "Pulling the Glove to the Chest" (video clip)
Demonstrates the benefits of "blocking the front side" as used by pro pitchers. Quarterbacks, tennis players and other athletes use blocking the front side to improve technique.

Felix Hernandez wins AL Cy Young Award

2010-11-19T11:59:00.000-08:00

Thursday, 18 November 2010
Right-handed pitcher Felix Hernandez captures the AL Cy Young Award. Henandez did a great job on the mound despite the lack of run support by the struggling Mariners team.

Felix Hernandez wins AL Cy Young Award

Felix Hernandez wiped away tears of joy and praised the support of Mariners teammates in helping him capture the AL Cy Young Award.

But the support of Baseball Writers' Association of America voters came through in a far bigger way for Hernandez on Thursday than did most of those bat-wielding teammates. The voters overlooked, in unprecedented, historic fashion, the fact Hernandez won only 13 games in 2010 and chose instead to laud his statistical dominance in most other categories.

Pitching Tips

2010-11-17T11:00:00.000-08:00

Pitching Tips:
- do dynamic warmups before pitching
- have a plan for each hitter
- communicate with the catcher and know the signs
- keep the batter guessing; change the tempo
- take your time, don't rush the delivery
- stay balanced and keep your head steady
- control the glove side - move your chest to the glove
- keep the elbow up and inline with the shoulder
- stay closed as long as possible
- use the lower body to generate power
- keep the glove in front of your chest
- follow through with the delivery
- relax and have fun

Practice, Practice, Practice
- play long toss twice a week
- do mirror drills to work to improve balance and mechanics
- get the mechanics perfected on the dominant side first, before switching to the other side
- if you don't have control of the fastball, then try slowing down a little
- after you have the pitching mechanics down - go faster
- work on developing a good changeup

- get feedback from a pitching coach

Get Help:
- learn from the best - checkout videos and pictures of Randy Johnson, Tom Seaver, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, Nolan Ryan and other 300 game winners.
- read books about pitching by Tom House
  (The Picture Perfect Pitcher; The Pitching Edge; The Art & Science of Pitching)
- take pitching lessons from a coach who knows about good biomechanics
- get visual feedback: capture videos of your pitching technique, then have the coach review the video clips and make suggestions

Pitching Mechanics 101
Pitching Mechanics 101 explains how to teach proper pitching mechanics to new pitchers, regardless of their age.

Proper Pitching Mechanics
Proper pitching mechanics are those that allow a pitcher to throw the ball...
   1. As hard as necessary.
   2. With exceptional control.
   3. With exceptional movement.
   4. With exceptional deception.
...while minimizing the risk that the pitcher will experience an injury.
Read more

Roy Halladay wins NL Cy Young Award

2010-11-16T17:00:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Roy Halladay was amazing this year - throwing a perfect game plus a no-hitter for the Phils. He went 21-10 with a 2.44 ERA and 219 strikeouts.

Phils' Halladay unanimously wins NL Cy Young Award

Roy Halladay arrived in Philadelphia to a standing ovation, a $60 million contract extension and the billing as baseball's top ace. That was before he threw a single pitch.

By BEN WALKER

AP Baseball Writer

NEW YORK —

Roy Halladay arrived in Philadelphia to a standing ovation, a $60 million contract extension and the billing as baseball's top ace. That was before he threw a single pitch.

Doc delivered, and then some.

Halladay added another victory to an almost perfect season Tuesday, unanimously winning the NL Cy Young Award and becoming the fifth pitcher to earn the honor in both leagues.

"It's by far the most fun I've ever had playing this game," he said on a conference call from Mexico, where he was golfing with Phillies teammate Mike Sweeney, Cardinals star Chris Carpenter and pitcher Chris Young.

"It was everything I hoped it would be," Halladay said.

In the Year of the Pitcher, he became the only one ever to throw a perfect game and no-hitter in the same season.

Halladay was an easy choice after going 21-10 with a 2.44 ERA and 219 strikeouts. He led the league in wins and topped the majors in innings (250 2-3), shutouts (4) and complete games (9).

Halladay received all 32 first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

Alex Adami - Iona Prep

2010-11-16T14:49:00.000-08:00

Alex Adami
Hometown: Thornwood, N.Y./Iona Prep

Bats: Right
Gloves: used two different gloves to throw right- or left-handed
Height 5'11" Weight 175 lbs.
College: SUNY Binghamton

Alex does a nice job of blocking his glove on the throw.

At Ion Prep HS, Adami had a cumulative record of 16-8 with a 1.16 ERA over three seasons.
He was 8-2 with a 0.93 ERA during his senior year in 2008.

Naturally right-handed, Adami started to alternate pitching left-handed in games.

Alex Adami Biography

The Switch-Pitcher - The LoHud Baseball Blog

Adami pitches five-hitter to beat the Mount

Switch Pitching Videos

2010-11-16T13:52:00.000-08:00

Make sure to take pitching lessons from an expert before you start switch pitching. Many of the video clips posted online show young pitchers with very poor pitching mechanics, which will lead to arm or shoulder injury. Here are a few examples of good and poor pitching mechanics.

Switch Pitchers with good mechanics

Pat Venditte - minor league switch pitcher
This is the switch pitcher featured all over the news. He was a walk-on pitcher for Creighton University, then was drafted by the NY Yankees organization.
Glove: Switch pitches using six-finger custom glove
Feature on Venditte

Venditte had instruction from college and pro pitching coaches, which helped to develop his mechanics. Note the good glove control - he blocks the glove out in front of his body.

Pat Venditte Northwoods League Allstar Game 2007
Venditte warming up left- and right-handed

Ambidextrous Pitcher Drew Vettleson
Features pitching and hitting videos of Drew on the Timberjacks select team.

Drew Vettleson has a high leg lift, long stride, stays closed and maintains good glove control when throwing right-handed. Sometimes the glove moves behind his back on the left-handed throws, then he adjusts the glove position after the pitch so he is ready to field the ball.
Vettleson was selected in the recent MLB draft to play for the Rays organization and most likely will be an outfielder since he is a solid left-handed hitter.

Drew Vettleson selected No. 42 overall in Major League Draft

Cole Critchfield - 14yo ambidextrous pitcher
Caesars Baseball #6

Good pitching mechanics, nice glove control and follow through. Knows how to locate pitches in the strike zone. Using
an ambidextrous glove.

Cole Critchfield pitching video - throws right-handed, then right-handed

Switch Pitchers who need to work on their mechanics

Jay Massey - Clovis, CA
Jay is a young switch pitcher who could do well with professional pitching instruction. His pitches are around the strikezone, but he needs work on bimechanics including controlling the glove side.
Glove: Switch pitches using two separate Rawlings gloves.
Dominant hand: right-handed
Jay Massey pitching video - throws left-handed, then right-handed

Note the lack of glove control - the glove moves way behind his back on the follow through - putting the glove out of position for fielding balls hit up the middle. Left-handed, Jay separates his hands early, opens up too soon and lands open, resulting pitches out of the strike zone. Right-handed, he tilts backward on the leg lift, putting him off balance, then he opens up too early on the throw.

Jesse Harris - 12yo, demos use of ambidextrous glove
Jesse Harris is ambidextrous and pitches with a custom made six finger glove made by Mizuno.
Jesse Harris pitching video - left and right-handed
Fun to watch, but note the poor throwing mechanics and lack of glove control. A short stride plus the unbalanced landing results in the pitcher falling off the side of the mound. With the glove way behind the back, it would be difficult to field grounders or hard hits back to the pitcher.

Video of Jesse Harris pitching in a game. He throws some good pitches, but notice the lack of glove control. It looks like he gave up some hits/walks since there were three different runners on second base (#21, 1, 14).

Read - Pitching Tips

Ryan Perez - Switch Pitcher Leads Team to State Title

2010-11-15T13:48:00.000-08:00

Ryan Perez
Hometown: Hampshire, IL
High School: Westminster Christian , Elgin, IL
HS Team: Warriors - 1A State Champions 2010
Travel Team: McHenry County Hurricanes

Height:  5-11 Weight:  165
Positions: RHP, LHP, 1B, 3B, SS
Pitching
Fastball:  RHP: 84-86 LHP: 83-85
Curve:  RHP: 67 LHP: 64-66
Changeup:  RHP: 72 LHP: 73
Bats: Switch hitter

Dominant hand: right-handed

When it comes to brushing his teeth, eating, writing and playing other sports, Ryan is always right-handed.

Glove: Akadema Abidextrous Glove
Ryan Perez uses a special glove his brother found after a long search led him to Akadema, a company that specializes in baseball and softball equipment. The glove has six fingers, allowing Ryan to easily switch from one hand to the other.

Goal: "At first I didn't think about that stuff, or at least I'd try not to," Ryan said. "But I think if I keep working really hard I can definitely get to the major leagues."
(source: wcwarriorbaseball.net )
The Warriors standout is ambidextrous in pitching, fielding and hitting.

Why he started pitching with both arms

A lifelong passion for the sport led Juan Perez to experiment with developing an ambidextrous ballplayer when Ryan came along as the youngest of his six children.
"From the moment I put a baseball in his hand, at that time I decided to see if it could be done," Juan said. "I figured he was my last son and I always wondered if it could be done. So I took the chance and tried it with him."

Both father and son agree the process wasn't easy.

Despite being naturally right-handed, Ryan was conditioned by Juan to throw with both hands. When Ryan would pick up a ball with his right hand, Juan would make him move it over to his left.

Eventually it became second nature for Ryan to handle a ball with both hands and throw with both arms. These days, he thinks nothing of the talent.

"A lot of times if he goes to a clinic or something, they go on the side of it being a gift," Juan said. "But Ryan and I know it was a lot of work."

Articles

Westminster's young Perez a dual threat
Ambidextrous Perez turning heads on baseball diamond
Read more

Mercy! Westminster Christian run-rules Goreville for first state title
Chicago Tribune, June 5, 2010

Neither of his pitching arms was operating effectively, but switch-pitching sophomore Ryan Perez's left-handed swing had never been sweeter.

Perez hit two home runs, drove in seven and left the heavy pitching to sophomore reliever Kevin Elder on Saturday as Westminster Christian captured its first state championship in any sport with a 15-5, six-inning run-rule victory over Goreville in the 1A final at Silver Cross Field in Joliet.

Perez (9-0), who pitched three innings with his left hand and 1/3 of an inning right-handed Friday in a semifinal, and Elder (12-4) split pitching duties during games all season. They combined on a no-hitter Tuesday in a supersectional.

Player of the game: Ryan Perez, Westminster Christian, 3-for-3, 2 HR, 7 RBIs.

Read more

Westminster Christian pitcher Ryan Perez uses both hands to knock out Lebanon

June 04, 2010|By Mike Helfgot | Special to the Chicago Tribune

Ryan Perez pitched left-handed and right-handed and played third base and shortstop — all before pitching two consecutive innings that were separated by nearly two hours.

Meet Ryan Perez - Westminster Christian Warriors Baseball

The rarest of talents recently attended a Prep Baseball Report Underclassmen Showcase, Meet Ryan Perez, a 5-foot-11, 150-pound freshman from Westminster Christian, a Class 1A parochial school in Elgin. Perez will never be forgotten at the PBR headquarters after he brought two mitts to the mound and proceeded to throw freshman cheddar with either arm.
Read more

Austin Cousino - talented player learns to throw with other arm

2010-11-14T23:57:00.000-08:00

Once in a while, you here about a baseball player who injures their throwing arm, but they want to play so much that they learn to throw with the opposite arm. Billy Wagner comes to mind. Here is a story about a talented outfielder with the desire to play baseball, who switched to throwing right-handed following surgery on his left arm. Again, this is proof that throwing with both arms can be learned and is not a "gift" as some people might claim.

Staying On the Field
Cousino show strong desire to play
by Bubba Brown, 3 Nov 2010

After surgery to repair a posterior labrum tear, it didn't take long for Austin Cousino to start throwing again.

No, his left arm didn't make a miraculous recovery, enabling him to breeze through the extensive rehab. Ever the competitor, he was merely trying to get back on the field by learning how to throw righthanded, a feat he mastered.

"He decided he was going to do that after he was injured," said Tim Saunders, Cousino's coach at Dublin (Ohio) Coffman High. "It wasn't anything he practiced growing up. He decided he was going to play for us last year opposite-handed."

Read more

High school baseball: Coffman star shows no rust after injury

Monday, May 17, 2010 2:50 AM

BY MARK ZNIDAR

The Columbus DispatchAustin Cousino was stoic when he learned he had a torn labrum, and he was a model patient throughout surgery and a laborious rehabilitation process that ate up the better part of six months of his young life.

But after Cousino endured 220-plus days of watching others preparing for or playing baseball, the waiting game for the Dublin Coffman center fielder had become something like from here to eternity.

The Knuckleball

2010-11-12T12:10:00.000-08:00

A knuckleball (or knuckler) is a baseball pitch with an erratic, unpredictable motion. The pitch is thrown slowly with a special finger grip to minimize the spin of the ball in flight. The slight rotation causes voritces over the stitched seams of the baseball during its trajectory, which in turn can cause the pitch to change direction making it very difficult to hit and catch.

Knuckleball 101 - Blog
- Learn how to throw the knuckleball >>

As used by Eddie Cicotte, the knuckleball was originally thrown by holding the ball with the knuckles, hence the name of the pitch. Now the knuckleball grip includes digging the fingernails into the surface of the ball or gripping the ball with the finger tips.

Great knuckleball pitchers:
Tom Candiotti, Charile Hough, Phil Niekro, Joe Niekro, Hoyt Wilhelm, Wilbur Wood

Recent pro knuckleball pitchers:
Tim Wakefield, R.A. Dickey

Tim Wakefield's Knuckleball (video)
Wakefield talks about how he grips and throws the knuckleball.

Tim Wakefield throw knuckleball in game (slow motion video)
The batter swings and misses a knuckleball, while the catcher closes glove and misses the ball.

Little League knuckleball pitcher:

E:60 Chelsea Baker - ESPN Video July 20, 2010 - 10 min

In 2010, the best player on the Plant City Little League Team, was a 13-year-old girl named Chelsea Baker. The young knuckleball pitcher dominated the boys using a pitch she learned from Joe Niekro - a former major league pitcher who mastered the knuckler.

Quotes from pro players

"Trying to hit that thing is a miserable way to make a living." - Pete Rose

"Trying to hit Phil Niekro is like trying to eat jello with chopsticks. Sometimes you get a piece but most of the time you get hungry." - Bobby Murcer, on Phil Niekro

"You don't catch the knuckleball, you defend against it." - Joe Torre

"There are two theories on catching the knuckleball...
unfortunately, neither of the theories work." - Charlie Lau

Science behind the Knuckleball

When a pitcher throws a knuckleball, the ball has no rotation and appears to flutter. What makes it flutter?
Porter Johnson, a physics professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology and an avid baseball fan, supplies the answer here.

"For a knuckleball, the important thing is that the ball rotate about an axis so that the seams are on one side of the front of the ball at one instant, whereas a little later they are on the other side of the front of the ball. The ball will then drift in the direction of the leading seam, and then drift back when the seam becomes exposed on the other side.

The seams produce turbulence in the air flowing around the ball, disturbing the air layer traveling with the ball and thereby producing a force on the ball. As the ball slowly rotates, this force changes, causing the ball to "flutter" and slowly drift. The knuckleball is very difficult to throw well and is sensitive to wind, temperature and, of course, atmospheric pressure."

The break on the knuckleball
One of the most interesting statistics measured is the break of a pitch...how much up-and-down and side-to-side motion a pitched ball goes through after leaving the pitcher's hand. The break demonstrates why the knuckleball is such a difficult pitch to hit, particularly when used in conjunction with other pitch types.

The Physics of Baseball 2: "The Seven Per Cent Knuckleball"
The knuckleball is a different creature altogether. It is, first of all, a misnomer: the knuckleball is actually propelled by the fingertips, or the ends of the fingers if the pitcher has accidentally lost his fingertips. The knuckler is thrown without spin, causing asymmetric stitch configurations and trajectoral turbulence relative to the ball's flight. The wind resistance is directed from the smooth side of the ball to the rougher, stitched side. Therefore the balance of Magnus forces is thrown into imbalance, and the ball's flight is given over to chaos theory.

My Oh My!

2010-11-11T12:53:00.000-08:00

Dave Niehaus, Voice of the Seattle Mariners, Dies at 75
November 10, 2010

Mariners fans are saddened to learn that Dave Niehaus, the play-by-play voice of the Seattle Mariners since 1977, has died at age 75. Niehaus passed away of a heart attack Wednesday evening in his Bellevue home.

Niehaus was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008 as the recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award, the highest honor for American baseball broadcasters.

He will be missed by all, but remembered for his many phrases.

The home run call:
"It will fly away!"

The Grand Slam call in which he emphatically screams:
"Get out the rye bread and mustard, grandma - it is grand salami time!"

My Oh My!

“He made the Mariners what they are. Day in and day out he brought the excitement.” - Ken Griffey, Jr

Loss of a Legend: Dave Niehaus, voice of the Mariners, dies at 75 - Komo News

Long Toss Throwing

2010-11-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

"I think long toss is a great way to build your arm up, to get in shape to throw off the mound." - Greg Maddux

Long toss helps to build arm and leg strength while improving throwing accuracy. Throwing long distances - over 150 ft - can be useful to practice for fielders and pitchers. It's great to have a strong partner to throw with, but a parent can help with the workout.

My son likes to throw long toss on the local football field. It's a level turf surface and the yard markers help when moving to different throwing distances. I don't have a strong arm - after getting hit in the crosswalk by a car, so I roll ground balls underhand or hit fly balls over 40 yards. A light fungo bat helps to drive the ball straight down the field.

Long Toss

- warm up with dynamic stretching and arm circle exercises

- use your legs and work on throwing mechanics

- throw straight and accurate

- block the glove, moving your chest to the glove

There are two phases to the long toss program:

1) Stretching phase

- start out with easy relaxed throws at 60 ft

- focus on using good throwing mechanics

- increase the distance after two to three minutes

- listen to your arm to know the miximum throwing distance

2) Pull down phase

- start gradually moving back toward the original starting distance, in 10 yard steps

- finish throwing at 60 ft distance

- pitching velocity should be optimal at this point

A middle school pitcher's long toss program (example)

In the off-season, do this drill twice a week. It takes about 15 minutes.

Stretching phase

1. Warm up the arm by playing easy catch.

2. Throw at 60 feet for 3 minutes

3. Throw at 90 feet for 2 minutes

4. Throw at 120 feet for 2 minutes

5. Throw at 150+ feet for 1-2 minutes

Pull down phase

6. Throw at 120 feet for 1 minute

7. Throw at 90 feet for 1 minute

8. Throw at 45 to 60 feet for 2 minutes

Note: final distance can be about what you throw from the mound
LL Minors/Majors 46 ft, Bronco 48 ft, Pony 54 ft, Juniors 60.5 ft

Use the proper throwing mechanics and a limited arc on the throw. The legs and core will provide most of the power. It's fine to bounce the ball to your partner - eventually you will make stronger throws.

Arm Circle Exercises - video

Long Toss Program - video

Rediscovering The Lost Art of Long Toss by Coach Alan Jaeger

Long Toss Program for High School and Pro Players thecompletepitcher.com

Tim Lincecum - World Series Pitching Ace

2010-11-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

photo by Dirk Hasen

World Series champion Tim Lincecum uses his legs and hip rotation to generate momentum and energy while pitching. His leg stride is amazing - 7.5 feet. The arm comes along for the ride.

Lincecum learned his pitching mechanics from his father, Chris - who designed a weight-training program for Tim and videotaped his amateur games. Together, they reviewed the video the next day and the feedback helped Lincecum refine his pitching technique.

A New Ace for a New Era by Tyler Kepner

Lincecum credited a new workout, focused more on his legs and core muscles, with smoothing his mechanics and invigorating his preparation.

“After that,” he said, “it became more of just what I wanted to throw as opposed to how I was going to throw it.”

It also kept him strong down the stretch, with a 9-2 record and a 2.17 E.R.A. from Sept. 1 through the end of the World Series. Over 78 2/3 innings, Lincecum had 95 strikeouts and 17 walks, and opponents hit .188 against him. (source: NY Times)

How Tiny Tim Became a Pitching Giant by Tom Verducci

Pitching Drills

2010-11-03T00:16:00.000-07:00

Here are simple throwing drills for warming up before pitching. The idea is to get the body moving toward the target, block the glove, stay closed, and let the arm come along for the ride.

1) Step-behind
- step, then step-behind and throw
- idea is to get the body moving toward the target while keeping the glove out in front
- do five to ten throws

2) Crossover
- cross the lead leg over the plant foot
- lead with the hips moving forward, then throw with smooth follow through
- do five to ten throws

3) Rocker
- glove out in front, equal and opposite of throwing arm
- rock hips back and forth with feet spread wide for balance
- throw the ball after rocking three times
- do five to ten reps

4) High Leg
- starting in the set position, lift the leg high and go fast with a long stride
- make sure to move your chest to the glove (blocking) and don't pull the glove into body
- focus on going fast to increase velocity
- do five to ten reps
- go faster on each throw

On a rainy day, train indoors

1) Mirror drills
- do your pitching motion in front of a long mirror
- focus on balance and keeping the head steady
- check arm position in relation to shoulders
- get glove out in front with palm facing out

2) Towel drills
- practice pitching motion using a hand towel instead of a ball
- make sure to have plenty of room to work on a long stride
- work on smooth pitching motion
- move chest to the glove and follow through with the throwing arm
- increase stride length
- try the rocker drill using a towel

Long Toss
- warm up with dynamic stretching and arm circle exercises
- work on throwing mechanics and crow hops
- throw straight and accurate
- increase distance 10 - 15 feet after five throws

Arm Circle Exercises - video
Long Toss Program - video

Rediscovering The Lost Art of Long Toss by Coach Alan Jaeger
"I think long toss is a great way to build your arm up, to get in shape to throw off the mound." - Greg Maddux

Pablo Sandoval - Kung Fu Panda is ambidextrous

2010-10-30T16:53:00.000-07:00

Pro Team: San Francisco Giants
Position: catcher/first baseman/third baseman
Number: 48
Height: 5'11" Weight: 245 lb.
Throws: Right-handed, but is naturally left-handed
Bats: Switch hitter .268
Born: Aug 11, 1986, Puerto Cabello, Venezuela

Pablo Sandoval, nicknamed Kung Fu Panda or Round Mound of Pound, is a Major League Baseball player for the San Francisco Giants. Sandoval is an ambidextrous thrower, but only throws right-handed during baseball games.

Sandoval grew up playing left-handed in Venezuela. He reportedly started throwing right-handed at the age of 9, so he could play catcher. Note that Pablo is a switch hitter, which is somewhat common for a player who is ambidextrous.

Pitcher Barry Zito of the Giants started calling Pablo Sandoval, who was catching for him, Kung Fu Panda, after the overweight animated film character. Fans started wearing panda hats and giant panda heads to the ballpark - as seen at the 2010 World Series.

"Sandoval became conditioned to taking his hacks as a youth in Venezuela. He grew up playing tape-ball in the family garage with his older brother Michael, who went on to spend six years as a third baseman in the Minnesota Twins' chain.

"I just think he's a natural born hitter," Willie McCovey said. "I went out on a limb last year and said I think he's going to be another Albert Pujols. I know it's high praise, but that's kind of who he reminded me of when he first came up."

Sandoval's hefty frame conceals a natural athleticism; he's ambidextrous and can throw the ball accurately and with zip as both a lefty and a righty. But his range is limited at third, and the Giants are covered at catcher for the short term with Molina and the long term with top prospect Buster Posey. The consensus is that Sandoval will forsake both catching and third base for first base eventually. (Jerry Crasnick, ESPN)

Giants' present plans include Sandoval

Switch-hitter bursts onto scene, and will be starting third baseman to start season

Pablo Sandoval Statistics

The Giants’ Panda, Loved, but Benched

Oldtime Baseball Game - Double Take

2010-10-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

Ambidextrous pitcher switches sides to pitch for road team
"Matt Brunnig, who is ambidextrous, pitched one inning right-handed for the home team in 2003, and then changed uniforms and pitched one inning left-handed for the road team".

Oldtime Baseball Game - History
St. Peter's Field, Cambridge, MA

The Oldtime Baseball Game is a celebration of our national pastime, played each year at beautiful St. Peter’s Field on Sherman Street in North Cambridge. From its humble beginnings in 1994, the game has grown considerably over the years, yet has remained loyal to its mission of offering a glimpse of what it was like in the old days, when hundreds of fans would turn out to root for their “town” team in various local semipro leagues.
Players from the game are chosen from colleges and universities from the Boston area, with an occasional high school player or retired big-leaguer added to the mix.

Sam Shaughnessy - Boston College

2010-10-19T18:30:00.000-07:00

Born: October 2, 1987 in Newton, Massachusetts

Position: first baseman and corner outfielder
(Left-handed, but also can throw right-handed)

Bats: Left

Hometown: San Diego, CA

High School: Newton North High School

College: Boston College 2006 — 2010
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Carroll School of Management

Jersey Number: 42
wore jersey #24 in high school since Ken Griffey, Jr. was a favorite player

According the Boston College baseball profile: Sam is a solid hitter. Started 29 games as a redshirt Freshman (2008) ...led the team with a .418 on-base percentage ... 11 of his 25 hits went for extra bases. One coach commented that Sam was ambidextrous - pitching with both arms in a game - but he plays baseball left-handed.

His father, Dan Shughnessy, wrote a book called "Senior Year" about Sam's experience at Newton North High School and his passion for playing baseball. He hit .358 with 18 RBIs and 10 extra-base hits as a senior; drew 31 walks in 22 games.

Boston College Profile

Where is he now?
Sam Shaughnessy - LinkenIn

Newton slugger on way to BC
North senior chose local favorite despite a trip to Notre Dame

by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff

"BC's interest in Shaughnessy heightened after he hit three home runs against Malden Catholic in a state tournament game. During the high school season this year, the 18-year-old Shaughnessy hit .380, with seven home runs, 16 runs batted in, and a .785 slugging percentage.

Connerney said that Shaughnessy is also an underrated fielder and has an unusual ability to throw with either hand. In a Babe Ruth baseball game years ago, Shaughnessy pitched lefty and righty in one contest, just as Greg Harris once did for the Red Sox. In most games, he throws left-handed because he fields better with his right hand." (Boston Globe)

Senior Year by Dan Shaughnessy

A proud father, a power-hitting son and a lifetime of memories come through in one memorable season (book excerpt in Sports Illustrated)

Max Homick - ambidextrous star

2010-10-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

Max Homick
Born: June 10, 1992
Rancho Bernardo High School, San Diego

Position: LHP - up to 90 mph fastball
Bats: Left
6'3'', 200 lb.

Hometown: San Diego, CA
College: verbal commitment to the University of San Diego

Uses 4 gloves to play several positions:
Left-handed - LHP, 1B, OF
Right-handed - 3B

Max can throw well with either arm, but only pitches left-handed in games. He plays 1B and OF left-handed; and can play 3B right-handed. Max started playing baseball when he was 11 years-old and apparently played catcher, shortstop and third base right-handed. He played hockey left-handed and writes with his right hand.

Although, Max is not an ambidextrous pitcher, I thought this was an interesting story of an ambidextrous baseball player who has potential at the college level.

Homick an ambidextrous star in the making

Rancho Bernardo (San Diego) junior Max Homick, already committed to the University of San Diego, is batting .382 with two home runs and can touch 90 miles per hour on the mound.

"He’s still a young kid. He can play first, outfield or be a left-handed pitcher. I don’t see him being a right-handed third baseman, so why try it? I think it’s going to inhibit him from getting better. We’re just trying to make him keep his feet on the ground." (comment by high school coach)

Mike Spiers, who directs the national-champion ABD Academy program, encourages Homick to throw right-handed at times because (1) he believes it helps save wear and tear on his left arm and (2) "he’s got a very strong right arm." (comment by select team coach)

Mitchell Beacom - UCLA Pitcher

2010-07-04T18:21:00.000-07:00

Mitchell Ray Beacom
Born: July 4, 1989 in San Diego, CA
Position: LHP (also can throw righthanded)
Bats: Left
Hometown: San Diego, CA
College: UCLA
Jersey Number: 35

According the UCLA baseball profile: Mitchell is ambidextrous, but plays baseball left-handed.
UCLA Profile of Mitchell Beacom

An online forum, about ambidextrous pitchers, states that Mitch Beacom can throw in the low 90s left-handed and 88 mph right-handed. (umpire.org)

Royals 36th round pick LHP Mitchell Beacom UCLA

Royals Prospects
Six-foot-8 left-handed pitcher Mitchell Beacom, a redshirt sophomore, was taken by the Kansas City Royals in the 36th round.
Beacom is a draft-eligible sophomore who worked out of the UCLA bullpen this year. Beacom put up an ERA of 4.58 in 17 2/3 innings with 22 strikeouts and 3 walks in 2010.
Read more

‘Chucks Sign 6’9” UCLA Southpaw
Monday, May 17th, 2010 (Wausau, WI) Mitchell Beacom, a 6’9” lefty reliever from UCLA, has signed with the Wisconsin Woodchucks for the 2010 summer. Beacom, a third-year sophomore, is providing quality innings out of the ‘pen for a UCLA team seemingly destined for extensive postseason play with a 37-11 record.

Beacom’s stats this season are deceiving, as his 4.76 earned run average doesn’t tell the whole story. Through 17 innings pitched out of the pen, Beacom boasts an extraordinary 0.88 WHIP with a .185 opponent batting average- making his higher ERA a statistical oddity.

He makes pool seem too shallow

By Glae ThienSPECIAL TO THE UNION-TRIBUNE

Beacom was named All-San Diego Section second team in water polo last year while splitting his athletic calendar with baseball in the spring.
A few colleges have contacted Beacom about water polo. But he said his preference would be to focus on baseball as a left-handed pitcher.
Beacom, a 185-pounder, pitches left-handed, but he throws the ball right-handed in water polo. In fact, he's ambidextrous, giving him strength on both sides of his body in defending the goal.

Switching throwing arms is just one part of the transition between the baseball field and pool.

Read more

Drew Vettleson - Switch Pitcher in the News

2010-07-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

Switch-pitcher: More than just a novelty act
By Carla Swank, Rivals High Assistant Editor
New York Yankees pitcher Pat Venditte got the attention of the sports world last month when he became baseball's first "switch-pitcher" in a spring training game - throwing to batters as both a right-hander and left-hander.
Drew Vettleson, a senior at Central Kitsap High in Silverdale, Wash., was watching more closely than most.

Vettleson is an ambidextrous pitcher, too.

"It's definitely very cool," he said. "We're two of the only people in the world who can do this." Read more

Drew Vettleson: Double Threat

By Kevin Armstrong, EPSN Rise

With the ability to throw heat from either side of the mound -- not to mention a powerful stroke at the plate -- Central Kitsap’s (Silverdale, Wash.) Drew Vettleson is the complete package.

Central Kitsap High School baseball player Drew Vettleson strikes out sports reporter to win challenge

By WESLEY REMMER Central Kitsap Reporter, Apr 14 2010

Drew Vettleson’s big grin stretched across the infield, masking his freakish baseball talent.

Like the ability to throw between 90-93 mph with his right arm — and in the upper-80s with his left, accurately. Or hit the ball more than 400 feet, to all directions of the field, from the left side of the plate.

Home runs and no-hitters are norms, not exceptions, for the ambidextrous Vettleson, the 2009 Gatorade Player of the Year who is rated the No. 19 prospect in the country and projected to be drafted in the 2010 Major League Draft in June.

Player of the year: CK's Drew Vettleson

DOUG PACEY, The News Tribune

Central Kitsap ace known best for his switch-pitching, but college and pro scouts know him for his mature baseball savvy

Long before college coaches and professional baseball scouts recognized Drew Vettleson for the complete ballplayer he could become, he had made a name for himself by being an ambidextrous pitcher.
“That’s what I’ve always been known for,” Vettleson said, “the kid who can switch-pitch.”

Read more

Drew Vettleson - 42nd Pick of the 2010 MLB Draft

2010-06-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

High School Switch Pitcher selected in MLB Draft

Central Kitsap's Drew Vettleson selected No. 42 overall in Major League Draft - Central Kitsap Reporter

Central Kitsap High School senior Drew Vettleson, who has committed to Oregon State University, was selected No. 42 overall Monday by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2010 Major League Draft.

Vettleson led Central Kitsap in nearly every offensive statistical category during the regular season in 2010, hitting .490 to go with seven home runs and 29 RBI. He also was the team's top pitcher, posting a 1.35 ERA with 71 strikeouts and 32 walks.

Rays Take Drew Vettleson With 42nd Pick of 2010 Draft

The Rays took high school OF Drew Vettleson with their compensation round pick ( #42 overall).

Vettleson has earned some notice for his switch-pitching, but he’s a pro prospect as an outfielder who can hit and profiles well in right field.

One Pitch at a Time

2010-06-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

Focus on throwing one pitch at a time. Don't worry about the last pitch.

A lot of young pitcher's will throw high, then over compensate with a very low throw - sometimes in the dirt. With the pitcher behind in the count, the next pitch might be down the middle of the plate for a single.

The pitcher should forget about the previous pitch and focus on throwing strikes low and away (over the outside of the plate). Take a deep breath, smile and then go after the batter.

If there are two outs, then focus on the catcher's glove and don't worry about runners on base. Throwing over to keep a runner on first base can mess with your rhythm, so check the runner then throw hard to the glove. A ground ball should result in an out at first base.

Switch Pitching 101

Ryan Perez - ESPN Interview

Ryan Perez - Switch Pitcher News

Elgin-area POY Perez one of a kind

First pitch strike

Pat Venditte the Switch Pitcher

Base Stealing Secret

Talent vs Hard Work

Moyer's Pep Talk at Notre Dame

Left-Handed Pickoff Move

Keep your head quiet

Unbelievably Believable

Fastball Speed: Windup vs Stretch

Does the stretch cost a pitcher fastball speed?

Justin Verlander wins AL Most Valuable Player

Ed Tseng Exclusive Pat Venditte Interview

Justin Verlander wins AL Cy Young Award in 2011

Aroldis Chapman throws 105 MPH

Interview with Trenton Switch Pitcher Pat Venditte

Drew Vettleson - 2011 Princeton Rays

What is a perfect game in baseball?

Angel Macias pitched a perfect game in the 1957 Little League World Series

Angel Macias, an ambidextrous pitcher from Mexico, threw a perfect game in the 1957 Little League World Series. Macias set down all 18 batters, in six innings, from the Northern La Mesa Little League to win the Little League World Series.

1957 Little League World Series Newsreel Stock Footage

Ambidextrous Angel

Pat Venditte Stats

Rawlings Ambidextrous Baseball Glove Prototype

Best baseball movie ever

Baseball Bullpen App

Ryan Perez - Ambidextrous Pitcher Video

Ambidextrous Pitcher Ryan Perez

Aiden McNasby - 8 year old switch pitcher

How fast does Ryan Perez throw?

How fast does Pat Venditte throw?

Pat Venditte Interview - 2011

Trenton’s Venditte An Effective Switch…Pitcher

High School Switch Pitcher Ryan Perez Throws 90 mph

Trenton switch-pitcher Pat Venditte takes on the Squirrels

Switch pitcher Ryan Perez has a chance to dominate

CABA pitcher changes speeds, arms By ROSS JACOBSON

Pitching warmup routine

Avoid overuse injuries

A warning on overuse injuries for youths

Slow pitching works against big hitters

Learning Pitches

Get a Grip

Has there ever been a switch pitcher in Major League Baseball?

Switch Pitchers in the News

Why are switch hitters rare?

When to start switch pitching

Bob Feller - 'Rapid Robert'

Three pitches for Little Leaguers

Pat Vendetti - Ambidextrous Pitcher is Double Threat

Little Leaguer's Elbow

Throwing Strikes - Changeup

Ambidextrous Coach - Joe Vavra

Throwing Strikes - The Curveball

Switch Pitching Rules - The Pat Venditte Rule

Pitching Velocity

Where can I get an ambidextrous baseball glove?

Stephen Kenkel - Ambidextrous Pitcher

Joey Watson - High School Ambidextrous Pitcher

Throwing Strikes - Control the Glove

Felix Hernandez wins AL Cy Young Award

Felix Hernandez wins AL Cy Young Award

Pitching Tips

Pitching Mechanics 101

Roy Halladay wins NL Cy Young Award

Phils' Halladay unanimously wins NL Cy Young Award

Alex Adami - Iona Prep

Switch Pitching Videos

Ryan Perez - Switch Pitcher Leads Team to State Title

Austin Cousino - talented player learns to throw with other arm

Monday, May 17, 2010 2:50 AM

BY MARK ZNIDAR

The Columbus DispatchAustin Cousino was stoic when he learned he had a torn labrum, and he was a model patient throughout surgery and a laborious rehabilitation process that ate up the better part of six months of his young life.

The Knuckleball

E:60 Chelsea Baker - ESPN Video July 20, 2010 - 10 min

My Oh My!

Loss of a Legend: Dave Niehaus, voice of the Mariners, dies at 75 - Komo News