Switch Pitching 101

Most states have rules on the total number of innings that a high school pitcher can throw in one week. In Kansas, a kid is allowed to throw 12 innings during a 48-hour span. A good high school pitcher might average 15 pitches per inning. 12 innings x 15 pitches/inning = 180 pitches That's a lot of pitches in a short time - especially for a young arm. But is the inning limit the best formula to protect a young pitcher's arm? Extended Innings ... The big problem that I see is with the long innings, where a kid throws 20+ pitches.  The pitcher starts loosing control, looses velocity, rolls their eyes, takes long walks around the mound and shows general signs of fatigue. And the 30 pitch innings are really tough on the arm. Most kids don't have the strength and conditioning to handle this type of load.  Plus, there is the mental fatigue of long stints on the mound.  It's hard to face a big hitter twice in one inning - with the bases loaded - after the ent...

The  pitchability  of a player involves all of the following: He can throw any pitch anytime which makes him unpredictable. The batters in the other line-up that he should get out, he gets out. He doesn’t let their best hitters beat them.  He’s not afraid to walk or pitch around them. He minimizes fastball counts by getting ahead and staying ahead. He can throw strikes on both sides of the plate. He makes his best pitches when it counts the most.  Anyone can throw a good breaking pitch on the black when they are facing the eight hitter with nobody on and his team is up 6-0.  Can he hit the black with the bases loaded and the third hitter is up with the winning run on second? He consistently repeats his delivery. He throws just as well from the stretch as he does from the wind-up. He works quick but doesn’t rush. He is consistently around the knees with all his pitches. What does  pitchability  mean? ...

Kieboom selected in the 2016 MLB Draft  http://www.cbssports.com/ 28  Washington Nationals 3B Carter Kieboom, Walton High School (GA) The Clemson commit is said to have good power and hit tools to go with a strong arm from third base (he's actually been a shortstop in high school but he profiles as a third baseman in the pros). There are some good bloodlines here, as Kieboom's brother (Spencer) plays in the Nationals system and yet another brother is playing for the University of Georgia. Carter is known as one of the best pure high school hitters in the draft, especially being singled out for his maturity at such a young age. Oh, and this is an awesome baseball name, no? Nats go against recent history with early 2016 draft picks By Noah Frank | @NoahFrankWTOP,  June 10, 2016 “Very good tools, from above average to solid average, Kline said. “[He’s] going to be a really good big leaguer.” The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder from Walton High School in Mariet...

Are you getting ready for a baseball tryout? Here are some helpful tips from baseball coaches on making a good first impression. Preparation - practice hitting, throwing and fielding, a least two weeks before the tryout - be prepared, have everything ready the day before the tryout - dress like a baseball player (baseball pants, jersey, cap, cleats) - wear a shirt with your name on the back - plan to learn something new - show up 30 minutes early - relax and have fun Attitude Coaches are looking for skilled players, with a positive attitude - who are coachable - listen carefully, be coachable - introduce yourself to the coaches, shake their hands - pay attention and look the coach in the eye - ask and answer questions - focus on the skill - have a positive attitude - hustle everywhere Bonus Points - be a leader - support your teammates - show your love of the game Pitching - talk with the catcher before you pitch - mak...

Henry Knight  throws 6 pitches for strikes from both sides Switch Pitchers - Class of 2016 Over the past decade, there have been a few players who pitched with both arms in high school baseball games. Switch pitchers are extremely rare, since it takes coordination, dedication and a lot of practice.  Most of these ambidextrous pitchers were inspired by major league switch pitcher Pat Venditte who now plays for Toronto. Check out the list of ambidextrous high school baseball players from the class of 2016. Two switch pitchers have already signed to play for Division 1 baseball teams. Committed: Carter Kieboom , Walton HS, Marietta, Georgia Kieboom is a tall thin infielder who has the ability to pitch with both arms and bats right-handed. He throws 86 mph RHP, and 80 mph LHP. His older brothers played college baseball, and one was drafted as a catcher by the Nationals.  2016 MLB Draft: #28 pick in the first round by the Washington Nation...

Carter Kieboom  ( Pronounced KEE-boom) Carter Kieboom BHP   (photo: @Big_BOOM5) Hometown: Marietta, GA Walton High School (Class of 2016) College Commitment:    Clemson University 2016 MLB Draft: #28 first round Washington Nationals Summer Team:  East Cobb Yankees Positions:  3B/SS/BHP Height/Weight:  6-2, 185 lbs. Bats: Right Throws:  Both Velocity:  RHP: 86 mph; LHP: 80 mph Dominant Hand: right Carter Kieboom is a tall thin infielder from Marietta, Georgia who has the ability to pitch with both arms. Here's what the scouts are saying about his ability to switch pitch ... "Both handed pitcher, more natural from the right side, quick right arm from a high three quarters arm slot, good spin on 11-5 curveball, fastball up to 85. From the left side he pitches from a three quarter arm slot with an online delivery and an extended release, less smooth and natural from the left side but was effective ...