First game tomorrow!

[Go Cardinals]

Well its finally here. My hours of practicing, training, and learning is finally going to be put into action. Thought I'd share it. I'll post back how it goes.


I have a question... What are some things that I should be watching the pitcher for? Like in the dugout etc... I kind of know what to do, I just want some answers set in stone. Make sense?

Anyway... I am excited.

- Connor

[ralanprod]

Well, it's been a few years, but there are a few things I remember...

The one thing I remember trying to do the hardest was to figure out the pitcher's patterns. We're all creatures of habit. Regardless if the coach or the catcher is calling the pitches, they will usually fall into a pattern of some sort. Does he usually throw first pitch fastballs - or does it vary? What's his 2 strike pitch? What does he go with when he is behind in the count?

I realize that's pretty basic advice, but still it has its value. If you figure out the pitcher's pattern, you should know what he is throwing you next. If you have that figured out, you've got the battle half won.

I also made sure to try to pick up any clues if the pitcher was going to the plate, or attempting a pickoff. Not just the movement of the feet though. Little things... I figured out in one game that if the pitcher glanced over to a runner at first twice, he was going to the plate, if he only glanced once - he was throwing over. I guess he could have used it agianst us if he knew we knew, but he never changed. That's the type of thing to look out for.

Regardless, don't forget to enjoy yourself - what many of us would give to be back in high school with the knowledge we now have...

Best of luck in the game.

[Ursa Major]

Where are you in the lineup (and we assume you're starting, of course)? If you're first or second, take a few pitches if you can to see what he's got and report back to your teammates.

If you're up later, grill the guys hitting ahead of you. Asking about the patterns is a good start, but as to particular pitches, key questions are:

1. What kind of movement does he have on his fastball? (I.e., does it tail, sink, cut, other?)

2. What pitches does he have?

3. What kind of break on his curve ball -- 12/6? 11/5? How big is the break?

[Infinite]

May the force be with you!

Somethings that I watch for that wasnt mentioned is release point of pitches.
The wind up can be different for different pitches.
Where a pitcher holds his glove can be a tipping point on occasions.
The same things I watch for hitting helps me with stealing bases.

[Drill]

Many years ago at a minor LL game I was sitting with the mothers behind the back stop. Well being friends and all you can hear just about anything. One of the mother was watching one of the little kids who was at bat and saw that he had to keep adjusting his cup between pitches, she made a comment about why do baseball players grab themselves all the time? As you can imagine the conversation went totally down hill from that point on.

Here was my explanation about what I said to her and about what I taught my son before going up to bat.

SON:Before you step in the box find the prettiest girl in the stand or behind the back stop, make it a point to stare at her and catch her eye. Next adjust your cup and smile at her.

After I told the mothers that night they had to stop the game and the umpire and coachs had to ask us to keep it down they were laughing so hard.

So all I can say to you is Go Cardinals and swing at your pitch, trust your swing and your training and don't hold back.

Of course what I told the mothers is optional


respectfully yours,


drill

[Go Cardinals]

AWWWWWWWWWWW

The game got cancelled! Ok, so first game is now un saturday...

[CoachB25]

AWWWWWWWWWWW

The game got cancelled! Ok, so first game is now un saturday...

Connor, we're presently in the middle of an ice storm. It is supposed to go on all night. We're in big trouble around here AND tryouts are next Monday. Going to be very messy. My daughter, who is your age (14), has tryouts at 6:00 in the morning.

[Charger567]

Cardinals, did you end up making your varsity team?

[Go Cardinals]

Cardinals, did you end up making your varsity team?

No, their squad is too big, so they aren't calling anyone up for now. Hopefully they will for the tournaments.

[kylebee]

Games, already? I am conducting tryouts on Monday through Wednesday, then two weeks of practice. Sheesh.

[Go Cardinals]

Games, already? I am conducting tryouts on Monday through Wednesday, then two weeks of practice. Sheesh.

We've already had 2 weeks of practice...

[Jake Patterson]

Games, already? I am conducting tryouts on Monday through Wednesday, then two weeks of practice. Sheesh.

We don't start until 3/17... Snow on the way tonight!

[Go Cardinals]

Where are you in the lineup (and we assume you're starting, of course)? If you're first or second, take a few pitches if you can to see what he's got and report back to your teammates.

If you're up later, grill the guys hitting ahead of you. Asking about the patterns is a good start, but as to particular pitches, key questions are:

1. What kind of movement does he have on his fastball? (I.e., does it tail, sink, cut, other?)

2. What pitches does he have?

3. What kind of break on his curve ball -- 12/6? 11/5? How big is the break?

I should be 4th... depends, the coaches play upper class-men priority for the first game or so... I should be though...

I normally bat 3 or 4 (I prefer 3).

Thank you for the response...

[Go Cardinals]

Connor, we're presently in the middle of an ice storm. It is supposed to go on all night. We're in big trouble around here AND tryouts are next Monday. Going to be very messy. My daughter, who is your age (14), has tryouts at 6:00 in the morning.

Good luck... My game got rained out lol... CA =-) Gotta love it here!

We don't start until 3/17... Snow on the way tonight!

Yeah, my mom and brother are around Philly visiting colleges... they said that an ice storm was going to hit (something like that).

Many years ago at a minor LL game I was sitting with the mothers behind the back stop. Well being friends and all you can hear just about anything. One of the mother was watching one of the little kids who was at bat and saw that he had to keep adjusting his cup between pitches, she made a comment about why do baseball players grab themselves all the time? As you can imagine the conversation went totally down hill from that point on.

Here was my explanation about what I said to her and about what I taught my son before going up to bat.

SON:Before you step in the box find the prettiest girl in the stand or behind the back stop, make it a point to stare at her and catch her eye. Next adjust your cup and smile at her.

After I told the mothers that night they had to stop the game and the umpire and coachs had to ask us to keep it down they were laughing so hard.

So all I can say to you is Go Cardinals and swing at your pitch, trust your swing and your training and don't hold back.

Of course what I told the mothers is optional


respectfully yours,


drill

Your comments aren't always informical... but they are the most helpful... I enjoy your humor... just for you, I'll try to do that if some hot girls are in the stands

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

Wow, the town doesn't even let us on the diamonds until May 1st up here. You guys down south have it made.