Pitcher/Position Players

This is a great topic. We had an all-state pitcher last fall that got over used. He never approached the effectiveness his senior season that he showed his junior season. He threw for a so called showcase team last fall, got hurt, and they continued to throw him. This year, we again have an all-state pitcher on our roster for fall. No showcase throwing for this one. One game a week during the fall season is all he needs. Approx. 45 innings for Sept/October. Once the kids are commited to college, all they need to do is throw once a week to maintain a level of sharpness.
The opposite side of that coin is I had a kid that hit 90 at Mars Hill college in the summer of '02. Decided not to play fall baseball, as a matter of fact, did nothing til the following spring. Went out and tried to overdue it, never hit 80 and is hurt. It is real important that the kids continue to throw, but they need to be throwing for teams and coaches that really have a personal interest in the kid. Someone who will make sure that they are doing what is necessary, no more no less.
I know the kids that "cougardad" are referring. Both great kids and great baseball players. Even though my pitcher will be starting on the infield next spring, when he is not pitching this fall, he will get a lot of outfield duty. Just gives those younger kids that infield time.

 

One more note:
It usually is not the total number of pitches in a game that gets a kid hurt, but a single inning that gets out of hand.

 

I believe the goal should be around 15 pitches per inning, which would mean ideally an 105 pitch complete game. To me, if you get near 25 or beyond then some bad things have happened, (hits, walks, errors), so you'd better watch out. A long inning will wear a pitcher out quicker than a complete game with 100-110 pitches.

In the fall, I believe that 50-60 pitches are enough on any outing, since it is developmental. That saves players for other positions so they can get work without tearing up their arm.

In the spring, it depends on many factors, most importantly, the condition of the pitcher's arm and his ability to recover. Only a coach that knows his players can effectively evaluate that. Remember, hte fall is to help prepare for spring and summer ball, and besides that I believe that they need some rest and time to be kids...

 

coach evans didn't mean to ruffle your feathers i was just kidding with you. good luck to you this fall and this spring. i hope your kids work hard this fall as we know they all need to work to stay competitive. i just wish they had these developmental leagues in the fall when i played. about a 100 years ago.

 

Catamount--

Dont worry, my feathers are not ruffled, just answered as a matter of fact. Takes a little more than this to ruffle mine

Best of luck this season!!