The Importance Of A Pitcher's Position In Baseball

Out of all the vast variety of sports there are, baseball is the most challenging and difficult sport to play. No other sport compares to the degree of difficulty that you have to deal with, like you do in playing the game of baseball. There are so many different elements that make this game the most difficult. Three major elements stick out in my mind as to why this wonderful sport is the toughest of all. The three main factors in my mind are the increased physical and hand eye coordination component, the mental aspect of this game, and the human interdependence between umpires, which are a vital part in every play.

Not only do players think while on defense, but also, they are thinking while batting. A player may be batting in certain situations where they know they need to hit the ball to a certain place or get a bunt down at a certain place. Again, this is all happening before they step into the box and react physically to the pitch being thrown. Baseball is a very hard game physically and when players are struggling it is very hard to stay positive mentally. It is hard to get enough to hit and when things are going bad our mind becomes evil. This is where baseball players develop to be mentally tough. Baseball is so hard that if you go 3 out of 10 you are considered one of the greats. In basketball, if a player shoots 3 out of 10 from the free throw line they're going to be terrible. This lone statistic right here shows how much failure is in the game of baseball and how hard it is. It is extremely hard for athletes to stay positive in these slumps they may experience when they aren't getting any hits. Another mental aspect of baseball is the fears players must overcome to be successful.

Once a runner reaches the goal switches to a no hitter if they got on an error or walk. If they got on with a hit the goal is to get a shutout, which is when the opposing team scores no runs. Also if the starting pitcher goes all the innings in the game whether it is seven or nine they are rewarded with the complete game. Normally when a pitcher reaches any of their goals they achieve a win. Starting pitchers normally have at a minimum three effective pitches. They need pitches to get ahead in the count on the batter and then a strike out pitch. A strike out pitch is a pitch with a lot of break or movement and is hard for the batter to pick up and normally ends with freezing the batter or a swing and miss.

Not only are professional baseball players an inspiration; they are also leaders. They have risked life and limb on the field; they inspire us to be better and strive for excellence. For many fans these athletes are

Defense is the most beautiful aspect of baseball. Defense is the world of Gold Glove award winners. Infield and outfield wizards are voted each year as the best at their position. Imagine baseball's defensive game 100 years ago.

The perfect baseball player has a something called the “5 Tools” which include speed, hitting for power, arm strength, hitting for average, and fielding. We have all heard of a top prospect being compared to one of the greatest athletes of all time. There are times that these prospects turn out to be really good, but unfortunately there are times that we have witnessed a prospect become a bust. The one thing missing from that I believe should be added to that list is the ability to have an instinctive mind. A perfect baseball player needs to have dedication for the game, good eyesight, and be in great physical shape.

It’s the final inning. Bases are loaded, two people tagged out, three balls and two strikes is my current situation. Beads of sweat align my brows as I grasp the Slugger with whatever stability is left within me. It is a moment like this where a ‘softball player’ can be truly defined. A tablespoon of precision, two teaspoons of patience and a pinch confidence are just some of the ingredients of the recipe for a softball player.

The difference between being a good and great outfielder can be some very simple, and can make a big difference in a game. Something very simple that can make a huge difference, is being ready and paying attention at all times. Playing outfield it can be very boring out there, especially when you have a very good pitcher, like Jacob and Aaron. One of the next things that is a significant game changer, is taking a good angle to the ball. In any part of the game this can be huge, the difference between a single or a double, a double or an inside the park Home-Run.

Learning how to pitch is probably the hardest part, along with tons of pressure. An exceptional pitcher always keeps their eye on their target. You need to relax, concentrate, and focus. Eye to catcher's mitt and block out all other sounds and people. Ignore the chants in the dugout and on the field. You and the catcher are the only ones on earth at this moment. No yelling coach, no teammates, no batter is in your way. It’s all you.

I like to watch baseball. The most important player in my opinion is the pitcher. He helps put the ball in play. Their are good pitchers and bad pitchers. Some pitchers have an an amazing arm and can pitch fast and accurate. Others are not as good. Not all the time are these pitchers good or bad. Most good pitchers have some bad in them and the bad pitchers can sometimes be amazing. Just like these pitchers, people can be like this. In the novel Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, their are some bad characters that do have some good in them.

Jennie Finch once said, “When I was a kid, I dreamed of using a bat with my own name on it.” Jennie Finch is a big role model for me because of how far she’s made it in softball. I’ve been playing softball since I was four-years-old. I grew up playing it every day, as much as I could. I never played a certain position and stuck with it. My coaches have always played me as utility, but my main position is shortstop. In spring, I will be playing shortstop for varsity. Last year, I pitched for junior varsity and played shortstop and I got the chance to suit up for varsity every game and I played a couple times wherever they needed me. This summer I played on a 14U traveling team and the high school traveling team. I enjoyed being part

Steeeerike three, batter's out. I just elevated twelve 9 year old's into a state of euphoria. Actually, they were responsible for their own success. I was just the arbitrator of fairness. Umpiring requires punctuality, focus, and thick skin. Each game I know that there is no chance that the kids will discuss what a great job I did calling balls and strikes. As my umpiring mentor once told me the only person I need to please with my calls is myself. When I began umpiring, I allowed myself to be bullied by coaches and did not put enough confidence into my calls. Three years later, I consider myself the premier umpire of Berwyn Paoli Area Little League, a real sign of my new found confidence! What started out as a way to earn a couple of dollars

"Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeed three times out of ten and be considered a good performer." - Ted Williams

Thirteen years ago I picked up a big yellow ball, a long metal bat, and a love for the game of softball. Over time I joined recreational leagues, travel teams ,and fall leagues for softball dedicating a majority of time to playing and practicing. I think one thing that made me fall so deeply in love was the pace of the game. Softball is quick, there’s no time for mistakes, and frankly when and if you do make a mistake, your team suffers. Being coordinated is a must for this game of quick feet, fast reflexes, and precise plays. As a catcher I control the tempo of the game, and quick is the only thing I know. Throughout my decade plus three of playing softball I have learned how to be a quicker, more rational,

Softball has taught me a lot: how to work with others, to think ahead, but two years ago taught me the most. One game in particular stands out in my memory. We were down, and the long innings before hand was wearing me down as our only pitcher. Our best catcher was switched out with a younger and less experienced one, so that she could play shortstop. Before this game, I hadn’t realized how weak the new catchers throw was. I pitched, got the ball back and pitched, no problem. Until finally someone was on third. The other team had already been doing delayed steal to second and third, taking advantage of her short throw. But, for whatever reason, I didn’t think these delayed steal would transfer over to home. Sure enough, pitch goes in, the catcher