If while pitching, you have the very good fortune to have an umpire who is calling strikes on pitches not in the strike zone, don't feel any obligation to throw strikes.
If he is calling them high, why should you bring your pitches down? If he is calling them low, why should you bring your pitches up higher? The same holds true for inside and outside off the plate. Pay close attention early in a ball game to what an umpire IS or is NOT calling strikes and pitch accordingly.
No matter what the rule book says for the strike zone at any level of play, no two umpires are going to call balls and strikes the same. Some have small strike zones and some have very large strike zones.
It's 2009 and I STILL remember an umpire I had in high school back in the year 1968. I simply want to make a point here. Do you want to talk about a pitcher friendly umpire? I noticed very, very early in the game that if a curve ball was within a foot of home plate, he would call it a strike. Also, if it didn't bounce it in the dirt it was high enough for him to call it a strike. I was only 16 years old but I recognized in the first inning how this guy loved any curve ball he saw and was pretty much going to call it a strike if it was anywhere close to the plate. This is one of the many baseball pitching tips that has nothing to do with the actual pitching mechanics and it merely requires a simple observation.
It was easy to have a very successful outing and you probably know what pitch made it a success. You guessed it. Curve balls that were six inches off the outside corner and just barely above being in the dirt. The umpire wasn't intentionally trying to favor anyone or give anyone an unfair advantage. In fact, he was a very nice guy and an honorable man.
But ALWAYS remember, all umpires have different strike zones and you better "get to know your umpire very quickly."
You don't necessarily have to throw strikes to get hitters out. Making good use of this will work to your advantage big time!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larry_Cicchiello
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Prevention is Better Than Cure - Safety Measures For Your Child to Participate in Baseball
A Survey in the world says there are more young baseball players from the age of 4 to the age of 15. It is advised that parents and team managers take proper care of the safety measures enforced for these games to avoid any serious injury later. Take your child to your doctor to evaluate the physical condition and injury prone conditions of the kid. Take proper precautionary measures to protect the parts that are vulnerable for high risk as per the doctor's analysis.
If your kid plays as a pitcher, make sure the timings are followed for pitcher in the game. This position of the game causes severe shoulder pains and knee pains cause of continuous heavy throws. If the position is as a catcher, then extra safety measures are to be taken to protect throat, face, shoulders, chest, and shin guards with double thicker gloves suitable for catchers. Make sure the coach insist on safe play as part of the training techniques apart from winning strategies. There are rules for kid games to make sure the game is safe for all the team members. Follow closely with the game organizers to understand the guidelines followed.
Insist your kid on wearing the helmets with eye protectors all time's infield, outfield during the game. Purchase the right brand of comfortable gloves for the players need. Carry first aid always for the practices and game tours with you like Pain relief sprays, prescribed medicines, and extra safety gears. Give enough fluids to prevent the player from getting dehydrated. Make sure your kid is not forced to continue playing with heavy injuries or pain. Worst thing happen immediately take him to the doctor from the play field rather than letting him continue playing.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=T._Dudson
If your kid plays as a pitcher, make sure the timings are followed for pitcher in the game. This position of the game causes severe shoulder pains and knee pains cause of continuous heavy throws. If the position is as a catcher, then extra safety measures are to be taken to protect throat, face, shoulders, chest, and shin guards with double thicker gloves suitable for catchers. Make sure the coach insist on safe play as part of the training techniques apart from winning strategies. There are rules for kid games to make sure the game is safe for all the team members. Follow closely with the game organizers to understand the guidelines followed.
Insist your kid on wearing the helmets with eye protectors all time's infield, outfield during the game. Purchase the right brand of comfortable gloves for the players need. Carry first aid always for the practices and game tours with you like Pain relief sprays, prescribed medicines, and extra safety gears. Give enough fluids to prevent the player from getting dehydrated. Make sure your kid is not forced to continue playing with heavy injuries or pain. Worst thing happen immediately take him to the doctor from the play field rather than letting him continue playing.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=T._Dudson
Know Your Roles In and Out to Become the Best Baseball Player
One important position or key role of the game is the Pitcher. A Pitcher is the one who throws the ball to the catcher. The ball is thrown in a way that the batter could not strike the ball from the strike zone. The role is to make sure the batter fails to strike the ball as well as the catcher is able to get the throw adding advantage to the side of the team in which the pitcher is a member of.
A catcher role is like the role of a wicker keeper in the game of cricket. He needs to defensively play the game and catch the ball thrown towards the striker. He would be able to sense the ball anytime in the field based on the stroke of the batter and knowing the strengths of his team pitcher. He is the only person in the field to get the whole perception in a single sight. With hand signs he would be able to direct all the team members in the field. His role requires him to protect himself very well from the hazard of any game injury.
Other positions are called as in field playing and outfield playing. The positions of infield are called First Base, Second Base, Third Base and Shortstop. The positions of outfield include Left Field, Center Field and Right Field. The Infield positions are closed to the batter while the outfield is farther away from him. The role of infield position is to catch the ball before the striker reaches the base position to score the run. They are required to cover higher range of area to catch the ball and high concentration on the game. In contrast the outfield positions play defensive game with reflex ball throw back to the catcher or pitcher or the first base position to secure the scores. All these positions require safer protective gloves. Choose the best protective measures for the game.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=T._Dudson
A catcher role is like the role of a wicker keeper in the game of cricket. He needs to defensively play the game and catch the ball thrown towards the striker. He would be able to sense the ball anytime in the field based on the stroke of the batter and knowing the strengths of his team pitcher. He is the only person in the field to get the whole perception in a single sight. With hand signs he would be able to direct all the team members in the field. His role requires him to protect himself very well from the hazard of any game injury.
Other positions are called as in field playing and outfield playing. The positions of infield are called First Base, Second Base, Third Base and Shortstop. The positions of outfield include Left Field, Center Field and Right Field. The Infield positions are closed to the batter while the outfield is farther away from him. The role of infield position is to catch the ball before the striker reaches the base position to score the run. They are required to cover higher range of area to catch the ball and high concentration on the game. In contrast the outfield positions play defensive game with reflex ball throw back to the catcher or pitcher or the first base position to secure the scores. All these positions require safer protective gloves. Choose the best protective measures for the game.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=T._Dudson
Baseball Strikeout Pitchers - Ranking the Best of the 1960s
Baseball fans have always worshipped the pitchers who could string together strikeouts. And as hitters have become less concerned with making contact and more concerned with reaching the fences (since home runs always pay better than singles), strikeout ratios have increased steadily with each decade throughout the 20th Century.
The biggest jump in the average number of strikeouts per 9 innings pitched among all major league pitchers came in the 1960s, when the average per 9 innings rose to 5.47 strikeouts (compared to 4.38 in the 1950s). That's more than a strikeout per 9 innings better than the previous decade ... the most dramatic increase in strikeouts for any decade.
This increase in strikeouts was no doubt partly due to the raised pitching mound and enlarged strike zone that prevailed during mot of the 1960s. But it is just as likely that the increase was due to the talent of 1960s pitchers ... the same pitchers who posted the lowest collective major league ERA (3.60) of any decade since the introduction of the "lively ball" in 1920.
The simply 1960s featured more great strikeout pitchers than any other baseball decade. The 10 best are recognized in thi ranking. These are the pitchers who faced some of the best power hitters in major league baseball history, and sent more hitters back to the dugout with their bats dragging than any generation of pitchers before them.
Half of the pitchers making up this list (Koufax, Gibson, Bunning, Drysdale, Marichal) are currently in the Hall of Fame. Had they played more years for better teams, McDowell, Lolich and Tiant might well have had a shot at Cooperstown. They were certainly among the most dominant pitchers of the decade.
1. Sandy Koufax -The Dodger left-hander averaged 9.51 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched during the 1960s, the highest average among all major league starting pitchers that decade. Koufax finished 3rd in total strikeouts for the decade with 1,910, though he retired after the 1966 season.
2. Bob Gibson - With a total of 2,071, Bob Gibson recorded more strikeouts during the 1960s than any other pitcher. He averaged 7.62 strikeouts per 9 innings, and struck out 200 or more batters in a season 7 times during the 1960s, though leading the National League only once (1968).
3. Sam McDowell - The American League's most proficient strikeout pitcher during the 1960s, "Sudden" Sam finished just behind Koufax in average strikeouts per 9 innings with 9.41. He led the American League in strikeouts 4 times during the 1960s (as well as in 1970), and topped 300 strikeouts in a season twice.
4. Jim Maloney - The Cincinnati Reds right-hander struck out 1,585 batters during the 1960s, averaging 7.92 strikeouts per 9 innings. From 1963 through 1966, Maloney averaged 234 strikeouts per season while winning 78 games for the Reds.
5. Bob Veale - This 6-6 southpaw won 100 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 1960s, including 18 victories in 1964, the year he led the National League in strikeouts with 250. Veale struck out 1,428 batters during the 1960s, an average of 7.98 strikeouts per 9 innings (3rd best among all pitchers).
6. Jim Bunning - Bunning is the only member of this list to lead each league in strikeouts. As a member of the Detroit Tigers, he topped the American League with 201 in both 1959 and 1960, and with the Philadelphia Phillies, Bunning led the National League in strikeouts with 253 in 1967.
7. Don Drysdale - Drysdale led the National League in strikeouts twice in the 1960s (as well as in 1959), totaling 1,910 strikeouts for the decade to tie for 3rd with teammate Sandy Koufax. Drysdale averaged 6.54 strikeouts per 9 innings during the 1960s.
8. Mickey Lolich - The all-time strikeout leader for the Detroit Tigers, Lolich registered a total of 1,336 strikeouts during the 1960s, averaging 7.87 strikeouts per 9 innings for the decade. In 1969, he averaged 8.69 strikeouts per 9 innings.
9. Juan Marichal - The pitcher with the most victories during the 1960s (191), Juan Marichal struck out 200 or more batters in a season 6 times. He amassed a total of 1,840 strikeouts for the decade, with an average of 6.49 strikeouts per 9 innings.
10. Luis Tiant - Though he pitched only 6 seasons during the 1960s, all with the Cleveland Indians , Tiant struck out 1,041 batters during the decade. He averaged 7.81 strikeouts per 9 innings, the 6th highest average among major league pitchers in the 1960s.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carroll_Conklin
The biggest jump in the average number of strikeouts per 9 innings pitched among all major league pitchers came in the 1960s, when the average per 9 innings rose to 5.47 strikeouts (compared to 4.38 in the 1950s). That's more than a strikeout per 9 innings better than the previous decade ... the most dramatic increase in strikeouts for any decade.
This increase in strikeouts was no doubt partly due to the raised pitching mound and enlarged strike zone that prevailed during mot of the 1960s. But it is just as likely that the increase was due to the talent of 1960s pitchers ... the same pitchers who posted the lowest collective major league ERA (3.60) of any decade since the introduction of the "lively ball" in 1920.
The simply 1960s featured more great strikeout pitchers than any other baseball decade. The 10 best are recognized in thi ranking. These are the pitchers who faced some of the best power hitters in major league baseball history, and sent more hitters back to the dugout with their bats dragging than any generation of pitchers before them.
Half of the pitchers making up this list (Koufax, Gibson, Bunning, Drysdale, Marichal) are currently in the Hall of Fame. Had they played more years for better teams, McDowell, Lolich and Tiant might well have had a shot at Cooperstown. They were certainly among the most dominant pitchers of the decade.
1. Sandy Koufax -The Dodger left-hander averaged 9.51 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched during the 1960s, the highest average among all major league starting pitchers that decade. Koufax finished 3rd in total strikeouts for the decade with 1,910, though he retired after the 1966 season.
2. Bob Gibson - With a total of 2,071, Bob Gibson recorded more strikeouts during the 1960s than any other pitcher. He averaged 7.62 strikeouts per 9 innings, and struck out 200 or more batters in a season 7 times during the 1960s, though leading the National League only once (1968).
3. Sam McDowell - The American League's most proficient strikeout pitcher during the 1960s, "Sudden" Sam finished just behind Koufax in average strikeouts per 9 innings with 9.41. He led the American League in strikeouts 4 times during the 1960s (as well as in 1970), and topped 300 strikeouts in a season twice.
4. Jim Maloney - The Cincinnati Reds right-hander struck out 1,585 batters during the 1960s, averaging 7.92 strikeouts per 9 innings. From 1963 through 1966, Maloney averaged 234 strikeouts per season while winning 78 games for the Reds.
5. Bob Veale - This 6-6 southpaw won 100 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 1960s, including 18 victories in 1964, the year he led the National League in strikeouts with 250. Veale struck out 1,428 batters during the 1960s, an average of 7.98 strikeouts per 9 innings (3rd best among all pitchers).
6. Jim Bunning - Bunning is the only member of this list to lead each league in strikeouts. As a member of the Detroit Tigers, he topped the American League with 201 in both 1959 and 1960, and with the Philadelphia Phillies, Bunning led the National League in strikeouts with 253 in 1967.
7. Don Drysdale - Drysdale led the National League in strikeouts twice in the 1960s (as well as in 1959), totaling 1,910 strikeouts for the decade to tie for 3rd with teammate Sandy Koufax. Drysdale averaged 6.54 strikeouts per 9 innings during the 1960s.
8. Mickey Lolich - The all-time strikeout leader for the Detroit Tigers, Lolich registered a total of 1,336 strikeouts during the 1960s, averaging 7.87 strikeouts per 9 innings for the decade. In 1969, he averaged 8.69 strikeouts per 9 innings.
9. Juan Marichal - The pitcher with the most victories during the 1960s (191), Juan Marichal struck out 200 or more batters in a season 6 times. He amassed a total of 1,840 strikeouts for the decade, with an average of 6.49 strikeouts per 9 innings.
10. Luis Tiant - Though he pitched only 6 seasons during the 1960s, all with the Cleveland Indians , Tiant struck out 1,041 batters during the decade. He averaged 7.81 strikeouts per 9 innings, the 6th highest average among major league pitchers in the 1960s.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carroll_Conklin
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The Kettlebell + The Baseball Pitcher = Success!
As you know pitching involves a lot of technique that incorporates a lot more than just throwing the ball with your arm. Your entire body has to be working as a solid unit to create the maximum amount of force in order to blow the ball by a batter! Because of the physical exertion that is required with pitching you must make certain that your body is properly trained and conditioned in order to endure the taxing feat of throwing the ball hard over and over again.
As a strength and conditioning specialist I will tell you that there is no better friend to the baseball pitcher than the ancient kettlebell. Kettlebell training for the baseball pitcher is a definite way for a player to gain the edge on the competition. If you have a strength and conditioning program for baseball then you have got to include the kettlebell into your current program or change from what you are already doing. I will tell you that if you aren't willing to change then you will not experience the true benefit of this ancient strength training device. Kettlebells have been around for over three centuries and have been used by the world's greatest strongmen and athletes. If you don't consider utilizing this tool to increase your pitching performance then you are doing yourself a disservice! Executing some of the more basic lifts with the kettlebell such as swings and snatches are also great for promoting further shoulder stability and strength which is a necessity for a pitcher.
Take the time to endure the learning curve of kettlebell training. If you haven't already done it then you need to invest in your own bell as soon as you finish reading this article. Feel free to access my other articles on how you can start!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Richey
As a strength and conditioning specialist I will tell you that there is no better friend to the baseball pitcher than the ancient kettlebell. Kettlebell training for the baseball pitcher is a definite way for a player to gain the edge on the competition. If you have a strength and conditioning program for baseball then you have got to include the kettlebell into your current program or change from what you are already doing. I will tell you that if you aren't willing to change then you will not experience the true benefit of this ancient strength training device. Kettlebells have been around for over three centuries and have been used by the world's greatest strongmen and athletes. If you don't consider utilizing this tool to increase your pitching performance then you are doing yourself a disservice! Executing some of the more basic lifts with the kettlebell such as swings and snatches are also great for promoting further shoulder stability and strength which is a necessity for a pitcher.
Take the time to endure the learning curve of kettlebell training. If you haven't already done it then you need to invest in your own bell as soon as you finish reading this article. Feel free to access my other articles on how you can start!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Richey
The Kettlebell - The Path For the Baseball Player to Achieve Cleanup Hitting Power!
If you want to show up at the beginning of baseball season practice and impress your teammates and coaches with your bat speed and power then you need to learn about the kettlebell. Kettlebells have been around for over three centuries and have been field tested and proven by the greatest strongmen and athletes of all time! This ancient tool is second to nothing in terms of helping you to develop superior athleticism and the performance to match!
First of all, in order to train with kettlebells you must learn proper technique. Just like hitting the baseball requires fine tuning your skills so does kettlebell training. This particular type of training integrates hundreds of your muscles at once training your body to perform with the most efficient movements. Training your body for strength and power requires big core movements and learned skills. It involves a lot more than just "going through the motions!" Kettlebell training for baseball is a sure way to increase your athleticism and allow you to develop the necessary core strength for you to match the power of any cleanup hitter! In order to achieve an optimal level of strength and conditioning as it relates to baseball you must have a sound training plan. The kettlebell is the perfect device and method of training for the baseball player to invest in!
If you want to take the path to developing superior hitting power then take the time to learn about the iron bell. I will even make it easy for you by allowing you to access ALL of my other articles on the matter for FREE! Train hard and enjoy my friends.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Richey
First of all, in order to train with kettlebells you must learn proper technique. Just like hitting the baseball requires fine tuning your skills so does kettlebell training. This particular type of training integrates hundreds of your muscles at once training your body to perform with the most efficient movements. Training your body for strength and power requires big core movements and learned skills. It involves a lot more than just "going through the motions!" Kettlebell training for baseball is a sure way to increase your athleticism and allow you to develop the necessary core strength for you to match the power of any cleanup hitter! In order to achieve an optimal level of strength and conditioning as it relates to baseball you must have a sound training plan. The kettlebell is the perfect device and method of training for the baseball player to invest in!
If you want to take the path to developing superior hitting power then take the time to learn about the iron bell. I will even make it easy for you by allowing you to access ALL of my other articles on the matter for FREE! Train hard and enjoy my friends.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Richey
3 Hitting Drills Guaranteed to Produce Hits
When a player doesn't hit, frustration sets in for players and parents alike. Hitting can be a very difficult skill for parents and untrained coaches to figure out. The good news is that you don't have to know what is wrong as long as you know how to "fix it." Hitting in its most basic form comes down to doing three things - watching the ball, throwing the hands (bat) at the ball, and opening the hips. The following three drills will make these things happen and can prove a quick exit from the player's hitting slump.
1. Seeing the Ball Drill - In batting practice put an object like a ball glove or empty soda can at the front of the opposite side batter's box. After taking their swing, the hitter should keep their eyes on the placed object for a second or two before looking out to see where they hit the ball. This will prevent hitters from pulling their head out early on the pitch and help prevent them from over swinging.
2. Pad Drill - Place a pad like a sponge, towel or the player's glove under their lead armpit when taking batting practice. The hitter's goal is to keep the glove under the arm until contact and then allow the pad to fall out after making contact. This drill ensures that the hitter is using their hands and forearms to swing the bat in a compact, direct manner.
3. Back Knee Pick-up Drill - Have the hitter pick up their back leg with their back knee turning to point at the pitcher as they swing. This drill will force the hitter to use their front side to pull the bat initially as well as forcing the hitter to open their hips. Both of these forced moves with this drill promote contact, weight shift and power.
There are many hitting drills that can benefit a hitter and it is a good idea to continue with some of them throughout the season. Drills are the best way to develop good fundamentals whereas batting practice is good for the hitter's timing.
Finally, it is always best to challenge hitters during batting practice with game like speeds and speed changes. There is no speed that is too slow or too fast, within reason of course based on the age of the player. Remember, you don't need to know what is fundamentally wrong with a hitter's swing as long as you know how to fix it.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Perconte
1. Seeing the Ball Drill - In batting practice put an object like a ball glove or empty soda can at the front of the opposite side batter's box. After taking their swing, the hitter should keep their eyes on the placed object for a second or two before looking out to see where they hit the ball. This will prevent hitters from pulling their head out early on the pitch and help prevent them from over swinging.
2. Pad Drill - Place a pad like a sponge, towel or the player's glove under their lead armpit when taking batting practice. The hitter's goal is to keep the glove under the arm until contact and then allow the pad to fall out after making contact. This drill ensures that the hitter is using their hands and forearms to swing the bat in a compact, direct manner.
3. Back Knee Pick-up Drill - Have the hitter pick up their back leg with their back knee turning to point at the pitcher as they swing. This drill will force the hitter to use their front side to pull the bat initially as well as forcing the hitter to open their hips. Both of these forced moves with this drill promote contact, weight shift and power.
There are many hitting drills that can benefit a hitter and it is a good idea to continue with some of them throughout the season. Drills are the best way to develop good fundamentals whereas batting practice is good for the hitter's timing.
Finally, it is always best to challenge hitters during batting practice with game like speeds and speed changes. There is no speed that is too slow or too fast, within reason of course based on the age of the player. Remember, you don't need to know what is fundamentally wrong with a hitter's swing as long as you know how to fix it.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Perconte
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