First post here, have a critical observation after watching a number of varsity level scrimmages in the DFW area in the past couple of weekends.
During the throw from home to second (regardless of between inning warm up or live action), I've noticed boys on the mound routinely not watch the ball leave the catcher's hand. Talk about putting one's self in harms way....
Several years ago in the state 5A semis at Dell Diamond, Cy-Fair was playing Midland. Cy-Fair is batting, runner on second. Batter squares to bunt, pitcher follows his pitch in to cover. Batter misses the bunt, pitcher drops to his hands and knees to clear the way for the throw. Unfortunately, he looks at the ground to catch his fall. Ball comes out of the catcher's hand low, drills the pitcher on the top of the head (from about 45 feet away). One of the longest fifteen minutes for everyone as the young man lay limp on the field. HE DID RECOVER AND PITCH SEVERAL MORE INNINGS. God willing no long term damage took place.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Make every repetition your best, so when it's crunch time the body will respond as trained.
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