Arm Strength

A strong arm is a valuable tool. But it's usless if the player can't field or lacks instincts. Position players go to the next level (college) based on the skills of hitting, hitting with power, fielding, running and throwing. The player may not have all these skills. However, a high school second baseman, shortstop, third baseman, catcher, centerfielder and rightfielder with an average high school arm probably isn't going to play those positions in college. A big hitter who can't throw is likely to get placed in left or at first.

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How important is it to have a strong arm in baseball? Has anyone seen a (non pitcher)player move to higher level of baseball beyond high school based mostly on his arm strength?

I agree with RJM that a position player ultimately has to do much more than throw. Arm strength is a gift. Yes arm strength alone can help move a player up. In other words a coach might select a player with good arm strength even though he lacks some defensive skills because the coach knows the other skills can be taught --- whereas arm strength cannot be taught.

My son was drafted out of HS in the 5th round as a catcher but he lacked defensive skills. I asked the scouting director why they would draft him as a catcher when it was obvious he lacked catching skills. His reply was: "He has the tools that cannot be taught and we can teach him everything else."
Fungo

What is the reasoning behind not being able to develop arm strength? I understand of course that it is a rare arm that can throw 95, but at what point in an adolescents life do you stop projecting an improvement in arm strength? If a freshman is throwing 78 and as a sophomore is throwing 83 can you project 85 as a junior and 88 as a senior? Can't an athlete develop arm strength?

Long toss, long toss, long toss. And a bucket of rice!

HIH,

Can you explain the bucket of rice.

Thanks

I second the bucket of rice!!! I used to put quarters in the bottom of my son's rice bucket as an added incentive to do his rice bucket drills.

Get a ball bucket and fill it with rice. I used to put a baseball in the very bottom of it. Work your hand down through the rice to the bottom of the bucket. You will get a very good work out of the fingers hand and forearm. It burns real good!

My son told me that part of their pitchers weight training program in college remains the bucket of rice. Coach May you will be pleased to know that they have very big tractor tires for their pitchers to enjoy as well.

Tell Josh when he comes home for Chritmas break I have a present for him. I have two more tractor tires waiting on him to use!

Too funny! I thought the "bucket of rice" was some kind of diet