I have been battling the yips for 10 years and haven't been able to shake them. They started in HS when I was 16 and have stuck even until now at the age of 26 almost 27. At times they would go away and I could perform and at other times I couldn't throw a strike let alone play catch with my dad on a warm relaxing day. It has been an that has been the source of so much pain for me. I have potential, but can never live up to it because this issue that has haunted me.
Even though I was horribly wild in high school I was still given a chance to play at an elite Division II baseball program because of the potential that the head coach saw in me. I did not get to pitch much in college either because of my severe control issues.
I had struggled in college, but was still able to grab the attention of pro scouts because of my 6'4" frame and fastball. On scout day in the fall of my Sophomore year I registered a fastball of 92mph and had popped on the radar as a prospect with potential. The following summer in a collegiate summer ball game I registered a fastball of 97mph (the 2nd time I had ever hit that speed) on a hot day in Pennsylvania.
I had become a top prospect and my Junior year was supposed to big for me except for the fact I was still hampered by horrid control. I did manage to put together a couple decent games where I was routinely registering fastballs between 94-96mph, but for the most part my Junior year was a disaster. I think I only pitched about 17 innings that year and had an 8-9 something earned run average. In fact I think I only pitched about 23 innings my whole college career.
Despite all the struggles, I still showed potential with a mid 90's fastball, a slider that ran as high as 86-87mph, and a sharp late breaking curveball that ranged between 76mph-81mph. I had all the makings of a legit pro prospect and managed to get drafted in the 13th round by the Washington Nationals. But my time with them only lasted a year as my control issues were getting worse and not better. I had a hard time making back to back catchable throws while playing catch. I eventually asked them if I could see a sports psychologist and they agreed to it only to cut my the day before my 1st appointment.
I did end up signing with the Phillies after working with a top pitching coach in my area who really helped with the throwing problems, but was unable to help me rid them completely. I lasted 3 weeks in spring training and was eventually released due to the command and control problems.
Since then I have been in and out of Independent baseball and mens league and am still struggling. I don't care if I never get another shot at pro ball, but I do care if I can never overcome this problem. I would be happy enough to be able to play in mens leagues and just have fun knowing I can pitch and control the ball. I would give anything to have that back. Baseball has been my life and passion and I would to have things end without ever finding a resolution.
If anyone can help I would be so thankful and grateful.
