Closer vs. Starter at 16? Big deal?

I would focus on training my body to go the longer innings, that way if he is asked to close he could "blow it up" for a few pitches. Sometimes you just have to do what the coach asks. It's not too strange for a coach to have roles for the players.

The key to me is that your son says he prefers closing---that is enuff for me--HS pitchers who want that job are difficult to find

All,

Similiar situation but not by the choice of the pitcher.

I have a sophmore who just made an elite program team. In his tryout and his first three practices he pitched 6 K's, 2 Flyouts and 1 ground out. Coach deemed him his closer.

In a double header he was scheduled to pitch the last inning of both games (he did the first one 3 straight outs, wasn't needed the second game).

QUESTION: How does the pitcher and dad analyze this? Son wants time on the mound as a starter to get innings in. He's gone deep into games before and has the strength to be a starter.

Is this good or bad?

Thanks

Hang in there. Hopefully, he will get his chance and be able to prove himself.

My son faced a similar situation last year. His freshman year, he was a starter on varsity. Pitched 4 complete games and did well. Sophomore year, new coach. In the first game, starter went the first 3 innings, my son came in for 4,5,6. Gave up one hit, no runs and got out of a bases loaded no out jam in the 6th in 0-0 tie. Coach decided he wanted him as a closer because he could get out of jams and not fold. Fast forward to one of the 1st games of the season. Starter goes 1 1/3 innings giving up 5 earned runs. Son comes in and finishes the last 4 2/3's giving up 1 hit, 1 run and has 7 K's. From that point on, he is back to being a starter.

Bottom line is, you have to do what the team needs you for. Keep yourself ready and in a position where the coach can't help but use you as a starter. If the oportunity presents itself, be ready and hope that the coach sees the light. Until then, let the coach know what you would like to do, but do what the team needs of you.

Bballman,

Thanks for the support. He did get a start and went 6 strong innings giving up only a couple earned runs. I have a feeling that coach wanted to see what he could do. He was the only pitcher out of many then went long. Others got in 2 or 3 innings tops and then were changed out so that others could get in there.

Not a stellar performance (I rated it as a B), however still got in 4 K's with 1 or 2 walks, but still strong.

Hang in there leftydad, things have a tendency to work out the way they should. At least there is one notch in the belt towards him being a starter. They would not have left him in if he wasn't doing well. Good luck the rest of the fall.

If he has plans to play collegiate ball it is best to be a starting pitcher and get the innings in. Relief pitching is great if you can become the main closer and throw 2 innings each game, but that is uncommon in high school; at least in Utah

If hes looking to play in college i would recommend him becoming a starter. It isn't that common in high school to have pitchers who are just relievers or just starters mainly because there isnt enough depth on the team. It is normally easier for a pitcher to go from a starting role to relief mainly because not as much arm strength is required. Ultimately the decision should be up to him and what he enjoys and preforms better in.