exit velocity vs. mound speed

It's simple...the more mound work he gets, the better he will be. Good things come with time, patience and practice

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Always been an outfielder plus a little at 1st base. Has started

Good advice from Lefthook. My son's two numbers were within 2MPH of each other when he was pitching a lot. He was a two way and frankly pitched more than he played OF, so maybe with some more OF work he would have thrown harder from the OF, don't really know.

There are a few subtle keys to velocity in pitching and some have it right away and some it takes time to find. IMO, the keys to velocity off the mound is flexibility, range of motion, getting your mechanics clean with a lot of "stretch" in the torso such that you are getting out over your front foot at contact with delayed arm action so you generate a lot of whip. (I know this is simplified, and some pitching "guru's" are going to jump all over this) but it just shows that it takes time.

Get some solid instruction, work on flexibility and leg/core in the weight room.

I think developing mechanics off the mound to get as efficient as you can. From the OF, you are getting some momentum behind your throws because of the crowhop. My son was an infielder as well as a pitcher and always - as far as I can remember - threw 3-4 mph faster off the mound than from the infield. I think it's because pitching is what he focused on the most. Go see a qualified pitching coach and find out from him specifically what your son can do to improve velocity off the mound.

Has he ever pitched in a real game? 78 not bad. How is his location? What about a CU? Velocity is only one part of the pitching equation IMO. Pitcher development is a marathon not a sprint. Usually takes several yrs working on mechanics to see real development. Find someone to work with him if they do not have someone at your HS. It's a very specific position and kids need to have a passion for it to be successful. It's tough mentally. Good luck to him and keep us posted how he's progressing.

Go see a qualified pitching instructor ASAP and do some bullpen sessions.  Bum, Jr.'s instructor was a D1 pitching coach (not his chosen school).  That instructor may put 5 MPH or more onto your son's arm in one session.  If he progresses and adds 3-4 more just due to maturity he could easily be 86-87 by year's end.  Check out long-toss, band work, and plyometrics.

 

Good luck.