He Can, but Should He????

Does he throw 89 for a strike?........

if he can't, save that for a showcase where potential is rated........83-86 with control is excellent for a 15 yr old....

Been behind the plate many times where a fireball pitcher can't get anyone out......

Coach, how will he ever gain command if he doesn't practice it in his bullpens? I am not saying to throw as hard as you can every pitch. I am advocating concentrating on throwing hard while maintaining good mechanics as "PART" of your training regimen.

I have noticed that if you take about 10 pitches at the end of every bp and concentrate on throwing hard with good mechanics that the first couple of pitches may be overthrown and off target, but that by the end some control and command starts to appear. Over time the motion will become smoother. It also emmulates the actual game conditions. Kids will put in a maximum effort a few times a game to try to get an out or because they are competitive. You might as well practice it. Over time the improved mechanics and practice will make it easier and there will be less of a chance of injury because he has prepared his arm.

You should also have an all around program that includes weights, running, core, shoulder care, nutrition, etc.

jmo

piaa-ump,

He throws 83-88 for strikes, great control, has only thrown 89 in the bullpen, not game tested at that velocity. But all 3 at that velocity were strikes.

My concern is is safe for a 15 yr old, with 15 yr old ligiments, to throw these adult velocities???

Adult velocities?

He is throwing what his body will allow him to throw.

Dont go too deep into it-- the boy has an ability--nurture it

Agree with TR,

Arm strength as far as pitching a baseball is mostly god given, you can do some things to tweak and strengthen, such as long toss, weighted balls, build core strength, etc. but for the most part, you got it or you don't.

Control/command is another thing.

CV

quote:

He throws 83-88 for strikes, great control, has only thrown 89 in the bullpen, not game tested at that velocity. But all 3 at that velocity were strikes.

My concern is is safe for a 15 yr old, with 15 yr old ligiments, to throw these adult velocities???

My son was hitting 90 in the bullpen 12 months before he ever touched that in a game.

It is safe if you condition the shoulder and elbow properly and use good mechanics. Try this link from Dr. Andrews website:
Throwers Exercises

edit: At his age and velocity, he will be just fine with good practice and arm care.

I agree with BigHit!
Your son will throw 90 mph if he has that ability (with or without your approval). I went through the same thing with my son about the same age. First he had to reach the 90mph plateau when he was fifteen. Once the 90mph goal was achieved, 95mph became the magic number. About all you can do is make sure your son has a good pitching instructor and practices good mechanics. Your job is to monitor his use during the high school years to make sure his arm is not abused. There is another alternative...do as I did...make him a catcher!!
Fungo

Fungo,

You are dead on about his pursuit of speed from him. He's already charting his next goal after 90.

He already is a catcher. Great receiver and blocker, and already under 2.0 in game situations down to 2nd.

In my posts on this site about timing catchers releases he is the catcher that is refered to as the fastest release I have ever timed in over 1000 catchers.

He seems to be leaning to wanting to pitch and play short. Time will tell

Hope I don't have to make a tough decision like that in a couple years when mine is 15.

Wait! Wait! I do want to! I do!

BTW, Robert Stock is throwing high 80s and has hit 93 at 15 and his arm is still OK. It really just depends on the individual.

quote:

has only thrown 89 in the bullpen, not game tested at that velocity. But all 3 at that velocity were strikes.

If he can do that, I say mix that pitch in!......

piaa_ump

What part of Pa are you in??

South Western PA........

Catching Coach:

Do you have a video clip of your son's release? I'd like to see it. I'm working with my 14 year old, and I am not a catching coach! He's trying to improve (has been as low as 2.06 in simulated, but is struggling at the moment for some reason and timed in the 2.2 range) and I don't really know enough to help him.

I've read the stuff on your site, which is excellent. But there is no substitute for video.