He Competes

My understanding is that when someone says a pitcher competes, it means a couple things, he doesn't back down when he's behind in the count, and he's not scared to throw the hook on a full count when his hook hasn't been working for him all game. That's a pitcher that competes for you.

He's pounding the zone, he's not afraid to run one in on the righty (vice versa for LHP), he never seems anything less than dominant even when things don't go his way. He is CHALLENGING the hitter to try and get a piece of his stuff and is not going to wank around outside the zone hoping he doesn't get jacked.

Watch a pitcher after he gets hit hard. If he was throwing 83-85 and then his velocity drops to 79-80 after he gets hit hard, he is afraid. If his velocity stays, 83-85 after he gets hit hard, he competes.

He "competes" when he's not dominating and on the hill without his best stuff getting hitters out anyway possible.

Did that defintion clear things up for you?

Agree with Krak, Redbird and Texas. Even without their good stuff, they keep attacking hitters with whatever their pitches are that day. When things go bad, they bear down and focus even harder.

Son's HS team has kid like this...not the best stuff but a bulldog on the mound no matter what sitaution he is thrown into. Bases loaded, no outs hasn't fazed him yet. My son loves catching the kid because the kid is fearless. Does he win every battle...no, but at least it is a battle.

I think all of these things are a part of it. But more than anything, I'll just say I know it when I see it...and it can be pretty special.

Like justbaseball, I've seen a lot of amateur baseball. I think i know it when i see it. However, i guess i don't really know specifically what i "know" that makes me appreciate a kid's competitiveness. Your responses nail it for me. Thanks!