Whenever the word/phrase "velocity" or "90mph" is mentioned, someone always has to say something like, "its not velocity that matters, its control."
It seems like some people always assume that the two are mutually exclusive.
Why?
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Good question. I think they both matter, though the pitcher with a good velocity range and control will succeed in becoming a starter over the pitcher who hurls the higher velocity with fair control. In college anyway. 
I also think it matters to the person answering whether the two are mutually exclusive or not.
I also think it matters to the person answering whether the two are mutually exclusive or not.
They're certainly not mutually exclusive. I think people who respond that way do it for a variety of reasons, a couple of which would be when the original post seems to emphasize velocity too much or in defense of their own pitcher's finesse over velocity.
You might have noticed the same type of response when baseball skills are discussed in recruitment; someone will respond with how important grades are.
Neither example is to denegrate the skill posed in the question, but to point out that there are many factors in talent.
You might have noticed the same type of response when baseball skills are discussed in recruitment; someone will respond with how important grades are.
Neither example is to denegrate the skill posed in the question, but to point out that there are many factors in talent.
quote:Originally posted by tbirds:
Whenever the word/phrase "velocity" or "90mph" is mentioned, someone always has to say something like, "its not velocity that matters, its control."
It seems like some people always assume that the two are mutually exclusive.
Why?
90 mph will get you through high school and you can look really good/dominant during that time. Once you get to college/minor league ball, if you throw 90 without command and another pitch, your fielders will get plenty of exercise and your pitcher will have a serious neck strain.
In college and beyond, hitters turn around 90mph with serious power when they know that is coming.quote:In college and beyond, hitters turn around 90mph with serious power when they know that is coming.
And doncha just love it.......
tbirds
I think most folks know they are NOT mutually exclusive. The fact is that kids who have BOTH are usually drafted or signed early by colleges.
The reason you see the question so often, is that there are a lot of kids left over after the cream is taken off - and that's when speed vs. skill becomes a factor.
I think most folks know they are NOT mutually exclusive. The fact is that kids who have BOTH are usually drafted or signed early by colleges.
The reason you see the question so often, is that there are a lot of kids left over after the cream is taken off - and that's when speed vs. skill becomes a factor.
.
88+ definately gets you in the door....
once you get inside, control and craft keep you there....
.
88+ definately gets you in the door....
once you get inside, control and craft keep you there....
.
Tbirds,
The following is meant to be humorous:
If a girl is beautiful she flaunts it and ugly girls everywhere hate it. The less beautiful girl is very envious and jealous. She buys everything imaginable to make herself beautiful but to no avail. She still can’t compete. In order to cope she convinces herself and tries to convince the world that beauty is only skin deep and intelligence is the most coveted. Suddenly her worth is regained. In promoting intelligence as the most important she has to de-emphasize beauty. Blond jokes are the results of the efforts of ugly girls everywhere. Suddenly beauty is a bad thing. We know it’s not true but one would almost come to believe that it’s impossible to be beautiful and intelligent at the same time. Such is the plight of the sub-90 mph pitcher and his parents.
Here’s an article about the 90mph pitcher:
"90"
The following is meant to be humorous:
If a girl is beautiful she flaunts it and ugly girls everywhere hate it. The less beautiful girl is very envious and jealous. She buys everything imaginable to make herself beautiful but to no avail. She still can’t compete. In order to cope she convinces herself and tries to convince the world that beauty is only skin deep and intelligence is the most coveted. Suddenly her worth is regained. In promoting intelligence as the most important she has to de-emphasize beauty. Blond jokes are the results of the efforts of ugly girls everywhere. Suddenly beauty is a bad thing. We know it’s not true but one would almost come to believe that it’s impossible to be beautiful and intelligent at the same time. Such is the plight of the sub-90 mph pitcher and his parents.
Here’s an article about the 90mph pitcher:
"90"
My momma always said; beauty gets noticed but intelligence goes places!
WOW Smokey you must be really UGLY. 
I know... 
Thank God I have great command of my pitches... 
Thank God I have great command of my pitches...
***** GREG MADDUX *****
You got to have control....In Texas alone, there are usually 100+ Sr. that graduate every year that throw 90+
quote:Originally posted by StyleMismatch:
***** GREG MADDUX *****
From what I understand, he entered the majors throwing low 90s. In other words, he didn't get there on control alone.
quote:Originally posted by d8:
In Texas alone, there are usually 100+ Sr. that graduate every year that throw 90+
Sorry, but I just don't believe that. Two of the most often mis-represented facts about HS baseball players are that they throw 90 mph and/or hit .600.
quote:Originally posted by FormerObserver:
In college and beyond, hitters turn around 90mph with serious power when they know that is coming.
And doncha just love it.......
As a parent of a pitcher...to tell the truth I just hate it.
Actually, I thought one of the biggest adjustments from HS to college has been getting past the idea that when behind in the count, one can just rear back and fire 90 mph over the plate...worked just fine in HS?! 
No way in college...not to one batter in that lineup.
Just a short story. JC pitcher, only 1 school serious. Never threw in a showcase. Travel team coach didn't pitch him, only pitched in Freshman JC season due to 2 starters hurt. A couple of pro guys gunned him 88 to 90. Goes to JC showcase on Sat. throws 89-90 with several 91-92's. Within 5 days has calls from Miami, USC, LBSU, **** Roberts, UNM, among others. 90 is a magic number