Not A Pitcher

Nah.

It's a team sport.... Not a recruitment camp...
If the high school coach needs him to spot start or save... then he needs to... I'll bet the kid will love every minute of it.

No downside-let him throw. My son was in the same boat. He's always played IF, but was the only 90+ guy on his summer team, so he got to close some games. He had fun, but really doesn't want to pitch. Let your son enjoy it while he can.

quote:

Originally posted by Blade:
Is there any downside to a Junior that is actively being recruited for his bat and glove, to end up on the mound as a starter in regular rotation. Every 4 or 5 games or so, guessing. The HS coach needs him on the mound where he generally is effective (historically anyway), but not overpowering.

He should be fine as long as he's properly conditioned and not overused. 5 innings every 4 or 5 days should be OK.

Google "Throwers Ten" for a good conditioning program for pitchers.

Make sure Arm care is your top priority. These kids aren't bullet proof and alot of the practice time at both positions can add up to fatigue when you least expect it. I would also get with the trainers to get on regular stretching program for the shoulder area. The shoulder of a pitcher goes through adaptations that position players might not experience. Each kid is different but would hate to see him shut down temporarily because of it. Good Luck!

A kid has to want to be on the mound---if the mindset isnt there he is useless---

Dont worry about the recruiting part of it. Heck he may just show some versatility in his game. Maybe they see he is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. The only thing I would be concerned with is that he not pitch too much and then go to the field and have a fatigued arm. Just make sure he monitors this and stay on top of it. We have guys that play the field and pitch. We just put them at fb or dh them and limit their throwing on off days etc. He will be fine I would not let it be a concern.

Thank you all for your input. He plays 3rd normally and will not ever be used as a DH (team wants his glove). He really enjoys being on the mound throwing low to mid 80's with good control and about 3 or 4 solid pitches. Arm fatigue is what I am most concerned about (God Forbid Injury). Secondly, I just don't know how scouts or recruiters will view him if they come expecting to see a 3rd baseman and find a pitcher. I think that you all have allieviated most of those concerns though...

They will understand. Many times players are at a position in HS that is not their position in select ball and will not be their position in college.

Just make sure he is held to a reasonable pitch count and observes rest periods.

One of my son's teammates a few years ago never pitched 1 inning in his senior year in elite ball. He was recruited and signed a D1 LI as a pitcher. He is a JR at college and has only pitched for the last 2 years.

quote:

Originally posted by Coach May:
We have guys that play the field and pitch. We just put them at fb or dh them and limit their throwing on off days etc.

This is good advice.

The worst combos in terms of arm health are (in this order)...

1. P/C
2. P/SS
3. P/3B

When I can, I prefer that my pitchers play...

1. 1B
2. 2B
3. OF

...in that order.

quote:

Originally posted by Blade:
Secondly, I just don't know how scouts or recruiters will view him if they come expecting to see a 3rd baseman and find a pitcher. I think that you all have allieviated most of those concerns though...

When I look for prospective guys to convert to P the first guys I look at are the 3B's due to the long, accurate throws that are required (and then the OF's).

Also, if your son is any good he will get multiple looks and someone will note that he plays both P and 3B.

Just don't let him overuse his arm.

My son was recruited as a potential "two-way" player. Being a lefty, he can pitch, play 1B or OF. As a position player, he likes OF best and was thinking of himself as corner OF-material in college as he's not exceptionally fast. However, the college coach told him he would probably play 1B (not OF) as a position player in college because, for example, the coach didn't want him to be in RF and having to make a throw to 3B in the game before/following his pitching appearances. Generally, the coach felt 1B would save a lot of wear/tear and be the least physically taxing, particularly on his arm.