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8 replies

Pitcher affects on MIF defense

BS Brian Shanberg100+ posts
We have a little situation that is occurring frequently enough that its negatively affecting the outcome of close games.

We have a big, strong pitcher that throws very, very well. From a pitching standpoint, he's our best pitcher. However, he can't field a ground ball, slow roller, or bunt directly back to him. The worst part is, when he whiffs at the ground ball, it typically deflects off him so that no one else can field it cleanly.

Here's a typical situation we see multiple times in almost every game: With a runner on 1st, Hitter hits a ground ball toward MIF; pitcher puts a glove on it and it deflects off his glove. I don't wanna sound harsh, but the pitcher just screwed up what would of been a routine double play. Now, the opposition has two men on base.

Outside of working with the pitcher (Who can't touch his toes) in fielding drills, is it recommended to tell the pitcher to actually let everything through to their MIFs and stop trying to field ground balls?
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OnWabanaOnWabana100+ posts
I have heard coaches tell their pitchers to let routine balls go by because they had an exceptional middle infield. But I do agree that it's a natural reaction. I definitely say you should get this big guy on a flexibility/agility program. Not just for his fielding either. If he really can't touch his toes and he's a hard thrower, there's an excellent chance he'll get injured.

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Last edited by OnWabana
N Nick_Esposito10+ posts
Reps with working on pitcher fielding practice. Don't get mad at the player, isn't it the job of the coach to teach the player HOW to field the position? PFP should be done at least a few times a week, if not everyday depending on time for practice and age. There is nothing else besides getting reps and getting the confidence in the pitcher to field it.

How would you feel if you made a few errors, and then the coach tells you to just get away from the ball, your messing up the outcome of the game?
Last edited by Nick_Esposito
C cabbagedadHSBaseballWeb member since 2011
I agree with PFP's and agility. I also agree that it is natural reaction to field a ball hit your way. However, I also think that most pitchers, through experience, gain a general sense that if they have to reach much for a ball, they are usually better off pulling off and letting MIFs make the play. This will allow for a higher percentage of balls to be fielded cleanly and keep double plays in tact.

So, while giving PFPs, have him work hard on come-backers, slow rollers and bunts but at the same time, work on letting those "reach" balls through.
Last edited by cabbagedad
L Leftysidearmom100+ posts
I want my pitcher son ready to get ANY ball that comes back at him. After every pitch be ready EVERY TIME. Teaching him to avoid balls IMO is setting him up for injury. Blocking a ball coming at you with a glove is a natural reaction given to humans to protect themselves. Mess with that and you mess with his safety.

If he can't get routine balls back up the middle he isn't really a good pitcher...yet.

That all said, if he has to reach for the ball, let it go. You can be ready to catch a ball and give up when you realize you are reaching. Is he being a ball hog?
Last edited by Leftysidearmom

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