Pitcher only - HS

My son was a pitcher only (means that is just what you are a pitcher only), his sophmore/junior year.  As a senior when not pitching he was in the line up.

He came to those two seasons and always practiced, he took ground balls and he took batting practice. No one told him he had to and no one told him he couldn't.

His senior year he was pitcher, and was in the line up (first or DH) when not pitching

These are the things that seperate the guys who will do anything to get better to stay in the game from the rest of the pack. No reason why he has to sit and watch.

So should he approach his coach and ask to do more?  Why do they have pitcher only?  Is that all they want him for and dont think his other skills meet their requirements? 

My youngest son is Jr. and is a pitcher only. Although he is a little different circumstance, both his coaches don't want to take the chance of him getting hurt in any kind of fluke play. His pitching coach pitched for the U ( Miami) he was hurt and ruined a potential pro career. His head coach also played college ball and was hurt shortening his playing time. They feel he has potential to go to the next level and beyond if he doesn't get hurt. So, during practice after his long tossing session or a bull pen, he runs, and works out doing pitcher only exercise's. At the next level he will be a pitcher only, so they figure and I agree, that he should concentrate on that aspect of the game.

I have a son in DIII ball now who is a pitcher only. He played just about every game in HS, pitcher, 3rd, 1st or caught. Just depends on what the coaches feel is right for the team.

Have him work as hard as he can and do extra where they want him now, and good things will happen. Scholarship money starts with the pitcher, and everyone else gets less.

"Is it good"...hard to say without more details.  If you're saying your son is an frosh/soph and pitching on varsity then I would say it's good thing.  If he's a junior or senior then I would probably read into it that he probably isn't as strong as others on the team to be considered to play a position.

Again not knowing if you are talking about varsity or not however if it is varsity you might suggest your son do what mine did.  He pitched Varsity as frosh but was behind some very good players in the field so he asked the coach if  he could play down (JV) on the days he didn't pitch.  Gave him a chance to stay sharp and allowed him to be part of both teams.  He loved it.

They felt the same way about my son, that he had potential to go to a top D1 or pro level, and in college he would be a pitcher only, which he was. But he was a really good hitter too, and they decided they wanted his bat as well as his arm.

No one wanted him to get hurt, sometimes they treated him with kid gloves. He never had any issue through HS or college. 3 surgeries since drafted. Things happen and you never know when it will. We had no issue with him being more than a pitcher in HS, and he gave up other sports.

It was his choice to practice with the team, after he worked on his requirements as a pitcher.

If your son feels the way he does have him talk to the coach.

That's my experience with Bum, Jr., too.  They treated him like a baby they were afraid to drop so never got much of a chance to hit.  The first time up 1/2 way through the season, a double off the wall.  Second at-bat he jacked one to right.  This a kid who was 5'8" and 160 lbs.  Then he sat and only pitched the rest of the year.  He was a really, really good contact hitter but by then it was clear his left arm would carry him further.

But I'll admit, I miss his sweet swing.

I agree with TPM's advice to you, and with most of the other responders.  My answer to the "is it OK" question is it really depends on your son's age and what he wants to do, in some combination with an objective (generally read this as "non-parental") opinion on what his "next level" potential is.  If he doesn't project to the next level, then he should pursue the positions he most enjoys.  If he is young (freshman or sophomore), regardless of how he projects to the "next level," I would probably resist being pegged as a PO too early.

Usually (but not always: see TPM's comments about her son's situation) if the coaches have made your player a PO it is because they do not believe he can hit enough at that level, or possibly that they like his arm a lot and think he may be able to hit, but not on the current team because he is blocked by a better player or players at his position(s).  The question for you/your son to answer at that point is whether he would rather play a position and pitch at a lower (JV or JVC) level than be a PO at Varsity.  That is a personal choice involving many factors (many identified by responders here) that I don't think anyone can answer for you on the Internet.  Again, generally, I would lean toward not becoming a PO too early. There are many options to pursue if you don't want to be a PO, almost all of which have already been identified by responders here.

Whatever you choose, good luck.

Actually the best pitchers are nearly always the best hitters in h.s.  Most MLB pitchers were the hitting stars on their h.s. teams.   

George S.

I think the prevailing wisdom is more information is needed about your situation. 

I guess I'm asking myself does the Coach really know what your son is capable of.  Has your son demonstrated his skills or communicated his desire to contribute more to the team?  Coaches aren't mind readers although some think they are.  If your son feels underutilized then he needs to say something at the right time in a private conversation.  I think it is a fair "ask" of the coach to look at your sons skills and tell him what he does well and where he needs to improve.  Again, this needs to be done at the right time and delicately.  JMO.

George,we went through this as well. It stinks at 1st.  And while you are getting great advice here, I wanted to add some thoughts because I think every school / coach is different.

I think it depends on the coach's philosphy. Being placed as PO doesn't necessarily mean he isn't 'good enough' to play two way; and even if your son  asks the coach, it may or may not not get him back in the line up.

My son was always OF and pitcher. Played both in travel, and on the freshman team. In fact was one of the better hitters as a freshman with the highest battng average, and really handled RF very well. But we were warned that at our HS, they simply don't have two way players on Varsity. Older pitchers on the team told him to throw out his bat bag when he made varsity, you won't need the bat!   Pitchers are only pitchers. Once he moved up to V. in 10th grade, head coach placed him as pitcher only, and that was that. He would take BP, shag balls, do some fielding when he could during practice (if it didn't interfere with pitching drills), asked the coach, to no avail.

 It was very frustrating at 1st, but the pitching coach (who is a great mentor/friend at this point) helped him to understand and deal with it. Didn't want any issues throwing from the outfield to hurt his arm. 

 In the long run, being forced to focus 100% on his pitching probably helped get him to the level he has reached, so, no regrets now but it was a tought 1st year on varsity so I feel your pain!

Like Bum said, we really missed seeing him swing the bat and run those bases

Good luck, maybe his coach is not as rigid on this policy and he can work his way back into a position. I also think HS is too early to be stuck as PO but it worked out for my son.

Thanks everyone.  More info, son has played since 5 yrs old.  He played freshman year infield.  Tried out as soph made JV. PO.  Only PO on team.  

Our experience would support this so far.  Our top three pitchers hit 3, 4, and 5 in our lineup.

Thanks for all the encouragement.  Keep you posted.  Play ball!

I understand that - that is why I noted the exception (exemplified by TPM's son...and most players who end up in pro or college).  My own son is a sophomore starting as a two-way player, and he leads his team in hitting right now. But the question wasn't whether the best MLB and college pitchers were good hitters in HS, but rather, why a HS coach makes a kid a PO.

I stand by what I said: usually (as in more often than not) it is because the coach likes the player's arm but doesn't think he can hit enough at that level to play a position regularly enough to justify training as more than just a pitcher.  The coddling of obvious "next level" guys also happens, but not nearly as much - maybe one or two guys per team at the high school level (clearly more common at college, and universal at the pro level).

That doesn't mean that once he gets all his pitching work in, he can't ask to hit or shag or do other things to keep getting better and demonstrate his skill and desire to be a position player.  As TPM said with regard to her son, that shows a determination that separates the guys who make it going forward.  Being a PO as a soph is tough, but it is only a snapshot evaluation of how the coaches feel they can use your player right now.  Have him keep working....

First off I do not believe in a PO in high school unless that kid flat out can not hit, at this age we can guess what they will be projected at in college, but we do not know for sure and this can only hurt the kid.  I usually carry a PO in theory each year.  This is normally a SO/Freshman that has Varsity Level Pitching ability, but will not get playing time in the field at the Varsity Level.  We use them in order to have someone in the dugout if we need to get a kid warmed up.  However, they still go through all drills and BP during practice.  I have yet in my entire time as a head coach had a pitcher that did not hit 1-5 for me.  They are always the best athletes.

He's a pitcher only as a sophmore on JV?

Yes, po only in soph year.  He is as good or better than the present hitters/fielders on his team.  Ad im not just saying that as his parent.  Talked to coach - he said he wants to 'save' his arm for PO.  I guess we will go with this and are grateful he made the JV - just very different than what we are used to.  

My son was a PO as a soph/junior but on varsity. 

I personally don't see the value (as reasons discussed) limiting a player to a PO on JV. He may have ideas to use him for varsity games as well, so be careful of over use.

Regardless he should be practicing with the entire team.

Being a PO is what you make out of it.  My son is a sophomore lefty on his HS's JV team.  His coach during their meeting before school started told him that his bat wasn't as strong as our other players, but they still wanted his arm.  He goes to a division 4-A school in Southern California and has played travel ball since he was 7.  He is fast and can play both 1st and OF, but our school is stacked with big hitting studs.  We beat Orange Lu last year to make it to the City 4-A Semi Finals.  

If you can rake, I'm sure Coach will let a pitcher hit.  In my son's case, he's still only 5'8 and although he can hit, isn't a big stick.  My son misses playing every game, but has made appearances in 8 of the first 10 Spring games as a middle reliever, so it's not like he isn't relied upon.  Plus he says that he can focus more on his pitching this way and doesn't have to come off the mound and worry about an at-bat.

Even our #1 pitcher who graduated last year, who went to Long Beach State is now a PO and he raked in HS, so eventually, all pitchers are going to be POs anyways.  If my son was at a weaker program, he would definitely be playing OF and prob even some 1B, so it all depends on what you want.  Transferring wasn't a option, because our HS academic record is superior to other HS's in our league, but that is always an option if he is real unhappy about only being a PO.

AcademicsFirst,

First, I love the screen name, and totally agree.

GeorgeS and AcademicsFirst,

As the father of 3 pitchers I truly sympathize with the PO plight.  What I think it amounts to is high school coaches have other players they can get into the game or better hitters available.   When my oldest son (current D1 pitcher) was a high school junior & senior he was in the lineup whether he was pitching or not.   He was in the lineup ONLY because the coach didn't have a deep enough hitting bench to sub for him.  He had to have his bat in the 3 or 4 hole as his hand was forced. 

This PO situation will most likely play itself out if your son is fortunate enough to play in college.  If you ask any college pitcher, they will tell you they were a stud high school hitter and can hit better than their college teammates.   Just as every position player was a stud pitcher in high school.   The college situation is different because they will have someone who can hit for the pitcher and hit better whether they want to admit it or not. 

Times sure have changed in the few years since my kid played HS ball. Making the HS team isn't good enough but now it's what position they feel they must play.

Was pretty much the situation during my son's senior year.  Out of the three pitchers in the starting rotation, the top two were usually in the lineup as well.  The third one, a junk ball pitcher, didn't hit as well and usually was pitcher only though occasionally he did bat. I don't think he had 10 at-bats his senior year.

Our ace was a very good all around player.  In addition to throwing in the mid-90's, he could jack one out - hit seven HR's his senior year.  Even when he didn't pitch, the coach had him as DH or in the lineup (OF).

At the DII JUCO where my son is, none of the pitchers hit.  There is a DH in every game.  Pitchers there are truly pitchers only.

Depends on the high school and the individual players. I have seen it work both ways. My middle son's high school team had a hitter (Ike Davis) who could pitch a little, too, and a pitcher (Charles Brewer) who could hit pretty well. Today, Ike has no interest in pitching and Charles would not pick up a bat for a million dollars (well, he probably would for a million dollars). My youngest son had a pretty good hitter on his team (Konner Wade) who became a College World Series star as a pitcher. In every case, it was pretty clear what the long term prospects were for any of those guys. The bottom line is that as you go up the line, every position becomes harder and harder and demands the full attention of the player if he is to have any kind of chance to compete.

My son is a Pitcher Only on his varsity team, even though he is also a fantastic second baseman.  The coaches don't seem to respect the PO's as during practice they have the PO's pull weeds while the other players are practicing.  Has anyone heard of such a thing?

I can totally relate here.  Not that athletic to be honest, but can pitch well.  I field grounders with team, etc. But only time I see the field is when I'm on the mound, which thankfully, is a lot.  I don't bat, or play anything but pitcher.  To be honest it's the only reason I'm on the team.  But I can do that well.

Hmmmm.... if done by hand, strengthens finger, wrist and forearm muscles... brilliant.  I think I'll use that.  Besides, PO's usually get out of a lot of stuff ("why is my starting P carrying the ball bucket!?") so I wouldn't sweat it too much.

Tribe Jr is a PO, both on his high school team and his travel team.

He became a PO last summer when he joined a very competitive travel team.

At first, I found it disappointing that he would only be playing every fourth game or so.

But as a lefty with no wheels and no offensive power, his PO role is entirely justified.

Here's the good part: he loves being a PO and has completely embraced the role. Some sort of goofy subculture exists among he and his fellow POs, and they have a blast. They're the pranksters of the squad and really know how to keep it light in the dugout. On the day of a start, however, it's all business.

Subsequently, I have grown to appreciate the PO role as well. Tribe Jr is allowed to concentrate on pitching both on and off the field. If he couldn't pitch, he'd be out of the game by now.

Part of the reason for pitchers only pulling weeds may be to keep them occupied and not screwing off during practice.

PO - Pitcher only....the good, the bad, the ugly....

The good - pitcher gets to cncnetrate on Pitching.  Don;t have to take reps inthe field and swings every day.  Intent is to FOCUS if thats where your son is going to go.  Two kids on HS team throw left / bat right....PO's at first sight.

The bad - Even as a starter - you don't get a lot of play time.  You get "slotted" as a PO and no opportunities to show what you can do.

The Ugly - in HS and summer ball, you sit vs develop.....most teams don;t have the coaches willing to fully work with pitchers, just throw your bull pen or long toss.  Very little chance of getting noticed for glove or bat when labeled a PO.

Son was an outstanding glove and good bat (300+).  Since lefty had to play 1st or OF which he had the arm and speed for and the quickness and reaction to excel.  Starter in those spots for several years.

Summer coach put him on team PO (same as JV coach did)...  He went to summer team and the coach didn't know he was a PO until last week of summer when they played the other team.  Asked the coach that made him a PO why?   He batted 2nd and started in CF every game except when he pitched.    Reason was "on the mound is where he will get noticed"... will get lost in the crowd in the field.

It worked out - both LHP PO's on team continuing in college.

Funny thing... the two PO's went 1-3 for the entire year batting.  In the All Star Game both got nice hits at first at bats and one would have sent it over the fence if it wasnt foul by 10'.

Good luck and let us know how it goes..

Thanks everyone!

My son is now a PO in College and Summer ball. In HS he played OF when he was not pitching.

The one thing I would caution on PO's especially at HS and lower. Find another athletic endeavor in addition to pitching. We had several players in our program develop stress fractures over the years because all they did athletically was pitch. The repeated motion of pitching over and over supposedly was the culprit or so I was told. 

It does not need to be at a varsity level. My son played Rec Basketball in the winter and made sure he followed a proper lifting program all year.

In college he only occasionally played Basketball. During a physical the doctor was concerned because he had some asymmetrical muscle development, His left side was more developed than his right. He was concerned if it continued that it could lead to issues. Told him to keep other athletic endeavors and focus some more on his right side during lifting to get it caught up.

He started playing basketball with friends more and adjusted his lifting program and things have evened out.

My son is Freshman. Above average pitcher and hitter going to a below average HS baseball team. I almost dont want him to pitcher because 1) Im afraid he might be Pitcher only. 2) The coach will abuse his arm.

Sigh.... Dammed if you do, Dammed if you dont.

LA,

Good P, Good bat, below average team.  More than likely, they'll want and need him for both. 

There is a right way to make sure you address the arm protection issue with the coach.

Don't sigh.  Enjoy it.  Your son has a chance to be part of a program turn-around or, at least, improvement.  That can be pretty cool.

Thanks for the support Cabbage

GeorgeS,

I thought of your post last night on my drive home after an American Legion game.  My youngest son is a pitcher only (PO) who was given an opportunity to pinch hit and show the coach what he has last night.   He hit a 3 run homer.  He has never hit a home run ever.  Nobody was more shocked than my wife and I, and his teammates when that ball went over the LF/CF fence.  I asked him about it on the ride home.  He said, "I've been hitting off the tee every day since JV baseball was over, working out. and I've been to every Legion practice & game.   I think the Legion coach saw something in my improved swing during BP and cage work".  Out of the mouths of babes.