Pitcher only

My son hasnt played JUCO yet, as he has just committed to play next year. But we recently did the research on their pitching staff.

For the 2012 season, they had one guy listed as a pitcher/infielder. He pitched 1 inning. Another pleyer that was not listed as a pitcher pitched 1 inning. I remember this because it was 1 inning each. I dont remember what position the second guy played regularly, though. This team participated in the JUCO World Series.

During the visit, my son asked what they wanted him to do as far as winter workouts and next summer. They said to keep doing what you are doing and to enjoy your senior year. As for summer ball, they said it would probably be good to keep playing with his regular summer team since they have been playing very good competition. Luckily, both his high school and summer coach are very good at keeping his innings pitched at a good level, so I dont have to worry about overuse before college.

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I understand that most college coaches encourage their non-pitching signees to play summer ball, but don't want their pitchers to pitch at all.

As a parent of two college pitchers...I have never heard this, except for the case of an injury.

True, they don't want you to arrive on campus with a sore/tired arm...but with both sons, there was never any hint of not wanting them to pitch during the summer before college.

Most programs regardless of division strive for their pitchers to just be pitchers.

There is significant difference between a hitter that can pitch a few inings and a starting pitcher that can mash. You will always find that there are exceptions to that.

When one gets to the college level there really isn't enough time to become better at both.

I concur with JBB, most coaches want you to pitch before college. How much would determine how many innings the pitcher put in before the summer.

My son played at a JUCO for two years and all pitchers were pitchers only. A couple guys came to the school as two way players but quickly became pitchers only.

There is only one Brian Johnson type that I am aware of. I'm sure if I am wrong, I will be set straight.

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OKbaseballDad said....Also for those pitchers that sign their senior year, what did they do the summer between graduation and beginning college? I understand that most college coaches encourage their non-pitching signees to play summer ball, but don't want their pitchers to pitch at all.

I agree with what others have stated in this thread. I've never heard of a college coach tell a recruit to stop pitching prior to freshmen year (unless there was health issues). I think there is some judgement that needs to be applied, but I think he should absolutely pitch to get mound time and work on his pitches. My son played American Legion between high school/college and got to pitch and play OF/IF. He started (pitching) a game a week (6-7 innings) for the whole Legion season. I think you will find a college coach give you some guidance about innings and workouts. You definitely want to be in the best shape of your life when freshmen Fall baseball rolls around. Good luck.

Thank you all for the info.

I asked one of the schools who offered, and they did tell a guy from our area to hold off pitching for the summer, but it was indeed an arm issue.

Now for the other problem...everyone around here plays Connie Mack and Legion ball in the summer, and my son will be 19 on 12/30/12, so too old for either.

Showcases take so many pitchers, you're lucky to get two innings, and usually get one.

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Originally posted by OKbaseballDad:
Thank you all for the info.

I asked one of the schools who offered, and they did tell a guy from our area to hold off pitching for the summer, but it was indeed an arm issue.

Now for the other problem...everyone around here plays Connie Mack and Legion ball in the summer, and my son will be 19 on 12/30/12, so too old for either.

Showcases take so many pitchers, you're lucky to get two innings, and usually get one.

Check and see if you have any 18+/Adult Leagues around looking for pitching. That was one of the things my son did before entering college as a freshman.

My son did the same thing and he got a lot of valuable work in where he had more control of the # of innings pitched and the situation where he was pitching. The quality of the baseball was surprisingly good with most players in their mid twenties, having just finished their own college playing careers

my son too played in a socalled "adult" league before going off to college at age 16 he was playing next to a D-3 ALLAMERICAN
TAUGHT HIM A LOT

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