There are multiple scenarios in baseball that call for certain strategies. The pitchout play being one of them. Whether I am watching MLB or youth and HS baseball, I just do not see the pitch out being executed. Some folks say they don't run as much as they used to in MLB, which is true. Sometimes they say HS and youth pitchers are not able to perform the task at hand.
In my opinion it's not really an issue in MLB. You could probably watch about 10 games and see them pitchout in 1, maybe 2 games. Where are the athletes at people? Players in the league just don't swipe bags like they used to. I know pitching is a lot better thses days and that has something to do with it. It's hard to get on base and most MLB catchers are superb at throwing to 2nd base. Runs are a huge commodity and maybe managers like to play it safer. Henceforth another advantage to the pitcher. It's a pitchers game in MLB these days. We are living in the post steroid era and pitchers are now thriving.
All I want to say about HS and youth pitchouts is, the pitchout is needed. If for one reason only, it would be because as soon as an opponent smells blood that the catcher, pitcher, or both are struggling, they're going to run. They're going to run blatantly. You got to call the pitchout coach, to stop the bleeding. A coach has to be willing to teach his pitchers and catchers this. If situations like this are ignored by the coach, then he condones it. Help your players.
The pitchout will always have it's purpose. Baseball can still use it. Hopefully baseball doesn't forget how to use it as time keeps going and going...
