Just was wondering a few things about soft lefties. How hard (comparatively) do they usually throw? What pitches? Any help would be welcome as I'm a lefty and was wondering how that whole thing works anyway. . .
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How hard do you throw? Since you're a 2015 grad (assuming that based on your screen name) why do you see yourself as a soft throwing lefty instead of a hard throwing lefty in training? I'm assuming that based on your post.
The point I'm trying to make is that pitching is pitching no matter how hard you throw. The harder you throw the more mistakes you can get away with in terms of missed spots whereas a softer thrower will get hit with the same missed spots. Successful pitching comes down to hitting spots, changing speeds, disrupting the timing a hitter has and different looks in the zone (up and in then come back with low and away).
That being said MOST soft throwing lefties will be low to mid 80's - although I'm sure there are those who will come in with different opinions but this si what I think of when I hear soft throwing lefty. They throw fastballs that move / cut and they have a very good curve. Probably have a decent to good change. But if you're not hitting your spots then you're in trouble.
My advice for a young guy is to work your butt off to be able to throw it as hard as you can. Long toss, band work and all that other stuff to get as much MPH out of your arm. There is nothing wrong with throwing an almost max effort fastball at 86 and then follow up with another fastball at 84. You would be amazed how many popups and grounders you will get.
The point I'm trying to make is that pitching is pitching no matter how hard you throw. The harder you throw the more mistakes you can get away with in terms of missed spots whereas a softer thrower will get hit with the same missed spots. Successful pitching comes down to hitting spots, changing speeds, disrupting the timing a hitter has and different looks in the zone (up and in then come back with low and away).
That being said MOST soft throwing lefties will be low to mid 80's - although I'm sure there are those who will come in with different opinions but this si what I think of when I hear soft throwing lefty. They throw fastballs that move / cut and they have a very good curve. Probably have a decent to good change. But if you're not hitting your spots then you're in trouble.
My advice for a young guy is to work your butt off to be able to throw it as hard as you can. Long toss, band work and all that other stuff to get as much MPH out of your arm. There is nothing wrong with throwing an almost max effort fastball at 86 and then follow up with another fastball at 84. You would be amazed how many popups and grounders you will get.
quote:Originally posted by 2015Lefty:
Just was wondering a few things about soft lefties. How hard (comparatively) do they usually throw? What pitches? Any help would be welcome as I'm a lefty and was wondering how that whole thing works anyway. . .
Read about Preacher Roe. He was a great soft-tossing lefty before most of us were born. (my grandfather tells me about him)
a soft lefty is anything under 90 with crazy movement. usually a really good two seam. they have pin point accuracy and have great offspeed that they can throw in any count. they won't blow it by you, but they get outs.
By the way, i HATE hitting against a good soft lefty. they are just plain frusterating
By the way, i HATE hitting against a good soft lefty. they are just plain frusterating
coach--as an incoming frosh this fall I throw about 70 (usually but don't ask about a bad day; that may be a slow answer 
) and topping out at 73ish when I'm on. I have a 4-seam, change, cutter and slider.
Lefty that's not too bad for an incoming frosh. Like I said keep working on the MPH and how to pitch. Once you do that then you can say you did everything in your power to make it happen.
Good luck.
Good luck.
