Visits to the Mound

Welcome Coach_M

I do it mainly just to get my pitcher to think about something else. Get him to take a breath and relax and shake of whatever happened. I don't say a whole lot nor do I even stay out there long enough to get the umps attention.

Coach_M

Welcome - Like Coach Bob, I often take a walk to the mound to ease the tension off my pitcher. Ask how they feel, what pitch is working for them or not. I have also walked to the mound to give the reliever extra time in the bull pen before taking the starter off the mound in the second visit.

quote:

Originally posted by Coach Bob:
I do it mainly just to get my pitcher to think about something else. Get him to take a breath and relax and shake of whatever happened. I don't say a whole lot nor do I even stay out there long enough to get the umps attention.

That’s interesting, and it shows how different coaches handle things differently. I’ve been scoring for our coach now for almost 5 full seasons, and I’ve yet to see him not have to be chased off the field by the umpire. Now that doesn’t mean I think you’re right and he’s wrong, but to tell the truth, I don’t have a clue what could possibly be said that needs so much time the ump has to go out there and break things up. I can see it as a stalling tactic to allow a reliever to get heated up, but every single visit?

quote:

Originally posted by Stats4Gnats:
I can see it as a stalling tactic to allow a reliever to get heated up, but every single visit?

Doesn’t work for every visit. You have to kind of see it coming. For example: Trying to get one more inning out of a starter... the starter takes the mound, reliever in the bullpen. Starter is in trouble after 2-3 batters but the reliever isn’t ready yet. I will call time, walk to the mound knowing the visit to the mound is strictly for the benefit of the reliever getting more time warming up without the starter loading the bases. I will usually leave the starter on the mound for one more batter after that. Then make my second visit as soon as possible - going to the bull pen. I know I cant be the only one... lol.

quote:

Originally posted by Coach Bob:
Welcome Coach_M

I do it mainly just to get my pitcher to think about something else. Get him to take a breath and relax and shake of whatever happened. I don't say a whole lot nor do I even stay out there long enough to get the umps attention.

I am so glad to hear that someone other than myself does this. I figure if I can get the pitchers mind off of what he is doing it might make him snap back into it.

I usually ask what movie is playing on screen #8 at the local theater or where the hottest blonde/brunette/red head is sitting. Mostly I want to get a chuckle, break up the current bad flow and slow the pitcher down a little. The sooner you can break the death spiral the better. With some of my kids, it's real quick. With others, I have to start as I'm approaching and continue after I have been run off by the ump.