What about the speed?

Flamethrower,

80 is good for a freshman.

People sometimes get confused by the words physical projection. It's more about physical maturity than it is about present size.

For example, it's possible that the 5'8 player is very mature physically and the 6'1-6'2 player has not even started to mature. In this case the 5'8 player could maybe grow another inch making him 5'9. The 6'1 player might grow another 6 inches before he is physically mature making him 6'7.

The same thing holds true for velocity to a certain extent. The smaller more mature guy is less likely to gain as much velocity compared to the taller physically immature guy.

The fact you mentioned you haven't hit your growth spurt yet bodes well for your future. But even if you don't grow as much as you hope... you can still be very good and very successful. Best of luck!

As PG has stated the 80 MPH is good for a frosh.

The growth will come or not come depending on your genetic makeup---for now I would recommend that you work on making the mechanics good and keep improving them along with pitch location.

Good luck

NC Flamethrower:

Welcome to the HSBaseballWeb! You've found a tremendous resource; one that can help you in a lot of ways over the next few years.

To echo the advice of our friend, TRHit: as a high school freshman, you're at a great point in your development as a pitcher. Find the best instruction you can, and work hard to refine your mechanics; so that you can throw strikes consistently on both sides of the plate with more than one pitch.

Additionally, make certain that you learn pitching-specific drills that develop your legs, abdomen, shoulder, and back. The mature pitcher whose core strength and stamina surpass that of his competitors gains an important edge. Develop excellent workout habits now and they'll serve you well throughout your baseball-playing days.

Best of luck to you!

Thanks PG, TR, Prepster

Or, PG, it could be that the 6'2" pitcher has grown all he is going to grow and the 5'8" pitcher will add four inches and forty-five pounds. And the smaller less physically mature guy is much more likely to gain velocity as copmared to the taller physcially mature guy.

NCF - focus on honing your mechanics. Work on getting more flexible & stronger through a workout program designed for baseball. Work on mental toughness. Get your changeup working great. What will happen will happen, but if you work hard the odds are you will have some fun on the mound.

Texan,

You are absolutely correct, it could go "either" way. It just doesn't automatically go in favor of the smaller guy.

Some of those 6'4 to 6'7 guys were 6'1 as freshman in high school. Some of those 5'8 guys were 5'8 as freshman. And yes, some of those 5'8 freshman end up well over 6'0.

Prepster - Did you notice that NCFlamethrower is from one great name of a town near you?

Always the observant one, JBB! Careful, someone might get the idea that you're a "rocket scientist" or something!

Flamethrower do you play at Clayton HS? If you do you have an outstanding coaching staff there and Im sure you are in good hands. 80 as a freshman is very good. You have an outstanding prospect there at Clayton in Archer I understand that he signed with Miami. Im sure that Chris can give you some good advice as well. You have already gotten some great advice from the folks here already. Good luck to you and the Comets this year.

Thank you Coach May. I am hoping to make the JV team this year. Chris has signed with Miami, but he is also being scouted by the Atlanta Braves. In fact, I threw with Chris today after school. Thanks for everyone's thoughts and advice.

Coach May, what high school do you coach?

South Granville High School. We used to be in your conference back in the 90's. We had some wars I'll tell you that. There have been some outstanding pitchers come through both schools. We are now in the Mid State 3-A conference. There is a chance we will meet in the Rocky Mount Easter Tourney. Best of luck to you this year and the Comets.

Thanks, best of luck to you as well