Why do players become pitchers

It varies from person to person but here are some, certainly not all, possibilities:

1. Wants to be involved in starting every play when in the field.

2. They've got a good arm and were put in that position as kids and then enjoyed some success.

3. Their dad was the team's coach.

4. They failed as position players (not Rick Ankiel's reason).

5. Teams need more pitchers than any other one position (the question as the answer to itself).

6. Has the mentality needed to be a pitcher.

7. Likes being the center of attention.

8. Their parents were able to stand the stress.

9. Likes to be the one that gets the W or the S.

10. Can handle being the one that gets the L.

They Can't Hit!

quote:

Originally posted by floridafan:
They Can't Hit!

Or run!

Good question. Mine played every position and played them all well, he was always a great hitter, not power but always able to place it where no one expected it. Double Dave is what we called him. I think that being a pitcher, it helped his hitting. At 14 when his body and feet took a huge growth spurt, he couldn't beat out the tag and looked pathetic as a runner. Having a strong arm and his long lanky frame and arms, he was designated "the pitcher". So in looking back, he had no choice. It was apparant he would be a pitcher only. Senior year HS, he was given a chance to hit, playing first when not pitching. He led the team in ERA and HR's. It was his best year in HS. For all county honors he was named as utility.

On a college roster, many of the position players were once good pitchers when they were younger or in HS. But sometime in HS, stengths usually begin to emerge. One of my son's college teammates was a pretty good LHP in HS, they even tried him as a pitcher, but his speed was incredible so his strength was in the outfield and base running not as a pitcher.

He does not like being the center of attention. He is a major competitor and he does like to control situations and help determine outcomes so IMO he has the pitcher personality.

As far as handling the stress, pitcher's parents NEVER handle that very well.

Cuz they can throw hard when they are little dudes....

Maybe mine did because he could hit the rooster almost as much as he missed

That was without the aid of a BB gun.

In my son's case, he was an undersized outfielder. At 11 when he was cut and told his arm was weak, he went to work long-tossing nearly daily and has been doing so ever since. His arm just became better than his peers and when he pitched he had a certain focus and competitiveness that is just undeniable. He was always a good contact hitter--and just this year hit his first homerun--but it's too late, he's going to college as a LHP. He's always been the #1 starter on his teams so they've deemed him "too valuable" to hit. I wish they'd ax the DH rule.

Mine likes to pitch because he likes to be in control.

My freshman and sophomore years in high school I started every game in center field and batted 3rd and 4th in the lineup. I also was our #1,#2 starter as well. I always had a really good arm, and when I got to the varsity level they kind of just dabbed me a pitcher only. I love the outfield and hitting, but pitching gives me such a rush. It's hard to explain, but when you are pitching and you are in the zone, there is a feeling none like it.

T-Skipper hit the nail on the head. They were the guy with the better arm so they were given the opportunity to pitch.

I'm surprised I haven't seen someone else put it yet..

Because they weren't tough enough or weren't smart enough (or both) to be catchers!!!

Bulldog, I like the way you think!

Haha..Catchers just play catcher because they are the ones stupid enough to get beat around all day and still get no credit.

On any HS and above team, there are more pitchers than any other position. Some think it is the fastest way to get to the pros and pitchers get most of the scholarship money at the colleges!

First, when kids, we try to play the position of our hero. Then, after a while, we start to move to the best position we are able to play.
I don't think that the pitcher, at that time, is the one with the best arm, but by sure is the one with the best control.

add to all of the above:
because they throw with the wrong arm
woot!

As for myself, I have no clue as to why I became a Pitcher. I guess it just felt 'natural' to me perhaps?

They can throw a breaking pitch better than they can hit it.

I think it's because they find that it's a position they do well in, they kind of get pushed into it because of some natural ability and come to realize, hey, I can do this and I'm actually kind of good at it!
The same holds true for almost any position in any sport, when you find a position you excell in you love that position, it becomes you!
Personality and temperament also has a lot to do with the position that chooses you. I've been told that most pitchers are a little flaky.

It is NOT #8!

Funny question, great answers - because we have wondered the same thing. I remember the first time our son was put in to pitch. Coach (not daddy) put him in after realizing his son was at the inning limit. He threw well (don't remember the details), so pitched other games. He was 9 or 10.

So maybe kids pitch because they can.