Quote:
Originally posted by PWL
Food for thought.
I worked two JV and one Freshman tournament games last night. No telling how many balks I could have called. Worked one game behind the plate. Had to remind a few times not to pitch until I put the ball into play. That's the way it is with kids at this age level very often. Like it or not.
Would I like for them to be more mechanically sound? Sure. Makes it easier on me. I just want to sometimes tell them to slow down and relax. They're just so hyper out on that mound sometimes.
Anyway, there's times I just wish I could stop the game and talk to them. Let the ballfield be an extension of the classroom. Hopefully, they will get better as they get older.
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I agree that in many respects the high school field should be an extension of the classroom, particularly when it comes to student and teacher behavior.
However, I am the arbiter, not the teacher. While I take advantage of a few "teachable" moments, it is not my primary duty.
I have also found that one of the best ways to teach a pitcher about balks is to call them. To do otherwise risks teaching pitchers either they are not balking or that they can get away with it.