Catcher's Obstruction: Hit or E2?

[TwoBits]

Originally Posted by andrewm

Hmm. With that kind of pitch count at 8, you'll be lucky if he's still able to throw in high school.

Let's do the math:

13 Ks - min of 39 pitches (assume 3 pitches per K)
5 BB - min of 20 pitches (assume 4 pitches per BB)

That's a minimum of 59 pitches. Probably closer to 75 pitches, not including the E2 or FC. His actual pitch count was likely approaching 85-90 pitches, if not more.

When my son starting pitching at 9, all the research I did suggested pitch counts in the 30-40 range for that age.

My son is 12 now, and our BEST pitcher averages 15 pitches per inning. So that's 75 in 5 innings.

Just some FYI.

Game was suspended and completed a week later. He had plenty of rest.

You ought to see the wicked curve ball he can throw!

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THAT WAS A JOKE! Don't start bashing me with "kids shouldn't throw curves" comments!

[SanDiegoSteve]

Every Little Leaguer I've ever seen pitch throws some kind of breaking ball. That is such a myth. The arm motion for a curve is totally natural, at least not any more unnatural than pitching is in the first place. Now a screwgie is a different subject. This pitch puts an unnatural strain on the wrist and arm. At least I learned something in my Physiology and Kinesiology classes.

[BigUmp56]

Steve:

Read these. Every reputable study I've ever read on this subject maintains that since the growth plates do not completely close in the elbow until they're older, a curve ball should not be thrown until at least 14-16 years of age.


Youth Pitchers

Youth Pitchers

Youth Pitchers


Tim.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

Steve:

Read these. Every reputable study I've ever read on this subject maintains that sicne the growth plates do not completely close in the elbow, a curve ball should not be thrown until at least 14-16 years of age.


Youth Pitchers

Youth Pitchers

Youth Pitchers


Tim.

While I wouldn't recommend a 12-6 or Barry Zito like curve for young kids, where an extreme snap of the wrist is required, I don't think all breaking pitches should be banned. The common variety flipped up frisbee curve is commonplace among the 8 to 12 year old pitchers, and some have an "Ephus" style drop curve which basically relies on gravity for its break.

Occasionally I run into a parent or a coach which prohibits their son or player from throwing curves, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

[TwoBits]

The problem I see is most kids drop to side arm to throw a curve. They discover they get more break that way.

My kid has been taught a curve, but not by me or any other coach he's had. Unfortunately he has older cousins that has shown him. I've told him and made it clear to any coach he's had they he will not throw curves under any circumstance.

[johnnyg08]

fair enough TwoBits...I'm not a father yet, but i'm sure it's exciting to watch your son be successful playing such a great game. Have fun...I hear it goes fast!

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Every Little Leaguer I've ever seen pitch throws some kind of breaking ball. That is such a myth. The arm motion for a curve is totally natural, at least not any more unnatural than pitching is in the first place. Now a screwgie is a different subject. This pitch puts an unnatural strain on the wrist and arm. At least I learned something in my Physiology and Kinesiology classes.

Just don't let him throw a "rising fastball."

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Just don't let him throw a "rising fastball."

Shhhhhh.......quiet!

SAUmp might be listening!!!