Pitchers and pre-season conditioning

Today our guys ran a two mile run.  I like to see fast times from the pitchers but their running times are not an indication of how well they can pitch.  Obviously, a well-conditioned pitcher is going to be more reliable and consistent than a poorly conditioned one with similar abilities, but their actual running times won't predict pitching success.

In the past couple of years I have had our pitchers do more sprints than distance running with their conditioning than I had done previously.  We still incorporate some days with longer distances, but our focus has become more geared toward sprints of various lengths.  The sprints help increase leg strength and explosiveness.  Repeating many short sprints is similar to pitching in a game.  A pitcher will usually average 12-18 pitches per inning, and each is thrown with intensity.  A pitcher generally takes between nine and fifteen seconds in between pitches, so we will often run our shorter sprints with about ten seconds of rest in between.

While it isn't important how fast a pitcher can run two miles, their effort and consistent improvement does tell us coaches a lot.  Slow runners may be in good shape, and some faster runners may not be in shape.  The athletes who take pride in performing their best, being consistently good, and improving daily are the guys we want on the mound when important pitches are to be thrown.

In saying that, having good feet is certainly beneficial for a pitcher.  Pitchers do have to play defense, and often the most important plays a pitcher has to make are in potentially crucial situations in a baseball game.  Therefore, some athleticism can help the team win games.  Similarly, a pitcher with quick feet will normally have a quick arm, both of which which can help a pitcher develop outstanding pickoff moves.

So, in saying that, I have observed that in the past few years our pitchers have taken pride in being well conditioned as a pitching staff.  The pitchers who have been most successful for us condition on their own, outside of practice, in addition to the significant amount of conditioning they to together as a staff on practice and game days.

I love to see the most competitive guys set the tone for their teammates.  When they do that well, they not only set the tone, but they also set a great example for the younger guys to emulate now and in the future!!