"The best pitchers have the best imagination."
I was told this by a mentor of mine years ago, and I feel like - although the game has changed into more of a" power first, control second" world -there is a mental edge pitchers must attain to finalize their greatness.
20, or even as recently as 10 years ago the ability to change speeds and hit corners was a prerequisite for most every elite pitcher. This is not the case in modern times. Most pitchers (and parents) are seeking to maximize velocity from Little League age. Aside from the obvious and often talked about injury risk from throwing too hard, too often, too young, the focus on recognizing when to change speeds or learning how to keep the ball a little inside or outside occasionally is no longer a priority of a pitcher's development process.
Trying to convince a high school varsity pitcher that he needs to throw his changeup more often is easier said than done. Pitchers tend to nod and say they understand the need for changing speeds. Many still avoid throwing off speed in games, mostly because it is difficult - this is understandable.
If pitchers aren't throwing breaking pitches and changeups regularly in games, they must, must, throw them more than fastballs in their side or bullpen sessions. This will create good habits without realizing it.
There will come a time where pitchers will be "forced" to be creative. No matter how hard they throw - even upper 90's guys have to use their imagination to get an edge on the hitter. After all, we are all only as good as our thoughts:
"How do I get this hitter out? What do I have working for me right now."
"The first two guys are on, no outs. I need to keep away from a big inning. I'll give up one or two but need to stay away from five or six runs. Don't panic."
"I can't get my slider to move. I've got to move my fingers around on the ball."
"I know this guy loves the high fastball, but I feel really strong today. I'm going to go at him."
"I'm going to go fastball, changeup, fastball, changeup, to this guy through the whole at bat. Just keep mixing on him."
"Man, I have nothing out here right now, I'm going to keep throwing all of my pitches in order, fastball, curveball, change, fastball, curveball, change. I've got to try to hang in there for five innings."
"I'm throwing all fastballs this inning, they've been seeing my curve for the first 3 innings. Time to get them all off balance."
"My fastball is all over the place in the first inning, I don't feel good. I'm going to just go with off speed."
"My two seam is bouncing, I don't throw a four seam, but I am tired of bouncing this two seam, so I'm going to throw a four. I have nothing to lose."
"The coach called an 0-2 changeup, but my changeup is awful, I just need to keep it way off the plate so I don't make it hittable."
"I'm going to shake off before the catcher puts a sign down, just to get the hitter thinking."
These are examples of thoughts that run through pitchers minds - at all levels. It is imagination in action constantly. If you are thinking for yourself - even when coaches call the game - you will be your best self and can live with the results knowing you gave it your best effort - mentally and physically!
Never stop thinking out there. Your thoughts are yours and yours alone. Let your imagination help you gain the success you deserve!
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