As young pitchers get physically stronger each year, seeing fastballs getting into the 90's more often, the need to become MENTALLY stronger increases.
Think about it. So many young players are throwing their complete training efforts into finding elite level velocity. Unlike increasing foot speed or raw lifting strength, which can more directly lead to first place trophies and championships, pitching throws the added challenge to your newfound speed and power - the batter.
"That guy is turning on my best fastball, I'm not sure what I can do to get him out."
Yes, batters train equally as hard to increase exit velo, bat, and running speed as much as pitchers chase 90. So now the chess match has been taken to a faster pace. With increased power comes more intense pressure and frequent self-doubt.
"I'm throwing 91, but I'm 0-3 in my first three outings."
The combination of your pitches makes you successful. Don't stop working on your secondary stuff.
I am the General Manager and Pitching Coach of the Mystic Schooners in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. This is elite summer baseball, to be sure. Trying to select a quality pitching staff each off season consists of emails and conversations with college coaches who are pitching their guys in order to place them in our league.
"Dennis, I have a young guy who is 89-91 and touched 93 a few times this fall. He is dominating our intersquad practices."
It is tempting to want a strong fastball guy on the staff. We have taken the bait in the past, only to find someone who is unable to make adjustments and handle in-game adversity. The summer is mainly dedicated to improving mental approach and ability to handle failure. Most guys are better for the experience, but they should have the psychological capability to compete before they get to the college level.
Mental toughness takes practice. It can be improved upon with coaching, competition, and confidence building moments. Failure is just an opportunity to build confidence. More failures give you more opportunities. Do not run away from potential failure moments. You need them in order to become a mentally strong competitor.
"Coach, my fastball is down a few miles an hour, my dad just told me. I think I'm done."
"I've got another inning in me coach, these guys can't hit my slider today."
Which one sounds mentally strong?
Good hitters hit good fastballs. Weak hitters hit good fastballs, that's baseball. Great hitters also miss bad pitches; it happens.
"That pitch was so bad that it was good. I was waiting for it to break, and it didn't - swung right under it."
The key for pitchers is to hang in there, whether a hitter hits a good pitch or you get away with a bad pitch. Keep adjusting out there!
The good news is that curveballs, sliders, and changeups - the "touch" pitches - can always be worked on with little risk of fatigue. The confidence that comes from knowing you can throw any pitch at any time, no matter what the count, is very powerful.
No two baseball games are alike. When you can understand and accept that fact, you will become a pitcher who is tough to figure out.
"I didn't have my best stuff today but felt like I kept the team in the game for six innings and gave our guys a chance to win."
If you are having trouble getting the fastball over the plate, it doesn't hurt go to the change or breaker, just to help get off of your control rut with the fastball. Do not be afraid to try something else - be creative.
"You look good, but this guy has been on your stuff all day. How about alternating pitches, no matter what the count, to this guy? Let's see if we can get him to chase something." (A true pitching visit conversation from me to a Schooners pitcher, 2014 - it worked, slow comebacker to the mound)
Your job is to get that hitter in front of you. Each hitter is a new challenge.
"Coach, call whatever pitches you want. I can throw them all for strikes"
