The school year brings a sense of anticipation and optimism in many ways. With the many opportunities available to play other sports or participate in new activities, it is a great time for both physical and emotional recharging. If you are a "baseball only" person, it is a time to make adjustments, try new things, and overall experiment to see if weaknesses from the past season can be strengthened.
It is important to make a mental break from the recently ended year and give yourself a "fresh start" toward 2026. Those who play a second sport during the off season have an easier time making the mental transition. The challenge for multiple sport players - especially in these modern times of travel ball, spring, summer, and fall baseball, plus the enormous amount of showcases offered all year long - is to stay "tuned up" while also gaining a break from the baseball grind.
The reality is, unfortunately, that once baseball season arrives, it will be time to hit the ground running. Here are three thoughts for pitchers that might help keep themselves "primed" for next baseball season, while devoting 100% effort toward their off-season sport or activity.
- Strength Training for baseball can be difficult while participating in another sport. Keep in mind the need for rotational mobility and quickness. Chances are there will be some strength training in the second sport - supplement it with workouts like medicine ball tosses, light plyo ball throws, and plenty of stretching. It is important to keep the pitching body moving athletically. While this is certainly possible playing another sport, it can make transition to baseball season smoother with some extra "baseball movements". My recommendation is to think about two or three times per week for this regimen, but even once a week is a help.
- Resting the arm still involves moving the arm. The best way to keep the throwing muscles supple is to throw. While maximum effort is not necessary, throwing frequency is. Light catch, if weather conditions permit, or simply tossing a ball into a net 20 to 30 times, twice a week, will keep the throwing muscles in shape for a quicker transition to spring practice.
- Use your off-season baseball workouts as a mental break from your winter sport. Many "old school" guys will tell you that they played whatever sport was in season, sometimes three different sports (even four) were normal for many players. The mental benefits of playing multiple sports outweigh the physical. When you get to your work time, give it complete focus. It should be much shorter in duration than a mid-season session but give it the time and focus it deserves. You may find that your winter sport results improve with the mental break.
Playing one sport (baseball) is often criticized. There is no wrong answer, in my mind, for one or multiple sport participation. It varies from person to person, and the training involved will vary just as much. Mental discipline is the key. Know when to rest, know when to make adjustments, and know how to prepare for the baseball season. Trust your coaches, but more importantly, believe in yourself and don't allow the opinion of others stop you from pursuing baseball greatness.