There are 3 things a pitcher has to do to throw a shutout and none of them require the ability to throw a certain velocity. When our pitchers work out to add velocity, we really want them to focus on pitching shutouts.

Our goal every game is to have our pitchers throw a shutout. You can’t lose if the other team can’t score. There are 3 things a pitcher has to do to throw a shutout and none of them require the ability to throw a certain velocity. When our pitchers work out to add velocity, we really want them to focus on pitching shutouts.

As a baseball player and coach for the past 70 years I have to shake my head when I hear about all the new “baseball coaching techniques.” Some great coaches have begun to question themselves after being criticized for not teaching a certain way! Well guess what? I am an old timer and proud of it and the game hasn’t changed at all in the past 70 years except the kids are bigger, stronger, faster and baseball is now a global game!

To ignore grip strength or buy into the premise that great hitters don’t use their hands in hitting is a definite mistake.

The old suicide squeeze play has seemed to have gone the way of the Edsel, especially in the Launch Angle Age of MLB. Much more in vogue these days, especially in college baseball, is the safety squeeze play. The good news is the safety squeeze play is much less risky, easier to execute, and almost indefensible if executed properly.

Velocity Fastball Command Movement Breaking Pitch Command of the Breaking Pitch Change of Speed Pitch Command of the Change of Speed Pitch Ability to add and subtract speed creating BP  fastballs. Command of BP fastballs. Quality Move to the bases Sound Mechanics – Repeatability, Effectiveness, with healthy arms Ability to Field the Position Poise, Mental