The value of the pitcher cannot be overestimated. He is not only the most important cog in the defense of any baseball team, he is also the life and spirit of the ball club. A strong, competent, confident pitcher can carry a weak team a long way-especially in the lower age groups. Weak pitching, on the other hand, will often keep an otherwise sound team in last place. If a boy has the potential, gets the proper instruction and works hard, the results can be mighty rewarding.

The pitcher should have the strongest throwing arm on the team. He also needs a sturdy body because, with the exception of the catcher, he works harder than any other player.

Above all else, however, a pitcher must be able to throw accurately. If a boy can’t get the ball over the plate, in the strike zone, he had better give up pitching. With beginners, accuracy is almost as important as power. Here’s why:

On a pitched ball, the batter can (a) swing and miss; (b) ground out to the infield; (c) hit a fly ball for an out; (d) foul out, or (e) get a base hit.

The odds are heavily in favor of the pitcher-IF he can keep the ball in the strike zone!

Thus, the manager of a team of youngsters might take this view:

“If I have a pitcher with superior control and a better than average arm-enough power to keep the batters from digging in and hitting at will-I have a boy who’s definitely a member of the pitching staff.” Baseball Training - Read More.