Expert: John Priest - 4/5/2009

Question
Hi, I'm Raymond. I'm 14 years old, and I am extremely weak, and have never even touched a baseball before. I seem like an unlikely baseball player, huh?

However, You HAVE TO BELIEVE ME (only two people have...). I had a little ephiphemy/vision/revelation. Even though I always admired baseball and always watched games on tv, my parents never supported my dreams. In short, I missed the golden opportunities of six years ago when I could have joined Little League.

My little epiphemy was this. I was watching a baseball game on tv, and then WHAM, it hit me. I suddenly felt the urge to play baseball. In case you believe in God, let me tell you: it was as if it was his intervention. Something totally changed my mindset in that second. Suddenly, I realized that baseball was what I always wanted to do! I really REALLY am unathletic, yet this wild lust suddenly consumed me. I suddenly, because of that couple seconds, decided to be a baseball major leaguer (a lofty goal... hahaha).

I waited for a week to see if it was just one of those temporary urges that go away soon, but it isnt. I still relaly want to play baseball. I'm not joking. I can swear in my mother's name that I can practice at least an hour a day.

I just really want your opinion. Is 14 really that late to start baseball? I've asked lots of people, and they all basically said that it's too late. WHY? I'm still barely in my teens, right? Isn't it possible that with this dedication and practice every day, I could quickly catch up with the others and be able to play at least college baseball?

What do you think? Is it impossible? What can I do RIGHT NOW to achieve my goal? Any advice?

Answer
Raymond,
It is never too late to try baseball.  It may be too late to tryout for your high school team, if you didn't already, but look for a summer team.  In the mean time go see a hitting and pitching instructor.  After you see them ask them what you need to work on.  Get back to me with this information and I will give you some detailed advise.  When looking for an instructor look for an instructor that teaches rotational mechanics.  

Good Luck,
John Priest