Expert: John Priest - 4/20/2010

Question
Hello,
My son is 8 and is athletic, a good listener, and learns quickly.
He is currently playing catcher and loves it and is very good at the position. My son and other adults are asking me about teaching him to pitch. I don't know what to do! Should I give my
son the opportunity to learn to pitch? Can or should he catch and pitch? At what age is it best to determine what position to stick with if he excels at both?

Thanks,
Chris

Answer
Chris,
The catchers arm motion and pitchers arm motion is very different.  Catchers need a short and quick release while pitchers can be much longer.  Catchers usually have very good arms which is why coaches want to utilize them as pitchers.  There are two answers that I can give you the first is a short term answer, and I would say yes give him a chance to see if he likes it.  The long term answer is no don't let it happen.  If your son really likes to catch let him do it so he can be the best.  He is only 8 so there is plenty of time, but if you look forward to high school and college usually pitchers don't catch and visa versa, and I wouldn't recommend it.  I would say by the time you are in the 7th grade you should have your position but this can always change depending on your teams needs.  I was a catcher and they tried to make me into a pitcher while in middle school and its was a mistake and I wish I never did it.  Just remember that your son is young and has plenty of time you may want him to experience all positions but keep catching the main position.

Thank You,
John Priest