Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 5/4/2007

Question
Hi Brian,

A question came up in our local Babe Ruth (Ripken Division) league.  Our league has only one dedicated field for the 9 - 12 year olds.  The question came up whether to schedule a make-up game at an alternate field that does not have a pitching mound.  It's a schoolyard baseball diamond, which would work fine (there are base posts for regulation bases), but the pitcher would be going off a flat surface with no rubber.

I know millions of kids have played in any old rag-tag location, but I'm wondering about some of these pitchers - who are all at various stages of learning the position - who normally pitch off a mound and the rubber, suddenly going flat for a single game (a real game with balls, strikes, and umpires), and then back up.

In your opinion, is this something to try to avoid, or do you see it as not a big deal?

Thanks, Buzz

Answer
Buzz,

I don't see it as that big a deal.  The most damaging thing a little leaguer can do is throw pitches where they put stress on their elbows or wrists.  Basically, they shouldn't throw anything but fastballs, changes, or knuckleballs.  Everything else should be avoided at least until 16.

The flat surface should really be no big deal.

Hope this helps!

Brian