Expert: Dennis Girardi - 4/30/2007

Question
I am coaching two teams. One is Little League 11-12 team and the other is a BPA Travel Team. My assistants and I have different ideas on where the pitcher should be when balls are hit with runners on the bases. I realize that different situations change the position they should be in; I am looking for something to help me teach them the proper positions to take. Is there any place I can find that easily?
Thanks, Rob

Answer
Hey Rob,

I wish I knew of a website that would give you the answers that you need, but I can not find one either.  I don't know the exact situation that you need answers on, but let's see if I can help.
The general rule for where a pitcher goes to is quite simple in most cases. He always backs up third base or home plate.  This depends on where he thinks the throw, from the outfield, will go.  He does not stand directly behind the base, but as far behind the base as possible, so he can catch the loose ball before it goes out of play.  The problem is that most fields at your age level, do not have enough room for your pitcher to back up the play, the proper way, thus causing some confusion.  To make matters
worse is that the pitcher is probably one of your best defensive players and it doesn't always make sense to exclude him from the play, and make him a back-up.  You can use him as a cut-off man on a throw to the plate, but
that's really not his job and he may just be in the way.  It's funny that in the Major leagues, the pitcher is the weekest fielder, but at your level he most likely is a highly skilled defensive player.  Well, I probably did'nt tell you anything that you didn't already know. Sorry !
So both arguments could be justified by you and your assistant.
Did I touch on the problem?  Let me know....
Dennis