Expert: Dennis Girardi - 6/20/2007

Question
My boy is eight years old. I work with him alot on hitting,catching, fielding , throwing.  I do a pretty good job at it, because I was coached very well there for I was a very good player, except pitching.  I could never pitch,  or even help somone learn.  The reason I am writing is because the other day my son wanted to try some pitching in the back yard.  Like alot sports you either have it or you don't.  To my surprise he started throwing and was pretty acurate from about thirty to thirty five out. The problem is for me I can only say hit the glove, because thats pretty much all I know.  So my question is with the knowledge I have in baseball is there anything I can do to see if he has it or not.  If he does "have it" what can I do to help him with the basics like his leg lift,arm rotation and stride.  Don't get me wrong I am not the type of dad that will spend a ton of money on camps or private coaching if he dose not have it.  It would be nice to know.

Answer
Hey Shawn,

First off, I would suggest to have your son throw to a coach that would give you an honest objective opinion of your son's talent.  If he agrees with you then move on.

Telling your son to "Hit the glove" is a pretty good start, for accuracy is the most important quality as an eight year old.  Once you see that he can throw strikes, then have someone stand in the batters box and throw to you in a catcher's position.  Make sure that the guy with the bat "does NOT swing."  Now see how accurate he is.  Have him throw at a good speed and then an occasional  faster speed.  If he is a little wild, then have him pitch only from the stretch.  Many times a young pitcher's control is much better from the stretch, as all the herky-jerky motions of a wind up, messes up the young pitcher's accuracy..  A factory wall, makes a good place to throw against when he feels like practicing.  Make a "Strike zone" with chalk, and have him throw each day for about 10-15 minutes. If he is still throwing strikes, then it's time for LIVE pitching.  Get him in a game.  Show his manager what he's got and see how he does.
Keep me in touch.. I'd like to know how he fares.
Dennis