Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 7/5/2006

Question
Is it ok for a 12 year old pitcher to throw a pitch using a curve ball grip but not breaking the wrist? He currently has a very good 4 seam, his 2 seam is starting to move and he is gaining confidence in his change up. He is currently taking lessons from a former minor league pitcher.

Thank YOu

Ted

Answer
Ted,

The danger of pitching is two fold:

1)  Pitching when tired, and
2)  Putting unnecessary stress on the arm.

As long as the pitcher is throwing without breaking the wrist or putting other unnecessary stress on the arm and as long as their number of pitches in a competitive situation are limited, then I see no problem with throwing the ball while gripping it different ways.

My opinion only though!

Brian