When to Throw a Pitcher in a Youth Baseball Game

Website design By BotEap.comIf you’ve watched youth baseball games at the 7-12 age level, you’ve probably witnessed the act of “pulling the pitcher” in the middle of the inning. In some cases, the result is that the thrown pitcher bursts into tears! Yes, these kids can be pretty hard on themselves. It can be argued that such events are just a part of growing up and that the youth who was removed must learn to deal with it and move on. Still, there are steps that can be taken to minimize trauma to the youth pitcher who is retired.

Website design By BotEap.comProtect your pitchers well

Website design By BotEap.comMake sure your pitchers can throw at least 3 of 5 balls in the strike zone and preferably 3 of 4 in the strike zone. If the pitcher is throwing battable balls, one of two things will happen: the batter will strike out, or the batter will hit and put the result in the hands of the fielder (and provide the fielders with some valuable practice). If the pitcher is only throwing 1 or 2 balls into the strike zone out of every 5 pitches, the result will be a lot of players by balls and runs scored on stolen bases; This really isn’t how the game should be played and it’s very frustrating for the pitching staff.

Website design By BotEap.comAlso make sure your pitcher can throw fast enough to avoid repeated heavy hitting for home runs. They don’t have to throw lightning fast. However, if they are throwing the ball at “pitch speed”, batter after batter will hit balls for home runs and you may have no choice but to replace the pitcher.

Website design By BotEap.comCommunicate with your pitchers

Website design By BotEap.comFrom the start, let your potential casters know what is expected. Let them know that if they throw out of the strike zone repeatedly resulting in an extended inning, they may be removed. Be patient though: I think a caster can learn a lot by “solving” his own temporary difficulties. If you protect your launchers well, you won’t have to pull launchers much, if at all.