There are 4 traits that define all great pitchers.
- Talent: I know, thank you Captain Obvious. But talent is more than just natural God-given ability. True talent is when you take your God-given abilities and combine them with intense preparation to become a dominating pitcher. 90 Mph fastballs are awesome, but they are useless if you can’t throw them in a real game under real pressure.
- Preparation: This is the Mental Side of Pitching. This might be the most overlooked and undervalued part of pitching to young pitchers. The number 1 issue I personally see in young pitcher’s is that they don’t really know what they are doing. So instead of trying to learn how to throw 3 or 4 pitches, try to learn 1 great pitch. Then you can add a 2nd great pitch that you can consistently throw for strikes. Now you are starting to become a real pitcher. It’s all in the preparation.
- Competitiveness: This is my favorite one. Are you really competitive? I mean can’t sleep at night competitive. This not that you hate to lose. Everyone I know hates to lose. Competitiveness is knowing what will it take to win. What do YOU have to learn? What do YOU need to practice? When do YOU get to Perform in a real game. YOU won’t be beat! You will outwork, out hustle and have more heart than anyone, Period. Winning feels good doesn’t it.
- Ability to Pitch through Adversity: This is the foundation of mental toughness. If you pitch long enough against good competition you will eventually have to pitch through some adversity. Your ability to remain focused and aggressive will define your pitching career. This might be the single greatest pitching skill you can ever learn. If you master the ability to pitch through adversity every coach you ever play for will love you.
You don’t need permission to be great. So quit asking.
Hesitation is a motivation killer.
You can be an incredible pitcher if you really want to.
The question is Do YOU?
P.S. Tell someone today that you want to be great. Then go do it.
