5 Things Never to Say to your Pitching Coach
I have to admit, there were moments I wished my pitching coach would spontaneously combust
on the way out to the mound to visit me during a game. The last thing I wanted to hear him say
was, "So, how ya feeling?" I always wondered why that answer couldn't be supplied while he
was in the dugout and I was on the mound. I mean, we effectively communicated timing pickoffs,
wheel plays, and hit behind the runner offensive strategies. You think a thumbs up quickly
flashed back to the dugout would do the trick to communicate how I was doing, but I guess not.
It took a slow shuffle to the mound for him to ask me.
I do understand the reasoning for mound visits, some are necessary, but I've heard plenty of
exchanges that would fall into my, "Never say to coach list". Here are the top five things to never
tell your coach (or your girlfriend for that matter).
1. "I want out, it just doesn't feel right"
You are simply admitting to your pitching coach that you are unwilling to compete and figure things out.
Unless the "feel right" issue refers to your arm falling off, stay on the mound and finish the job.
Competitors finish the deal, always.
2. "I'm not the guy for the job"
Again your stock just hit rock bottom with this comment. A good coach would yank you right
there, sit you on the bench and put someone with some grit on the bump to take care of business.
3. "I have other plans"
If you have been around the block in this game, you're laughing right now. Everyone knows that
optional practices are not optional. They are simply a test to see who wants to play and who
wants to be water boy for the day. When you're presented with choice to attend an option
practice: GO! Winners practice when they don't feel like it. Emotions are dangerous, keep them
in check by following your goals.
4. "Can I have a day off?"
Now if you're coach doesn't laugh at you, or make you run, your teammates should kick you in
the rear. This is like playing a game of poker with your cards flipped around showing your hand
to your opponent. Again, unless you have an emergency (and they do occur), there are no days
off unless it's scheduled. Why are you playing the game? Let your goals guide your decisions.
Everybody gets tired playing this game at some point.
5. "I should be seeing a lot more action!"
Coaches never like to hear whining, especially about playing time. Instead of using your
emotional energy complaining about your playing time, put some more time into developing
yourself to earn a spot in the rotation.
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