NEW WEB LINK - ThePichingAcedemy.net  -  We at PitchingProfessor.com are happy to announce our connection to DAN GAZAWAY and ThePitching Academy.net web site.  Dan Gazaway has the passion that we all require to instruct young pitching aspirants and help them accomplish their Pitching ambitions.  Dan's site is full of great stuff on many aspects of the pitching process and we highly recommend that those searching for pitching excellence explore the site.  Soon the site will also provide access to "The Act of Pitching " and The Best of Championship Pitching Camps DVD Modules.   Coach John Bagonzi (7/2/08)

PUT A "BRAIN" ON EACH PITCH !  -  You know when you tell someone to actively visualize and see oneself throwing a pitch, we find that some are not readily prone to do this or do not know how.  They are missing out on a serious productive practice.  I feel that if one makes a commitment to serious pitching, that he should have this (pitching a ball) on his mind a certain amount of functional time.  He should see himself pitching a baseball well and frequently, in his minds eye, even when he is not on a baseball field.  This should develop a realistic version of his technique.  To ingrain this craft within the psyche is to produce it when on the "firing line".  It's astounding how often well laid plans come true.  It is for the serious of spirit to incorporate and refine this talent of the imagination.  If one can pitch a game vicariously, as a rehearsal type of activity, the advantage is obviously in the preparation.  If one has ever prepared to pitch a game the day before and projected himself into the details of the game - by being realistic, the actual happenings often come about.  The game needs to be played with the eyes.  "See the mitt" - "hit the mitt" - "throw thru the mitt!".  See the batters' swing style.  There should always be a reason.  Creating 110 pitches with a brain on every pitch is the mission.  For some this too much - for others it's a definite challenge.  JB  (6/26/08)

DIRECTIONAL FORCE IS HARD TO COME BY WITHOUT PUSHING OFF !  -  One of the areas that gains importance in the hurling of a baseball is the energy momentum of the forward drive (directional force).  The length of the stride is an all important issue on the velocity of a pitch, and it is of a concomitant relationship to directional force.  This force, in my opinion, can only  be implemented and enhanced by the serious activity of the back leg, and the push or drive that comes from this quadrant.  Is it possible to get directional energy or power without the push-off phenomenon?  PERHAPS, but unlikely, and less likely without a usable kinesis that is initiated here.  When directional force then meets rotational force, a remarkably beautiful synergistic event in the flow of power takes place.  This has been stated many times.  There is an artistic quality to the power of the back leg, as it joins the early kinesis and fulfills the power potential of this quadrant.  Refining this effect is the measure.  JB  (6/22//08)

THE CASE FOR THE ALMIGHTY FASTBALL !  -  There has been something like 40 new pitches devised since the beginning of the game of baseball.  The inventors and creators of specialty pitches have had their "day".  Some of these concoctions are more than interesting and have revamped the process of pitching over the years.  But the one consistent equalizer, which always becomes the GOLD STANDARD for pitching is THE ALMIGHTY FASTBALL! - one might seriously ask WHY?  It has persisted as the mark for excellence - an almost religious overtone - I even call it "The Holy Grail " in my book and my dvds and certainly refer to it that way in my pitching camps.  Let's look at the reasoning for the no.1 pitch of the pack, and the one that always hovers as the "equalizer".  1) It's a constructive pitch - an arm builder.  One's arm will get stronger, even bigger and developed by throwing fastballs.  Sliders etc. can be destructive pitches on the other hand.  2)  It's the "Equalizer" and "Intimidator".  Decision time gets challenged and the "high cheese" close by can cause one to think.  3)  The "Precursor" -  It's the originator of everything.  All pitches must have some kind of fastball arm action.  There is a requirement for arm power of some sort on all pitches - curve, slider, cutter, splitter, and even change-up.  4) Arm Health Maintainer - There is less stress with the FB -  together with great mechanics enhances longevity.  5) The "Relator" - All pitches must ultimately compare and relate to the FB in terms of trajectory, speed, positioning and therein lies its mystique.  6)  The "Commander" - The FB is always best for control, and it's the umpires'  and catchers' favorites.  7)  The best for "After Life" - The fastball with late potency is a powerful entity in itself.  We could go on with these advantages, but suffice to say no. 1 may always be the most important.   JB  (6/20/08)

COMMANDING ONE'S SELF, THE FASTBALL, AND THE STRIKE ZONE  - The title implies a trilogy of events, and may sound a little ominous, and yet many accomplished pitchers do just exactly that.  Having control of the fastball with bite and yet invoking the "overlord" to validate this process with precision, is the prime directive here.  Having the audacity to take charge - be bold and capture the supreme purpose of the mound, when initiating a pitch, has such a strong overlordship quality to it, that in effect, batters recognize immediately, who plans on being in command.  The domineering, potent, take-charge guy will connote respect, and if his demeanor sustains, it's likely he will remain in command.  Command is what it's all about, and all pitchers should work on this aspect unrelentingly.  Early control bodes well!  Because good control in pitching is largely a mental outgrowth, (although there are physical and mechanical issues that necessitate a correctness in delivering a pitch), it bodes well when an aspiring pitcher demonstrates the ability to consistently throw pitches in the strike zone, particularly early in the game.  If this tendency continues in one's early career (that is exhibiting a control of the mental part), it becomes a harbinger of pitching proficiency, which can only grow better as one matures.  Being consistent and confident translates into dominance.  Composure transcends the boundary between good and VERY good.  When one is robust in his thinking about perfecting his lot, then we have a serious agenda. Don't back from this!  It may be the missing part.   JB  (6/19/08)

SCIENCE AS A MODUS OPERANDI IN PITCHING ? HOW MUCH ? (The Scientific Method?)  -  Those of us that are scientists or oriented toward science, or have taught science and are sensitive to the laws that govern the universe are always ready to integrate these principles in the pitching of a baseball.  The Scientific Method (hypothesis, theory, law) hasn't been embraced in baseball yet, even though semi-dedicated aficionados have proclaimed that if it isn't proved by science, then it's not worthy.  It seems as though this idea draws short, as few things in baseball are positively proved by science.  I wish they were; however, there are always laws at work.  I'm a scientist of sorts, so that I would wish this, but I don't have the evidence to justify and validate this maxim.  I wish it was there, because I would relish versions that I've harbored over the years to be not only proven, but justified in the realm of pitching where variance is the main disciple.  We are constantly gathering up  loose ends and trying to make them fit into the total picture.  This is good because occasionally we "hit the nail," but to squirm around trying to believe that all that is important in this arena has to be proven or is proven by science is likely a study in futility of philosophy.  But let's never quit the venture.  JB  (6/10/08)

THE IMMACULATE KINETIC CHAIN -  In the creation of the perfect pitch, that has the perfect beginning, an ideal middle, and the resultant perfect ending, replete with no leaks or decay along the way, we have quite a demanding order.  Having a continuous flow and a continuity of correct junctures emanating with precision and power is certainly a bold assignment (bolder yet the accomplishment!).  CAN THIS BE ACQUIRED ?  - ABSOLUTELY !  -  but only with the assistance of the productive mindset, which is attentive to the "power" focusing necessary to enhance a realistic "active visualization" system!  SEE IT !  DO IT !  This is the prescribed state of the new "mental mechanics" -  the powerful potential that is lingering here requires an attention to detail, but also the precise understanding of the kinesis involved in pitching a ball.  Once it is clear in one's mind, then those with purposeful motivation, seek out the steps.  When the energy of motion is scrutinized and established, the sincere student of pitching can take his craft to another level.  This should always be the goal.   JB  (6/9/08)

RELEASE POINT -   Imagine a string or a cord attached to the middle of your chest (sternum or breast plate) going right to the catchers mitt  -  this is your "thought line" and your release point reference point.  It should be out on this line in front of you.  While your actual release point will likely be higher and back further  -  the idea of "snipping" through the line with your fingers will give you a consistency in the all important release area.  This string or cord should be part of the active visualization process, which should be preliminary to any serious pitch.  In my pitching camps, I get this point across immediately and demonstrate repeatedly and continuously throughout the camp, and find that the resultant consistency in delivery is accomplished early.  "Seeing" the line is a big accessory in establishing a "pitch slot" and groove for throwing the ball.  Once this is established, the stride length can be adjusted, so that location can be fine-tuned and a pitcher can self-monitor his adaptive responses to variations in pitches.   JB  (6/5/08)

THE USEFULNESS OF THE CONTRARIANS (3 Spots where knowledge exists) -  There are always three types of persons regarding knowledge.  There are those who: 1) don't know what they don't know; 2) those that know what they don't know; and 3) those that know.  There are those who linger within these categories that might be aptly termed CONTRARIANS.  They irritate me no end.  For criticism for its sake is their specialty.  However, they seem to serve a useful purpose.  They unknowingly (many times) invigorate the process.  The jury of experts grants them a hearing.  However, the jury is largely saturated with non-contrarians, so that it's a hard sell.  The jury has roots in the idea that "that which works needs to be retained," and that reinventions need to be scrutinized and validated and not accepted simply because they are "new,"  The gap between the "new" and the "old" sometimes contains the "truth" and those "old schoolers" who have availed themselves of new age technologies and have alerted themselves to the "cutting edge" have obtained the ideal stature and balance to sit on the jury.  These omniscient students have retained the successful knowledge of the past and ideally complemented it with the energy and refreshment of the new.  However, there is a great pitfall here when category 1) proclaims a viewpoint without the support of the no. 3) clan.  The jury needs to review change for itself as a phenomenon, which quite necessarily might be "good" (maybe) or "bad" (often).  Still we need a new ideal, and perhaps the contrarians contain this thought if their assumptions are carefully tested.   JB  (5/27/08)

THE FOREVER MECHANICS -  Forever mechanics is something you can live with during your entire pitching career.  I feel blessed that in my early days I emulated Warren Spahn and Bob Feller - both outstanding pitchers with optimal mechanical deliveries - both devoid of arm problems, with Spahn pitching into his middle forties, while Feller, interrupted by armed service time, accomplished staggering totals, but would have amassed more records with a continuous career.  I still have my unchanged mechanics, which are somewhat like Fellers' and am quite capable of throwing a baseball well with gusto, agility, and flexibility long after that would be likely.  We as pitching instructors and coaches want the beginning entry mechanics to last the length of one's career, and perhaps with fine tuning periodically, along with alterations when flaws occur, but nothing drastic which might involve blueprint changing.  "Mechanics you can live by" is the logo.  Dependable deliveries, time after time after time, stress-free with command and self sustaining power, accuracy and effectiveness is the logo theme.  This is a tall order, but a deliverable one, that has the thoroughness of design built into its beginning.  This is the good pitcher vs. the great pitcher design.  The line begins early.    JB  (5/26/08)

THE FINAL 5-7 FEET OF THE PITCH (The "After Burn") -  When one has zest on his fastball, it often is a result of activity in the final 5-7 feet of the pitch, and this is where the ball is "alive".  This can be the "biting" zone, the "giddy-up" stage, the" late-life" or the "pop" on the ball.  This is where the effect of "pulling the trigger" on the fastball is manifested.  The actual pulling of the trigger is in the release of the ball, where the fingers are fast-forwarding.  The "flick" that is imparted thru the ball here with its concomitant high spin impartment is where the "after -burn" is initiated.  Coming thru the ball with the finger tips acting strongly, and the wrist powerfully flexing is the incredibly important part of this mechanical phase where acceleration thru the release point accurately creates the optimal energy for a fastball with "overdrive" quality to it.   JB  (5/23/08)

THE IMPECCABLE MIND   - Dwelling on this guy is worth every second. He (she) is a magnificent, wonderful entity that can transform a life. He is a treasure that we all have to some degree. He can be depended on,  he can handle disasters, and he protects the error-prone from falling too far off-course.  He can be a partner in the great quest for high level achievement.  He basically wants no part of mediocrity.  He has a consciousness that can think only positively.  He resides in great accomplished personages.  His is a valor under fire in any venue. He refutes under accomplishment.  His residence is the inner mind.  Being aware of him often invokes his presence.  There are no enigmas.  There are no negative time warps.  His demands are only that his true ethic be recognized and be employed.  His strong point is solving problems, and he can be good at this!  He requires some assistance, but doesn't always depend on this.  He can operate on the strength of his will ,which is powerful.  He walks on hallowed ground and should be supremely respected for he works for the individual, and has his total interest at heart.  Get this guy on your side and get to know him well.  JB  (5/22/08)

BEST THING ONE CAN HAVE IN PITCHING IS A STRONG MENTALITY -  A mind devoid of negative images and defeat-laden thoughts is that of such a beautiful mentality, that it can only flourish and survive, when hard times or disastrous scenarios present themselves in the pitching arena.  Some call it an "impeccable" mind, and surely it is.  It is incapable of doing wrong.  This is the great partner in the search for success.  Isn't it refreshing to know that one can rely on this "guy", because he will not screw-up?  This mindset will not allow for things to get out of hand.  One needs a high confidence level to consistently benefit from dealing with an unerring mind.  When mind and body are on the same wave-length, it can only be an asset, and be an impact on outstanding pitching performances.  Emotions have to be extracted, and  a conviction on every pitch has to be maintained.  Before the ball is thrown, there has to be a belief that it will be successful.  This active visualization needs to be refined and utilized consistently.  JB  (5/6/08)

EXTENDING AND REFINING THE "DRIVE LINES" -  It is important that we as pitchers and coaches recognize that in the pitching of a baseball, there are two distinct "drive lines":  (1) one that is established by the front striding leg or "stride line" and its relationship to power, location, deceleration and balance; and then there is the (2) drive line of the pitching arm, which is essentially the arm circuit, and this needs to conform to patterns of consistency relating to arm junctures, loading spots, arm slot, wrist slot, release point and ultimately full extension with follow through.  The action of consistency and continual correct repetition is imperative with these drive lines.  It is needless to emphasize this when it comes to implementing and understanding the absolutism of consistency in making good pitches.  This is an underlying element of pitching excellence.  These drive lines are intimately related and necessary to one another and should be understood precisely, as one should recognize the synergistic effect relative to the uniting of the directional force to the rotational force, and this ultimate resultant effect on the kinesis of the torso and the pitching arm.  We then have the beauty and power of a well delivered pitch.   JB  (5/5/08)

BE ALWAYS PREPARED !  -  Being always prepared in no way interferes with having fun or a good time playing the game of baseball, and in particular, the act of pitching part of the game.  Before taking the mound, one should have a game plan.  This should be one that is visualized during dress rehearsal (bullpen warm-up).  One should have an idea what he is up against, and see this in his mind's eye.  There should be no chance occurrences here, but rather (self-speak) " I've got an act and a plan and I'm going to do it! " - " It wont be just physical ability ".  It will be mental and emotional as well.  " I'm not going to default on my potential, and I will not let that fail".  " There really is no excuse for a breakdown, surely because I didn't prepare myself".  " I realize my mental power, and I can reach my potential by understanding this power".  " My brain is the OVERLORD for excellence".  " I realize there is no crying in baseball, and baseball will not feel sorry for failure".  If one becomes superior in his vision, then great things happen.  On game day, mechanically there has to be a consistent release point.  It's the ability of the pitcher to read the hitter and understand the strike zone and evaluate what the umpire "sees".  In joining the level of excellent pitchers, one cannot let the game play him, but rather he has to play the game.  The better players decide how they are going to play.  One cannot let curable things (i.e., yips) ruin him.  One can always turn things around.  There is a purism here for those searching excellence, and its worth every bit of the devotion to it.  Believing is far bigger than most allow for - some discredit this as you either have it or you don't.  BALONEY!  You can conjure up this strength if you have a mind for it.   JB  (4/2/08)

THE KEY TO ALL GREAT FASTBALLS !  - The key to a great fastball is the gear to which it is launched in, and the gear that it is in, when it reaches the plate.  The extra stage action is the true mystique of a high quality FB.  Few have it!  It is often a condition of the mind, but always a condition of ROTATION and speed of fingers.  The effect of the fingers pulling thru the ball with a "clawing" effect and the hand and forearm with a "whipping" quality gives the ball an overdrive.  This "after-burn" is hard to come by, but great fastballs possess this stage.  The late-life or booster that we all treasure is the real discriminator when it comes to destroying or affecting the batter's decision time.  To throw beyond the batter's hitting speed is very difficult to do today, as the modern hitter is truly timed into hitting baseballs traveling at 95 m.p.h.  But, if the ball has "giddy-up" when it reaches the plate, often decision time is severely challenged.  The tremendous importance of releasing the ball correctly with smooth but powerful hand and arm action, which is supported by the drive and rotation of the other three quadrants of the body, gives the fastball its best chance of having a booster stage.  In my recent DVD - The Holy Grail - The Fastball, much of the details of rotation are covered.  JB  (4/1/08)

UTILIZING THE FOUR QUADRANTS  - In pitching a baseball correctly, one should involve four main parts of the human anatomy.  They are: 1)  the throwing arm;  2)  the glove or directional arm;  3)  the back leg; and  4)  the lift or lead leg (stride leg).  These quadrants should be united in a particular way.  The throwing and directional arms form the pectoral girdle (shoulder girdle) and act together as the upper torso.  The back leg and lift leg together with the pelvic or hip girdle basically act in unison as the lower torso.  All of these parts act as a synergism in the hurling of a baseball.  When these quadrants and girdles are loaded and activated kinetically, there is a combined and correlated effect which compounds the force of the pitch.  Done well, there is a capture of directional thrust or force with rotational (sling-shot) energy, and this combination can create a surge, and an acceleration of arm, forearm, hand and fingers and consequently the speed of the thrown ball.  When this is done consistently and well, it can add to the velocity of the baseball and create a complete anatomical delivery of a pitch in which most of the body contributes to the artistry of pitching.  One should be constantly striving for this.   JB  (1/23/08)

THE BEAUTY AND NECESSITY OF THE BACK LEG RELEASE (getting the back side through) -  In pitching, getting the back side through and into the pitch, is an area that seems to get overlooked quite often, and it demeans the whole pitching effect, because it should be a serious "punctuation" mark on the delivery of an effective pitch.  The activation of that quadrant, and its incorporation into the sequence of completing a strong throw to the mitt, signifies a coordination of drive-off, rotation, and release in a powerful kinetic thrust, which in turn gives a signature to a purposeful delivery.  Those with a strong back side involvement, generally have a high back leg release, and this is often characteristic of power pitchers who have quality fastballs.  Is it the swirling of the hips from rotation, or is it the drive-off, which gives the character to the back leg release?  This is often  a highly visible, dramatic and impactful event, as the leg comes high.  I would be quite sure the potent back leg releases are a combination of powerful forward thrusts and similarly powerful rotational effects, which strongly get the back side through and powerfully punctuate the signatures of the various pitches.  There are numerous ways to get an impact high back leg, but the most useful  and effective is to have a partner or a coach hold the leg up, as one goes through "dry" mechanics and buries the shoulder and comes to the end of the pitch.  This is indicated by the follow-through with the hand passing by the opposite knee (approx. 7-8 inches).  Posing there for a moment while the operator adjusts the back leg to height comfortability, often times can get a lazy back leg into a functional position.  This should be worked on until it feels and becomes natural.   JB  (1/7/08)

INVEST IN YOUR OWN IMAGINATION! -  When the smoke has cleared, and we stand there bereft of our worldly goods, we have but our inner spirit and our remarkable imagination left, as our guide to adequate functioning.  Disasters highlight our lives periodically, and how we deal with these events eternally etches our character.  Withdrawing to our internal strengths, we come up with the force of will and the power to reorganize, revitalize and recoup our losses, and perhaps ideally emerge stronger, more resilient, and more precise in our outlooks.  There should be no limits on us, as our imaginations are a vast reservoir of many times, untouched talents, which are lingering and waiting to be summoned and destined.  Dealing with disasters develops mental discipline, and enables one to work on weaknesses until they become strengths.  This is a measure of our wonderful imagination and its capacity for self-actualization.  Self confidence surely is an outgrowth of the self-realization phenomenon.  Many times a baseball game can develop a disaster, and particularly pitchers are vulnerable and also, often times succumb to this happening.  Resorting to the inner being, and knowing that this entity will measure up strongly, confirms that self confidence can result from excursions in the disaster world.   Refining this tendency to "measure-up" certainly enhances the strength of the imagination and its will power.  We should refine this energy to the fullest.  JB  (1/3/08)

IN APPRECIATION -  I would wish you to understand this perfectly.  I deeply and humbly appreciate all those involved in honoring me with the renaming of the Woodsville Community  Building.  My wife Dreamer and I, as well as my family, are thrilled and supremely grateful for this gesture.  While I'm progressing along my life's path, I can only appreciate that I am here to witness this event.  To the School Board, to Jim Walker, Dave Robinson, Brian Gould, and Mike Ackerman, you have my utmost gratitude for your involvement in this event.  To all the players who were present, and surely to all who played for me and WHS during my coaching career, you have my undying respect for your loyalty and performance, and will forever remain as great gems in my memory bank.  We need to support our schools, our community and our town always, as this is what makes us.  With fondest regards - John and Dreamer Bagonzi and Family.  JB  (1/1/08)

THE DROP AND DRIVE !!!??? -  I'm sometimes identified with the "drop and drive" style of pitching (this couldn't be more wrong).  While I surely advocate the "drive" off the back foot, I don't encourage the dramatic "drop" part.  Although Tom Seaver and Sandy Koufax, great artists with this style, were great favorites of mine, and I certainly admired them.  I feel somehow they could pitch without the downward plane and with their fastballs did not need the advantage of the vertical trajectory.  However, most pitchers gain from the downward plane in order to intersect vectors which are seriously advantageous to most thrown pitches and enhance not only their fastballs, but their breaking pitches flourish also (although Koufax had a great curve, even with the drop and drive technique).  Batters allowed to get comfortable on their own plane (horizontal swing plane) absolutely need to be confronted with some anomaly here.  That would be the downward or vertical plane.  I had a sort of gentle argument with a Hall of Fame pitcher a while back, when I suggested his curve was enhanced by the downward plane; although he felt he didn't really have the downward plane.  Needless to say, this discussion had a futile future to it.  The verticality of the downward vector intersected by the horizontal vector creates an advantageous angular (& multi-dimensional) condition for most pitchers, and one should take all the advantages where they exist.  JB  (12/12/07)

THE MECHANICS OF VELOCITY (BOTH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL) - Some essential factors in bringing about pitching velocity can be: 1) create a long stride - a longer stride causes the ball to go lower - lower is faster.  One holds onto the ball longer, thereby imparting more energy, and the sheer fact is a lower pitch is faster aerodynamically; 2) Integration of 4 quadrants - a) the pitching arm, b) the off or directional arm, c) the back side - mainly the back leg. and  d) the lift or front leg; 3) Strong loading of these 4 quadrants - give them their due.  Be aware of their synergistic relationship;  4) Fast fingers - accelerate thru the release point; 5) Strong backside - at the outset and on back side release;  6) Directional force - going forward - drive off back foot;  7) Rotational force - torso (shoulders and hips) rotating;  8) Integration of 6 and 7 - melding of directional and rotational forces; 9) The purity of INTENT - "see the mitt - throw thru the mitt".  In regards to no.9, intent can be an option, but it is a highly treasured mental option and should never be relegated to the so-called talent dept. and laid aside.  This is something we all can turn on and need.  Pitching is such a mental exercise, that if someone doesn't possess intent, he probably should consider another position or another sport.  The option of considering success should never be accompanied by some forlorn statement or quasi-developed mental hesitation, that conditions one's choices.  If success is a goal, then the option is narrow and positive.  This is rightly so, but I see and hear a lot of vacillating viewpoints.  This is truly a sorry situation, for time is a continuing and progressive phenomenon, and time frames shrink and dwindle rather quickly.  Consider intent at the forefront always!  Develop a strong mental force to your pitching program, that complements the physical program.  Never overlook "mental mechanics."   JB (12/8/07)

CREATING INTENT THROUGH POWER FOCUSING -  Is intent limited by genetics?  This business of intent as are many dimensions in athletics, and particularly baseball pitching, is dependent on one's " frame of mind".  It is so easy to say that everything is mental, but after the "trip around the barn", I know, as do many others, that for sure it's all MENTAL !!  Make no mistake about it!  If one throws 83+ M.P.H., and has decided that he has plateaued, then it might become so.  If one says he has another level and another gear that he must achieve and he seriously aspires to doing this, then this gear can happen.  One must allow himself the opportunity to move in this direction, by searching all possible avenues for advancing.  The physical part of pitching likely involves: 1st the FITNESS factor - In the pursuit of the completely developed equation for pitching power, fitness will always reign at the top and must be plugged in first.  In reaching one's genetic endowment in pitching velocity, one must examine his hand and finger speed.  This is an area everyone can increase in.  One should check the thoroughness of the loading technique in the four quadrants and particularly the hips.   Sometimes bringing the lift leg higher and setting the knee toward the back shoulder will result in a longer step and stride.  This can result in increased speed.  Most pitchers are under-achievers when it comes to velocity.   Many times pitchers put their own limits and this beats them.  Self-doubt is a killer.  It could be genetic, but doesn't have to be.  Self-doubt is controllable.  Pitching is such a positive event, that one can contribute to the enemy (other team), by having self-doubt.  In essence one is playing  for them, when he self-doubts.  Doing all the correct things mechanically can create the potential to throw hard, but the super- strong mental will has to come in here, if one wants to power the ball.  "See the mitt - throw thru the mitt", not just "hit the mitt".  Most pitchers with good mechanics will not hurt themselves by attempting to throw as hard as they can.  Reaching these barriers can often create an almost sub-conscious will to throw hard often - obviously on the fastball.  This not only develops the arm, but the mental power control we all need.  Hard core thinkers, who are often great pitchers, possess these highly positive thought waves, which are saturated with intent-laden motives and they have no space for self-doubt.  One should be mentally superior to his obstacles.  Most people control their will.  It can be strong or weak - one decides that.  Be dialed into the power of your own will.  If you continue to think positive and control your focus and will, imagine how far you can go!   JB  (12/5/07)

EVERY PITCH SHOULD BE A WORK OF ART !  -  The classic pitching motion should always be a model.   Very stylized pitching motions, with a meticulous easy effort, and free flowing deliveries such as Curt Schilling, Roger Clemens, Josh Beckett and yesteryear's Sandy Koufax, Warren Spahn, and Jim Palmer should exist as model templates for idealized pitching motions.  These persons repeated their pitching approaches over and over again with a distinctiveness.  No two people pitch exactly alike, nor should they, but the individuals who refined their pitching styles did the same thing over and over again, so that feet landed in the same designated spot every time.  The arm slot was the same every time.  The leg lift was the same, unless working from the stretch.  The stride length was the same, except to make corrections.  Each pitch should be considered beforehand.  Active visualization should preface every pitch.  Each pitch is an entity unto itself; a masterpiece in the offing - a work of art.  It may not be possible to create a masterpiece every time, but that should be on the menu and be the primary goal.   JB  (11/29/07)