Steven Strasburg Pitching Mechanics Secret – Left Sock First

I was browsing around on mlb.com yesterday and ran across an article on Steven Strasburg, the Nationals phenom pitcher.  Strasburg has ripped up Double-A hitters in a few starts going 3-1 with a 1.64 ERA. Not bad.  Because of what his coaches have seen, they feel the hard-throwing righty is ready for the next level.  Strasburg will make his Triple-A debut tomorrow evening.  I’m sure there will be plenty people watching.

Cruising through the article and watching the video (looks as though Strasburg has a sense of humor as you’ll see from his left sock comment) a quote from the GM caught my attention.  He said regarding Strasburg, “We never judge developmental progress by how many hits, run and statistics that are out there. We judge developmental progress by stuff, poise and the way he conducts his business.”

This quote is huge for you pitchers who blow up on the mound after you give up a few hits in an inning, or worse, lose the game.  Think of it this way.  If your goal is to play upper level baseball (high school, college, or beyond), then everything you do on the mound is preparing you for the next level of baseball.  If most of your time is spent being frustrated over a bad start, you’ll totally miss what it is you need to work on to improve.  Quit putting a lid on your cauldron of talent!  Instead, work on your poise and the way in which you conduct your business on the mound.  Perform in an even keel manner, and never let your emotions get the best of you.  Remember, it only holds you back from your true potential.