Pitching In The Ivy League

Athletic Recruits
1

<p>Hello,
I'm a senior from Philly, and I applied to Brown University, and was thinking of trying to walk-on for the baseball team. I played four years of varsity baseball. I pitched (righty) for all four years, and started in right field/third base for three.</p>

<p>My fastball is around 73-75mph, but I can hit as high as 78 on a good day. My fastball has a tail to the left hand batter's box that makes it hard to hit with solid contact. Some call it a two-seamer, but I grip it with a four seam grip.</p>

<p>I throw a knuckleball (as far as I know, the only one in my league who does so), which I can throw on a 3-2 count and get a guy looking. Occasionally, I hit a batter or two, but more often than not, I get a bite on it. I can only remember one or two times in my high school career where it has been hit hard, and never for a home run. It has a two foot drop (more if I get a good push on it), and comes in at about 57-59 mph. I taught myself how to throw it, and it's never really let me down.</p>

<p>I have a solid changeup which I can usually use when I'm ahead in the count, but I usually get guys out with my fastball. Something about the tail on it.</p>

<p>I have a very durable arm, I can throw between 90-120 pitches in a game before I really get fatigued, and I can go as high as 140. That being said, I usually don't need that many. I just threw a complete game on only 84 pitches, so the high pitch count is a last resort.</p>

<p>I don't walk a lot of guys- most of my outs are either via strikeout or groundout. Not a big fly ball pitcher. If I have a solid defense, most of the ground balls can be scooped up by the middle infielders.</p>

<p>I have a knack for staring down batters longer than most pitchers. When I was a freshman, before I had the velocity and smarts, I would throw inside and behind people, and make them uncomfortable in the box, thus leading to more outs. I don't really need to do that anymore, but it's still important to remind the batters that I'm the one controlling the gamer.</p>

<p>I think I'll be able to throw in the high-70s, low-80s by my freshman or sophomore year in college. I don't care about being the ace- even if I was in the bullpen, that would be alright with me. I'm a very smart player, and a crafty pitcher.</p>

<p>Do you think I have a chance at making the team?</p>

2

<p>A right handed pitcher should be in the high 80’s (at least) for the Ivy league. It is unlikely that they would give you a roster spot unless they love your knuckleball. Your fastball is a D1 batting practice fastball.</p>

3

<p>First, the only person who can accurately answer your question is the Brown coach.</p>

<p>Second, on my son’s team there is roughly one walk on every year. The walk ons generally get limited playing time before the Ivy season begins (the coach calls it spring training). No walk ons have received any significant playing time during the league season - not because they we’re walk ons, but because the recruited players are (and were) better (consistently). However, if a walk on would be consistently better then a recruited player, the better player will get innings - it’s all about winning.</p>

<p>Third, knuckleballers are In a special class. The gifted ones are truly rare and could have a role - if truly gifted.</p>

<p>Some rosters will have room - and the need for bench players. The problem is, would you be satisfied with your role? Going to all the lifts, practices, field prep, games, etc., without any special consideration from your professors (and to the detriment of your study time), without any playing time takes a very special person. I have seen players, however, do this - they love the team and the comraderie.</p>

<p>The starting rotation at sons school ranges from sitting 87, to sitting 92. Relief pitchers all sit above 82. No pitcher - even those who get no playing time sit under 82.</p>

<p>I’d advise getting a pitching coach NOW who can elevate your velo. I’ve seen guys add 10 mph in a matter of months with a great PC. Those guys all began with low velos (70s) and added rapidly.</p>

<p>PS: congrats to Fenways S for making it ALL the way back!!!</p>

4

<p>cramermash,</p>

<p>I agree with both these guys. Based on what you’ve shared, I would try something different (knuckleball) to impress the Brown coach (former pitcher) because I don’t think the current fastball is going to do it. The Ivy League has been a pitching dominant league the last few years. Starters are throwing high 80s with movement up to low 90s. I know of one starter throwing mid-90’s. There are some very skilled hitters in the ivy League, so throwing something different may be your ticket to opportunity. But, you are going to have to impress the man in the dugout more than a few times. Good luck!</p>

<p>

Thanks stemit. Life is so much better when he’s healthy. See you in a couple months at the end of the Ivy season.Good luck.</p>