LI Pitchers & Catchers Report

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Created on Thursday, 21 March 2013 15:56

Written by Courtland Hanley

LYNDON - While looking out your window may not bring evidence of the spring season, the sight of high school students carrying baseball bats and gloves certainly does. Pitchers and catchers have reported to practice this week, and the Lyndon Institute Vikings squad is excited to see what 2013 brings for them.

The pitchers and catchers filed into the Sanborn Hall at 3pm yesterday, as they continue to stretch out their arms for the season ahead. Heading into his 13th season as the Lyndon Institute baseball team's head coach, Justin Smith says his main focus during week one is to build up players' stamina.

Coach Smith also said that he likes keeping this week dedicated to pitchers and catchers because they're two of the most important skill positions, and he enjoys being able to spend a little more individual time with these players before full practices begin.

Part of that individual practice with players includes working on players mechanics, as well as different grips on pitchers. Coach Smith said most players get to the high school level with only one fastball-grip, but likes to introduce other methods, whether it be a 4-seam fastball, a 2-seam fastball, or a cut-fastball.

Coach Smith has implemented a new tool to help with these mechanics for the 2013 season. "It's called the coaches eye. We're able to take video of pitchers, catchers, hitters, and provide the kids with some instant feedback on what we're seeing, and also show them so they can see themselves doing these things." He expects the tool to be especially handy, particularly in cases when players may not believe they have a mechanic flaw.

Around 30-35 players are expected by next week when the rest of the team arrives to practice.