Throw like you pitch

I’ve been asked several times how I come up with my ideas for my posts.  Often they stem from photographs.  I notice something in the photo that says a lot about mechanics, drills, etc. and it turns into a post.

Here’s an example.  The two photographs I put together are of the same pitcher.

Both photos are of Cincinnatti Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto.  The photo on the left shows Cueto  casually playing catch in spring training with other pitchers.  The photo on the right shows Cueto during one of his last season appearances.  See any similarities?  You should.  They are virtually identical.

That did not happen by accident.

Human beings are creatures of habit.  As the saying goes, “the best predicator of future behavior is past behavior.”  In terms of pitching mechanics, “the best predictor of future mechanics is past mechanics.”  The point is, the mechanics you do the most when you throw a baseball are the same mechanics your body will be programmed to do when you step on the mound.

Can you honestly say your mechanics are no different when you play catch compared to when you are on the mound in a game?

Johnny Cueto can say YES to that question and so should every other pitcher no matter the level.

Tomorrow’s VIDEO post:  Do’s and Don’ts of giving signs at third base