This is a reality in baseball that you can deal with in the event that it occurs. In going against your desires, some of the best games that you pitch, you may lose. Sounds odd if you haven’t yet encountered this. Nonetheless, it is a powerful building block in pitching. Also, it comes with an unusual feeling of satisfaction.
The BEST Games You Pitch
Raising Your Game
When the stakes are raised or the competition you are facing is above customary, it elevates your game. You know that you have to pitch better to compete. Since there is less margin for error, you are locked in on making your pitches with a higher level of conviction. That’s why it is important to play against the best. It brings out the best in you. Performing on this enhanced level of frequency consistently, is a major paradigm shift that SkyRockets careers!
Whether it is a start or a relief appearance, once the ball is handed to you, your main job is to compete. Any other factor is irrelevant. If you are facing a lineup of mashers, get after it! You attack with your strengths while finding their weaknesses. As their flaws appear, and they will, this opens up a lot of holes in their approach. Consequently, their weaknesses alleviate a great deal of pressure. Now you focus less on the stakes and relish in the enjoyment of the craft.
Once you are in the moment on the mound, the butterflies have fled. You are now pitching to WIN!!! Regardless of the result, your competitive effort is greatly appreciated.
The BEST Games You Pitch
Perfect, Just Not Enough
May 26, 1959 Pittsburgh Pirates vs Milwaukee Braves
Pirates Left-hander Harvey Haddix took a perfect game into the 13th inning. A throwing error, sac bunt, intentional walk then a home run ended the pursuit for history. Actually, the home run was ruled a double when a confused Hank Aaron was passed on the bases resulted in a 1-0 loss for Haddix.
August 23, 2017 Los Angeles Dodgers vs Pittsburgh Pirates
Journeyman left-hander for the Dodgers, Rich Hill was perfect through 8. Leadoff batter in the 9th reached on an error. After a sac bunt moved the winning run into scoring position, Hill eliminated the threat. As the game was still scoreless in the 10th, the lefty came back to the mound to continue the No No. Leadoff hitter Josh Harrison hit a 2-1 fastball down the left field line for a fence scraping home run. This Double Whammy broke up the No hitter and gave Hill the hard luck, 1-0 loss.
The BEST Games You Pitch
My Personal Best Defeat
I was a relief pitcher for the vast majority of my career. While pitching in winter ball one year, I ended up making several starts. One of them being against the eventual champions of the league. As they were head and shoulders above the rest of the competition. In a 7 inning game, I went the distance striking out 8. We lost 3-2. With the winning run coming in the middle innings via an error. The shortstop bobbled a ground ball which would have been an inning ending force out. The eventual winning run from 2B came around to score.
I was very content with the performance that I had. I did everything possible to compete and give my team a chance to win against a very good opponent. Needless to say, the entire roster knew it as well. As baseball is a team game, the pitcher has very little control over the outcome, once the pitch leaves his hand.
In a loss or a no decision, there is nothing to hang your head upon when you executed your pitches and competed. Sure, a win feels great. However, a loss burns deeper. Thus, lighting the fire inside to be the best. On paper, there are 2 polar opposite results upon which pitchers are judged. Internally, the feeling escalates.
KEEP DOMINATING!!!
About The Author
Brad Kirsch is the Owner/Creator of Slider Domination. He is a former professional pitcher who blogs about all things Pitching. Brad has also authored the AudioBook, 7 Reasons Why YOU Should Throw a Slider. If you haven’t done so already, you can Download the AudioBook Here
Eventually, it gets better.
