by Anthony Freda

Created on: September 07, 2007

Let's face it, there are thousands of forums, sites and ideas out there of how to become that "big league pitcher". No single one is right and there is no perfect answer to this question. Honestly, what defines success as a baseball pitcher? Is it winning games at the Little League level? Is it winning at the high school level? Or is it the Cy Young winners in the MLB that we watch every night throughout the summer? Some say big league pitchers are born, not bred; while others suggest it can be taught. It's all personal belief, but there are definitely certain fundamental factors that can improve a pitchers overall game. The first and foremost thing a pitcher needs is to have control over his mind and body when on the hill. If you cannot handle pressure or cannot keep a cool under stressful situations, you will never be able to be a successful baseball pitcher at any level. You have to visualize positive results and get in the zone. When a pro pitcher is on he is in such a rhythm that he wouldn't know it if every fan left the stadium during a game. This is one of the things that some say can't be taught but others say otherwise. It has been suggested that Yoga classes can help teach one to be calm under pressure, just ask Barry Zito, he's done it for solely this purpose. (not to mention it keeps pitchers flexible) The second key fundamental to a pitchers success is natural talent. Talent can be improved upon through mechanical correction but every person has a natural limit, or do they? Yes, this is just another topic for debate which is what almost all baseball fans have been doing for the past 20 years and will continue to do ... well maybe forever, who knows. In order to define a big league pitcher you have to physically see it happen. There is no law or rule of what you have to do or be to pitch in the big leagues. There are to many misconceptions that you need to throw 90+ mph or have a 12-6 curveball and a fading circle changeup to match to make it to the show. The truth be told, succeeding until you fail is what separates the big league pitchers from the rest. They have never failed, but you know why, because they never stopped trying. Those who didn't make it may have quit to soon, but again it brings me back to the debate of can anyone and everyone be a big league pitcher. To tell you the truth, its really up to you my friends, you and only you control your destiny, and if you believe you can do something, you can do it. Kids never stop dreaming because

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