Pitch Count! What is Acceptable?

The other day we sent everyone an e-mail that talked about pitch count and what is acceptable and what isn’t.  We also discussed that Leagues should actually change their number of innings pitched rule to number of pitches.  The number of pitches is more important than the number of innings because you can pitch 30 pitch innings.  After three innings of that any pitcher can be toast.

We received a number of responses to the e-mail thanking us for it, but one that stood out came from Ric from New South Wales.  Pay attention to what he writes about their league rules for pitch count.  Do you agree or disagree what they are doing there?

“It is interesting that you write about Little League pitching because just 2 weekends ago we had our state titles here up in Sydney and I thought you may be interested in what the restrictions we have over here in regards to pitch limits and rest days.

We have 3 pitching scenarios, Minor = up to 29 pitches, Substantial = up to 45 pitches and a Major = up to 65 pitches

With a Minor they can pitch a Minor on consecutive days then must have one days rest. Cannot pitch a double header.

With a Substantial they must have 2 full days rest.

With a Major they must have 3 full days rest.

If they were to pitch a Minor followed next day by a Substantial then they must have 3 days’ rest.”

It sounds that the league is very aware of proper pitch counts and doesn’t tolerate any abuse.  I think that’s great!

We follow what is outlined in Rod Dedeaux Research and Baseball Institution which I believe is affiliated with The National Pitching Association in San Diego.  I think they have it right about pitch counts for youth pitchers.

Here is what they believe:

9-10 year old pitchers should max out at 60 pitches per game/ 1000 pitches per season

11-12 year olds, 75 pitches per game max, 100 per week/ 1000 per season

13-14 year olds ; 90 per game max, 1000 per season

15-18 105 pitches max, 1250 pitches per season

18-24 120 pitches per game max; 1800 per season

24-40 130 pitches per game max; 3600 pitches per season

One thing to consider is that every pitcher is very unique.  Some pitchers can handle only half of this workload each week anyway, while others feel great due to genetics, mechanics, eating habits, pitching specific workouts programs and a variety of other variables.  Overall, I think these guidelines should be followed by any pitcher unless it’s the last few games of the MLB World Series and you have the off-season to recover. 🙂

Remember, this means number of pitches on the mound.  This has nothing to do with how often a pitcher throws on flat ground, long toss etc.  We will have more e-mails coming about those very topics within the next couple of weeks so watch for those.

In the meantime, today we are offering $15 off our new DVD series.  This is our top seller for good reason.  This series has it all from learning proper pitching mechanics, how to throw different pitches to crushing the ball with confidence.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity!  Have a great Day!