The Art of the Opening Day Start

Greetings and Happy Easter to everyone out there is Less Is More land. With the risen Lord appropriately honored and glorified today, it is only fitting we celebrate with the first day of the regular Major League baseball season. The big game being, of course, Yankees vs. Red Sox and, more importantly in some ways, CC Sabathia vs. Josh Beckett.

So, what does it mean to get the ball on opening day of the season? As a veteran of multiple high school and college open days (I was a reliever in pro ball), I speak from experience when I say it is both an honor and a responsibility to take the ball on day 1. Much can be said for getting that first win of the season out of the way and much of that responsibility falls on that starting pitcher's ability to throw strikes, get ahead, and give your team a chance to win. In some ways, this is the pitcher's job every time he goes out, but some things may be slightly different depending on where you are during you season. In this case, since it is the first game, the general rule of thinking is that the hitters will still be slightly off on their timing and the pitcher should have the advantage. This information should give the pitcher the confidence needed to immediately be in attack mode. There should be no nibbling on the corners and throwing excessive amounts of off-speed pitches. Instead, start with and ride your fastball. Move in and out, up and down, and when you get ahead in the count, then worry about changing speeds. Utilize the hitter's lack of live pitching in spring training to your advantage. Of course, you can't throw every pitch down broadway. It is still essential to locate down and out of the middle of the zone. It is still essential to locate those off-speed pitches where you want to. Suffice it say that the margin for error is slightly larger.

From a pitcher's preparation point of view, there should be no gap in the arm strength category. Generally, you are not going to be expected to go 9 innings. You will, however, be expected to go five to six STRONG innings. Hopefully, you've spent the preseason getting ready physically and mentally. Undoubtedly, you've prepared by throwing to hitters and getting the feel of the catcher and hitter in the box.

For the day of the game, try to make it a bigger deal than it needs to be. As always, the mound is still 60 ft. 6 inches from home and the bases are still at 90ft. Trust your stuff as you toe the rubber with a cool confidence that you know you will out match the opposing hitters. The worst thing you can do is make the game bigger than it is. Remain composed, avoid walks at all costs, and allow your defense to make the plays they are supposed to. By accomplishing these three things, you should find yourself ahead after six and able to turn it over to a fully capable bullpen to take it to the 9th.

Good luck this year to those in pro ball, and for those whose seasons are already under way (high school and college) keep getting sharper every time out.

Until Next Time!!