Just a quick question. My son is a hard throwing closer for his travel team. He doesn't pitch much, they like him in the field. He doesn't like to pitch that much either but he will gladly do it whenever the coach asks.

The question is this. Should he take pitching lessons to get a smoother delivery and better control of his off speed? My son would rather play in the field and bat in HS, but you never know what a HS coach will need or do. We have a couple of kids on the team who go to Danny Orr who is a GREAT pitching coach and the parents are always trying to talk us into going to him.

As I read it back, it sounds like I am pretty full of myself and my sons potential, but it is a concern that my son has brought up. He would much rather play in the field. If you gave him a choice, he would pick never pitch again over never play in the field every time.

Just wondering on a slow day at work.

I would say yes. send him to a specialist. A strong arm and good mechcanics never hurt anybody

If he's going to pitch, do it right. Don't get hurt by using poor fundamentals.

We are sort of in the same position. My son may like pitching a little more than yours. He started pitching and lessons last summer (8th grade, 13 years old). He actually got noticed at the end of the spring season and now they use him for the summer jv program. The dilemma is that he wants to be a position player. He has always made the team as a first or third baseman, maybe for his bat.

When you get to spring ball, if you are a top three or four pitcher, that's all you do. Your position development is over.

He can't choose so I guess they will choose for him. I guess that's the way it's supposed to be.

What does the SON want?

All the lessons in the world will not teach desire.
You clearly stated that he does not LIKE to pitch that much. Why not let him just have fun. If the time comes closer to high school ball that he decides to be a pitcher, go with lessons then.

JMHO

From personal experience, I say you let your son decide on what he wants to do. If he is a gifted pitcher, his high school coach may ride him throughout the season and potentially damage his arm (which is what happened to me). Also, if pitching is not what he wants to do, he may be turned against the sport and lose interest. However, if you still want your son to receive pitching or even hitting lessons, I offer my assistance. I played 4 years of varsity baseball, 5 years of competitive travel ball, and I was recruited by multiple division 1 teams until a career ending injury. If you're interested my email is svadgama3@gmail.com. Thanks.