by: Anthony Demangone
He was struggling.
Our best 11-year-old pitcher was on the mound. But he has lost his touch. And as the pitches soared this way and that, I could see his frustration grow.
He loaded the bases with walks.
And then I heard it.
“Just throw strikes.”
That was the head coach. And he didn’t say “just throw strikes.” He growled it.
Four more pitches. Four more balls.
He walked in a run.
I’ve pitched before, and there’s no worse feeling than losing control. I saw the pitcher’s head drop.
“Just throw strikes,” bellowed the coach.
I was the assistant coach that season.
‘Let me handle it,” I said.
