How to tell who is #1 and who is #2

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May 15, 2016
926
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My DD wants to become the #1 pitcher on her team. How would she know if she is #1 or #2? Is there really a way for a parent to recognize that distinction, without directly asking the HC?
 
Jun 1, 2013
847
18
My DD wants to become the #1 pitcher on her team. How would she know if she is #1 or #2? Is there really a way for a parent to recognize that distinction, without directly asking the HC?

Who starts the games against the tougher opponents? I think the coach could possibly be doing a good job if you can't tell who the #1 and #2 are. If you can't tell, don't ask.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
I have 3 very good pitchers. Each has a different look and brings something to the table that the others do not have. I could not say who is #1, #2, #3. It all depends on what we are facing and who is on for that day. It was the same at SC for Jake when she pitched alongside Nickie Blue. Unlike most SEC teams they often split games. Who started and who closed depended on what they saw in the videos, the instincts of Coach Bev and even the weather. Strong gusty wind blowing straight out to CF is not the time to throw riseballs so Jake was not a #1 choice. They would go with Nickie and her heavy drop ball. On the flip side if the wind was blowing in it is a great time to throw riseballs so Jake would start. All things equal typically Jake would start and Nickie would close, because like Bill Hillhouse has often said, in a close game you do not throw a pitch that will leave the park (riseball) in the late innings. I am also a big proponent of not throwing the kid the opposition has seen before. Last season SC beat #1 (at the time) FSU. Beat them bad. They undoubtedly prepared to face Seniors Jake or Nickie. So SC threw their freshman Kayla Drotar who threw the game of her life.
 
Jul 16, 2013
4,659
113
Pennsylvania
Our team carried 4 pitchers this season, mostly due to vacations and what not (we rarely had all 4 available for any event). We played in 9 tournaments, winning 5 of them and finishing 2nd once. All 4 pitchers started at least one championship game. I did not consider any of them our #1. They each had great outings, good outings, and not so good outings. That said, I have also been a part of teams that had a very clear #1 and or #2. It seemed quite obvious at the time. If there is a distinct difference in the number of innings or who pitches at key times, that would be your answer. Otherwise, it may not be that simple, and probably doesn't matter.
 
Apr 26, 2015
703
43
DD plays on a team with 4 pitchers. One is far and away the #1 but she is rarely around as she plays with an out of state team for a good portion of the year. DD's team "gets" her when she doesn't have a game with her out of state team. So really they have 3 pitchers. The 3 pitchers are all pretty equal. They all bring something different to the table and I would be hard pressed to guess who is #1 amongst them. They all get a similar amount of play time.

IMO this is a much better setup than the last 3 yrs. DD played on a team the last 3 years where there was an obvious #1. Who got worked into the ground and then a #2 who was more like #5. It was obvious the team was conceeding a game when #2 came in.
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
We have had 4 games this Fall, we have had 4 pitchers pitch a nice complete game. Not sure if we will see a 5th today.

If all your pitchers are rested and there is a game you want to win, who do you want in the Circle?

I do not think DD has ever been on a Team where the majority of players/ parents would not be able to pick 1 player.
 
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May 15, 2016
926
18
it may not be that simple, and probably doesn't matter.

It doesn't matter to me, but to DD, she really wants to be #1. I am just thrilled she is pitching so well that she is either 1 or 2.
 
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