KY freshman pitcher Grace Baalman

This is somewhat in line with Bills post about Alabama pitch calling.
Did anyone else notice in Saturdays gave vs. LSU the pitch calling was a pure sequence?
It was completely predictable... New batter 0-0 count
1st pitch... High inside FB
2nd pitch... High outside rise
3rd pitch... low inside Drop (possibly a cutter) a touch of screw movement
4th pitch... Change up

It stayed this way until the 7th inning!!! I couldn't believe what I was seeing, and even more unbelievable was how LSU didn't make any adjustments.
6 straight innings of 1st pitch strikes to every single batter, and it was the same freakin pitch!!!!

I'm impressed with Grace, she had awesome control, good speed and movement.
Just very disappointed with the lack of LSU's ability to see the pattern...
I guess if it aint broke, don't fix it said KY pitch calling!

Coach James,

I didn't see that one but will go back in watch. I did watch the second game on Sunday with the Juco transfer Autumn Humes and I was incredibly impressed. It is eerily similar you say that because I was seeing some similar things when she pitched on Sunday. I would have to go back and watch the game now to see if there was a sequence every batter or not. However, the announcers commented on how many 1st pitch strikes she had and it was a very high number. Good for Kentucky, however, you and I would probably both agree that this will be figured out sooner than later. Or maybe no D1 coaches in the SEC trolls DFP, although maybe they should

Great post as always Coach J!

STRIKE3 said:

Coach James,

I didn't see that one but will go back in watch. I did watch the second game on Sunday with the Juco transfer Autumn Humes and I was incredibly impressed. It is eerily similar you say that because I was seeing some similar things when she pitched on Sunday. I would have to go back and watch the game now to see if there was a sequence every batter or not. However, the announcers commented on how many 1st pitch strikes she had and it was a very high number. Good for Kentucky, however, you and I would probably both agree that this will be figured out sooner than later. Or maybe no D1 coaches in the SEC trolls DFP, although maybe they should

Great post as always Coach J!

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LOL.... I know Im a better coach for having found this site!!!

I was surprised the last two weeks on the number of first pitch strikes that were right down the middle and just watched go by .

Kcsftbl said:

I was surprised the last two weeks on the number of first pitch strikes that were right down the middle and just watched go by .

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I KNOW!!!!!!!
Drives me nuts. People always say "okay, now you're ready"!!! (after the batter watches the first pitch) What the hell is the on deck circle for then? You should have been "ready" in the dug out, and even MORE prepared in the on deck circle. Now that you're in the box, be productive!
In my world, if the pitcher throws a beach ball down main street, you'd better capitalize! Or you wont get many at bats on my teams

STRIKE3 said:

Coach James,

I didn't see that one but will go back in watch. I did watch the second game on Sunday with the Juco transfer Autumn Humes and I was incredibly impressed. It is eerily similar you say that because I was seeing some similar things when she pitched on Sunday. I would have to go back and watch the game now to see if there was a sequence every batter or not. However, the announcers commented on how many 1st pitch strikes she had and it was a very high number. Good for Kentucky, however, you and I would probably both agree that this will be figured out sooner than later. Or maybe no D1 coaches in the SEC trolls DFP, although maybe they should

Great post as always Coach J!

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Strike3, this is not meant to be a pat on my back but, I worked with Humes every month for about 4-5 years. She's one of the most dedicated students I ever had. What I worry about is girls being recruited because they have backspin riseballs and unGodly drop balls, then get with a coach who wants them to keep the ball horizontal. Why recruit then change? Keep her going with what you recruited. I did not see Autumn pitch so I don't know if they're doing that, it was just a general statement about other students I've had that have had this happen. I hope KY is smarter than that. (PS. She's also a really good hitter, but then all pitchers are!!!!!!!)

Bill

coach james said:

I KNOW!!!!!!!
Drives me nuts. People always say "okay, now you're ready"!!! (after the batter watches the first pitch) What the hell is the on deck circle for then? You should have been "ready" in the dug out, and even MORE prepared in the on deck circle. Now that you're in the box, be productive!
In my world, if the pitcher throws a beach ball down main street, you'd better capitalize! Or you wont get many at bats on my teams

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Yeah .. typically that was the best they saw at that ab..

Hillhouse said:

Strike3, this is not meant to be a pat on my back but, I worked with Humes every month for about 4-5 years. She's one of the most dedicated students I ever had. What I worry about is girls being recruited because they have backspin riseballs and unGodly drop balls, then get with a coach who wants them to keep the ball horizontal. Why recruit then change? Keep her going with what you recruited. I did not see Autumn pitch so I don't know if they're doing that, it was just a general statement about other students I've had that have had this happen. I hope KY is smarter than that. (PS. She's also a really good hitter, but then all pitchers are!!!!!!!)

Bill

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Bill, great to hear she was a student of yours and you did well with her. I agree and hope KY keeps her focused on what she already does well and doesn't change too much. She is going to be fun to watch and more importantly than anything else.....she appears to be a great kid and fine young lady.

S3