Mike White article

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Aug 21, 2008
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Whether they execute on the spot is a different story but, NOBODY's hitters are more prepared than Oregon's, that's for sure. And it baffles me that more universities don't hire current/former men's pitchers for the same purpose. Facing someone who throws 60-65 in BP, with the ability to jack it up more if needed and the movement would make the competition seem very un-intimidating.


https://www.dailyemerald.com/2018/04/08/mike-whites-pitching-is-a-game-changer-for-oregon-softball/

Bill
 
Nov 16, 2015
184
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I enjoy everything there is about Oregon softball. the only issue is all there games are on the pac 12 network and we dont get that in the midwest.

the simplicity of the pitchers body movement is what i absolutely love. No wasted movement. Megan Kliest has become my go to model for teaching pitchers. Its like the men's game that i grew up with.

"I know that when coach White is in the circle my success depends on how he’s feeling that day, not on how I’m feeling.” this is an awesome quote.
 
Bill
I think there might be a few candidates....like Mike Roberts for example, but.....
It takes a special person to be the HC.....the program is way more than what you see on Saturday afternoon.
Check with Mike White on this, but I am guessing his job is 6+ days a week and about 14 hours a day. Lots of people dream of coaching a big team but few realize what a huge time commitment it is.
Several teams have brought in "volunteer" men pitchers to throw to their hitters (Missouri who broke NCAA rules with theirs) but there are a ton of NCAA rules that need to be followed to make that work. Teams are only allowed 3 paid positions so whereas it would be nice to have a pitching specialist throwing to the girls....would that person want to put in the same hours as the HC?
Once a person is paid by the university they fall under all the NCAA rules.....so no more giving lessons/contact with freshman aged kids.....there goes the side income or maybe the primary income.
It would probably have to be a career decision for a male pitcher to do this......plus, unless they are a college grad it is highly unlikely they will pass the first cut in the personnel dept.
There are a couple hurdles to clear......there is a real "good ole boy" syndrome in the coaching ranks.....lots of recycled coaches. If you haven't paid your dues it is difficult to crack into a meaningful position.....unless you were a "big name" player in the collegiate level.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
I enjoy everything there is about Oregon softball. the only issue is all there games are on the pac 12 network and we dont get that in the midwest.

the simplicity of the pitchers body movement is what i absolutely love. No wasted movement. Megan Kliest has become my go to model for teaching pitchers. Its like the men's game that i grew up with.

"I know that when coach White is in the circle my success depends on how he’s feeling that day, not on how I’m feeling.” this is an awesome quote.

From a player who has been with him for 4 years, and is one of the better hitters in the game. Says a lot.

My DD attended a Ducks' camp in October. There was lots of talk about how Coach White is able to mimic speed and movement of pretty much every college pitcher...and how devastating his riseball is.
 
Aug 21, 2008
2,359
113
Rick, all valid points. Except, I wasn't even speaking about the HC job. White is the smartest man I know in the game of softball. He's forgot more than most will ever know. And there are a lot of guys entering the women's game: Pete Meredith, etc. I am not going to mention any names, so nobody accuses me of disrespecting someone personally, but there is a coach in the SEC (head coach) who also fanciest himself as the pitching coach. Now, I don't know if this guy knows squat about pitching or not, but I KNOW he's never toed the rubber himself and I highly doubt he's able to throw BP at the level of competition his team is facing. These big time softball schools are offering $80-90K per year to assistants. I'm sure you could find someone to take that kind of job. Some schools require a college degree, others do not.

Bill
 

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