April 27, 2023
Hershiser Explains System For Elite Command
By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR.
Editor/Collegiate Baseball
LOS ANGELES — Pitching command is one of the most elusive and cherished skills in baseball.
In every generation, there seems to be a hurler with exceptional control of his pitches.
One of the greatest pitchers in Major League history was Orel Hershiser who constantly hit his spots over a marvelous Major League career that stretched over 18 seasons, including 13 with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He still holds the Major League record for most consecutive scoreless innings pitched with 59 during the 1988 season.
Known for his fierce competitive spirit, Hershiser was nicknamed “Bulldog” by former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda.
Now a color analyst with the Dodgers after working for several years with ESPN, Hershiser graciously allowed Collegiate Baseball to interview him on the subject of pitching command and how he approached the art of pitching several years ago.
Hershiser was unquestionably one of the top pitchers in Major League history with regard to great command. On many occasions, he was able to throw pitch after pitch anywhere he wanted in and around the strike zone.
“You must have different components working for you,” said Hershiser.
“First, you must control your mind to control your body to control the baseball. Then you must be blessed with the wiring to connect the three. Some guys can look at a target as they throw and hit it with natural wiring.
“So they might not need to control the mind. But if that wiring starts to go south with age, injury or whatever, it would be nice to know how consciously you can put your body into a position where you want the ball to go.
“All the components are what allow you to command pitches. And if you pay attention to all the components, then you have the best chance of being able to hit the target most often.
“Emotion also enters into the equation. Pressure, nerves, adrenalin and excitement do exist. And you have to decide when to control those emotions and decide when to ignore it.”
Hershiser described where he visually focused prior to each pitch in the quest for throwing precision strikes.
To read more of this article, purchase the April 21, 2023 edition of Collegiate Baseball or subscribe by CLICKING HERE.
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