Never Ceases to Amaze

The world of baseball never ceases to amaze.  I saw it happen again yesterday, where hormones meet horsehide, the world of 14U baseball.

In the second five inning game of our doubleheader, we saw an interesting paradox.  Our opposing pitcher had good mechanics, but threw from on top of the pitching rubber, and at a very slow rate.  I would say coaches throwing batting practice were much faster.  Our starting pitcher has major league speed.  We have seen him top out at 89 mph in practice.  When he is on, nobody hits him at this level.

The first inning, as the visitor, we couldn't time the fast(slow)ball.  It looked like a beach ball, but we didn't hit.  He retired us without a run and on 17 pitches.  The major league prospect hit the leadoff hitter on a 3-2 pitch, and by the end of the inning had allowed three runs, without a ball even bein fouled off.

To defend our pitcher, he struck out the side in the second inning on 14 pitches.  We never really reached their pitcher, had a defensive meltdown and lost 13-6.   Weird is the first baseman only making one putout, which ours did.

Overwhelming talent can be beaten.  Something just slightly different can baffle the more talented individual.  The game is supposed to be a preparation for life, teaching lessons just like this one.  Make me proud to be a coach.

So...am I off base?