Pre-Game Preparation By: Napolean Robinson

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Pre-game Preparation

A good outing or game starts hours before the first pitch. It is important that the pitcher is mentally and physically prepared to enter the game. This may differ slightly depending on whether the pitcher is going to be a starter or reliever that day. What a pitcher does in the hours or minutes before entering the game often determines how successful they will be.


Preparation starts the night before the game. A pitcher has to get the proper amount of sleep. Pitching is 90% mental. Sleep deprivation diminishes the pitcher’s ability to focus and concentrate. A pitcher also needs to make sure that they eat a good meal. The body needs fuel. A pitcher who has not gotten enough sleep or enough to eat looks and acts like they are in haze. If you ask them what’s going on, they will say “I just don’t feel” right or “I don’t know”. At that point all you can do is add fast burning fuel. For me, it was one or two of my favorite candy bars.


As game time approaches, what should the pitcher do? The starter should begin at least forty-five minutes prior to game time. That does mean that you are going to throw for forty-five minutes. Starts with a good stretch and warm up routine. Remember to “warm up to throw and not throw to warm up”. More time stretching and warming up means fewer pitches to get loose. Once the pitcher is loose and that catcher is ready, the first order of business is to get command of the fast ball. Then move to the second pitch, such as a change up or slider and then to the third or forth pitch. The order of pitches is based on the frequency and effectiveness of each pitch. In other words, get the best pitches ready first. This is not a bullpen; the pitcher should not be throwing anything that is not going to be in the game. How much should a pitcher throw? Everyone is different. As a rule, throw more pitches and be prepared rather than struggling in the first inning.


A relief pitcher does not have the luxury of knowing exactly when they are going to pitch. They may be asked to get ready at a moments notice. Get that fast ball and the second pitch ready as soon as possible. The keys for the coach and the player are anticipation and situational awareness. Always stay one step ahead of the game. If the pitcher is getting tired or struggling, start stretching and get your loose. Know the situation: How many outs are there? Is the batter on deck left or right handed? What inning is it? What is the score? Coaches, if you plan on using position players in relief, let them throw when they are not about to hit, preferably the inning before you anticipate using them. This will make them more effective and decrease the likelihood of injury.


My professional career began with the Dodgers as a relief pitcher. When I got to the Braves organization, they made me a starter. During my 6 years of professional experience, I found that there was nothing worse that going into a game unprepared. You can never be too prepared.