This is a question that almost every pitcher will face in the next few weeks and there are a few factors that should be considered when making this decision, but the overarching theme/question that must be answered is, “What gets me closer to being the best pitcher I can be?”
Current Performance Level
The first consideration is where you are as a pitcher. If you are a legitimate draft prospect and you are going to have the opportunity to play in the Cape or one of the other three best Summer leagues, that may make sense. This will give you an opportunity to potentially raise your draft stock, compete against a very high level of competition so you can see where you stack up/where your gaps are, and it may allow you to make more NIL money if a transfer opportunity opens up, etc.
However, if you’re just playing in a random, low level Summer league because “everyone” plays Summer ball, that is probably not the best decision for personal development. If you are not able to compete at the elite levels of play, using the Summer to train and develop is you’re better option.
Innings Pitched
If you were the Friday guy on your team and you logged serious innings during the season, throwing more innings during the summer isn’t ideal. However, if you were a Freshman with good stuff, but you got minimal innings because of a deep bullpen, or perhaps you struggled in game situations with performance anxiety, then logging some innings in the Summer may be a good idea in order to get some game experience.
Velocity, Stuff, Command
If you’re throwing in the mid 90’s with excellent command, and an elite arsenal, then you’re likely pitching in the Cape this summer. However, if you’re throwing 82 mph, with average command, and a “get me over” curveball, then you need to focus on development and Summer ball isn’t going to offer you that.
Whether it’s increasing velocity, pitch design, or command improvement, playing every day, or even every weekend, will limit your ability to work on any of these qualities. When you’re competing, your attention should be on staying ready to go out and perform at your best possible level. If development is the goal, then some level of specific readiness will disappear, and in the short term you won’t be ready to go out and pitch your best. But, that step back in the short term can mean a leap ahead in the longer term.
Physical Development
The average MLB pitcher is 6’3” 215lbs. If you can’t do 5 push-ups and you’re 150lbs, then you need to work on some physical development. Summer ball doesn’t allow for the attention and recovery necessary to maximize the size and strength gains that are possible during the Summer months.
Summer Team Situation
One underrated and under discussed issue related to Summer ball is the team situation. This means, do you have a host family? Are you staying in a run-down motel? Are you living at home? What’s the coaching staff like? What is your role on the team?
Not all Summer ball teams are created equally. If you don’t have a great living situation, that’s likely to negatively impact your performance and development. If the coach has a negative view on development over the summer or you guys clash, problems are likely to arise. Being a starter and pitching once a week on a predictable day is vastly different than being a reliever who’s up for every game. One allows for a solid level of training, if not the best, while the other is likely to severely limit how productive your training can be.
Individual Goals
The final piece to this is, what are your goals?
If you want to go have a great time playing some games with your friends or you need to get some competitive innings under your belt, Summer ball is probably a great fit. However, if you want to add another pitch, improve your velocity, or make immense changes to your body, then forgoing Summer ball and going all in on development is the better choice.
If you want to take your performance to the next level, whether you’re playing Summer ball or not, let us help guide you. Reach out and we’ll discuss the process and how we can help you on your journey.
Sources
Photo by Emory University Baseball