You are watching the Kentucky Derby…

Best racehorses from around the world…

Best horse jockeys from around the world….

Best horse trainers from around the world…

Millions of eyes are focused on the starting gate as the starting pistol sounds…

The starting gate opens and as the horses break from the gate, the best horse in the race (in the world) is noticeably behind the other horses…let’s call him “The Five Horse”.

As the horses make their way around the first turn, the Five Horse is still ways behind its competition…

The jockey, also the best in the world at his craft, is clearly not concerned…he looks calm and confident…like he has been in this position before.

As the race continues towards its halfway point, here comes the Five Horse…gradually moving ahead of other horses…

The jockey, still noticeably unphased by the moment, begins to make his move…

The horses make their way down the final stretch, and the Five Horse pulls way ahead of its competition…to win the Kentucky Derby with ease.

How did this happen?

The jockey understood his horse and how to “pace” the Five Horse against its competition.

Pacing: to move at a particular speed.

Back to pitching…

You as the pitcher are in control of the “pace” of the game, the rate of speed at which the “game” is moving.

You can speed it up when needed…you can slow it down when needed.

When and Why?

When the game is moving in your favor, your throwing strikes, getting weak early contact, quick innings…this is the time to “keep the foot on the gas”…to work quickly and maintain a steady “pace.”

Keep your defense on their toes and keep that “flow” alive where outs are being made.

Keep the hitters on their heels…weak…taking defensive swings.

When the game is not going the way you would prefer at that moment, groundballs are making their way through the infield, you cannot locate your slider, a big double just tied the game…this is the time to slow the game down…

Breathe…

Breathe again…

Give yourself some space, a “reset”…and break the hitters rhythm.

Re-focus and set your objective for the upcoming pitch.

Back on the rubber and ready to compete.

Pacing is Pitching

Pitching is Pacing