Unique 'pitcher' adds safety and fun to baseball games

Little Leaguers at the Oregon Park District have their hitting skills challenged by an unusual opponent.

By David Schroeder

The Oregon Park District staff has developed an exciting concept of baseball for children eight to ten years of age. While the program is called "Little League," it is not typical Little League in concept.

Rather than have the child (or coach) pitch, as has been done in the past, a pitching machine is used. The idea came from Dr. Bragg Stockton who did a study using a pitching machine for this age group. The results convinced this park district staff that there were many advantages to using the machine.

Teams learn fundamentals.

After two years of using a pitching machine, the following benefits have been derived:

• Children at this age are not exposed to pitching, thus avoiding arm problems.

• The machine throws strikes, giving the children a greater chance to hit the ball rather than having to stand at the plate waiting for a good pitch. The overall league batting average was .302.

• Since the batter hits the ball more often, and with the rule of no walks, there are more fielding opportunities for the defense.

• Previously, games lasted about two hours and seemed boring to the players and fans. With a pitching machine, games take about 90 minutes, at the most.

A contributing factor to the success of the program was the employment of an instructor/umpire. A school teacher by profession, Tim O'Rourke spends mornings working weekly with each team, stressing basic fundamentals and game situations. In addition, each team has two volunteer coaches who conduct practice sessions and coach during games, while O'Rourke umpires and operates the pitching machine.

The park district is careful the children do not get "burned out" by too many practices. Since O'Rourke and the coaches work directly through staff, and have attended our coaches' clinics, they understand our philosophy and carry it out very well.

Skeptical at first, it did not take long to be convinced that the pitching machine was a good idea. The program received tremendous support from the children, parents and community. At the season's end a questionnaire was given to parents and children, and only a few negative comments were received.

There are some disadvantages to using the machine. The machine costs $700 and the wheel must be replaced yearly (due to heavy use) at a cost of $100 plus. We also needed underground electric service to the pitching mound which kicks out the ground fault circuit breaker when there is extended wet weather. This presents an occasional problem.

Benefits outweigh drawbacks.

However, the benefits derived far outweigh the drawbacks. The fun and excitement the program now offers the children made the time and effort expended very worthwhile.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David Schroeder has been the assistant director of recreation for the Oregon Park District since 1982. He is a 1980 graduate of George Williams College.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 11 March/April 1985