Training With The
Designated Hitter

"When Steve & I teamed up to design The DH, we had definite goals in mind.  I think we achieved them all - it's unbreakable, it won't tip over even when struck with the best fastball, and is easily transported.  It's something I wish I'd had access to back in my day."  Jim Haller, former 1st round pick, Los Angeles Dodgers

 


PUT AWAY THE FOOTBALL GEAR & USE SOMETHING THAT ACTUALLY HELPS PITCHERS!

             Really, how game-like is this?

 

Not very, but as we know, this is how pitchers practice, 
throwing only to a catcher or, sometimes, to a catcher and a tackling dummy. 

The problem is, this is not what pitchers 
actually face in games!

        Placing a DH in the batter's box introduces a key element of reality that is simply not there otherwise.  Set the DH as a LH or RH hitter, or place it next to the plate like one of those pesky hitters who crowd the plate.  Seeing how pitches track in relation to the DH while throwing to a catcher will prepare pitchers much better for games than throwing to a catcher alone.

        If this was all you did with your DH, your game preparation would be way ahead of any pitcher who trains without one.  But the DH Training System helps coaches and pitchers even further by:

  • Providing a unique tool to practice throwing inside with the Inside Pitch Attachment

  • Teaching a simple method for using "landmarks" on the DH to adjust pitching mechanics for more consistent pitch location throughout the entire strike zone.  These landmarks are then used on real batters in a game

  • Detailing several useful drills to help improve and maintain "location mechanics."

  • Including additional information on improving control

       And coaches, placing a live batter in the box doesn't really cut it either. Yes, it's better than nothing (or a tackling dummy) but your pitchers aren't going to pitch inside with someone standing there.

Why?

       Fear. Fear of hitting and hurting the live batter who also happens to be a teammate.  So "inside pitching practice" doesn't happen, and we wonder why pitchers don't do it much anymore. But the ability to effectively pitch inside is a key to successful pitching, especially at the higher levels of the game.

Relief Pitchers and The DH

        Relievers often enter games in crucial situations. How much better prepared would they be if they warmed up with a DH?  Wouldn't you rather have your LH relief specialist warm up with a DH set-up as LH batter before he enters the game to face a REAL LH batter?  Relief pitchers - short, long or closers - can all benefit from regular practice and warm-up with The DH!

Pitch-Outs and Intentional Walks

        How often do you practice either of these?  I know of a big-league pitcher who was supposed to intentionally walk a batter. One of his pitches got close enough to the plate that it was blasted for a home run. Oops.  Stuff like this happens more often than it should.

        Throwing pitch-outs properly can well be the difference between nailing an important base-runner in a key situation or adding a ball to the count as the base runner moves up.  Use a DH when practicing these situations to make them more game-like.

Catchers and The DH

        Catchers can benefit from drill work with The DH as well.  For more realistic catching practice, set a DH in the batter's box whenever you work on:

  • Throwing to 1B, 2B and 3B
  • "Pop Times"
  • Bunt defense
  • Pitch outs with both LH and RH batters
  • Properly receiving pitches for an intentional walk

And, with the DH's portability, you can easily move it around the ball field as required to perform any drill.

The DH: We Provide the Chin, 
You Provide the Music!