GET READY! GET SET! LOSE!!
                                  
                A PITCHING BAG FULL OF TUMS AND JAWBREAKERS

                                             *DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT*

By Mr. Tim
Pitchers spend a tremendous amount of time preparing for a game by working hard in practice, improving on variable speed and studying different pitch selections for use against opposing batters. For anyone wishing to be successful in the big game this is a good start, but not a great finish. Some pitchers, unbeknownst to them , are preparing to
lose as much as they are preparing to win. How often has having the sun in her eyes affected the performance of a pitcher? The sun wouldn't be a problem with a visor if you had one. How about that blister on the back of the heal? No problem, use a band-aid. OH! You don’t have one of those. That’s OK, but you may want to put some lib balm on those chapped lips. Forgot that too? Well at last put some dry socks on, especially after playing in two straight games in a light rain. I know, I know! You don’t have those either.

All these little nagging headaches can hinder a good practice or game if the pitcher is not prepared for them. A well-outfitted pitching bag can remedy most of the problems. Pitching bags (or “no excuse bags”) are very much part of pitcher’s game preparations. Relying on the coach—or mom—to supply your very basic needs can sometimes find a roadblock on the way to the game. Besides, coaches have more things to worry about than lip balm for the pitcher. Pitchers should take the time to build and carry a bag that will hold the cure for whatever may ale her.

Some frequently observed supplies found in a bag include: practice and game warm-up balls, small first-aid kit, visor, small towel, socks, finger nail clippers, hair bands, and lip balm. Are these the most important items in a bag? Not really.
Infrequently observed supplies for the 90's pitcher is the cellular phone (can you believe this?), small umbrella, rule book, log book, small change for phone calls (for those without the cellular), and a hair brush. Are these now the most important items in the bag? Not yet.
Although all the above items play a very important part in game and practice preparation, no pitching bag is complete until it is stocked with TUMS and jawbreakers. Yes, that’s right. The most tactically prepared pitcher will carry plenty of these little jewels for pregame warm-up. There she sits, patiently awaiting the start of the game. She is a model mom for the pitcher (although some moms have been known to be less patient), but under closer observation things look different. She is crunching those hands, palms sweating, maybe a little nail biting, and that famous thousand-mile stare. Having a well
equipped bag means helping mom out some while she sits on the sidelines. Prior to the game, reach down between the socks and practice balls and pull out the little treasure, Tums. Walk over to her and slip the pack through the fence. Try it, she will love you for it.

Where is he? There he is, over by the rest of them, shaking hands, talking softball, or maybe visiting the concession stand for a little pre-game snack. Dear old dad. Dad is always there to help you. He loves to conduct strategy sessions with you before the game, helps during warm-up, and he always makes sure you know the signal. You
know the one. The famous change-up signal that only dad and daughter know. It may be the three finger hold on the hot dog bun, or maybe the well-hidden knee tap. Sometimes good old verbal commands will do just fine. No problem, dad wants a change-up, but coach wants a fastball. What do you do?

Pitching bag time! Reach down, no need to squeeze between the socks here, you already know where it is. Right on top, for easy access, the famous hour-long jawbreaker. Go over and pass it through the fence (you may have to push to get it through). Dear dad may even have to use two hands to handle this monster. Give him that famous daughter smile and tell him it’s for good luck, and he will proudly place it in his mouth. Great, now you are covered for at least four innings.

Not all dads are like this. Some sit there on the sidelines patiently awaiting the start of the game...or is he? Closer observation reveals a Tums remedy. Where is mom? There she is! Shaking hands, talking softball, visiting the concession stand, and practicing the signal. No problem, reach for the jawbreaker.

Being ready for the little problems that come up during practice or a game is key to a winning edge. There is no need to carry a sea bag to the game, just a small bag with pockets. You will find that having quick access to a visor, socks, or even a small towel can make the difference between winning and losing. Not being prepared for a game, no matter how hard you worked in practice can make the drive home longer than normal. No problem, reach for the TUMS.

This article was first published in 1996 in FastPitch World Magazine. Mr Tim has written several articles for this leading fastpitch magazine.