What approach do great pitchers take when facing a batter? This question was posed during the Toronto Maple Leafs 40th home opener. The sun-drenched affair took place at Christie Pits on Sunday, May 4. Before the game, this reporter sat down with former Boston Red Sox great Luis Tiant, on hand alongside a number of Hall of Famers to throw out the opening pitch(es). Tiant was the only non-HOFer invited to participate, but what he lacked in accolades, he made up for in wisdom. A Cuban immigrant famous for his Fu Manchu mustache and love of cigars, Tiant explained how he faced batters during his playing career, cautioning that “you can’t show everything in your repertoire.” This applies to teaching as well as pitching, as he led young pitchers by example. Instead of dictating to athletes when and how to throw pitches, Tiant was concerned with how to approach big game situations. Tiant repeatedly stressed that baseball should be fun. Both pitchers and batters should enjoy every aspect of the game, and that is how he prepares for big games.
Interestingly, Tiant used the analogy of a batter when discussing his specific approach to baseball. “If you go 0 for 4 in a game, you won’t kill yourself afterwards. Next time out, you may go 4 for 4. You do not want to let the first game affect you.” After all, it is important to see the progress that you make. Tiant expressly stated that the size of a pitcher does not matter. Notably, one of Tiant’s most famous protégés is former Red Sox hurler Pedro Martinez, who is generously listed as 5’11. Tiant is also small for a pitcher, but he always remembered to not let big pressure intimidate him. Tiant also relayed the importance of having a heart and a great first pitch. Too often, the mental aspect of pitching is ignored.
That day, the Maple Leafs chose Drew Taylor, the son of former Major League pitcher Ron Taylor to start in his Intercounty debut. When I asked Taylor, a lefty who bears a significant resemblance to Brendan Fraser, about his approach to the game ahead, he replied that he would “throw strikes.” This seemed to run counter to the ways of the greats. However, he clarified that he would also throw “whatever the guy’s not looking for.” Taylor went on to pitch the Leafs to victory. After my afternoon on the field, it was clear how the Toronto Maple Leafs managed to attract so many wise pitchers to opening day. The fan-friendly yet competitive atmosphere of the Intercounty Baseball League requires serious dedication from its pitchers, but above all, as Luis Tiant stresses, they cannot forget to have fun.
