A Lesson from Jacob DeGrom on Perseverance

April 12, 2017

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As we continue to learn on a variety of topics:

Thor and the changeup (click here)

Tim Tebow and failure (click here)

Curtis Granderson and hydration (click here)

We now learn from Jacob DeGrom about perseverance.

On Monday night he pitched 7 innings in a victory over the Phillies:

But there was a deeper story to DeGrom's victory:

7 innings almost didn't happen after a rought first inning where DeGrom struggled:

The valuable lesson DeGom teaches us here is:

Will you let a bad inning run you out of the game?

Or will you fight to grind out a solid start?

I tell my pitching students constantly...

Your coaches will respect you if you grind out 5 innings with your worst stuff

than if you sail through 7 innings with your best stuff.

Even the Mets broadcaster's took notice:

Gary Cohen: "So Jacob DeGrom gave up 2 runs and 3 hits in the first inning and then no runs and 3 hits over the next 5 innings. It’s a story we have seen before with Jake but every time he does it, it just impresses you more and more with the ability to make the adjustments he needs to prevent his start from being a disaster."

Ron Darling: "I know fans at home love when Jacob DeGrom is on top of his game with 10 or 12 strikeouts and the hair is flowing and it’s a great scene. But you’re almost judge by how good are your poor games? And his poor games are very good and it’s one of the reasons I really enjoy watching him pitch."

Are you being trained as a pitcher to correct your mistakes?

Do you know how to adjust to use what pitches are working well that night?

As Tom Glavine told us in Living on The Black:

"You can't sulk. You have to get outs."

Questions About This Newsletter?

Contact (PitchingDoc@msn.com / 631-352-7654) Dr. Arnold!