UTR Interview: Tyler Kincaid

Tyler Kincaid
Pitching Coach
University of San Diego

During the summers of 2005 and 2006, I had the privilege of pitching under Tyler Kincaid for the Chatham A's of the Cape Cod Baseball League. Over the course of those summers, I got to know one of the most prepared and intelligent young pitching coaches in the game of baseball.

Link- Kincaid's Bio from Palomar College: http://www.palomar.edu/athletics/baseball/coaches.htm

UTR: In order of importance, what are the top 3-5 things you look at when recruiting a potential player?

§ Can they win on the weekend? Can he be a top guy … Fri/Sat/Sun?

§ What does our pitching staff need?

§ Variety of pitch repertoire / arm angles on staff

UTR: When evaluating a high school pitcher, what characteristics do you look for?

§ Arm action

§ Pitchability: secondary command or a knockout pitch

§ Projectability: 1,2,3 years down the road

§ Filling out staff, turning over rocks to find the free guy who can fill a role

UTR: In terms of mechanics, what things in particular do you believe allow a pitcher to have the best chance at success?

I believe for any pitcher to be able to have long term success they must have a repeatable delivery and smooth arm action. The ability to throw various pitches to various locations, and be able to do it over and over and over again, all starts with the pitcher’s ability to repeat their delivery. A pitcher who has the ability to repeat their mechanics with a smooth arm action will be able to maintain a greater total work load than a pitcher who throws with maximum effort on every pitch.

UTR: What are your feelings on throwing programs that include throwing weighted balls, tennis balls, footballs, or softballs?

I am a big believer in that we as pitchers need to utilize the equipment that we will be performing with during competition. I do not like weighted balls. I think it trains your arm to be slower and what we want is for the arm to be quick.

UTR: How does a hitter's stance/swing affect how you attack a hitter? Either as a pitcher or a pitch caller?

There are three keys to work from as either a pitcher or a pitch caller.

o Pitcher’s strength – you are going to attack the hitter with what the pitcher does best or is able to do with success.

o Hitter’s swing / weaknesses – being able to recognize the type of swing as the bat comes through the zone; any flaws in the hitter’s mechanics of their swing; and their location in the batter’s box

o Game situation – knowing what the hitter is trying to accomplish and utilizing the pitcher’s ability to compete against it

***But it all goes back to putting the pitcher in the best position for success

And that is to allow them to do what they do best

UTR: What are you beliefs as far as what a pitcher should do for an immediate post game routine?

Immediately after the pitcher is done with their outing our pitchers get an arm massage to break up some of the lactic acid and fluid that are built up within the throwing arm and shoulder. Then the pitcher is allowed to ice if they so choose. The sooner the pitcher starts breaking down the muscle tissue, the sooner they can begin repair and start preparing for their next outing.

UTR: Is there a common trait amongst the pitchers that you have known who were the most successful?

-The most successful pitchers I have been fortunate enough to work with have all shared similar ideals, they all had desire, dedication, and determination. The most successful pitchers were willing to put in the time and work, to do whatever it took, to make sure they put themselves in the best position every time they took the mound. Whether it was weight training, conditioning, or even the simplest task of playing catch, they always had a purpose to what they were doing.

-Baseball is a very different type of lifestyle compared to most other sports. It is a day in and day out affair. And a person who wants to be great in this game has to be able to put out the effort every day they are on the field. They have to be able to “work the grind.”

-The guys that really separate themselves once they take the mound are the ones that are determined to succeed. No matter what the score, who the opponent is, or where they are playing, these pitchers are relentless in their attack and the execution of their game plan.

UTR: 1 being the most important, 5 being the least, how would you rank the levels of importance of velocity, deception, repeating your delivery, movement, command?

1) Repeating your delivery

2) Deception

3) Command

4) Movement

5) Velocity

UTR: If you had one piece of advice for a high school pitcher who aspired to pitch in either college or pro ball, what would it be?

No matter what, continue to play the game as long as you can. It doesn’t matter if you’re the projected #1 pick in next years draft out of high school, or if you are the fifth outfielder on your JV team. Strive and work to get better as a player because there is some school, somewhere out there that would love to have you. If you are willing to put forth the effort, there is somewhere for you continue to play and live the dream.

UTR: What was the best piece of baseball advice you’ve ever received?

Enjoy playing the game. You have the ability to play this game for only so long, no matter who you are. Have fun and compete every day as if it was the last time you would ever step on the field.

At the end of the interview, TK added an excerpt from a Peter Gammons article “My 20 years at ESPN”

In September 1992, ESPN sent me to the home of one of my all-time favorite players, George Brett, for a Sunday Conversation as he edged closer to his 3,000th hit. "What do you want for your last at-bat?" I asked George.

"I want to hit a ground ball to second," Brett replied, "bust my butt down the line and be out by an eyelash."

My thanks goes out to TK for taking the time to sit down for an interview. His experience and knowledge of pitching is highly beneficial for those who have the chance to hear what he has to say. Very good stuff.