Experiences and Reflections of Rockies Pitcher Jeff Francis by Alan Schwarz in the New York Times
Francis repeatedly pulled the ball back in preparation to throw. But as he flashed his arm forward, his hand would, mind unaware, bring the ball back toward his ear rather than at full extension. It was his body essentially shortening the axis of his arm to decrease the force on his shoulder, protecting him from pain. And Francis could not stop it.
After his 10th pitch and first muffled groan of pain, he stopped.
“It’s hurting you?” Murayama said.
“Yeah,” Francis said.
“I can tell. You’re getting out ahead of your arm. Slow down, stay back a little more.”
“Does it look like I’m scared to throw a little?”
“Are you scared?”
“Not consciously.”
I learned about Schwarz and Francis from Jason Kottke’s excellent Of Two Minds on the Pitcher’s Mound. It’s refreshing to see enlightened public discourse on the subconscious mind. Stimulating in a liberal arts, physics, sports, and mindbody kind of way.
Comments on this entry are closed.