The Act of Pitching: A Tutorial for All Levels by a Master Technician-Detailing Every Aspect of Pitching [Paperback]

Dr. John Bagonzi (Author), Alex Levin (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2006 | Series: Act of Pitching: A Tutorial for All Levels by a Master Technician

Coaches of youth players and big leaguers as well as individuals seeking to step up their game will learn what it takes to become an accomplished pitcher in this updated manual. Following a step-by-step approach, this handbook provides precise pitching instruction, state-of-the-art conditioning and training programs utilized by today’s pitching technicians, and techniques for mastering the mental aspects of the game. The lessons move through the basics and include an expansive section on the finer details of pitching grips to more advanced aspects—the mechanics of pitching a fastball, changing speeds to win, the use of relievers, how to pitch from strength, and how to stop a homerun barrage—and advice on finding the right strategy for each pitcher.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The best book on pitching that I have ever read."  —Bob Feller, Hall of Fame pitcher

"Coach Bagonzi has been an invaluable resource for me...a pitching genius. He got me back in the bigs."  —Rich Gale, Major League pitcher and Boston Red Sox pitching coach

"I continue to use the lessons he taught me on the field in everything I do."  —Jim MacDonald, pitcher, Houston Astros

About the Author

Dr. John Bagonzi is an accomplished college pitcher who developed his playing and teaching skills while associated with the Boston Red Sox organization. He has been a coach for more than 40 years. He lives in Woodsville, New Hampshire. Alex Levin is a World Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee who has been teaching children for more than 15 years. He lives in Conway, New Hampshire.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Pitching Professor Publications; 5th edition (May 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977825000
• ISBN-13: 978-0977825004
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #571,086 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Pitching Book - Period, December 16, 2004

By 

Alan - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Act of Pitching: A Tutorial for All Levels by a Master Technician-Detailing Every Aspect of Pitching (Paperback)

I have read/watched dozens of books and DVDs and attended several clinics in my quest to help my sons become better pitchers. This is far and away the most comprehensive pitching instruction I have ever seen. I was amazed at how thick this book was when it arrived - almost 400 pages, with hundreds of pictures. Dr. Bagonzi explains everthing in great detail. I have never seen anyone spend as much time on the finer details of pitching grips, for example. But all the information in usable - the author does a very good job of explaining things clearly and concisely. I never felt as if I was lost in minutia, as I have with other instructional materials.

It is very easy to spend hundreds of dollars on one-or-another guru's pitching instruction program. I know - I have done it myself. And while I think some of these programs are worth every penny, at under $20, there is NOTHING that can beat the value of this book.

One caveat: if you happen to be in the camp that believes long toss, weighted balls, strength training, pushing off the rubber, etc. are bad, then you will probably disagree with much of what the author has to say. Although he has been around a while, Dr. Bagonzi is on the leading edge of such techniques and training concepts, and is a big proponent of some ideas that a few people may find controversial. I personally have had great success with these techniques, and see only a couple hold outs among the contemporary pitching "gurus" who disagree. However, fair warning if you happen to be one of them (or one of their disciples). By the way, Dr. Bagonzi recognizes these areas of controversy, and is very respectful of those who might disagree.

Bottom line recommendation: if you only buy one pitching program, make it this book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Complete Guide, February 10, 2007

By 

Florida Baseball Fan I - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Act of Pitching: A Tutorial for All Levels by a Master Technician-Detailing Every Aspect of Pitching (Paperback)

I have an eighth grader that has been helped, and will continue to be helped, by this comprehensive guide for pitchers. It is a book that can be read cover to cover, or used as a reference book where you just take the information that is needed at the moment. Either way, the information is presented in a concise yet complete way. I highly recommend this guide.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Pitching Book for All Levels, March 8, 2007

By 

Todd J. Lacasse - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Act of Pitching: A Tutorial for All Levels by a Master Technician-Detailing Every Aspect of Pitching (Paperback)

The best pitching book I've read. It covers in detail all aspects of pitching and provides excellent photos and text descriptions. A book that can be applied to all age groups and levels from little league to the pros. Covers left and right handed pitching with grips, diagrams and exercises for pitching and conditioning. As thorough and complete a book on pitching as one would want. It leaves no question or concept about pitching unanswered.