George Kirby's New Toy Sends Hitters Into Fear

A New Tool for George Kirby

George Kirby's recent start against Milwaukee might not stand out on the surface, but for Kirby himself, it was a significant moment. His ability to mix pitches so effectively that Statcast struggled to keep up was impressive. The splitters he threw were actually changeups, and the 94 mph fastball was more of a cutter. However, what truly made this game special for Kirby wasn't just his pitching performance—it was the small device clipped to his belt that allowed him to call his own pitches.

"I got this thing on my belt now, so I can kind of call pitches when I want to," Kirby said with a grin. This innovation is part of a new experiment by the pitching staff while Cal Raleigh is away at the World Baseball Classic. For Kirby, though, this development has deeper significance. He had considered calling his own pitches before but dismissed the idea. This off-season, he revisited the concept with pitching coach Pete Woodworth.

Kirby has always been focused on throwing his pitches with "conviction." This pursuit has been a central theme since last year, and having control over some pitch calls is something he believes will enhance that conviction.

"It’s just a way for me to have more conviction in some of my pitches. Something that I really want to throw instead of shaking 20 times to get to the one, you press it and go from there."

The Role of PitchCom

During his outing on Sunday, Kirby used the device 8-10 times. It's not a complete replacement for his catcher, but rather an enhancement to his strategy. Cal Raleigh is known for his elite skills behind the plate, and the pitchers quickly learn from him. However, Woodworth acknowledges that for Kirby, the goal is to inject even more conviction into his game.

"My least favorite conversation is, 'I didn’t really want to throw that pitch.' Well, why didn’t you shake? Maybe the clock was running, whatever it might be. But having that PitchCom on you…he’s not calling the whole game, but it empowers him to give his opinion."

Woodworth emphasizes that Kirby's desire for conviction is key. When Kirby is at his best, he's fully committed. He isn't indecisive, and that commitment leads to better results. The PitchCom helps him stay in that committed state more often.

Mental Focus and Game Strategy

For Kirby, the device also helps him focus more on reading hitters' swings and identifying which pitches are performing well on a given day. During his recent start, he relied heavily on his changeup, a pitch he doesn't typically throw as much.

"I think it’s a way for me to settle in my game a little better. I feel like there’s always a pitch or two where like, oh, I wish I didn’t throw that. And that’s kind of the worst thing to do mentally. I feel like, when I’ve got this thing, if I have something in my head, I’m going to call it right there."

Woodworth agrees that the mental aspect of the game is crucial. He notes that what separates elite players is their mental strength and commitment.

"They’re all so talented. What makes them great and what makes them elite is between their ears and inside their chest. It’s not more practice. They’re extremely good at what they do. When they are convicted, when they are committed, when they’re in a good mental spot, that’s when we see them as the best of the best."

A Mind-Body Connection

For Kirby, who places a strong emphasis on the mental side of the game, the PitchCom represents an exciting way to tap into the mind-body connection. He feels that having the device helps him lock in more, giving him a sense of control and confidence.

"I just think having it locks me in even more, and then I’m more in control and therefore more convicted and confident."

This new approach seems to be working well for Kirby. With the added confidence and conviction, he's poised to be a formidable force this season, making hitters wary of what's coming next.