The Hidden Gap in Youth Baseball: Great Coaches, But No Pitching Specialists

“I had great coaches—but they weren’t pitching coaches.”

When we talk about improving youth baseball, we often focus on access, facilities, or talent. But there's another issue hiding in plain sight: the lack of specialized coaching for pitchers—even in otherwise well-run programs.

In this episode of the Sore to Soaring Podcast, I sat down with Brannon Sneed, former college pitcher and a former record-setting pitcher at Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, to talk about his journey through youth and high school baseball—and the coaching void that shaped his development.

Brannon grew up with some solid mentors. He mentions Matt Robinson, a former Florida State player who was excellent with position players. He also worked with Dick Ingram, a respected coach who knew the game well. Later on, he spent time with Brett Richardson, who went on to coach at FAMU and Alcorn State.

But as Brannon put it clearly: “They were great coaches—but they weren’t pitchers.”

He wasn’t being critical—he was stating a reality that many programs still face today. Most coaches are generalists, or come from a position player background. That’s fine in many areas of the game—but for pitchers, it creates a serious development gap.

What has been your experience with qualified and unqualified position coaches? Drop your response in the video comments, we'd love to hear your story.

The Problem Isn’t Effort—It’s Specialization

Brannon’s experience is a perfect example of a common issue across youth baseball. Players get plenty of reps, practice time, and encouragement—but when it comes to pitching-specific technique, mechanics, workload management, recovery, and injury prevention, many are left to figure it out on their own.

Even when Brannon was excelling on the mound, there wasn’t a pitching coach to guide him, refine his delivery, or protect his arm. Most of what he learned came through trial, error, and observation—not structured pitching development.

That’s not a knock on the coaches he had—it’s a wake-up call for the system.

Great Athletes Still Need the Right Guidance

Despite the coaching gap, Brannon thrived. He became Lincoln High School’s all-time winningest pitcher, career strikeout leader, and single-season strikeout record holder—records that still stand 30 years later.

But he also paid a price. Like many pitchers without proper coaching, Brannon eventually faced injury, resulting in Tommy John surgery—a reality that’s become far too common among young pitchers today.

Why This Matters for Today’s Coaches and Parents

This story isn’t about the past—it’s about what’s still happening in youth sports across the country. Many well-intentioned programs are operating with a gap in technical instruction, especially on the mound. Players may be working hard, but without proper pitching development, they’re often developing bad habits—or worse, putting themselves at risk.

As coaches, parents, and leaders, we need to recognize that general knowledge isn’t enough for pitchers. We must raise the standard and provide real, specialized coaching, especially in areas where injury risk is highest.

What We’re Doing About It at Sore to Soaring

That’s exactly why Sore to Soaring emphasizes structured pitching development, recovery strategies, and coaching mentorship. Through our workshops, mentorship programs, and coaching support systems, we’re helping to fill the gaps that so many athletes still face today.

We’re not just training players—we’re building complete systems that support performance, safety, and long-term growth.

Key Takeaways

• Many youth baseball programs still lack pitching-specific coaching

• Great coaches are valuable, but specialization matters for skill development and injury prevention

• Even record-setting athletes can fall short of their potential—or get hurt—without proper guidance

• Every pitching program should include training, monitoring, and mentorship—not just drills

• We must invest in developing better coaches, not just better players

Watch the full podcast episode:

https://youtu.be/MR4_0ZXtL0M

Support our mission:

We’re building programs that help young athletes grow on and off the field.
Learn more or support the mission at:

www.soartosoaring.org

Disclaimer:

The views shared are those of the guest and do not represent an endorsement by Lupos Initiative Inc., DBA Sore to Soaring. This content is for informational purposes only and not medical or training advice. Always consult a qualified professional before starting any exercise or throwing program. No affiliation or compensation exists between Sore to Soaring and any for-profit entity mentioned

If you wish to learn more about Brannon Snead’s work: peterboulwaretoyota.com.