They play different sports, but a quarterback and pitcher are similar in one respect--they nearly always have the ball and initiate the action. In football, the quarterback receives the snap from the center, setting in motion the actions of the other 10 players on offense and 11 players on defense. In baseball, the pitcher delivers the ball to the batter, setting the stage for the action to develop.
The Quarterback
Quarterback is the glamour position in football, but playing it requires a multitude of skills. The quarterback typically is one of the best athletes on the field. He has to have a strong enough arm to throw the football down the field and be fast enough to avoid being tackled by defenders. Although there are 11 players players on offense, the quarterback's performance often determines the team's success.
The Pitcher
The pitcher is the focal point in baseball, standing on the mound in the middle of the infield. The action of the game begins when the pitcher delivers the ball to the batter. Like a quarterback, a pitcher can almost single-handedly determine the outcome of a game with his performance. As with a quarterback, a pitcher must have an exceptionally strong arm.
High-Profile Positions
The quarterback in football and the pitcher in baseball typically are the most visible players in their respective sports, given their role in determining the outcome of the game. As such, the quarterback and the pitcher often get an inordinate amount of credit when their team wins a game and the bulk of the blame when their team loses. Because of the prominent role a quarterback plays, he draws attention for good plays and mistakes. Likewise, a pitcher is celebrated when he allows few runs and hits and criticized when the other team scores frequently.
Preparation
Success for any football or baseball player starts with preparation, and this aspect is magnified for a quarterback or a pitcher. A quarterback must study the opposing defense to search for weaknesses and exploit them, and be able to keep the opponent off balance in order to succeed. A pitcher has to learn the strengths and weaknesses of every opposing hitter and make adjustments during the course of a game and a season. The process begins for a quarterback or a pitcher away from the field, when they study scouting reports and video of opponents as they formulate a plan of attack.
Posted in: Baseball