The pitcher has to find out if the hitter is timid. And if the hitter is timid, he has to remind the hitter he's timid

The pitcher has to find out if the hitter is timid. And if the hitter is timid, he has to remind the hitter he's timid

Don Drysdale was a legendary pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 1950s and 1960s. Known for his intimidating presence on the mound and his fierce competitive spirit, Drysdale was not afraid to challenge opposing hitters both physically and mentally. One of his most famous quotes perfectly encapsulates his approach to pitching: “The pitcher has to find out if the hitter is timid. And if the hitter is timid, he has to remind the hitter he's timid.”

For Drysdale, the mental aspect of the game was just as important as the physical. He understood that by getting inside the head of the hitter, he could gain a significant advantage on the mound. By establishing himself as a dominant and aggressive presence, Drysdale could make even the most confident hitters second-guess themselves.

Drysdale was not afraid to throw inside to intimidate hitters, and he was known for his willingness to pitch inside aggressively. He was not afraid to brush hitters back off the plate or throw high and tight to keep them on their toes. By establishing his dominance early in the game, Drysdale could set the tone and dictate the pace of the game.