Building Your Pitching Identity: Self-Assessment & Journaling

Success on the mound isn’t just about talent—it’s about knowing who you are as a pitcher and building a system to develop that identity over time. That’s where the Position One Journal comes in. It’s more than a notebook—it’s your personal blueprint for growth.

On my road to the show a lot of guys had better “stuff” than me. But they didn’t have what we call the “it” factor. 

For me “It” isn’t luck or genetics. It’s confidence, competitiveness, adaptability—and a deep understanding of what makes you effective and that is what I thrived at. 

That’s what I want you to find—your “it.” The edge that separates you from the pack.

If you don’t have it yet, build it.

Or if you're struggling to put the pieces together and take the next steps in your career, start by owning your process, leaning into your strengths, and creating a system that helps you compete with confidence—every single day. That’s your foundation. 

Your job is simple: compete pitch by pitch and figure out how you get hitters out from 60 feet, 6 inches.

Everyone’s chasing better stuff—but that alone isn’t enough. If it were, hundreds of guys with better raw tools than me would’ve made it. They didn’t. Because they didn’t know who they were on the mound.

We only get a short window to play this game. Don’t waste it trying to be someone else.

Why Self-Assessment Matter

Every high-level pitcher has a system. They know:

✅ What makes them effective
✅ How they compete under pressure
✅ Where they need to improve

If you’re not tracking these things, you’re guessing. And guesswork doesn’t lead to growth.

Self-assessment is how you turn experience into development. It’s how you refine your strengths and turn your weaknesses into weapons.

The Position One journal is designed to help you take ownership of your development by tracking key aspects of your performance and preparation.

Define Your Pitching Identity

Ask yourself:

• What are my biggest strengths? (Pitches, mentality, approach)
• What gives me confidence on the mound?
• How do I respond to pressure and adversity?
• What do I want hitters to feel when they face me?

Pay attention. Write it down. Your identity might evolve, but having a starting point gives you clarity—and direction.

Build Your System: Track Routine & Execution

The journal isn’t just for recording stats. It’s for tracking everything that matters:

• Catch Play & Bullpen Work: What felt good? What needs adjustment?
• Game-Day Notes: What worked? What didn’t? What’s the plan moving forward?
• Mental & Physical Prep: Were you locked in? What threw you off?
• Recovery & Adjustments: What are you doing to get better before your next outing?

Consistency creates clarity. Logging these details helps you identify patterns and make better decisions.

Recognize Trends & Make Adjustments

When things go off-track, your journal gives you a roadmap back:

• What was working when you felt your best?
• What changed? Was it your routine? Your mindset?
• How can you course-correct?

Baseball is full of ups and downs. When you track your system, you always have something to lean on.

Final Thoughts: Own Your Process

The Position One Journal helps you do more than track innings—it helps you take full control of your development.

The best pitchers don’t just work hard—they work smart. With purpose. With structure.

• Track your progress
• Learn from every outing
• Stick to your system
• Trust your identity