When authors write how-to-do books, readers must question their credentials.   Readers should ask, “On what academic training and what professional experiences do the authors claim expertise?” To validate my claim of expertise in baseball pitching, I offer my personal history, educational training and professional baseball playing achievements.

     I grew up in Adrian, Michigan, a small town near Toledo, Ohio.   My four maternal uncles played high school football, basketball, baseball and/or ran track and my father played semi-pro baseball and fast pitch softball.   These men filled my thoughts with athletics.   As I loved them, I loved sports.

     In 1954, I was eleven years old just in time for Adrian’s Recreation Department to organize summer baseball leagues for eleven/twelve year olds and thirteen/fourteen year olds.   For two years before then, friends and I rode our bikes to Island Park and played baseball all day, every weekday, all summer long.   I don't remember anyone teaching me how to pitch; I just picked up the baseball and threw it.

     In high school, I played third base and shortstop until my senior year, when I pitched nearly every game.   We played two Twin Valley Conference games per week for the six week southern Michigan baseball season.   I don't remember anyone teaching me how to pitch; I just picked up the baseball and threw it.

     In June 1960, I graduated high school and, after American Legion summer baseball, I signed a professional baseball contract with the Philadelphia Phillies to play shortstop.   I played minor league shortstop for four full years.   Then, after a month into my fifth season, I changed to pitcher.   I don't remember anyone teaching me how to pitch; I just picked up the baseball and threw it.