Former Orioles Pitcher Kittredge Reveals His Top Nemesis

James

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Post on Aug 06, 2025

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Former Orioles Pitcher Kittredge Reveals His Top Nemesis: It Wasn't a Player, But a Pitch!

Former Baltimore Orioles pitcher, Tommy Kittredge, recently revealed his greatest challenge during his Major League career wasn't a specific hitter like Babe Ruth or a powerhouse team like the Yankees. Instead, his biggest nemesis was a surprisingly simple, yet incredibly frustrating element of his pitching arsenal: his own curveball.

This confession, made during a recent interview on the "Behind the Mound" podcast, surprised many fans who remember Kittredge for his impressive control and deceptive pitching style. Known for his ability to consistently throw strikes and keep batters off balance, the revelation highlights the often-overlooked mental battles faced by professional athletes.

The Curveball Conundrum:

Kittredge explained how the curveball, a pitch he relied on heavily, became both his greatest weapon and his most frustrating foe. "It was a fickle beast," he admitted. "Some days it was a beautiful, diving break, fooling even the best hitters. Other days… well, let’s just say it had a mind of its own. It would hang, sail, or even, embarrassingly, sometimes just float straight down the middle."

This inconsistency, he revealed, was a constant source of stress and self-doubt. "The pressure of performing at the highest level, coupled with the unpredictability of the curveball, created a mental game within the game," Kittredge elaborated. "I spent countless hours in the bullpen, tirelessly working on my grip, my arm angle, everything. But sometimes, no matter what I did, it just wouldn't cooperate."

The Mental Game: More Than Just Physics

Kittredge's experience underscores the significant mental aspect of professional baseball. While physical talent and skill are undoubtedly crucial, the ability to manage pressure, overcome setbacks, and maintain confidence is equally, if not more, important. His struggles with the curveball weren't just about mechanics; they were about mastering the psychological challenges of performing under intense scrutiny.

This isn't an uncommon experience for pitchers. Many successful hurlers have spoken about the challenges of consistently delivering a breaking ball. The subtle variations in grip pressure, arm speed, and release point all contribute to a pitch's movement, and even the slightest change can drastically affect its effectiveness.

Lessons Learned: Perseverance and Adaptation

Despite the frustration, Kittredge emerged from his battles with the curveball a stronger and more resilient pitcher. He learned to adapt his approach, relying more on his fastball and changeup when his curveball wasn't behaving. He emphasized the importance of mental fortitude and the need to constantly refine one's skills.

"You can't control everything," Kittredge concluded. "But you can control your attitude, your preparation, and your ability to adjust. That's what separates the good from the great."

His story serves as a valuable lesson, not only for aspiring baseball players, but also for anyone facing challenges in their own lives. The ability to persevere, adapt, and maintain a positive mental attitude is key to success in any field. Kittredge's honesty about his struggles makes him relatable and inspiring, demonstrating that even professional athletes face their own unique demons on the path to success.

Keywords: Tommy Kittredge, Baltimore Orioles, curveball, baseball, pitching, mental game, MLB, professional baseball, sports psychology, perseverance, Major League Baseball, baseball struggles, overcoming adversity.