Years spent playing at the pinnacle of professional baseball provide a unique viewpoint, one formed by victories and struggles. A seasoned veteran who formerly wore the pinstripes of the New York Yankees, Alex Rodriguez is now imparting valuable knowledge to the young generation. His message? An important reminder that in the quest to become the best pitcher, one overly emphasized trait may detract from the true essence of the role. Curious?

High velocity is appealing—but not always! A fast pitch might be a ticket to notice from scouts and pave the way for a future in the majors. But this one-track focus on speed overlooks the basic components of pitching—control, strategy, and endurance. Lacking these, even the quickest throwers run the risk of having short-lived careers.

Advice is always helpful, and when it comes from the man himself, you’ve got to listen. In a video posted on his Instagram feed, baseball great Alex Rodriguez recently discussed this topic. Speaking directly to parents, he urged them to rethink their approach, “If you’re a father with a radar gun, put that crap away. Let the kids pitch, let them have fun. You’re turning these pitchers into rock throwers.”

Rodriguez emphasized that although speed has its uses, it should not overshadow the need to develop as a whole pitcher. He cautioned that too much focus on speed could lead to arm injuries and shorter careers. “Rock throwers get arm injuries, their careers are this long, and they’re not going to be around. You want baseball players.” A-Rod didn’t complicate things. His message is straightforward: developing well-rounded pitchers should come first before pursuing radar readings.

The Yankees legend gave a prime example of another MLB great! You might know him for his remarkable control and pitch movement, rather than his velocity. Does that ring a bell?

Jamie Moyer, his former teammate, pitched for 25 MLB seasons. Rodriguez said,  “Jamie Moyer won about 100 games after he was 40 years old. He was my teammate. He never broke 80 mph. I take that back—his cutter was 81 mph, his changeup was 77 mph. He dominated because he was the epitome of a pitcher.”

Rodriguez reminds us that the core of pitching is more than just velocity. Young pitchers who concentrate on the basics and nurture a passion for the game will be able to aim for careers defined by both success and longevity. He focuses on developing well-rounded players in sports and applies the same philosophy to his investments outside of sports. Indeed, a wise man with meaningful advice!

Life lessons A-Rod shares through his smart investments

Rodriguez is a smart man, not only on the field but off the field, too. He has skillfully moved from a respected MLB career to a strong presence in the corporate world. His projected net worth of $350 million reflects his entrepreneurial activities and calculated investments. Rodriguez’s financial savvy is evident in his real estate transactions, including the successful sale of a Miami house for $6.3 million.

He has expanded his portfolio outside of real estate through A-Rod Corp, an investment company he founded, focusing on industries such as sports, entertainment, and wellness. Notably, he owns shares in both the Minnesota Lynx (WNBA) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA). His interests also include fitness companies such as TruFusion and UFC Gyms.

Rodriguez’s post-baseball activities show a dedication to long-term development and sustainability. His method emphasizes the need for strategic planning and diversification, values he also stresses when guiding young sportsmen. Sharing a video on his Instagram page, he warned against focusing solely on speed in pitching. Instead, he supported a comprehensive development strategy, giving control, strategy, and overall well-being top priority.

This attitude reflects Rodriguez’s path of success, achieved not through a narrow focus but rather by a balanced and calculated approach. It shows that longevity and success come from adaptation, lifelong learning, and a dedication to overall growth, hence providing a model for would-be sportsmen and businesspeople alike.