Patrick Jones Baseball

📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.

⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Does JUCO Compare to D1? | Jonathan Estes

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:22:09 GMT

In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Estes, assistant coach at Weatherford College, one of the top junior college baseball programs in the country.

Jonathan grew up in a town of 648 people in Arkansas, graduated in a class of 50, and worked his way through multiple small college stops before joining Weatherford this year. We dig into:

How he structures batting practice to challenge hitters
What he's looking for when he shows up to watch a high school player
How fine the line really is between a junior college freshman and a Division I freshman.
The sliding scale for pitching recruits
Why making a JUCO roster isn't the same as playing
What usually separates guys who succeed after transferring to a D1 from guys who struggle

We wrap up with the most important advice he'd give any high school player going through the recruiting process right now: Love the game.

Follow Jonathan Estes and Weatherford baseball on X:

Jonathan Estes: @estesthethird

Weatherford baseball: @WCoyoteBaseball

Connect with Patrick Jones Baseball:

📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.

⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fastball or Cutter? How to Classify a Pitch | Dr. Adam Maloof of Princeton

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:43:48 GMT

In this week's podcast, I sit down again with Dr. Adam Maloof, Princeton professor of Geosciences and athletics fellow for the baseball team.

This time he’s tackling one of the most overlooked problems in baseball analytics: pitch classification.

If you’ve ever looked at a scouting report and thought, “This guy doesn’t throw seven pitches,” you’re not alone. Dr. Maloof explains why existing pitch tagging data from popular systems (TrackMan, Synergy, and MLB’s StatCast) are often inconsistent, inaccurate, and difficult to use for data analysis.

Together, we discuss:

Why MLB’s pitch classifier is trained on what pitchers call their own pitches (and why that’s a problem for hitters and analysts)
How Dr. Maloof analyzed nearly 5 million college pitches using a “blank slate” approach inspired by geology
The “color wheel” analogy: why pitches within a category (fastballs, breaking balls, changeups) exist on a continuous spectrum with no natural boundaries
How Princeton’s staff uses reclassified data for scouting, pitch design, and pitching machine programming
Pitch tunneling: what it is, how they measure it, and how they’re teaching it to pitchers
The role of arm slot, biometrics, and what’s next for this research

Read Dr. Maloof's article on pitch tagging: How to Classify a Pitch

https://medium.com/sabr-tooth-tigers/how-to-classify-a-pitch-a4805ce35082

Connect with Patrick Jones Baseball:

📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.

⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Travel Ball vs. High School

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:13:21 GMT

In this conversation, Nathan Collier and I sit down to talk about travel ball and high school baseball, and how both play a role in getting players recruited. We dig into what makes each one valuable — like how high school coaches can really vouch for a player's character and how competitive they are, while travel ball helps kids get seen by more coaches. We also talk about how youth baseball is changing, what college coaches are actually looking for, and why picking the right team can make a big difference in how a player grows and develops.

Connect with Patrick Jones Baseball:

📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.

⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Be Process-Driven, Not Outcome-Driven

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:31:17 GMT

This week, I sit down again with Nathan Collier, Recruiting Service Operations Director here at Patrick Jones Baseball. Together, we discuss the importance of mindset and process orientation in baseball, particularly during the in-season period.

We explore common challenges players face, such as the "I'm Screwed Syndrome," and we talk about the need for players to adopt a process-driven mindset rather than a results-driven one. We also discuss the impact of social media on young athletes, the role of parents, and the significance of having both an approach and a plan at the plate.

Connect with Patrick Jones Baseball:

📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.

⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

School Ball Has Started: Here's What Aspiring College Players Should Focus On Now

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:48:12 GMT

In this episode, I'm joined again by Nathan Collier, a former sports journalist and our Recruiting Service Operations Director here at Patrick Jones Baseball. Nathan and I chat about what high school players should be doing to continue the recruiting outreach process to college coaches now that school seasons are starting across the country.

I explain how I think players can handle pressure during games and why success has to be defined by more than just stats in a box score. I also share practical advice on using social media the right way to create exposure that can help you get recruited. We also get into the role family support plays in the process and some of the most common mistakes I see players and parents make.

Connect with Patrick Jones Baseball:

📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.

⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mental Game Is the Game | Ryan Gipson

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 14:37:06 GMT

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Gipson, Oregon State Assistant Coach, who coaches hitting for the Beaver program.

Ryan takes us through his journey playing baseball as a teen, redshirting at a JUCO, then playing two years at Oregon State before getting into coaching. Ryan shares what he likes to see from prospective recruits, why having a clear identity at the plate matters, and the "1-for-1" approach he advocates with his hitters. We also talk about how hitting mechanics have evolved over time and the role of summer baseball for his players.

Follow Ryan on X:

Ryan Gipson: @GipsonOSU

Oregon State Baseball: @BeaverBaseball

Connect with Patrick Jones Baseball:

📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.

⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.

https://www.skool.com/patrick-jones-baseball-2715/about

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mindset of a Major League Hitter | Curtis Granderson

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:30:53 GMT

This week we welcome 16-year MLB pro Curtis Granderson to the podcast. Curtis does a great job breaking down what worked for him as a hitter, his approach at the plate, routines, and some of the key lessons he learned as a hitter during his career. He also reflects on his time playing college baseball at the University of Illinois Chicago.

In addition to his accomplished playing career, Curtis is a wonderful ambassador for the game. If you'd like to learn more about his work giving back to the game, I highly recommend checking out the Chicago Baseball & Educational Academy: https://www.cbeauic.org/.

Follow Curtis Granderson on X: @cgrand3

Chicago Baseball & Educational Academy: https://www.cbeauic.org/

Chicago Baseball & Educational Academy on X: @CBEA_UIC

Connect with Patrick Jones Baseball

Follow on X: @pjonesbaseball

📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.

https://www.skool.com/patrickjonesbaseball

⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.

https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Baseball Nutrition for Strength and Performance | Nick Lemke

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:21:40 GMT

In this episode, I sit down with Nick Lemke, a registered dietitian who specializes in nutrition for baseball players. We talk about why nutrition plays such a critical role in athletic performance, with a specific focus on muscle gain and healthy weight management.

We cover practical topics like tracking food intake, how often players should be eating, pre-workout nutrition, meal planning, hydration, and the role supplements can (and can’t) play. We also discuss how stress impacts both nutrition and on-field performance.

Nick shares why consistency matters more than perfection and explains how players can better understand their individual nutritional needs to perform at their best.

Connect with Nick Lemke, RD

Follow on X: @nicklemkerd

Nick's Linktree: https://clutchperformancenutrition.fit/linktree

Connect with Patrick Jones Baseball

Follow on X: @pjonesbaseball

📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.

https://www.skool.com/patrickjonesbaseball

⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.

https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Separation is in the Preparation | Giuseppe Papaccio: Associate Head Coach, Seton Hall

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:37:52 GMT

In this episode, I sit down with Giuseppe Papaccio, Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for Seton Hall University.

Giuseppe is one of the most disciplined coaches I've come across. We got into his daily routines, how he defines success as a coach, and why the mental game matters just as much as mechanics. Giuseppe shares how his time in professional baseball shaped the way he teaches hitters today, and we talked through the balance between swing work and mindset that every great hitter needs.

We also dug into how recruiting is changing in college baseball and what players should understand about that shift. Throughout the conversation, one theme kept coming up: preparation, mental strength, and a commitment to continuous learning, and that's true whether you’re coaching, developing hitters, or working to play at the next level.

On X:

Giuseppe Papaccio: @gpapaccio2

Patrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball

📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.

⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unlocking Mental Performance | Zach Brandon

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode, I sit down with performance and leadership advisor Zach Brandon. Zach spent seven years leading mental performance and coach development initiatives with the Arizona Diamondbacks and now works directly with professional and collegiate coaches.

Zach takes us through his journey. We discuss sports psychology, the significance of individualized mental training, and the role of coaches in player development. We also talk about the nuances of breathwork, the balance between aspirational goals and process, and the importance of self-awareness and intentionality in performance.

Huge thanks to Zach for coming on the podcast and sharing his expertise with us!

On X:

Zach Brandon: @MVP_Mindset

Patrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball

Zach Brandon's newsletter: Winning With Words — playbook of stories and principles for coaches to elevate their leadership and help their players win the inner game.

📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.

⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Patrick Jones Story (And My New Community!)

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:00:00 GMT

This week we’re doing something a little different—my guest joins us to interview me! Nathan Collier is a content specialist and a former sports journalist. He’s also a baseball dad, middle school coach, and president of his local rec league.

Nathan takes me through my baseball story. We go through my journey from youth leagues to high school, through my time playing D1 baseball at Xavier, the Independent Leagues, and then into my current role as a college baseball recruitment expert. We talk about our shared love of baseball, the mental side of the game, and the goal of providing honest, straightforward guidance for players, parents, and coaches trying to navigate the college baseball recruiting process.

We also talk about the all-new Patrick Jones Baseball Player Community, which launches today! You can request to join at this link:

On X:

Patrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball

📬 Sign up for my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit

⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From MLB Scout to Norfolk State Head Coach | M.L. Morgan

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:33:46 GMT

In this episode, I sit down with M.L. Morgan, the head baseball coach at Norfolk State University. We discuss his journey from being a player to a coach, his experiences in compliance, and the importance of building a strong program. M.L. shares insights on recruiting, the significance of relationships in baseball, and what he looks for in players as a scout.

On X:

M.L. Morgan: @ML_Morgan

Norfolk State University: @SpartanBSB

Patrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball

⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Different Way to Play Travel Baseball: Cubs Nike RBI

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 13:22:40 GMT

In this episode, I interview John Yolich, a Chicago teacher, parent, and coach in the Cubs Nike RBI program. We talk about the unique aspects of the Cubs RBI program—its inclusivity, the resources it provides for families, and its focus on developing young athletes as whole people. John shares how he got involved in the program, the importance of mindset in youth sports, the role parents play, and how the program helps players prepare for life beyond baseball. We also discuss ways travel baseball organizations can improve their offerings, regardless of their budget.

Follow Patrick Jones Baseball on X and Instagram

https://x.com/pjonesbaseball

https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball/

⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Focusing Only on D1 Is a Massive Trap

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 12:30:00 GMT

In this episode, I break down one of the biggest mindset traps I see in college baseball recruiting: the “Division 1 or bust” mentality. A lot of players tell me their plan is to go to a Division 2 or Division 3 school for a year, then hit the transfer portal to move up to D1. But in reality, that mindset usually backfires.

I share why focusing only on yourself and your end goal often guarantees you won’t get there and what kind of mindset actually leads to growth, success, and new opportunities. The players who go on to transfer successfully don’t chase D1. They buy in, go all-in on their current program, and play for the love of the game. That’s what makes them stand out to coaches at every level.

If you’re a high school player or a parent helping your son navigate recruiting, this episode will help you reframe your goals and focus on what really matters.

Follow Patrick Jones Baseball on X and Instagram

https://x.com/pjonesbaseball

https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball/

⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a D1 Recruiting Coordinator Looks for | Michael Wood

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 17:32:43 GMT

In this episode, I sit down with Michael Wood, assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of South Alabama, a D1 program located in Mobile, AL. We dive into his path through college baseball coaching and what he’s learned evaluating players at different levels of the game. We talk about the mentality it takes to succeed, why preparation separates players who stick from those who don’t, and how the practice environment is different between junior college and Division I.

Michael also gives us an inside look at how NCAA and NJCAA rules shape the way he and his staff recruit, and what he’s really paying attention to when he evaluates high potential recruits. We wrap up by talking about the incredible tradition of South Alabama baseball—why it’s such a special place to play and what makes it a great fit for competitors who want to grow at the highest level.

On X:

Michael Wood: @woodromang153

South Alabama Baseball: @SouthAlabamaBSB

Patrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball

⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

College Recruiting Plays by Shark Tank Rules — Here’s What It Means for You

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:01:18 GMT

In this episode, I share a story about a player who received a strong offer from a mid-major school — and the advice I gave him for navigating the current college baseball recruiting environment.

For more about Patrick Jones Baseball:

👉 Follow me on X: @pjonesbaseball

⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Increase Your Bat Speed in a Few Minutes a Day | Ryan Johansen

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 16:48:22 GMT

In this episode, I chat with Ryan Johansen, former Chicago White Sox Assistant Hitting Coordinator and current Director of Hitting/Co-Director of Player Development at Elite Baseball Training. Ryan and I discuss hitting philosophy, bat speed training, and the importance of mental skills in player development. Ryan shares the core values of hitting, the effectiveness of movement screens, and the significance of empathy in coaching. Ryan also shares insights on how to structure bat speed programs and the necessity of a cohesive coaching culture in youth baseball.

How to connect with Ryan Johansen:

On X: @RPJ1317

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohansenBaseball

On the web: https://www.johansenbaseball.com/

For more about Patrick Jones Baseball:

👉 Follow me on X: @pjonesbaseball

⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coaching With Purpose | Keith Madison

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:01:43 GMT

In this episode, I sit down with Keith Madison, former head coach at the University of Kentucky. Keith coached at Kentucky for 25 years! In this episode, we discuss the challenges of coaching, particularly the importance of maintaining balance to avoid burnout. Keith shares personal experiences and insights on how to navigate the pressures of coaching while emphasizing the need for coaches to find balance between their work and their personal lives. We also touch on the evolution of coaching perspectives, the good and the bad of travel baseball, and the writing process behind Keith's new book, "Coaching with Purpose."

Keith's book is available via his website: https://coachkeithmadison.com/

Connect with me on X: @pjonesbaseball

⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 Things Coaches Love to Hear From Recruits | Tyler Packanik

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:21:30 GMT

In this episode, I sit down with Tyler Packanik, the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Jacksonville State University. We talk about all things baseball recruiting — from the importance of player development to the nuances of the transfer portal and the value of junior college players. Tyler shares what coaches look for in recruits, the role social media plays in the process, and how coaches evaluate infielders and baserunning. He also stresses the importance of hard work, dedication, and the right mindset for any player who wants to take the next step.

On X:

Tyler Packanik: @Tpack5

Jacksonville State University Baseball: @JaxStateBB

Patrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball

⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No Wasted Reps | Kevin Soine

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 17:03:49 GMT

This week I sat down with Kevin Soine, Assistant Baseball Coach and Athletic Operations Coordinator at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix, Arizona. I had a chance to visit South Mountain recently and came away extremely impressed, especially with the coaching staff's focus on player development.

In our conversation, Kevin shares his journey from his high school days in Minnesota to his current coaching position in Arizona, including the challenges of transitioning from player to coach. We discuss the importance of academic success, compliance, and eligibility in college athletics, as well as the significance of mental performance and practice design in player development. Patrick also shares his advice for high school players hoping to get recruited and play at the college level.

On X:

Follow Kevin Soine: @CatchBot7

Follow South Mountain Community College Athletics: @SMCCCougars

Follow Patrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball

⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Building Thomas More Baseball | Cole Shaffer

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:05:38 GMT

In this episode, I interview Cole Schaffer, the new head baseball coach at Thomas More University. We discuss Cole's journey to becoming a head coach, the challenges of recruiting at the Division II level, and his vision for building a competitive baseball program. Cole shares insights on the importance of player commitment, the realities of coaching, and the structure of fall practices. The conversation highlights the significance of balancing academics and athletics, as well as the sacrifices made in pursuit of a coaching career.

Follow Cole and Thomas More baseball on X:

Cole Shaffer: @coleshaffer05

Thomas More Baseball: @ThomasMoreBase1

Does your family need help navigating the recruiting process for college baseball?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Competition Brings Out the Best | Greg Mamula

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 16:40:56 GMT

In this episode, I interview Greg Mamula, head coach at the University of Delaware baseball team. We discuss the unique aspects of Delaware's campus and its athletic facilities and delve into Mamula's coaching philosophy.

Coach Mamula shares insights on evaluating players, the importance of game situations, and the challenges of pitching development. He also shares about his experiences as a coach, the dynamics of building a coaching staff, and the uncertainties facing college baseball today. Finally, he offers advice for the 2027 recruiting class, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit in a program.

Connect with Coach Mamula: @CoachMamsUD

Follow the University of Delaware Baseball team: @DelawareBASE

00:00 An Introduction to Delaware Baseball

05:50 Offensive Philosophy and Swing Decisions

09:20 Developing Swing Decisions in Hitters

13:22 Evaluating High School Players

19:42 Pitching Insights in College Baseball

24:29 Training Approaches

27:20 Building a Coaching Staff

30:01 Strategizing Non-Conference Play

31:03 Navigating the 2027 Recruiting Class

35:41 Uncertainty in College Athletics

37:31 The Future of College Baseball

38:27 The Importance of Fundamentals

Check Out Patrick's Content:

📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.

⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What College Coaches Really Want to See | Dean Peterson

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 21:41:28 GMT

In this episode, Dean Peterson, head coach of Division II University of Charleston, shares what college coaches are really looking for when they evaluate college baseball players.

0:00: What the summer is like for a college baseball coach

6:04: Leadership

12:49: The importance of faith and identity

20:42: Incorporating faith into coaching

27:46: Navigating the transfer portal

33:19: The recruiting process

38:32: Creating an environment for growth

50:38: Empowering coaching staff

58:20: Connecting with prospective players

Are you a parent of a high school baseball player hoping to get recruited?

Apply to work with me at: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How College Coaches Evaluate High School Catchers

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 08:30:00 GMT

In this episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, we focus on how college coaches evaluate high school catchers. I outline 7 key criteria that coaches consider, emphasizing the importance of receiving as the most critical skill. We discuss the nuances of receiving, including how catchers should present the ball to umpires and the impact of effective receiving on game outcomes.

Takeaways

1. College coaches look for seven key criteria in catchers.

2. Receiving is the most important skill for catchers.

3. Pop time, blocking, arm action, footwork, makeup, and stamina are also evaluated.

4. Effective receiving can turn balls into strikes, impacting game outcomes.

5. Catchers should present the ball calmly and quietly to umpires.

6. Sudden movements can lead to missed calls from umpires.

7. The best catchers make receiving look effortless.

8. Research shows that every 10 balls turned into strikes equals one run.

Are you a parent of a high school player hoping to get recruited?

Apply to work with me at:

https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Every 10 balls a catcher turns into a strike = 1 run" | Dr. Adam Maloof

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 08:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Patrick Jones Baseball podcast, we welcome back Dr. Adam Maloof, a Princeton University professor and passionate baseball researcher with a unique insider’s perspective on the college game. As a former college catcher and a current contributor to the Princeton baseball program, Dr. Maloof blends scientific rigor with firsthand baseball experience to dig into some of the sport’s most intriguing questions.

Today’s conversation centers on Dr. Maloof’s recent wave of impactful research articles, touching on the art and value of catcher framing, the intricacies of evaluating pitching and hitting at the college level, and why traditional metrics might not be telling the whole story. We dive deep into why receiving is an underrated part of catching, how advances in data collection can help teams gain the Moneyball-style edge, and what simple statistical models like JOPS+ are teaching us about what really wins games in college baseball.

Whether you’re a coach, recruiter, player, or just a diehard baseball fan, this episode offers actionable insights and candid reflections on how the world of college baseball is evolving—and how smarter, more targeted analysis can shape success on the field. Buckle up for an engaging blend of science, strategy, and the irreplaceable human element of the game.

Check Out Patrick's Stuff:

• Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit

• Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Adam's research articles mentioned in this episode:

Catcher Framing

Evaluating college hitters

Evaluating college pitchers

Adam's contact information

Email: maloof@princeton.edu

03:53 Future of Automated Strike Zones

09:31 Catcher Recruitment Strategy Insights

12:56 "Evaluating Strike Count Impact"

16:13 Catcher Framing Outweighs OPS

17:13 Baseball Research Unbiased Perspective

21:58 Tracking and Improving Athletic Performance

26:12 Balancing Fit and Fitness in Science

28:51 Pitching Strategy: Efficiency Over Power

31:41 "Win Expectancy and Base Runners"

34:27 Simulated Player Performance Analysis

39:20 Evaluating Biases in Scouting Practices

41:21 Rethink Recruiting for College Success

44:41 Challenges of College Baseball Recruiting

47:43 Evaluating Athlete Intangibles and History

53:32 Overwhelmed Choices in College Recruiting

54:40 "JOPS. Simplifies Baseball Stats"

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mastering the Art of Hitting with Brett Wallace

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:08:21 GMT

In this episode, Patrick Jones interviews Brett Wallace, the hitting coach for the California Golden Bears. They discuss Wallace's journey from a successful college player to a major league hitter and now a coach. Wallace shares insights on the role of a hitting coach, key techniques for hitters, the evolution of competition in college baseball, and the importance of building a routine and mindset for success. He emphasizes the significance of visualization and confidence in hitting, as well as the challenges and strategies in recruiting young talent.

00:00 Brett Wallace's Journey to Coaching

02:56 Offensive Strategy and Identity

06:00 Hitting Mechanics and Drills

08:59 The Evolution of Pitching

12:07 Routine and Mental Preparation

14:53 Visualization and Learning from Experience

20:00 Mindset and Gratitude in Baseball

21:00 Evolution of Hitting Techniques

24:00 The Cat and Mouse Game of Hitting

26:07 Adjustments During At-Bats

31:51 Recruiting and Developing Young Talent

36:02 Life at Cal and Campus Culture

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How the Savannah Bananas Are Changing Baseball Forever | Tyler Gillum

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:00:00 GMT

On this episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, I sat down with Tyler Gillum, head coach of the Savannah Bananas, to talk about building a brand that puts fans first and creating impact beyond just wins and losses.

Tyler shares how he pivoted his coaching career to chase a bigger vision—impacting millions through baseball and entertainment.

We discuss setting audacious goals, leading with intention, and why every business needs to focus relentlessly on customer experience. It’s about energy, culture, and showing up every day to deliver unforgettable moments.

Timestamps:

00:00 "Chose Bananas to Impact Fans"

10:06 "One Million Fans Goal Achieved"

11:56 Morning Gratitude Rituals

19:32 "Finding Balance Amidst Life's Extremes"

26:23 Full-Day Fan Experience

30:06 "Banana Ball's Unique Characters"

34:21 Jesse Cole's Daily Ideation Habit

39:30 Creating Memorable Fan Experiences

48:14 "Winning Over Baseball Skeptics"

51:41 Banana Ball Trick Play Adaptation

54:07 "Parenting Through Gymnastics and Discipline"

59:42 Choosing Seminole Over Bigger Offers

01:05:05 Banana Ball's Winning Legacy

Follow Tyler on Social Media:

Twitter: https://x.com/Gillum66

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachgillum66/

Schedule a College Baseball Recruiting Consultation with Patrick:

https://patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Train Your Brain: The Mental Side of Hitting

Thu, 29 May 2025 21:15:19 GMT

In this episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, the focus is on the mental game, which is often overlooked in favor of physical mechanics. Patrick discusses how understanding the brain's function can lead to improved performance, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, identity, and focus. He introduces the 'Core Five' strategies to enhance mental skills and addresses the unique mental challenges faced in baseball, including managing expectations and utilizing statistics effectively.

The mental game is crucial for player development.
Understanding how the brain works can lead to breakthroughs.
Players at all levels experience similar fears and doubts.
Automatic negative thoughts can hinder performance.
Having a clear vision and identity is essential for success.
Self-awareness helps players tune into their thoughts and feelings.
Focus is a skill that can be trained off the field.
Defining success by process rather than outcome improves confidence.
Lowering expectations can reduce pressure during games.
Statistics can inform better decision-making at the plate.

"The brain is wired to protect you."
"70 to 80% of thoughts are negative."
"You are not your thoughts."
"What type of player do you want to be?"
"Focus is a trainable skill."
"Lower your expectations for yourself."
"Statistics can guide your approach."

00:00 The Importance of the Mental Game

09:28 Understanding the Brain and Thoughts

18:51 Core Five Strategies for Mental Improvement

27:59 Navigating Expectations and Mental Challenges

32:48 Statistics and Counts in Hitting

Check out Patrick's new course

Swing Decisions: How To Master The Strike Zone

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to get recruited to play college baseball in (2025)

Sun, 04 May 2025 22:08:38 GMT

In this episode, Patrick shares the unfiltered truth behind what it really takes to get recruited to play college baseball in 2025. After talking to dozens of coaches, watching games across the country, and helping players from coast to coast, he breaks down the exact roadmap players and parents need to follow — including what most people get completely wrong.

Whether you're just starting the process or deep into your recruiting journey, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.

What You’ll Learn:

The only reasons to enter the transfer portal (and why most players shouldn’t)

Updates on roster size rules and how it impacts recruiting

The most important question every player must ask before starting the process

Key recruiting timelines for Power 4, mid-major D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO

Which showcases actually matter (PBR vs. Perfect Game)

How college coaches actually evaluate players (hint: it’s not just stats)

Why the best prospect isn’t always the best player

Position-by-position breakdown of recruiting priorities

What you should be doing from freshman to senior year

Social media strategy that gets attention — without hurting your visibility

Why cold emails to coaches almost never work (and what to do instead)

Resources:

Book a $60 Recruiting Consultation: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Connect With Patrick:

Twitter: @pjonesbaseball

Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Build a Complete Pitcher: Mechanics, Mentality, and Mindset | Jared Gaynor

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 18:43:19 GMT

In this episode, I’m joined by Jared Gaynor- founder of Pitching Coach U and former pitching coach in the Minnesota Twins organization. We dive into what actually matters in pitching development: fastball command, pitch design, identity, and the mental side of competing under pressure.

We talk about why bullpen success doesn’t always translate to games, how a pitcher’s mindset can make or break them, and why the recruiting landscape is more competitive (and confusing) than ever.

If you’re a player or parent trying to make sense of college recruiting, I offer 30-minute consultations to help you build a clear plan. You can book one at patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Follow Jared on Twitter

Jared's pitch design course

Follow Patrick on Twitter

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Victor Rojas: From ESPN Broadcaster to College Recruiting Coordinator

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 13:59:06 GMT

On this week's episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, we welcome Victor Rojas, Assistant Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Ottawa University - Arizona (OUAZ). Victor has one of the most unique journeys in baseball—he played minor league ball, worked as a GM, became a broadcaster for ESPN and MLB Network, and now, he’s coaching college baseball.

In this episode, Victor shares:

His path from broadcasting to coaching and why he chose the NAIA level.
What recruits and parents need to know about NAIA baseball and how it compares to other levels.
His coaching philosophy and how he develops players mentally and physically.

If you're a player or parent looking to understand the college baseball recruiting process—especially at the NAIA level—this episode is a must-listen.

🔗 Follow Victor Rojas & OUAZ Baseball:

🔗 Need help in the recruiting process?

Book a free 15-minute call

👉 PatrickJonesBaseball.com/recruiting

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1 Top College Program in the Midwest | Aurora University | Adam Stevens

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 09:00:00 GMT

In this episode, I sit down with Coach Adam Stevens, the Head Baseball Coach at Aurora University, one of the top Division 3 baseball programs in the Midwest. With a master’s degree in sports psychology, Coach Stevens has a unique approach to recruiting, developing players, and helping them handle both success and failure.

We dive deep into:

✅ What college coaches really look for in recruits

✅ Why the mental game is just as important as physical skills

✅ The biggest mistakes players make in the recruiting process

✅ How D3 baseball compares to other levels—and why it might be the best fit for many players

✅ The transfer portal and how D3 programs are utilizing it

Coach Stevens has been leading Aurora’s program for over a decade, helping his team achieve one of the highest winning percentages in Division 3 baseball from 2018 to 2023. His insights into recruiting, player development, and the mental game are invaluable for any aspiring college athlete.

Need help in the college recruiting process?

Would you like to work with me to help you find the right college baseball program?

Click this link for a free 15 minute recruiting consultation:

My service includes:

* Full evaluation and personalized recruiting plan.

* Direct connections and recommendations to college coaches.

* Access to honest feedback from coaches.

* Player development support throughout the recruiting process.

* Ongoing communication and guidance for both recruitment and player improvement.

Free 15 minute college recruiting consultation

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How to Develop Hitting IQ & Game Plan Like a D1 Hitting Coach (Ari Adut, Jacksonville State)

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 09:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we welcome back Jacksonville State University Hitting Coach Ari Adut to dive deep into hitting IQ, game planning, and player development. Ari shares insights from his experience in professional baseball, his transition into the college game, and how he builds individualized player plans that blend analytics with practical application.

We discuss:

The importance of swing decisions, pitch recognition, and approach development.
How to simplify game plans for college hitters without overloading them.
The balance between analytics and feel in developing elite hitters.

Free PJB Recruiting Consultation: For families trying to navigate the high school baseball recruiting process.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Timing, Recruiting, and Hitting Insights: Cam Johnson’s Road to Success at Valparaiso

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:09:53 GMT

In this episode, I sit down with Cam Johnson, the Hitting Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Valparaiso University. Cam shares his insights on developing hitters, understanding the biomechanics of a swing, and tailoring coaching methods to individual players. We also dive into the recruiting process, strategies for building a successful roster, and advice for players navigating the modern college baseball landscape. Whether you’re a coach, player, or parent, this conversation has actionable tips to elevate your game.

Timestamps

2:01-6:30 – Journey into coaching and early influences.
6:31-10:45 – Using biomechanics to enhance hitting development.
10:46-15:00 – Timing: The key to a great swing.
15:01-22:00 – Drills that work: Eliminating inefficiencies.
22:01-28:00 – Recruiting strategies and balancing the roster.
28:01-35:00 – Advice for players navigating the recruiting process.
35:01-40:00 – Why Valparaiso is a great place for athletes.

Connect with Cam Johnson:

Email: cam.johnson@valpo.edu
Valparaiso University Baseball: Visit the Website

Contact with Patrick Jones:

Website: patrickjonesbaseball.com
Twitter: @pjonesbaseball

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From Mid-Major to Super Regional: How Evansville Baseball Competes with the Best | Matt Wollenzin

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 09:13:00 GMT

In this episode of the Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast, we’re joined by Matt Wollenzin, the Hitting Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Evansville. Matt takes us behind the scenes of one of college baseball’s most exciting mid-major programs, sharing how Evansville has built a championship-caliber team that competes with the nation’s best.

From their incredible Super Regional run to their unique approach to player development and recruiting, Matt dives into the secrets of their success. Learn about the culture of collaboration, how they develop hitters with individualized training, and the program’s commitment to long-term growth. Plus, get insights into how Evansville’s team believes in each other, adapts to adversity, and continues to rise above expectations year after year.

If you're interested in what it takes to build a winning program from the ground up and how a mid-major can compete with the top-tier teams in college baseball, this episode is a must-listen!

Follow Evansville Baseball on Twitter: @UEBaseball

Check out Patrick's new course:

Swing Decisions: How To Master The Strike Zone

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Texas State's New Hitting Coach Reveals MLB Experience | Danny-David Linahan

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 09:55:00 GMT

In this episode, I sit down with Danny-David Linahan, the new hitting coach at Texas State University. Danny shares his journey from playing college baseball to coaching in the major leagues with the Minnesota Twins. He offers valuable insights on hitting, player development, and transitioning between professional and college baseball.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction and Danny's background

2:11 - Transition from playing to coaching

5:17 - Experience with the Minnesota Twins

10:24 - Moving to Texas State University

15:19 - Approach to player development

21:39 - Key indicators for hitters

26:00 - Importance of marginal gains

30:33 - Differences between pro and college baseball

35:45 - Advice for aspiring players and coaches

College Baseball Recruiting Consultation

patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

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Former MLB Hitting Coach Andy Barkett on Swing Mechanics and Player Development

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:05:00 GMT

In this episode, we welcome back Andy Barkett, former MLB hitting coach, and current private hitting instructor. Andy shares insights from his nearly 30 years of coaching experience, focusing on the mechanical aspects of hitting. He discusses his transition from professional baseball to private coaching, the development of his remote training business, and his new product, the Power Pivot. Andy also delves into common issues he sees in college hitters and provides valuable tips for improving swing mechanics and mental approach.

0:00 - Introduction and Andy's background

5:30 - Transition to private coaching and remote training

10:15 - Evaluating hitters and addressing mechanical flaws

15:45 - The Power Pivot tool and proper hip rotation

22:30 - Common issues in college baseball hitting

28:00 - Comparing MLB hitters to amateurs

33:45 - The role of technology in hitting development

38:00 - Closing thoughts and contact information

Contact Information:

Andy Barkett

Power Pivot product

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Tyson Ellis: Inside Florida JUCO Baseball and Pitching Development

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 09:38:00 GMT

In this episode, we sit down with Tyson Ellis, the pitching coach at Eastern Florida State College, a Division I junior college. Tyson shares insights into the world of junior college baseball and pitching development. Here's what you'll learn:

Junior College Baseball Breakdown

Differences between Division I, II, and III junior colleges in terms of scholarships and competition levels
Scholarship opportunities and roster management in Florida junior colleges
The recruiting process for junior college players moving to four-year schools

Pitching Philosophy and Development

Tyson's approach to developing pitchers, focusing on toughness and competitiveness
The importance of game experience in pitcher development
Insights on pitch calling and working with catchers

Summer Baseball

Tyson's role as head coach for the Florence Flamingos in the Coastal Plain League
The process of building a summer league roster
The value of summer ball for college pitchers

Career Path and Coaching Philosophy

Tyson's journey from player to coach
His views on pitcher workload and off-season training
Advice for high school players on managing their throwing schedules

Follow Tyson on Twitter @Tyson_Ellis13 for more baseball insights and Florida Gators content.

Here are the timestamps for key segments of the episode with Tyson Ellis

:00:00 - Introduction and background of Tyson Ellis

03:45 - Explanation of Division I, II, and III junior colleges

07:30 - Scholarship opportunities in Florida junior colleges

11:15 - Tyson's pitching philosophy and focus on toughness

15:30 - Evaluating mental toughness in pitchers

19:45 - Discussion on velocity ranges in Florida JUCO baseball

24:00 - Recruiting process for JUCO players moving to four-year schools

28:30 - Tyson's approach to calling pitches during games

33:15 - Tyson's role as head coach for the Florence Flamingos

36:45 - Building a summer league roster

41:30 - Importance of summer ball for college pitchers

46:00 - Advice on pitcher workload and off-season training

50:30 - Recommendations for high school pitchers

54:15 - Closing thoughts and where to follow Tyson on social media

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Johns Hopkins Associate Head Coach | Adam Schlenoff

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 18:02:32 GMT

In this episode, Patrick Jones interviews Adam Schlenoff, the Associate Head Baseball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Johns Hopkins University. Adam discusses his coaching journey, the challenges of recruiting for a top academic institution, and the high level of competition in Division III baseball. He explains Johns Hopkins' unique position as an elite academic school and a national championship contender in baseball. Schlenoff shares insights into their recruiting process, player development strategies, and the team's recent success in hitting for power.

Time Stamps:

13:07 - Division III baseball - pitching and defense

19:36 - Setting the Division III record with 114 home runs in 56 games in 2023

23:19 - Example of a Division I transfer

24:51 - Explanation of the process-oriented approach to hitting and player development

26:41 - Building trust with student-athletes and utilizing resources at Hopkins

28:33 - Focus on proper loading in hitting

30:04 - Drill work to improve players' adjustability at the plate

30:30 - Collaborating with team captains on new ideas for training and development

Follow Patrick:

Patrick's Twitter

Follow Adam:

Adam Schlenoff

Follow Johns Hopkins Baseball:

Johns Hopkins Baseball

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How College Coaches Evaluate High School Hitters

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 21:31:19 GMT

Would you like to work with me to help you find your perfect school?

https://patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

My service includes:

* Full evaluation and personalized recruiting plan.

* Direct connections and recommendations to college coaches.

* Access to honest feedback from coaches.

* Player development support throughout the recruiting process.

* Ongoing communication and guidance for both recruitment and player improvement.

Episode notes:

1. Consider Position Projection

- Evaluate the player's projected position in college, not just their current position.

- Up-the-middle players are valued differently than corner players due to defensive impact.

2. Understand Context

- Consider how the player fits the team's home park dynamics.

- Some coaches recruit based on how their home park plays, influencing player selection.

3. Batting Practice

- Focus on hitting to all fields, not just pulling the ball.

- Showcase hitting ability by staying up the middle and demonstrating power without solely focusing on home runs.

4. Metrics

- Metrics are a starting point, not the sole determinant of a player's potential.

- Coaches prioritize hitting ability and swing decisions over metrics.

5. Movement

- Coaches look for good movement and a swing that translates to the next level.

- Individualized stances and hitting styles are valued, focusing on hitting consistency.

6. Mental Game

- Demonstrate competitiveness and resilience in the face of failure.

- Show a growth mindset, situational hitting, and positive team interaction.

7. Power and Speed

- Coaches value players who can reach second base independently through power or speed.

- Power includes hitting doubles, not just home runs.

8. Left-Handed Hitters

- Left-handed hitters are often preferred due to swing aesthetics and matchup advantages against right-handed pitchers.

- Avoid overemphasizing metrics; focus on overall hitting ability.

- Do not solely rely on physical attributes; mental game and team dynamics are crucial.

Tips for Efficiency

- Emphasize hitting to all fields during batting practice.

- Prioritize consistency and situational hitting

- Foster a growth mindset and positive team interactions.

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Strength Training For Baseball & Softball Players | Angelo Gingerelli

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 19:28:28 GMT

In this episode, Angelo Gingerelli, Strength & Conditioning Coach at Seton Hall University, joins us to discuss his two decades of experience in the field and the evolution of training for college athletes. We dive into topics like the importance of mastering basic movement patterns, the role of strength training in developing explosive power for baseball and softball players, and how to balance individualized training with foundational athletic development.

Angelo's new book

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The Art & Science of Baserunning | Tyler Packanik

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 08:14:00 GMT

This week, we’re diving deep into baserunning, a crucial game aspect often overlooked. Our guest, Tyler Packanik, the Recruiting Coordinator at Jacksonville State University, is an expert in baserunning. Beyond his recruiting role, Tyler focuses on infield and baserunning, bringing insight into how to excel in these areas. In this episode, he shares advanced techniques and tips on getting leads to reading pitchers, stealing bases, and more.

Episode Highlights:

Introducing Tyler Packanik: His background as a recruiting coordinator focused on infield and baserunning at Jacksonville State University.
Breaking Down Baserunning: Fundamentals of baserunning, including taking leads, reading pitchers, stealing bases, and running through and around bases.
Techniques & Strategy:
How to effectively use the vault and creep leads.
Knowing when to steal bases and understanding pitcher cues.
Tips for maximizing a lead-off without getting picked off.
How to round first base and take an aggressive approach to turning doubles into triples.
The Mental Game of Baserunning: Developing confidence on the base paths and staying in control under pressure.
Pro-Level Insight: How MLB players like Anthony Volpe showcase elite baserunning and why speed isn't the only factor for practical baserunning.
Tips for Coaches: Structure baserunning drills in practice, build players' instincts, and emphasize repetition and situational awareness.
Key Coaching Techniques: Tyler's approach to coaching all types of runners (green, yellow, red) involves maintaining a "best time every time" mindset and encouraging players to see their foot hit the base for precision.

Tyler does an incredible job of breaking down complex techniques and strategies to help you or your team improve. From maintaining momentum at second base to running through first base correctly, Tyler’s insights make this episode a must-listen for anyone serious about elevating their baserunning skills.

Follow Tyler Packanik on Twitter: @TPAC5.

Enjoy the episode, and get ready to dominate the base paths!

Patrick's new course, Swing Decisions: How To Master The Strike Zone

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Coaching High School Baseball | Kyle Wagner

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 15:20:43 GMT

Kyle Wagner is Cumberland Valley's current high school baseball coach in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. Kyle is a former college and professional baseball player, author, and father. In this episode, Kyle talks about the current landscape of youth baseball, what he's thinking about, and why he decided to get back into coaching. Kyle is an excellent follow on Twitter @gowagskyle

Coaching Beyond Xs and Os

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Strike Zone Research & Umpire Tendencies | Adam Maloof

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 15:11:36 GMT

Adam Maloof is a professor of Geosciences and a Princeton athletics fellow for the baseball team. He has recently published several research articles on various topics in baseball. Today, we focus on his article on the college strike zone. In today's episode, you will learn about umpire tendencies, the called strike zone, and, most importantly, how to use this information to help your hitters make better swing decisions.

Adam's articles

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How To Develop Infielders | Chris Cates

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 08:51:00 GMT

This week, we welcome Chris Cates to the podcast. Chris is the Director of Player Development at the University of South Florida. He has had previous coaching stops at Florida State, Central Florida, and Tampa.

In this episode, our focus is on developing infielders. Chris talks about his experience as an infielder when he played at the University of Louisville. He also gets into what he looks explicitly for when evaluating infielders, drills, and instincts.

The Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/THC

Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com

Follow me on Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseball

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseball

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/

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College Coaches Roundtable: Bowling Green State University | Matt Rembielak | Joey Cooper |

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 08:15:00 GMT

I visited Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, this week and recorded an episode with Matt Rembliak (Associate Head Coach) and Joey Cooper (Assistant Coach)

Bowling Green was the 2024 MAC regular season champion. They had a breakout season in 2024, going 24-6 in conference play, and finished with a 33-20 overall record.

In this episode, we discuss the current recruiting landscape, including:

Players getting their offers pulled.

How the new rules impact the type of player Bowling Green will recruit

What Bowling Green looks for in a high school player

Advice to current high school players

Lastly, we discuss player development at Bowling Green and the similarities between the players who have made the biggest jump in on-field performance.

College Baseball Recruiting Consultation: This is for high school baseball players interested in college baseball.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The New College Baseball Recruiting Process

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 08:59:00 GMT

There have been massive changes in college baseball over the last 12 months. In this episode, you will learn what those changes are, how they impact the recruiting timeline, what college coaches are looking for, when you should go to camps and showcases, and how college coaches find players.

1-1 PJB Recruiting Consultation: We meet via Zoom, and I can answer any questions you have and evaluate you. If you're a good fit for my recruiting service, we can discuss the next steps.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How To Run A Travel Baseball Organization W/ Neal Packanik | Bo Jackson Elite |

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 08:15:00 GMT

Patrick Jones @pjonesbaseball sits down with Neal Packanik @nealpackanik to discuss the landscape of travel baseball. Neal is the general manager of Bo Jackson Elite, one of the most respected travel baseball organizations in the Midwest. In this episode, Neal talks about the common mistakes people make in travel baseball, what to look for in a travel baseball team, and the college recruiting process.

PJB Recruiting: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

The Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/THC

Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseball

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseball

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/

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4 Ways To Help Hitters Improve Timing

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 11:16:00 GMT

In this episode, Patrick dives into Timing. More importantly, where in their swing are they off-time? We break down the key phases of a swing—gather, forward move, launch position, and contact—to help hitters understand what it means to be ‘on time.’

Key Discussion Points:

What Does It Mean to Be ‘On Time’?

We explore the definition of timing, emphasizing the importance of selecting the precise moment for optimal effect. Whether a hitter has good or sub-optimal mechanics influences when they make contact, ideally in line with their front foot.
Three Timing Checkpoints:
Release Point: The highest point of the hitter’s gather coincides with the pitcher’s release. This is a crucial moment where rhythm, movement, and mentality play a significant role.
Launch Position: The hitter’s front heel should land on the ground when the ball is 2/3rds of the way to home plate. Issues like late upper body load or losing hip load can disrupt timing here.
Contact Point: A good contact point with proper mechanics versus dragging or drifting the barrel, leading to sub-optimal performance.
Exaggeration Drills for Timing:
For hitters who are early: try getting jammed or taking a 50% swing.
For those who are late: focus on pulling a home run or aiming to do damage. These drills help adjust timing and mechanics.
Perspective on Failure:
We discuss the mindset of failing as a hitter. Do you want to fail with fear and anxiety, or with aggression and preparedness? Your approach to failure can influence your path to improvement.
Visuals and Drills:
Practical drills like machine batting practice with feet spread out and taking 50% swings are highlighted to reinforce proper timing and mechanics. Gradually reintroducing movement while focusing on minimal lower half engagement can lead to better results.
Conclusion:
The episode wraps up by reinforcing the importance of understanding timing checkpoints—gather, launch, and contact—along with the value of exaggeration in practice, maintaining the right perspective, and using drills to refine a hitter’s timing and mechanics.

Hit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contact

The Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/THC

Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com

Listen to the Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456b

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseball

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseball

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/

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How To Use Data To Evaluate Players | Ben Clemens

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 07:29:00 GMT

This week, Patrick Jones, @pjonesbaseball on Twitter, sits down with Ben Clemens, @ben_clemens on Twitter. Ben is a writer at Fangraphs. In this episode, they talk about the biggest winners and losers at the trade deadline, how to analyze players using data, and Ben's writing process.

Hit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contact

The Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/THC

Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com

Listen to the Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456b

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseball

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseball

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/

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5 Ways To Help Hitters Prepare For A Game

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:47:00 GMT

In this episode, Patrick Jones, @pjonesbaseball on Twitter, discusses how to game plan against pitchers to maximize hitters' success at the plate.

4 steps to creating a game plan:

Identify the Type of Pitcher

Categorize pitchers into three types: roll-out-of-bed, double-take, and a dude based on their pitching abilities.
Adjust hitting approach based on the type of pitcher faced.

Analyze Pitcher Tendencies

Look at strikeout-to-walk ratios to determine aggressiveness at the plate.
Understand how pitchers start and finish hitters to develop a game plan.

Study Pitch Movements

Utilize movement plots to educate hitters on pitch movements.
Differentiate between east-west and north-south pitchers to adjust hitting strategy.

Create Individualized Plans

Tailor game plans for each hitter based on their understanding of pitch movements.
Emphasize sticking to the plan to beat the pitcher and avoid falling into their traps.

Hit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contact

The Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/THC

Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com

Listen to the Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456b

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/

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How To Help Hitters Improve Swing Decisions

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 08:53:00 GMT

Patrick Jones, a former hitting coach in the Baltimore Orioles organization and founder of Patrick Jones Baseball, discusses swing decisions. In this episode, Patrick breaks down the definition of the strike zone, how to improve swing decisions, MLB hitters who have improved their swing decisions, and drills you can do with your hitters to help them improve their swing decisions.

Hit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contact

The Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/THC

Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com

Listen to the Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456b

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseball

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseball

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/

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6 Ways To Help Hitters Hit Slow Pitching

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 08:47:00 GMT

Episode 351: Patrick Jones (https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseball) explains 6 different ways to help hitters hit slow pitching.

Timestamps:

[00:51] Managing Expectations

[04:17] Shrinking the Zone

[08:15] Overcoming the Challenge of Slow Pitching

[09:48] Balancing Aggression, Exaggerating Approach, and Staying Relaxed

[12:57] Be Specific

[14:11] Sacrificing an At-Bat

[18:47] Practice Being Late

A-Rod HR

Hit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contact

The Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/...

Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com

Listen to the Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456b

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseball

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseball

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/

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Pitch Design | How To Develop Better Pitches w/ Jared Gaynor

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 20:00:02 GMT

In this podcast episode, Patrick Jones and Jared Gaynor delve into the intricacies of pitch development and design. Jared emphasizes mastering the fastball before introducing offspeed pitches to young pitchers, suggesting a focus on the four-seam fastball. He advocates for teaching sliders before curveballs due to their higher velocity and easier command. The discussion also covers pitch movement profiles—north-south, east-west, and combo—and the importance of spin rate. Jared introduces his course "Pitch Design U," aimed at providing coaches and players with actionable insights into pitch movement, grips, and analytics. The episode highlights a strategic, data-driven approach to pitching.

Timestamps:

[05:00] At what age should kids throw curveballs?

[10:31] Slider vs. Curveball

[14:11] Movement plots

[17:27] Understanding pitch movement

[18:20] Pitch profiles

[23:55] Understanding spin and movement

[30:55] Spin Rate

[33:06] Advice for hitters

[34:25] Pitching at different levels

[35:09] Data for off-speed pitches

[39:20] Pitch Design Course

Follow Jared Gaynor on Twitter: @PitchingCoachU

Jared's New Pitch Design Course: https://www.pitchingcoachu.com/a/2147874657/zexGvH52

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Top MLB Hitters Fly To See Him | Mike Brumley | (Part 2)

Thu, 23 May 2024 09:00:54 GMT

In this podcast episode, Patrick Jones continues his conversation with hitting coach Mike Brumley, delving deeper into baseball hitting mechanics. Brumley advocates for a focus on ribcage loading. He also discusses the misconceptions around hip hinges and loading the back hip, emphasizing the importance of non-verbal cues and the use of specialized training tools to improve hitting skills. Brumley shares insights from his experience coaching professional players.

TIMESTAMPS:

[03:53] Hip Hinge and Leverage

[10:04] Exit Velocity and Launch Angle

[16:58] Identifying Hitting Flaws

[19:15] Approach and Plan

[21:35] Preparation Routines

[28:34] Developing Hitting Skills

[36:50] Analogies for Hitting

[39:15] Benefits of Training Tools

Mike Brumley Website: https://brumbands.com/

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Top MLB Hitters Fly To See Him | Mike Brumley | (Part 1)

Tue, 21 May 2024 10:35:07 GMT

In this episode, Patrick Jones interviews Mike Brumley, a seasoned baseball coach with a rich 40-year career. Brumley shares his expertise in coaching hitters at various levels, from high school to the majors. They discuss the emotional aspects of hitting, the transition challenges for high school players, and the mental approach to the game. Brumley introduces a grading system for at-bats and emphasizes strategic game planning. He also offers unconventional insights into hitting mechanics, stressing stability and leverage over hip rotation, and the importance of the thoracic spine. Brumley's perspective challenges traditional coaching methods, advocating adaptability and a progressive mindset.

TIMESTAMPS:

[02:03] Differences in Working with Players

[10:55] Judging At-Bat Success

[18:18] Game Planning

[23:04] Developing a Hitting Philosophy

[25:53] Understanding Pitcher Tendencies

[32:55] Contrarian Views on Hitting Mechanics

[37:30] Rotation and Separation

[38:30] Understanding Hip Rotation

[40:30] Impact of Body Mechanics

Mike Brumley Website: https://brumbands.com/

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How to develop faster baseball & softball players | Mike Cunliffe

Tue, 14 May 2024 16:28:53 GMT

In this podcast episode, Patrick Jones interviews Mike Cunliffe, head coach of the Seattle Speed Track Club, about enhancing athlete speed. Cunliffe emphasizes the role of biomechanics, power-to-weight ratio, and proper recovery in improving performance. He discusses the importance of deadlifts, managing central nervous system fatigue, and specific training for base running in baseball. Cunliffe shares his coaching background, the impact of structural issues on performance, and the significance of cellular optimization for recovery. He offers practical advice for coaches with limited resources, including plyometric exercises and intelligent training management.

Timestamps:

[03:11] Max Velocity Mastery and Unlocking Athletic Potential in Baseball

[15:34] Strategies for Endurance and Sprint Performance

[17:12] Cutting-Edge Recovery Techniques

[20:14] In-Season Training

[27:48] Power-to-Weight Ratio

[29:33] Biomechanics and Acceleration

[33:00] Training Schedule and Neural Stress

[37:02] Mike Cunliffe's Background in Track and Field Coaching

[40:29] Biomechanics for Base Running

[44:55] Sprinting Prime and Training Methodologies

[47:20] Biomechanics and Force Application in Running

[50:07] Body Realignment and Injury Management

[54:24] Recovery and Cellular Optimization

[58:07] Weight Room Protocols for High School Coaches

[01:10:20] Plyometric and Speed Training for Baseball Players

[01:14:21] Biomechanics of Sprinting

[01:18:14] Contacting Coach Mike Cunliffe

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The Transfer Portal | Everything you need to know

Mon, 06 May 2024 08:00:58 GMT

Patrick Jones talks about the transfer portal in this podcast episode. He explains how he aligns topics with the time of year and why he's discussing the transfer portal now. He shares insights based on his experience working with players navigating the transfer process, highlighting common scenarios and misconceptions. He emphasizes the importance of understanding why players want to transfer and the realities they face in finding new opportunities. Patrick delves into the criteria college coaches consider when evaluating transfer candidates, including performance metrics like strikeout-to-walk ratios for pitchers and offensive production for hitters. He also discusses the implications of different types of scholarship offers and the significance of summer collegiate baseball leagues for player exposure and recruitment. Throughout the episode, Patrick offers practical advice and cautions against unrealistic expectations in the transfer process.

Timestamps:

[01:49] Understanding the Transfer Portal

[09:43] NCAA Rules and Regulations for Division I Baseball

[12:29] Expectations & Statistical Significance in the Transfer Portal

[19:37] Returning to School, Division Choices, and Scholarship Types

[25:55] Summer Collegiate Baseball

Follow Patrick Jones on Twitter: @pjonesbaseball

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"I went from throwing 78 mph - 91 mph in 18 months" | Josh Gessner

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 08:00:00 GMT

On this episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, Josh Gessner, a right-handed pitcher in the Texas Rangers organization, shares his journey from Australia and Japan to professional baseball, discussing overcoming challenges like the yips and increasing pitching velocity through training methods. Gessner advises aspiring players to know themselves and consider their development needs, emphasizing the value of education alongside athletic pursuits. They highlight personal struggles and coping mechanisms, stressing the mental aspect of overcoming fear and judgment, and discuss simplifying the pitching process and building supportive relationships with coaches. Additionally, Gessner talks about his venture into social media writing and podcasting, aiming to share his learning experiences to help others, with a focus on mental resilience, growth, and knowledge-sharing to support individuals facing similar challenges.

Timestamps:

[2:32] Josh Gessner’s Journey from Roots to Success

[7:35] 80 to 90 MPH through DriveLine

[10:07] Gessner’s Recruitment Journey in College Baseball

[17:41] Advice for Young Players Choosing Between College and Professional Baseball

[20:08] College Scholarships and Degrees in Pro Baseball

[23:34] Reflections on Early Professional Baseball

[26:13] Overcoming the Yips

[31:21] Managing Persistent Challenges

[33:45] Keys to Pitching Success

[36:32] Insights from Training Facilities

[37:46] The Value of Coaching Relationships in Training Facilities

[39:41] A Dive into Writing and Social Media

Follow Josh Gessner on Twitter: @GessnerJosh

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Middle Georgia State University | Sean Stevens

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 09:22:35 GMT

In this podcast episode, Sean Stevens shares his remarkable journey from starting college baseball at 28 to becoming a successful coach at Middle Georgia State University, emphasizing perseverance and dedication despite challenges. He discusses the recruiting process, stressing the importance of building relationships with players and identifying talent both online and through personal interactions. Stevens also highlights the significance of summer collegiate baseball in player development, advocating for players to seize opportunities to showcase their skills and improve draft prospects. Additionally, the conversation delves into the process of selecting players for a summer baseball team, emphasizing collaboration between the head coach and general manager, and discusses player contracts, performance-based lineup decisions, and the supportive environment provided for players attending Middle Georgia State University.

Timestamps:

[2:06] Sean Stevens Baseball Journey From Discovery to Determination

[5:48] Finding Purpose in Coaching

[7:31] The Recruiting Journey at Middle Georgia State

[10:25] Online Recruitment in College Baseball

[13:15] The Importance of Baseball IQ in Player Success

[16:22] Understanding the World of Summer Collegiate Baseball

[20:31] Selecting Players for Summer Baseball Teams

[22:21] Contrasting the Cape Cod League and Other Summer Baseball Experiences

[25:18] Player’s Contracts in Summer Leagues

[28:08] The Relationship Between Coaches and GMs in Summer Baseball

[33:08] Player Performance and Immediate Impact in Summer Baseball Leagues

[34:23] Navigating Lineup Dynamics

[39:06] Understanding College Expenses at Middle Georgia State

Follow Sean Stevens on Twitter: @CoachStevensMGS

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Jacksonville State Recruiting Coordinator | Tyler Packanik

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 08:26:11 GMT

In this podcast, Tyler Packanik from Jacksonville State University discusses the complexities of college baseball recruiting. They explore topics such as regional recruitment strategies, the balance between high school and junior college recruits, and adapting to changes like the transfer portal. Tyler emphasizes the significance of athleticism and baseball IQ in player evaluation, particularly for infielders, and shares insights on assessing speed and base running ability. They also address challenges in evaluating players based on showcase metrics versus in-game performance and stress the importance of video analysis in scouting.

Timestamps:

[03:21] Developing a Diverse Recruiting Strategy in College Baseball

[10:21] Infield Evaluation in Baseball Recruiting

[12:01] Assessing Infield Movement in Recruitment

[15:13] The Role of Home to First Time in Baseball Recruiting

[17:14] Understanding Showcase Pop Times

[19:03] The Overlooked Art of Base Running in High School Player Scouting

[20:58] Navigating the Pitfalls of Recruiting Advice

[26:59] Understanding Why Coaches Go Silent in Recruiting

[28:36] The Significance of Coaches Following Players on Twitter

[31:22] Inside Jacksonville State's Game Day Routine

[34:55] Evaluating Season Performance and Learning from Setbacks

[38:05] Managing Defensive Alignment and Base Coaching Strategies

[39:11] Why Choose Jacksonville State Baseball

Follow Tyler Packanik on Twitter: @Tpack5

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7 ways to help players with the Mental Game | Patrick Jones

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 14:33:56 GMT

This week we're focusing on the mental side of the game. This is what I've seen separate players over the years. Of course, you have to have the physical skills, but you'd be surprised at how many players have better physical skills but can never seem to put it all together. The reason? The mental game. In today's episode, I'm sharing 7 ways to help players with the mental side of the game.

Timestamps:

[ 0:44 ] A Player’s Version of Success

[ 3:40 ] Plan for Failure

[ 7:23 ] The Process Checklist

[ 9:19 ] Be less negative, Not more Positive

[ 11:18 ] The Art of Not Caring

[ 13:54 ] Social Life

[ 16:17 ] Breathing

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University of Utah Recruiting Coordinator | Mike Brown

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT

In this podcast, Mike Brown, the recruiting coordinator at the University of Utah, discusses the details of recruiting players for college baseball programs. Brown shares insights on scholarship allocation, recruiting strategies, and evaluating player potential, emphasizing character traits. They discuss prioritizing key positions like starters, shortstops, catchers, and center fielders for scholarships and recruiting Juco players and transfers. Evaluating high school players involves assessing adaptability and attitude, with a focus on arm action for infielders and hitting mechanics for hitters. The podcast highlights the importance of generating backspin line drives and discusses player development, team culture, and the challenges of competing at higher levels.

Timestamps:

[2:45] Decoding College Baseball Scholarships

[4:35] Scholarships, Juco Players, and Walk-Ons

[7:11] Evaluating High School Players for Division One Baseball

[9:19] Navigating the Shift in College Baseball Recruiting while Balancing Potential vs. Readiness

[11:24] Evaluating High School Baseball Prospects

[12:40] Insights and Lessons Learned from Experience

[16:12] Evaluating Character and Engagement in Baseball Recruits

[20:25] Essential Traits in Evaluating Infielders

[24:02] What Todd Williams Looks for in Hitters When It Comes to Hitting Standpoint

[26:19] The Theory Behind Low-Line Drives

[27:41] What Utah Baseball Teaches Its Players

[29:34] Utah's Two-Strike Philosophy

[35:27] Understanding Pitching Velocity in College Baseball

[37:35] Mike Brown’s College Baseball Recruitment Journey

[44:53] Experience within the SEC while Playing College Baseball

Follow Mike Brown on Twitter: @mikesbrown5

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Cody Bellinger's Hitting Coach | Micah Franklin

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 10:14:41 GMT

In this podcast, Micah Franklin, the manager of the Oakland Ballers in the Pioneer League, discusses the team's entry into independent baseball, focusing on winning and the challenges of player recruitment. The team's unique approach to signing players, with an initial emphasis on position players, is highlighted, and the coaching staff, including notable names like Don Wakamatsu and J.T. Snow, is introduced. Micah shares insights into the team's spring training schedule and the importance of a specific directional bat path for hitting success. The conversation shifts to Micah's scouting experience, emphasizing the growing role of analytics in player selection. He discusses scouting notable players like Cody Bellinger and details Bellinger's transformation in hitting approach. Game planning, opponent analysis, and the importance of trust between players and coaches are key themes. The rarity of hitting coaches reaching out is mentioned, underscoring the significance of effective communication in player development.

Timestamps:

[03:35] The Manager’s Independent Baseball Journey

[05:39] The Unconventional Approach to Roster Recruitment in Independent Baseball

[08:35] A Hitter's Evolution from Net Practice to the Big Leagues

[12:16] Rediscovering Success by Going Opposite Field

[13:50] 7 to 22: Crafting the Perfect Swing Path

[16:23] A Journey through the Majors and Back to the Cage From Scouting to Swinging

[19:13] Decoding the Art of Hitting through Scouting Insights

[21:00] Spotting Future Stars in Scouting

[23:13] Cody's Journey in Baseball

[28:33] Mind Games in Baseball

[30:28] The Secrets Behind Simple Drills

[32:17] Simple Strategies for Young Hitters

[34:41] Getting Better in Practice and Why Perfect Isn't the Goal

[38:41] Efficiency in Swings

[44:10] Mastering the Effective Batting Drills

[47:13] Game Planning

Follow Micah Franklin on Twitter: @micahf56

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Sports Performance & Vision Specialist | Dr. Daniel Laby

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 09:00:00 GMT

In this podcast, Dr. Laby discusses sports vision, its accidental entry during his UCLA fellowship, and the sports vision pyramid. He emphasizes starting from the base and individualized care in training. Dr. Laby addresses improving vision from 20/20 to 20/15 or better. He emphasizes the importance of personalized evaluations, and recommending contacts or glasses for focus improvement. He also highlights the complexity of achieving optimal vision, involving considerations of the eye's focus, retina, and brain function. He suggests a careful refraction process to find the right lens and advocates for athletes to seek specialized attention for enhanced performance. Dr. Laby also mentions the significance of the on-deck circle for hitters, emphasizing the need for predictive skills and knowledge about pitch types. The conversation covers various aspects of vision training, including specific drills, the "Quiet Eye" concept, and emerging technologies like VR systems. He also discusses the potential advancements in vision research and technology, mentioning the role of systems like Reflection Go and synaptic glasses in enhancing visual skills for athletes.

Timestamps:

[2:19] Getting into Sports Vision with Dr. Daniel Laby

[4:06] Building the Sports Vision Pyramid

[7:30] Tailoring Sports Vision Training to Individual Needs

[9:12] Strategies for Self-Improvement in Sports Vision

[11:29] Anecdotes, Insights, and the Truth about 20/20 Vision

[15:15] Mastering Predictions for Batting Success

[18:25] The Real Score on LASIK Surgery for Baseball Players

[23:41] Strategies for Perfecting Your Eyesight

[25:37] 20/20 to 20/15 Vision for Players

[27:43] The Art and Science of Hitting - From On-Deck Insights to Predictive Vision at the Plate

[30:34] The Quiet Eye Guide in Baseball

[32:38] Navigating Advances in Vision Tech - From LASIK Hopes to the Next Decade's Insights

[35:26] A Guide to Vision Training from Reflection Go App to Synaptic Glasses

Dr. Daniel Laby's Website: sportsvision.nyc

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Independent Baseball | Albert Gonzalez

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 11:09:01 GMT

In this podcast, Albert Gonzalez, a veteran with over a decade of experience in independent baseball, sheds light on Indy Ball Jobs. Topics discussed include player recruitment, placing talent in various leagues, challenges undrafted players face, and intricacies of player salaries. Gonzalez, the bench coach for the High Point Rockers in the Atlantic League, emphasizes the unique aspects of independent baseball as a legitimate route to the majors. He discusses the cutthroat nature of the game, success stories of undrafted players reaching the big leagues, and his role in player recruitment for the Rockers. The conversation touches on financial aspects like salary caps and housing arrangements, and Gonzalez shares his journey from college cuts to playing professionally in Puerto Rico and Europe. The podcast provides valuable advice for players, emphasizing perseverance, networking, and the global opportunities Indy Ball Jobs offers, including winter ball leagues.

Timestamps for ALBERT GONZALEZ:

[2:13] Understanding Independent Baseball

[3:15] From Undrafted to the Big Leagues

[6:18] The Cutthroat World of Independent Baseball

[09:04] Navigating Opportunities Across Independent Baseball Leagues

[11:37] Bert’s Journey from College Cut to Coaching Success

[14:05] The Art of Building Winning Teams in Independent Baseball

[18:59] The Pay Scale in Independent Baseball Leagues

[21:29] Ages in Independent Baseball Leagues

[25:44] A Guide to Effective Emails for Independent Baseball Opportunities

[27:42] Pitching Dreams and Managerial Aspirations

[32:11] Exploring Winter Ball Leagues

[38:15] The Varied Backgrounds and Motivations of Independent Baseball Managers

[40:10] Opening Doors to Opportunities in Independent Baseball and Beyond

Follow Albert Gonzalez on Instagram: indyballjobs

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How To Build Systems For Coaches | Ryan Johansen

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 08:51:36 GMT

In this podcast episode, Patrick Welcomes Ryan Johanson, a recurring guest, to discuss his experiences as a coach in both the private sector and professional baseball. They delve into the challenges of scaling coaching efforts and building effective hitting development systems. Ryan emphasizes the importance of simplifying complex information and understanding how to communicate with players at different levels. The conversation touches on utilizing technology like force plates and 4D motion, as well as the shift in approach when working with youth players versus professionals. Ryan also shares insights into creating a positive coaching environment and adapting coaching styles based on individual player needs. They also discuss considerations for working with parents and the significance of qualifying conversations to ensure effective communication. The conversation concludes with Ryan's thoughts on coaching philosophy, encouraging coaches to prioritize how they coach over what they coach, and advocating for more player-driven learning experiences.

Timestamps:

[2:31] Navigating the Hitting Coach's Journey in Player Development

[5:06] Decoding Hitting Metrics for a Balanced Path to Player Development

[7:35] Mastering the Art of Hitting Development with Just an iPhone

[9:01] Breaking Down Metrics for Better Hitting

[12:06] The Shift from Pro Baseball to Private Sector

[17:45] Crafting a Culture of Growth and Wisdom in Baseball Development

[19:03] The Parent-Coach Partnership in Player Development

[26:25] Player Goals as a Continuous Journey in Baseball

[32:01] The Mental Game of Hitting

[34:55] Helping Players Thrive by Letting Them Lead

[38:13] Streamlining Player Development for High School Success

Follow Ryan Johanson on Twitter: @RPJ1317

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5 Lifts Every Hitter Should Be Doing | Cory Ritter

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 14:21:50 GMT

In this podcast episode, Corey Ritter, a guest with eight years of experience in professional baseball as a strength and conditioning coach and sports science coordinator for the Dodgers, discusses various aspects of player development. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of a global perspective in training, the need for continuous improvement, the role of workload management, and the integration of strength and hitting programs. Ritter emphasizes the significance of assessing athletes over an extended period to tailor training programs effectively. He also touches on the challenges and benefits of implementing motor preference assessments in player development. Throughout the discussion, Ritter highlights the interconnection between strength conditioning and on-field performance, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to player development.

Timestamps CORY RITTER:

[2:10] A Journey from the Majors to the Private Sector

[4:49] Training Insights on Baseball Athlete Workouts

[6:31] Essential Workouts for Baseball Success

[09:15] Navigating the Science Behind Hitter Training

[11:10] Workload Management

[15:20] The Art of Player Evaluation in Sports Training

[20:27] Understanding the Complex World of Motor Preferences in Athlete Training

[23:55] Bridging the Gap Between Weight Room and Field Performance

[25:45] Strengthening the Hitter's Foundation for a Solid Swing

[28:47] Crafting Time-Effective Baseball Workouts

[34:12] The Significance of Grip Strength in Baseball Performance

[36:29] Diverse Approaches to Generating Hitting Power in Baseball

[37:44] The Role of Plyometrics for Young Baseball Players

[39:10] Movement Mastery in the Strength Side

[41:53] Recovery Revelations

Follow Cory Ritter on Twitter: @crittfit7

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The Most Underrated College Baseball Program | Jordan Stampler

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 08:00:23 GMT

In this podcast episode, Patrick welcomes Jordan Stampler, Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development at Campbell University. They discuss the integration of technology in player development, focusing on how coaches can effectively implement it into their programs. Jordan shares his background, emphasizing how his experience at various levels of baseball led him to embrace technology more fully at Campbell. He highlights the importance of metrics and measurements, emphasizing that they are tools for improvement rather than something to fear.

Timestamps:

[3:26] Navigating Baseball's Tech Evolution

[8:34] Player Preferences and Tech Integration in Baseball Coaching

[11:51] Player-Driven Development

[13:53] A Deep Dive into Player Development with Cutting-edge Tech

[18:47] The Art of Recognizing and Reacting to Pitch Shapes in Baseball

[23:11] Competitive Energy in Baseball Practice at Campbell

[26:19] The Campbell University Baseball Recruitment Blueprint

[32:52] Decoding Loyalty in Coaching

[36:36] Avoiding Common Pitfalls in the College Baseball Journey

[42:01] College Baseball Recruitment in the Era of the Transfer Portal

[49:22] A Passionate Journey on and off the Field at Campbell University

Follow Jordan Stampler on Twitter: @TheRealJStamp

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Vision Training for Hitters | Ryan Harrison

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 13:46:54 GMT

Ryan Harrison has been helping athletes ‘see better’ for over 20 years. Ryan has a degree in exercise physiology from the University of California at Davis. Ryan has worked with 100s of MLB players since he started working with his father, Dr. Bill Harrison, who had over 50 years of experience in vision training. In this episode, we’re talking everything VISION!

What affects vision?

How can we help players improve their vision?

How can we help hitters see the ball better?

If you want to connect with Ryan, head to slowthegamedown.com

Timestamps for RYAN HARRISON:

[3:35] Decoding Baseball Vision and Light Sensitivity

[5:23] The Art and Science of Baseball Sunglasses

[6:56] Understanding Players' Vision and Perception on the Field

[08:59] The Complexities of Vision in Baseball

[11:13] Hitters' Vision Strategies and Tools for Success

[14:23] Training Baseball Vision for Precision and Focus

[16:50] Exploring the Connection Between Vision, Breathing, and Peak Performance in Baseball

[21:59] Navigating the Mental Landscape of Hitting with Visionary Techniques

[24:47] Debunking Misconceptions and Mastering Vision in Sports

[29:39] Pitch Recognition

[37:06] Hitter's Eye Movement and Success

[43:37] The Vision Advantage Beyond the Swing

[48:24] The Evolving Landscape of Sports Vision Technology in Baseball

[51:55] Practical Tools and Training for Coaches in Baseball

Follow Ryan Harrison on Twitter: @SlowTheGameDown

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3 Hitting Tips Only A 15 Year MLB Veteran Would Know | Michael Cuddyer

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 14:09:23 GMT

Michael Cuddyer, a retired Major League Baseball player with 15 years of experience, two-time All-Star, Silver Slugger Award winner, NL batting champion, and inductee in the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame, is the guest in this week's episode. The episode focuses on Cuddyer's approach to hitting, making adjustments, and his perspective on statistics for game planning against pitchers.

The episode wraps up with Cuddyer’s thoughts on the current state of baseball coaching and development, offering advice for coaches and players.

Timestamps:

[2:13] Data, Anecdotes, and Individualization in Baseball Development

[6:37] Reflecting as a first time Manager

[10:31] Learning to compete

[13:07] Data-Driven Game Planning

[15:02] Balancing Personal Strengths and Tactical Awareness in Hitting

[18:03] Approach Based on Pitcher Tendencies and Game Situation

[25:11] Sitting Speeds for Timing Consistency

[29:19] Dealing with fear

[35:03] Helping high school kids with the mental side of the game

[37:35] Lessons learned from Survivor

[47:14] Hitting Insights from Influential Minds

[50:41] Adapting Beliefs in Hitting Philosophy

Follow Michael Cuddyer on Twitter: @mcuddy23

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Mental Game Strategies for Hitters | Andy Barkett

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT

Andy Barkett is a former professional baseball player and coach. He has coached at various levels of the game, including the big leagues, college, and the minor leagues. With a passion for the mental side of the game, Barkett has developed a mental skills program called COre, which focuses on helping athletes develop a championship mindset, own their process, maintain a relentless desire, and approach the game with enthusiasm.

Summary:

Andy Barkett, a former professional baseball player and coach, discusses the importance of the mental side of the game and how it is often overlooked in baseball coaching. He emphasizes the need for players to develop mental techniques just as they practice physical techniques. Barkett shares his experience as a hitting coordinator and how he developed a mental skills program called COre to address the challenges of the mental game. He also highlights the impact of technology in the game and the need for players to trust their routines and training. Barkett discusses the role of anticipation in hitting and the importance of game planning and understanding pitch characteristics. He also touches on the concept of pitchers tipping their pitches and the mental warfare in baseball.

Timestamps:

[2:01] Mastering the Mental Game in Baseball

[9:28] Building Mental Resilience in Pro Players

[15:26] Transformative Drills and Routines for Player Success

[24:41] Balancing Practice and Play in Hitting Routines

[30:04] Insights on Vision Training

[32:24] Growth Journeys and Coaching Reflections

[33:57] Game Planning

[37:53] Anticipation and Facing the Unexpected

[40:48] Pitcher's Tipping and Strategic Advantage

[43:44] The Frequency of Pitchers Tipping Pitches

[44:26] Understanding Tipping Tactics

[48:48] Moving from the Big Leagues to College Game

Follow Andy Barkett on Twitter: @abarkett17

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The Recruiting Process for High School Baseball Players | Jordan Chiero

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 13:28:49 GMT

Jordan Chiero is the scouting director for Prep Baseball Report, Ohio, and the hitting coordinator for the Bill Jackson Dome in Columbus, Ohio. With nine years of experience in scouting and player evaluation, Jordan is a trusted resource for college coaches in Ohio.

Summary:

In this episode, Patrick Jones interviews Jordan Chiero, the scouting director for Prep Baseball Report, Ohio. They discuss the evaluation process for pitchers and hitters, the value of left-handed hitters, and the timeline for college recruiting. Jordan shares insights into what college coaches look for in players and offers advice for players navigating the recruiting process.

Timestamps:

[6:08] The Impact of the Transfer Portal

[11:09] Pitcher Evaluation Process

[26:14] Left-Handed Hitters

[28:48] The Role of Corner Players

[31:56] Interactions with College Coaches

[34:14] Understanding Coaches' Actions and Commitment Promises

[36:02] Understanding Your Values and Priorities in the Recruiting Process

[38:55] The College Recruiting Timeline

[43:30] Insights on Player Position Value, Coaching Strategies, and the Transfer Portal Game

[45:27] Baseball Recruitment Insights on Showcases, Scout Days, and Top Prospect Games

Follow Jordan Chiero on Twitter: @Coach_Chiero

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The Pros and Cons of Bat Speed Training

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 09:06:14 GMT

In this episode, Patrick Jones discusses the importance of bat speed in hitting development. He explores the different perspectives on bat speed, the definition and measurement of bat speed, and the factors that impact bat speed. Jones also delves into the role of grip, timing, muscle strength, on-deck routines, and overload/underload training in improving bat speed. He emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to bat speed training and highlights the importance of functional strength and overall hitting skills.

Key Takeaways:

Bat speed is important in hitting development, but it is not the sole determinant of a player's success.
Factors such as grip, timing, muscle strength, and on-deck routines can impact bat speed.
Overload/underload training can be effective in improving bat speed, but it should be supplemented with other training methods.
Younger players may not benefit as much from overload/underload training due to their lack of functional strength.
A balanced approach to bat speed training, focusing on overall hitting skills, is crucial for optimal development.

Timestamps:

[1:12] What is Bat Speed and How to Measure it

[2:42] Understanding the Simple Formula Behind Angular Speed Measurement

[4:21] Factors Influencing Bat Speed

[09:06] Understanding the Relationship Between Muscle Thickness and Bat Speed

[11:23] Optimizing On-Deck Performance

[14:23] The Importance of Enhancing Bat Speed

[20:30] Striking the Perfect Balance on Bat Speed

Follow me on Twitter: @pjonesbaseball

PDF

Measuring Bat Speed (1991)

(8) Tangotiger on X: "#Statcast Launch Speed v Swing Speed Limited to 50% highest launch speed (aka Best Speed)

Bat_speed_linear.png (925×498)

What you need to know about Statcast bat tracking

A Choke-Up Grip Facilitates Faster Swing and Stride Times Without Compromising Bat Velocity and Bat Control

Tangotiger Blog

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Dr. Peter Fadde | Video Occlusion Training for Hitters

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 08:00:57 GMT

Dr. Peter Fadde is an expert in video occlusion training and the founder of GameSense Sports. With a background in sports science and coaching, Dr. Fadde has developed a deep understanding of pitch recognition and swing decisions in baseball and softball. He has worked with professional teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, and has helped players at all levels improve their performance through video occlusion training.

Summary:

Dr. Peter Fadde, founder of GameSense Sports, discusses the benefits of video occlusion training for improving pitch recognition and swing decisions in baseball and softball. He explains that video occlusion involves cutting off video footage of pitches at various points and having players guess whether it's a ball or a strike and what type of pitch it is. Dr. Fadde emphasizes the importance of precision in training and the integration of video occlusion into everyday practice. He shares success stories from teams that have implemented video occlusion training, such as the Arizona Diamondbacks, and highlights the positive impact it can have on a player's ability to control the strike zone and make better swing decisions.

Timestamps:

[3:19] Dr. Fadde Role in Baseball and Softball

[5:27] Becoming the Foremost Expert in Video Occlusion

[6:27] The Diamondbacks' Journey to Success with Video Occlusion

[13:06] Strategic Insights in the Game

[14:54] A Drill for Smarter Swing Decisions

[16:34] Collaborations and Drills for Improved Impulse Control

[18:49] Creating Intense Training Environments

[22:19] Optimizing Realism in Video Occlusion

[25:14] Coaches' Favorite Approaches with the App

[28:59] Data on Walks and Strikeouts After App Usage

[35:54] Enhancing Hitting with Visual Training

Follow Dr. Peter Fadde on Twitter: @DrFadde

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Premier Pitching Performance | Cody Fick

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 08:00:39 GMT

Cody Fick is a pitching coach and the Director of Pitching Development at Premier Pitching and Performance (P3). He has a background in college coaching and has been with P3 since 2018. Cody is passionate about using data and technology to help athletes improve their performance and reach their full potential.

Summary:

Cody Fick discusses his transition from college coaching to the private sector and the advantages of working at P3. He emphasizes the importance of using data and technology to assess and develop pitchers, and how P3 focuses on individualized approaches to maximize each pitcher's strengths. Cody also talks about the college partnership program at P3, where they provide assessments and consulting services to college baseball programs. He shares insights on assessing pitchers based on their physical attributes and how to find hidden value in different types of pitchers. Cody concludes by discussing the mental side of the game and the importance of self-evaluation for pitchers.

Timestamps:

[2:59] Transition from College Coaching to the Private Sector

[10:02] Pitching Coach's Insight and the Lesson Over the Past Five Years

[12:00] How to Figure Out What Works for Each Pitcher, from Movements to Ball Flight and Biomechanics

[13:49] Understanding Pitchers on How Different Traits, like Pronation and Spin Efficiency, Shape Their Unique Pitches

[15:29] Pitching Journey from Evaluation to a Plan of Action

[17:02] How to Help 100 Players Improve Together

[19:22] Connecting Biomechanics and Practical Pitching Success in Remote Training

[23:03] Elevating Pitching Performance through Comprehensive Assessments

[27:31] Advantages and Considerations in Pitcher's Heights

[30:37] Pitching Strategy as a Pitching Coach

[32:44] Understanding College Baseball Recruitment in Today's Game

[35:59] Exploring the Mental Game in Baseball Performance

[38:42] Perspective on Studying Big League Pitchers

Follow Cody Fick on Twitter: @codyfick27

Premier Pitching Performance Website

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Force Plates for Pitchers | AI in Baseball | Zach Day

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:00:37 GMT

Zach Day is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the big leagues and has a background in technology. He is the co-founder of Newt Force, a company that uses force plates to analyze and improve pitching mechanics.

Summary

Zach Day discusses the potential impact of AI in baseball and how it could enhance individualization and speed up data analysis. He reflects on his own pitching career and the changes he would have made with access to the data and technology available today. Zach also shares his thoughts on the decision to sign out of high school and the challenges of transitioning out of professional sports. He highlights the importance of education and proactive career planning for athletes. The conversation then shifts to the use of force plates in pitching analysis and training. Zach explains how force plates can provide valuable insights into ground forces and lower body mechanics. He discusses the benefits of using med balls to improve lower-half efficiency and the differences between elite pitchers and average pitchers in terms of force generation and timing. Zach also mentions the potential expansion of Newt Force into the hitting realm and the company's focus on empowering coaches.

Key Takeaways:

AI has the potential to enhance individualization and speed up data analysis in baseball.
Access to data and technology could have helped Zach Day improve his secondary pitches and prevent injuries during his pitching career.
The decision to sign out of high school and pursue a professional baseball career is complex and depends on various factors.
Transitioning out of professional sports can be challenging, and athletes need to plan for their next chapter in life.
Force plates can provide valuable insights into ground forces and lower body mechanics in pitching.
Med ball drills can help improve lower half efficiency and braking in pitching mechanics.
Elite pitchers excel in force generation, timing, and efficient energy transfer from the lower body to the upper body.
Newt Force is focused on empowering coaches and providing them with valuable information to enhance training and performance.

Timestamps:

[2:31] AI's Role in the Future of Baseball

[4:37] Improving Pitching Through Technology

[8:08] High School Baseball Journey

[9:12] The Tough Choice of Going Pro or Going to College in Baseball

[12:36]Transitioning from Baseball to the Real World

[14:29] Learning from TrackMan and The Journey of Transforming Baseball with Data

[17:04] Exploring Force Plates in Pitching

[21:17] The Game-Changing Discoveries from Newt Force

[23:52] Enhancing Pitching with Med Ball Drills

[26:15] Decoding the Secrets of Elite Pitchers

[28:34] Insights into How Weight Impacts Performance

[31:32] Exploring the Future of Newt Force

Follow Zach Day on Twitter: @ZachDay54

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Private Sector vs. Pro Ball | Future of Technology in Baseball | Jared Gaynor

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 21:20:45 GMT

Jared Gaynor is a former professional baseball player and pitching coach. He has worked in the private sector as a pitching coach and runs the popular Twitter account Pitching Coach U, where he shares insights and tips on pitching mechanics and development. Jared has built a strong online presence and has gained a large following in a short period of time.

Summary:

Jared Gaynor shares his journey from professional baseball to the private sector as a pitching coach. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and building relationships with players and organizations. Jared debunks common myths in pitching development and highlights the significance of training both velocity and command. He also discusses the role of technology in evaluating and improving pitching mechanics.

Key Takeaways:

Consistency is key to building an online brand or platform.
Building relationships and having mentors are crucial for success in the private sector.
Training velocity and command can be developed simultaneously.
Good mechanics do not guarantee better command, but consistency within a pitcher's delivery can lead to more strikes.
Technology provides valuable data for evaluating and improving pitching mechanics.

Timestamps:

[3:14] Navigating the Transition from Pro Ball to the Private Sector

[4:20] Maximizing the Impact of Private Sector vs. Team Setting in Pro Ball

[6:28] Player Development in Pro Ball and the Private Sector

[09:32] Coaches' Perspectives on Players Using Private Facilities

[11:09] Evolving as a Coach from Rookie Year to Seasoned Pro

[12:51] When to Step In and Adjust the Coaching Approach

[13:49] Balancing Guidance and Independence in Coaching Younger Players

[15:05] Debunks common myths in pitching development

[20:42] Movement Quality in Pitching Mechanics

[24:03] Own personal philosophies when it comes to pitching and hitting

[28:55] The Impact of Technology in Pitching Analysis

[33:29] A Success Story of Transforming Pitching Mechanics

[37:43] Insights on Pitching to Different Hitters

[41:56] A Future of Pitching Development in Technological Evolution

[50:41] Advice in Building Online Brand

Follow Jared Gaynor on Twitter: @jaredgaynor4

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From High School Setback to D1 Head Coach | Jake Sabol

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 08:45:00 GMT

Jake Sabol, head baseball coach at Central Michigan University, discusses various aspects of college baseball and coaching. He talks about roster management in the fall, the importance of fall ball for incoming freshmen, and the changes he has implemented in his first year as head coach. He also shares his personal journey from being cut from his high school team to playing college and professional baseball, and how that experience shaped his coaching philosophy.

Key Takeaways:

Roster sizes in the fall can vary depending on Title IX regulations and the number of female athletes in other sports.
Fall ball is crucial for incoming freshmen to prove themselves and earn a spot on the team.
Individualized coaching and player development are essential for success in college baseball.
Sabol emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and supportive team environment.
He believes in adapting coaching methods and staying up-to-date with industry trends.

Quotes:

"The fall is the best chance for you to come in and prove yourself and prove why you should be making an impact for our program right away."
"I want our guys excited about coming to the field every single day and working their tails off."
"I think we can't just treat everyone as a starter or everyone as a reliever... You have to individualize guys based on who they are and what their body profile is."
"You have to be willing to change and adapt at what's working in the game, in the industry."

Timestamps:

[2:35] Understanding College Division I Sports Roster Rules from Fall to Spring

[5:38] Evaluating How Important Fall Ball Is for College Freshmen

[11:18] New Coaching Approaches in First Year as Head Coach

[14:40] Jake’s Journey From High School Cut to College Pitcher and Draft

[23:34] Learning and Growth to Master the Breaking Ball

[25:57] Believing in the Next Level of Pitching

[28:38] The Player-Coach Transition

[32:50] Challenges and Adaptations in Coaching College Pitching

[36:16] Understanding Individualized Program

[38:25] Factors and Insights on Starter-Reliever

[40:39] Recognizing the Pitch Tipping

[43:04] Scheduling Strategies in College Baseball

[45:42] What Makes Central Michigan Stand Out for Recruits

Follow Jake Sabol on Twitter: @jSabe11

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Leadership Qualities in Catchers | Playing to Win and Situational Hitting w/ Miami (OH) Associate Head Coach, Kyle Trewyn

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 08:00:59 GMT

Kyle Trewyn is a college baseball coach and the hitting coach at Miami University in Ohio. He has a Master's degree in Education and has conducted research on leadership in the catching position. With years of experience in recruiting and player development, Kyle brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast.

In this episode, Patrick Jones interviews Kyle Trewyn, the hitting coach at Miami University in Ohio. They discuss Kyle's research on leadership in the catching position, his recruiting philosophy, and his vision for the program at Miami. Kyle also shares his thoughts on the importance of charisma in catchers, the role of left-handed hitters, and the use of metrics in recruiting. He emphasizes the need for balance in recruiting, the value of situational hitting, and the importance of game planning.

Timestamps:

[2:52] Doing Thesis on Leadership for Catchers

[4:52] Insights on Leadership Qualities in Recruiting

[06:47] Freshman Challenges and the Upperclassmen Advantage in Catching

[08:13] The Challenges and Adjustments in First Year at Miami University

[10:58] Vision for the Baseball Program at Miami University

[13:33] Recruiting Biases and Preferences for Left-Handed Hitters

[15:53] Balancing Metrics and Gut Feel for Evaluation

[18:26] What to look for in Analyzing Hitters

[21:46] Recruiting Strategies in the Transfer Portal

[24:55] Choosing Between High School Recruits and Portal Transfer

[27:13] Helping High Schools Get Recruited for College Baseball

[28:49] Recruitment Approach in Offering Players in College Baseball

[30:30] The Importance of Multiple Viewing and The Role of Statistics in Recruitment

[32:42] Typical Day and Emphasized Principles in the Fall Season

[35:55] The Significance of Situational Hitting in College Baseball

[42:15] How to help players develop a Game Plan

Follow Kyle Trewyn on Twitter: @KTrewyn

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Bat Speed | Blast Motion Metrics | The Art & Science of Hitting | Joe Tourville

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 08:00:51 GMT

Joe Tourville has worked at Blast Motion for the past 4 years. He has extensive experience in the amateur baseball space, particularly with Prep Baseball Report (PBR), where he helps with data collection and analysis using Blast Motion technology. In this episode, we discuss the importance of Blast Motion metrics in evaluating and improving a player's performance. We also touch on the role of bat speed, rotational acceleration, and early connection in a player's swing. Joe emphasizes the need for a well-rounded approach to training, including focusing on bat speed, approach, and preparation.

Timestamps:

[4:50] Joe’s Current Role with Blast Motion

[9:00] The most important metric when it comes to evaluating a player

[16:54] Best way to utilize blast motion to help in-game performance

[21:43] Increasing bat speed

[27:29] Effects of contact points

[28:01] Is there such a thing as too much bat speed?

[35:56] Using Blast Motion with other technology

Follow Joe on Twitter: @Joetourville1

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Clint Hurdle | Wisdom from 45 years of Professional Baseball

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 08:09:00 GMT

Clint Hurdle is a former professional baseball player and manager. He played in the major leagues for 10 seasons and later went on to manage the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates. Hurdle is known for his expertise in Managing and hitting and was been recognized as one of the best-hitting prospects of all time. He has a wealth of experience as a coach and has worked with players like Todd Helton, Larry Walker, Vladimir Guerrero, and Josh Hamilton.

In this episode, he shares his insights and advice for coaches, drawing from his experience as both a hitting coach and a manager. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with players and earning their trust. Hurdle believes that it's crucial for coaches to understand a player's strengths and help them develop their own unique style of hitting. He also discusses the impact of analytics on the game of baseball and the need for a balance between data-driven insights and the human element of the game.

• Building a strong relationship and earning the trust of players is essential for hitting coaches.

• Coaches should focus on a player's strengths and help them develop their own unique style of hitting.

• The use of analytics in baseball has brought valuable insights, but there is still a need for the human element and the ability to read players' emotions and body language.

• It's important for coaches to understand how each player learns best, whether it's kinetically, visually, through audio, or touch and feel.

• Coaches should prioritize getting players in a position to recognize pitches with a calm body and head, rather than rushing to hit the ball.

• "It starts with building that relationship and earning the trust of the player."

• "I try and help the player identify his strengths and his areas of improvement, but we focus more on strengths."

• "Coaching is about taking the player and getting them from point A to B in a different type of mode of transportation or a different thought that they couldn't do on their own."

Timestamps:

[2:45] Reason why Clint is now active on social media

[16:27] Preparing our future through our past

[23:23] Clint’s advice to grow the game

[28:18] We get more of what we focus on

[43:32] Coaching and trust go side by side

[44:43] Pivotal points of Clint’s coaching journey

[50:14] What’s behind the numbers and expectations

[56:17] Coaching advice as a manager

[1:01:00] Best players Clint has coached

Follow Clint on Twitter: @ClintHurdle13

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The Best Players Leave Clues | Bill Mosiello

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 08:30:00 GMT

Bill Mosiello is a highly experienced baseball coach who has coached at various levels of the game, including college and professional baseball. He has worked with numerous successful players, including Mike Trout, and has coached over 100 players who have gone on to play in the major leagues. Mosiello is currently the head coach of the Ohio State University baseball team.

Show Notes

Timestamps:

[3:09] What Separates a Great Player from an Average Player

[6:44] Adjustment from high school to college

[8:42] Learning as a Coach in the Professional Game

[23:01] New Technology

[25:00] Golden Age of College Ball

[32:06] Things to look for in a Position Player

[33:41] Biggest Influence in Bill's coaching career

[36:17] Advice for Younger Coaches

[42:20] Vision for Ohio State

Follow Bill on Twitter: @Bill_Mosiello

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Dr. Andy Wolfe | Research Study on Grip Strength for College Baseball Players

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 08:32:00 GMT

Dr. Andy Wolf is a research scientist, professor at Tarleton State University, and a former college coach and baseball player. He has conducted extensive research in the field of sports science, focusing on improving training methods for various athletic populations, including baseball players and rodeo athletes. Dr. Wolf discusses his research on improving training methods for baseball players and rodeo athletes. He emphasizes the importance of individualized training based on specific positions and the need to consider factors such as grip strength and arm angles. He also explores the use of technology, such as GPS and arm sleeves, to monitor and adjust training load. Dr. Wolf highlights the significance of resilience in training and the potential benefits of incorporating ice baths. He concludes by discussing his study on the correlation between grip strength and hitting performance metrics in collegiate baseball players.

Timestamps:

[3:28] Research and Background

[6:48] New Technology

[9:17] The Art of Coaching Players

[11:49] The Purpose of Training is to Adapt

[13:23] Enhancing Resilience

[15:04] The Importance of Curiosity

[17:01] AHA! Moments while Studying

[21:05] Advice to Coaches and Players

[25:18] Utilizing the Blast Motion

[31:46] Focusing Lifting Heavy Stuff Fast

[33:50] Amount of Reps

[37:04] Recommendations for Position Players

[42:38] Deadlift Exercise

[46:55] Inspiring Strength Coaches

[49:17] Water Bags Training

Official Fb Page

Website

Full Research Study on Grip Strength

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Perry Husband explains the concept of effective velocity in hitting.

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 08:19:00 GMT

Perry Husband, a pioneer in the field of effective velocity, discusses the concept of pitch deception and its impact on hitting. He explains how speed is relative and how different pitch locations can affect a hitter's timing and exit velocity. He emphasizes the importance of understanding a hitter's attention zone and how to exploit it as a pitcher. He also highlights the need for hitters to align with the pitch and the fallacy of trying to swing up for more power. Perry provides valuable insights into the intricacies of hitting and pitching in baseball and softball.

Timestamps:

[3:00] Understanding Effective Velocity

[8:15] Understanding How Zone Works

[19:20] Speed is Relative

[21:10] Using Effective Velocity in the Game

[24:50] Being Drawn to the same Speed

[29:00] A Story About Dustin Maze

[30:25] Following Logic

[33:00] Up and Away Fastball

[44:49] Things to do Differently

[49:09] Moving the Fastball all Over the Place

[56:13] Example of 100/100

Perry's Website

Twitter

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Rob Fournier discusses building a winning culture in college baseball

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 09:46:25 GMT

Rob Fournier, former head coach at Wabash Valley and current coach at Western Kentucky University, discusses his decision to leave a successful junior college program and make the jump to coaching at the Division I level. He shares his approach to building a winning culture and getting the most out of his players. Fournier also talks about his recruiting strategies and how he finds talented players who may have been overlooked by other programs. He emphasizes the importance of developing relationships with players and coaches, as well as the value of being open-minded and constantly learning from others. Fournier also discusses his coaching style and the importance of holding players accountable. He shares insights into his practice structure and how he organizes his time to maximize player development. Fournier also discusses the use of technology in coaching and the benefits of video analysis. Overall, Fournier provides valuable insights into what it takes to be a successful baseball coach at both the junior college and Division 1 level.

Time Stamps:

0:02:25Rob left Wabash Valley to coach at Division I level

0:02:22The move to Western Kentucky was the right fit

0:04:41The secret to success is building a strong foundation

0:06:27Culture is instilled by getting the right players

0:07:55Finding diamonds in the rough requires expanding recruiting efforts

0:09:37Stories of players who exceeded expectations

0:12:39Selling point for Wabash Valley was focus on development

0:12:57Facilities were not a factor, emphasis on school and baseball

0:14:05Typical day in the fall at Wabash Valley

0:15:05Junior college vs Division I coaching differences.

0:15:48Coaching is about developing people and relationships.

0:17:41Utilizing technology and player development in coaching.

0:18:08Emphasis on offense and being a well-rounded hitter.

0:18:26Developing trust with players through observation and communication.

0:19:23Game planning and adjusting based on pitcher and game situations.

0:20:35The competition level in the conference and expectations.

0:21:34Learning and growing as a coach by observing other sports.

0:22:52Organizing practice to maximize time and development.

0:23:57Practice drills and bringing energy to practice

0:28:12Batting practice includes machine work, angle BP, and candy BP

0:29:23Importance of having an open mind and listening to coaching staff

0:30:47Utilizing video and technology to improve coaching

0:31:13Emphasizing the importance of timing in all aspects of the game

0:31:52Watching practice videos to identify areas for improvement

0:32:22Video accountability for coaches and players

0:32:40Holding players accountable for their actions and body language

0:33:16Using video to analyze player behavior and make improvements

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Tips for College Recruiting, Transfer Portal Rules, and Pitching Command Training | Matt Hollod

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 08:10:00 GMT

Matt Hollod is the associate head coach at Northwest Nazarene University in Idaho. With over 20 years of coaching experience at various levels, including Division One, Division Two, Division Three, and junior college, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the podcast.

Summary:

In this episode, Patrick Jones interviews Matt Hollod, associate head coach at Northwest Nazarene University. They discuss the recruiting process, the transfer portal, and the differences between different levels of college baseball. Matt emphasizes the importance of considering factors beyond getting drafted when choosing a college program. He also shares his insights on developing pitchers and the value of command.

Key Takeaways:

Only a small percentage of Division One players get drafted, so it's important to consider other factors when choosing a college program.
Division Two and junior college players are increasingly being recruited by Division One programs.
It's important to be realistic about your abilities and consider all levels of college baseball, not just Division One.
Command is a crucial skill for pitchers, and it can be developed through consistent practice and repetition.
Confidence is key to developing command, and getting on the mound more frequently can help build that confidence.

Quotes:

"We all want to play at the highest level, but there are many other variables that are more important than getting drafted." - Matt Hollod
"Confidence equals command. The more you believe in yourself, the better you'll be able to execute pitches." - Matt Hollod

Timestamps for Matt Hollod

[3:20] Only 4.7% of D1 Players get Drafted

[8:18] What Separates the Levels

[12:38] Delusion and Dominance

[19:14] Having Fun while Playing

[22:06] Rules in the Transfer Portal

[26:13] The Things that a coach value and implement among pitchers

[39:33] Percentage In-between outings on the mound in the game

[44:54] Taking Pride in Keeping the Guys Healthy

Follow Matt on Twitter

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The Importance of Fixation in Hitting and Left-Handed Hitters | Alan Jaeger

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 08:03:00 GMT

Alan Jaeger is a mental skills coach who specializes in working with athletes in baseball and softball. He has worked with players at all levels, from youth to professional, and is known for his expertise in meditation and mental wellness in sports.

Summary:

In this episode, Alan Jaeger discusses the importance of meditation and mental practice in baseball and softball. He emphasizes that there is no age limit for starting these practices and believes that introducing basic concepts at a young age can have a transformative impact on players' lives. He also highlights the need for mental preparation and skill development in addition to talking about the mental game. Alan and Patrick delve into the concept of fixation and its role in hitting, particularly for left-handed hitters. They discuss the challenges faced by left-handed hitters and the need for them to work on the fixation principle to improve their performance. They also touch on the influence of data and technology in the game and the importance of focusing on the mental side of the game as a differentiating factor.

Key Takeaways:

Meditation and mental practice can benefit players of all ages, and introducing these concepts at a young age can have a transformative impact on their lives.
The mental game is just as important as the physical game, and players need to prioritize mental preparation and skill development.
Fixation, or the ability to stay focused on the ball for a longer period of time, is crucial for hitting success, especially for left-handed hitters.
Left-handed hitters often struggle due to a lack of exposure to left-handed pitchers during their formative years, and they need to work on breaking old habits and developing new skills.
The fixation principle can be trained and improved through drills and practice, and it can lead to better performance against left-handed pitchers.

Quotes:

"The world is starving for meditation, mental practice, mental health, mental wellness."
"The mental game and mental preparation ultimately lead to skill development."
"Left-handed hitters need to work on the fixation principle to improve their performance against left-handed pitchers."
"The fixation principle is about staying on something longer and not being anxious or rushing."
"Success leaves clues, and the best hitters talk about hitting to the opposite field."

Timestamps for Alan Jaeger

[2:49] Young Players on Meditation

[5:10] Something to Improve Upon

[8:48] Vision

[14:08] The Fixation Principle

[18:14] Struggles of Left handed hitters through the years

[31:14] Working with Left-handed hitters who struggle

[34:50] Success Leaves Clues

[37:58] Earning The Opposite Field

[40:50] Building Good Mental Skills

[44:36] Softball

[49:00] The Importance of Approach

Follow Alan:

Twitter

Article that Alan wrote:

Batters Box Management Article

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Vision Training with Dr. Lauren Bailey

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 09:07:40 GMT

Dr. Lauren Bailey is joining us today, a leading sports vision expert. In this episode, we'll uncover the process behind honing your visual prowess on the field, gaining insights into how top athletes enhance their performance through cutting-edge vision techniques.

Timestamps for Dr. Bailey

[3:33] Can we take good vision and make it great?

[5:10] Vision Assessment

[10:05] Taking Care of Your Eyesight

[14:59] Thoughts on Fixation - Soft Focus and Pivot Point

[21:37] Importance of decreasing anxiety in the box

[23:45] Lateral Eye Movement

[28:26] Visualization

[33:15] Helping Pitchers with vision

[39:55] Eyewear in Vision Training

[44:43] 3V Program

[48:30] Closing Summary

Follow Dr. Bailey on Twitter: @sportsvisionins

Dr. Bailey's Program: https://sportsvisioninstitutepllc.com/resources-%26-downloads

Senaptec: https://t.co/ndEHGHkDiv (Code BAILEY15 - $15 off STROBE CLASSIC and STROBE PROBAILEY50 - $50 off STROBE ELITE)

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The College Baseball Recruiting Process

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 08:43:00 GMT

On the latest Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast, I am talking about how to navigate the recruiting process. I talk about specific metrics needed to play at the Power 5 and D1 level, why in-game numbers matter, the pros and cons of the transfer portal, contacting college coaches, and the role social media plays in helping players get recruited.

Timestamps

[4:18] Pros and Cons of the Transfer Portal

[7:52] What a Power 5 Player looks like

[20:00] How The Scholarships are Spread Out

[23:36] The Importance of Twitter

[26:46] Emailing Coaches

How to email a college coach

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The Real Reason Pitcher's Can't Throw 95 MPH | Dean Jackson

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 09:23:14 GMT

On this Patrick Jones Baseball podcast episode, we welcome Dean Jackson. Dean brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our conversation as a former professional pitcher within the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. Dean has recently transitioned from his role at Driveline, where he made significant contributions to the advancement of pitching techniques through motion capture labs; his expertise in mechanics, throwing routines, and recovery remains as relevant as ever. Aspiring pitchers seeking to take their game to new heights will find Dean's insights invaluable.

Timestamps for Dean Jackson:

[2:47] Background

[9:00] Life Purpose

[10:18] Goals

[12:07] Pitching Mechanics

[16:13] Understanding Genetics

[19:06] Does height matter for pitchers?

[28:12] Throwing Routines

[35:43] Developing command

[40:26] Recovery

Follow Dean Jackson on Twitter: @doublexcanflex

Subscribe to Dean Jackson on Youtube: @DoubleXCanFlex

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How to Improve Fastball Command | Ryan Atkinson

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 08:54:00 GMT

On the latest Patrick Jones Baseball podcast, my guest is Ryan Atkinson, current pitching coordinator at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, owner of Performance House, and former MiLB pitcher in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. Ryan went from undrafted out of the University of Cincinnati, got a real job working at a hospital for 12 months, and then decided to try out for an independent team. He made the Independent Team Evansville Otters, and less than two weeks later, the Arizona Diamondbacks signed him as a free agent. Ryan massively improved his Fastball command in a 2-year window. In his last season at the University of Cincinnati, he walked 45 batters in 71 innings. In his first full season of professional baseball, he had 60 BBs in 141 innings. The reason: Fastball command We discuss how to improve a pitcher's command, what Ryan changed over that 2 year time period, and the importance of discipline and hard work over a long period of time.

Timestamps for Ryan Atkinson

[3:39] Game Changer

[5:28] Getting Confidence

[7:33] Mental Side of the Game

[12:13] Breathing Practice

[15:05] Mechanical Changes from College to Pro-ball

[17:37] Learning

[20:03] Released Early

[23:13] Regrets and Retirement

[29:02] Surprises from a Coaches Stand Point

[31:45] Bio-Mechanics

[35:05] Structuring the Process

[40:37] Time Frame

[46:32] Vision

Follow Ryan Atkinson on Twitter: @OldSport_34

Ryan's gym in Kentucky

Follow Ryan on Instagram

Patrick Jones Baseball:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseball

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseball

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/

Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com

Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/blog

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The Clutch Gene, Patience, and Recruiting at D2 Level | Trey Dyson

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 08:26:00 GMT

The current hitting coach at North Greenville, Trey Dyson, is on the podcast this week. North Greenville won the D2 National Championship in 2023. In this episode, Trey talks about his career as a coach, advice for current coaches, and what he's looking for when recruiting at North Greenville.

Timestamps for Trey Dyson:

[2:55] Going back to Baseball

[5:28] Being on TV

[7:29] Transition from TV to Coaching

[9:00] Initial Thoughts on Coaching College Baseball

[11:45] Building Trust with Players

[20:18] National Championship

[25:40] Player development

[33:56] Building Trust

[37:03] The Recruitment Process

[40:40] Becoming Clutch

Follow Eddie Trey Dyson on Twitter: @TreyDyson

Follow North Greenville on Twitter: @ngubaseball

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The Biggest Turnaround in D1 College Baseball | Eddie Smith

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 08:09:00 GMT

This week we welcome Eddie Smith to the podcast. Eddie is the head baseball coach at Utah Valley University. No D1 college baseball program has seen a bigger turnaround than Utah Valley over the last three years. Before taking over the program in 2021, Utah Valley finished with a 10-47 record. This past 2023 season, they finished with a 34-27 record. In this episode, Eddie talks about his vision for the program, questions he asks recruits, the type of player he wants, and player development.

Timestamps for Eddie Smith

[4:08] Achieving the Best Turn Around

[5:28] The Process of Developing Hitters in the Fall

[7:11] Hitters Hit Vs. Hitting Mechanics

[9:38] Going About Swing Decisions

[11:18] Hitters Meeting

[18:47] Helping Players on the Mental Side of the Game

[24:16] Lesson Learned as a Head Coach

[28:24] Specific Questions during the Recruitment Process

[31:00] SCC Facilities

[34:30] Goals Vs. Dreams

[36:51] Thoughts about Scheduling

[42:40] Planned Schedule for Next Year

Follow Eddie Smith on Twitter: @CoachEddieSmith

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37 years as a college pitching coach | Dave Lawn

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 09:10:00 GMT

Dave Lawn just completed his 8th season as a coach on the staff at the University of Arizona. Dave has been a pitching coach for nearly 40 years at the collegiate level (wow)! In this episode, he opens up about some of his mistakes, what he believes in, and stories from his coaching journey.

Timestamps for Dave Lawn

[2:38] Proudest Moment as a Coach

[5:26] Connecting with the Players

[16:21] Numbers that get you Recruited

[28;20] The Importance of Breathing

[39:37] Visualization

[41:03] Coaching Mentors

[45:15] Things to watch out for

[47:34] Pitch Counts for Pitchers in General

Follow Dave Lawn on Twitter: @CoachDaveLawn

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Building a Division 2 College Baseball Program | Matt Richter

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 08:54:00 GMT

In this episode, we have Matt Richter, the head baseball coach at Cedarville University in the great state of Ohio. Matt has over 25 years of experience in baseball as a coach, scout, and recruiter. This past season was his first as a head coach. We talk about common mistakes in the recruiting process, what he looks for in players, and his vision for his program.

Timestamps for Matt Richter

[2:06] The Importance of getting to know your guys

[3:40] Things to Improve upon

[9:23] Helping Players through the Line Up

[13:45] Team Goals

[16:00] Team Captains

[21:47] Things we are looking for in the recruiting process

[29:26] Must Have Skills

[32:05] Mistakes in the Recruiting Process

[41:32] Being open to play at all Levels

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How The Best Coaches Develop Players | Mental Performance Coach | Brian Cain

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 08:48:00 GMT

Our guest today needs a minimal introduction. He has worked with MLB All-Stars, Olympic gold medalists, and athletes in all sports. Brian Cain has been helping players improve on the mental side of the game for over 20 years. In today's episode, he gives practical ways that you can help players with the mental side of the game right away. I've attached links in the show notes if you want to listen to Brian's podcast and connect with him further.

Timestamps for Brian Cain

[4:41] Things Baseball Players do to Remain Calm when there is Chaos

[8:29] The Focal Point Before Stepping the Box

[9:34] Definition of Success

[12:58] A Player’s Focus

[14:19] Helping Players Prepare for Failure

[17:20] 3 Aspects of Hitting You have to Develop

[20:27] Ways for Coaches to Develop

[24:50] Helping Players with Time Management

[30:35] Typical Day for Brian Cain during the season

[36:26] Pushing for the Better

Brian's podcast

Day in the life of Brian Cain

Sean Casey's approach at the plate

Mental Imagery for hitters

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Old School + New School Pitching Coach | Darren Ware

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 12:47:01 GMT

Darren Ware is currently the pitching coach at Walsh University in Ohio. Walsh is a Division 2 college baseball program. Darren explains the competition at the D2 level, how he coached his sons growing up (both now college pitchers) and combining old school + new school pitching techniques.

Timestamps for Darren Ware

[2:48] Agenda for the Summer

[4:33] Things Coaches are looking for during Recruitment

[8:41] The Importance of Height in Pitchers

[11:32] Advice to parents whose kids want to play in D1

[13:45] Coaching your kids

[21:22] Analytics at the College Level

[24:50] D2 from a Velocity StandPoint

[29:32] Taking Chance on Players based on Velo

[31:18] Development as a Coach

[33:44] Question for other Coaches

[41:41] Work Away Vs. Working In

Follow Darren Ware on Twitter: @coachware17

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Helping Pitchers With The Mental Game | Aaron Hilt

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 09:23:00 GMT

Aaron just completed his second season at Eastern Michigan University, where his pitchers broke the single-season strikeout record for the second straight season. In this episode, Aaron breaks down his philosophy on pitching development, the mental game, analytics, and what he's learned over his coaching career.

Timestamps

[4:10] Transition from Division 2 to Division 1 (from a coaching standpoint)

[8:45] Changes after fixing a pitcher’s issues

[10:18] Red and Yellow Flags

[12:15] Recruiting and Building Your Program

[14:43] Change Up

[16:55] Technology that Helps Pitcher's the Most

[22:10] A Player’s Nutrition

[26:32] Do’s and Don'ts

[28:22] Warm Ups

[30:10] Finding Your Routine as a Freshman

[37:37] Mental Side of the Game

Follow Aaron on Twitter

https://twitter.com/CoachAHilt

Aaron's Twitter

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ESPN Analyst & Former College Softball All American | Tori Vidales

Mon, 29 May 2023 07:38:00 GMT

This week I sat down with current ESPN Softball Analyst and former All-American @ Texas A&M, Tori Vidales. Tori is currently a professional softball player for Athletes Unlimited. In this episode, she talks about her background as a player, adjusting as an analyst, and what she wants to improve upon this upcoming season with Athletes Unlimited.

Timestamps for Tori Vidales

[2:35] Highschool Journey

[7:30] Hitting off of a Tee

[8:44] Routine before playing the game

[13:35] Post Softball life

[13:20] Biggest difference between Athletes Unlimited and the WPF

[22:52] TV Commenting Career

[32:19] Interviewing or Commentating

[34:21 Delivering Analytics

[36:16] Things to look for when watching Hitter

[38:51] Approach at the Plate

[41:30] The Toughest Pitcher

[44:39] Things to Improve upon

[47:57] The Best Hitter in the World

Follow Tori Vidales on Twitter: @vidalestori

Instagram: @vidalestori

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How To Develop Bat Speed & Increase Exit Velocity | Bill Miller

Mon, 22 May 2023 08:21:00 GMT

Bat Speed. You want more of it but don't know how to get it. Do you swing weighted bats? Lift heavier weights? What should you do in the weight room? This week, we welcome Bill Miller to the podcast. Bill specializes in working with rotational athletes. In this episode, he talks about the ways he has been able to help hitters develop more bat speed and increase their exit velocity at the plate.

Timestamps for Bill Miller

[3:33] Helping Athletes Build Rotational Power and Strength

[5:33] Bat Speed

[8:20] Areas for Training

[11:30] Lead arm rotational throws

[14:19]Increasing a Player’s Power

[15:25] Grip Strength Findings

[19:08] Training both sides of the body as a hitter

[25:39] 4D Motion Vs K-Vest

[28:40] Driveline

[30:35] Developing and Challenging Hitters

[33:42] Biggest Challenges Working with Pro Players Vs College Hitters

[35:57] Mental Game

[37:38] Helping a player with their Mental Game

[40:24] How Pro guys think throughout the year

Follow Bill on Twitter

Follow Bill on Instagram

Below on the links to both of the books, Bill has written:

Throw Fast https://www.lulu.com/shop/bill-miller/throw-fast/paperback/product-9vkpkn.html

Swing Fast https://www.amazon.com/SWING-FAST-Guide-Developing-Rotational/dp/B08GVGMX8F

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Developing elite movement patterns with baseball & softball players | Dr. Ismael Gallo

Mon, 15 May 2023 08:55:00 GMT

Dr. Ismael Gallo, a physical therapist who was once a professional baseball player, appears in today's episode. As a current physical therapist and a former baseball player, he can mix movement and on-field baseball and comprehend abilities and skill growth. He also created a movement system that enables players to execute more effectively from a young age through high school, junior high, college, and professional baseball. This is Dr. Gallo's second time on the podcast. His first episode was #268.

Timestamps

[5:14] Identifying what's Important when watching games

[7:30] Improving baseball flow on a Team Setting

[8:40] Baseball Flows

[11:45] Importance of using the Ground

[13:20] Importance of using the Ground Vs. Moving through the middle of the body

[16:27] Best example of movement flows

[17:53] Movement Patterns and Structure Change

[20:56] Static Stretching

[22:38] What hurts a player’s performance

[27:57] Kettlebells with Movement Flows

[30:05] Movement Screen

[37:06] Movement Flows on Pitchers

[39:57] Horizontal Vs. Vertical Flows

[40:55] The Future of Baseball Flows

[44:55] Most Important body part in baseball flows

[45:56] Outline of Progression for a amateur player

Follow Dr. Ismael Gallo on Twitter: @flowsdoc

Contact them at: www.baseballflows.com

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7 ways to help players with the Mental Game

Mon, 08 May 2023 09:54:00 GMT

Timestamps

[0:44] A Player’s Version of Success

[3:40] Plan for Failure

[7:23] The Process Checklist

[9:19] Be less negative, Not more Positive

[11:18] The Art of Not Caring

[13:54] Social Life

[6:17 ] Breathing

If you enjoy this episode, you might enjoy my weekly newsletter

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Coaching players in the private sector | John Sangillo & Matt Pilewski

Mon, 01 May 2023 08:58:00 GMT

This week we're talking to two great coaches in the private sector. John Sangillo @AcesSangillo and Matt Pilewski @kingfish626. John is a hitting coach In New Jersey who works with 100s of hitters. He has traveled all over the country doing private clinics. John constantly learns about hitting and discusses how he works with hitters. Matt Pilewski owns PVS Baseball, a baseball facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Matt talks about how he started coaching and what working with pitchers at his facility is like.

Timestamps for John Sangillo & Matt Pilewski

[4:27] Revolutionizing Player Development: The Emergence of Performance Velocity Systems

[13:08] John Sangillo as ACE

[17:00] Unlocking a player’s potential

[22:22] A Chance Encounter that Led to a Fruitful Partnership

[28:38] Challenging Conventional Wisdom with Innovative Methods

[36:25] Getting Inspiration

[43:02 ] Our Job is to eliminate our job

[47:50] Success Stories

[52:30] Genuine Teaching

[56:31] Hitting Vs Pitching

[58:03] 3 Pillars of throwing better

[1:00:44] Truck of stuff

[1:05:00] Best way of researching as a coach

[1:14:12] Everybody’s different

[1:17:06] Dominoes

[1:18:36] Process of working with new players

[1:24:25] Throwing Assessment

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Erik Shoenrock | How JUCO Baseball works, scholarship money, recruiting, and roster sizes

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 08:19:00 GMT

Junior College Baseball. That's the theme of this week's episode. Our guest is Erik Shoenrock, head baseball coach at Southwest Tennessee Community College. Erik played collegiately at the University of Memphis and was drafted by the San Diego Padres. In this episode, we cover everything about junior college baseball. How the scholarship process work, roster sizes, tuition, recruiting, development, NCAA rules, and everything else you can think of.

Timestamps

[6:10] Recruitment after junior college level

[12:22]From Junior College to the Pros

[13:20] Scholarships

[18:38] Recruiting Process

[22:31] Recruiting Based on the Environment

[26:17] Going to the Next Level

[28:29] Player Development StandPoint

[32:12] Old-school Techniques

[35:05] Fall Ball

[38:26] The Transfer Portal

[39:37] Junior College

Follow Erik Shoenrock

Twitter: @CoachEScho

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How to develop the modern day pitcher | Tyler Zombro

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 08:37:00 GMT

Tyler Zombro is a professional pitcher who spent several years in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. In 2019 he was named minor league reliever of the year. Even though he is a professional pitcher, Tyler is also a full-time employee of Tread Athletics. A company that trains pitchers remotely. In this episode, we talk about Tyler's personal development and what he's seen work in developing pitchers and what hasn't. If you love pitching, you will love this episode.

Timestamps for Tyler Zombro

[7:15] The Difference Between the Best of the Best Pitchers

[8:44] Teaching Execution

[9:43] Mindset during Pitching

[12:44] Increasing Velocity

[13:44] Dealing with Injuries

[21:24] The biggest transition from the college game to the pro game

[22:51] Advice to Hitters from a Pitcher

[28:23 ] Tread Athletics

[31:05] Focusing on what players are good at

[33:09] Things to Improve upon as a Coach

[34:21] The Plan

[41:25] Transparency and Accountability at Tread

[43:31 Tread Vision

[44:47] Hiring Process at Tread

Follow Tyler Zombro

Twitter: @T_Zombro24

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How to beat the Yips forever | Jason Kuhn

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 08:39:00 GMT

In today's episode, we're talking about the 'thing' that has ended careers. The word that nobody wants to say out loud in a clubhouse. We're talking about beating the yips. Today's guest is Jason Kuhn, a former college pitcher whose career ended when he got the Yips. Devasted, he wanted to prove to himself that he was mentally tough. So he decided to become a Navy Seal. After he served, he came back to the United States and started working with pitchers who were dealing with the same issue that ended his career. He has had a ton of success and has been featured in Sports Illustrated for his work with Tyler Matzek.

Timestamps

[5:40] Transformative Power of Overcoming Challenges

[7:48] Advice to Younger Self

[12:34] Team First Mentality

[19:59] Cause and Effect

[20:34] The Danger Zone

[22:09] Root Cause of Yips

[29:26] The Lack of Arm Strength Development in Most Programs

[31:56] Coaching Players Who Struggle to the Yips

[48:59] The Comprehensive Solution to the Yips

[50:12] The Time Frame of Removing the Tension

[1:12:08 ] Rebuilding the Foundational Trust

[1:16:52] Advice to kids who are struggling

[1:18:25] Purpose

Follow Jason Kuhn

Twitter: @jasonkuhn255

Follow Jason Kuhn

Twitter: @jasonkuhn255

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Behind the Travel Softball Scene | Mike Zimmer

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 13:16:07 GMT

Travel Softball can feel like a maze to families. Which tournaments should you attend? What team should you play on? When should you start playing travel softball? This week I sit down with Texas Glory assistant coach Mike Zimmer. Mike has coached travel softball for several years and has a daughter going through the recruiting process. Mike also runs the biggest softball Facebook page. If you are affiliated with travel softball, you will love this episode.

Timestamps for Mike Zimmer

[3:35] Saving money during Travel SoftBall

[6:38] Advice to Parents on Picking the Right Team or Coach

[11:45] The Fear of Missing Out

[13:51] Making Travel SoftBall More Affordable for kids

[16:47] Taking Control of the Recruiting Process

[22:46] Avoiding Bias for Parents who Coach

[29:29] The Lack of Arm Strength Development in Most Programs

[33:52] The Impact of Hitting

[37:19] The Mental Side of The Game

[39:49] Dealing with Failure

[42:20] The Facebook Community Coaching Softball

Follow Mike Zimmer

Twitter: @Mike_P_Zimmer

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The Pioneer of Pitching Development | Tom House

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 08:23:00 GMT

Patrick Jones @pjonesbaseball is joined by Tom House @tomhouse this week. Tom House doesn't need much of an introduction. He has been involved with baseball for over 40 years. After his MLB pitcher career ended, he decided to take up coaching and became an MLB pitching coach. He had such a big impact that Nolan Ryan mentioned him in his hall of fame speech as someone who made a massive impact on his career. After coaching at the MLB level, Tom decided he could impact more players working in the private sector. It wasn't just pitchers that sought to work with Tom. NFL quarterbacks also wanted to spend time with him; Tom Brady and Drew Brees are among the few quarterbacks who worked with Tom over the years. To help as many pitchers as possible, Tom recently built a pitching app called Mustard app. A pitcher can take a video of themselves throwing, and with artificial intelligence, they will immediately be sent back a report on what they need to work on and drills specific for them. If you love pitching, you will love listening to the legendary Tom House on this episode.

Timestamps for Tom House

[4:34] Introduction to Motion Analysis

[8:10] The Confirmation Bias

[11:01] Pitching Mindset

[22:30] Towel Drill

[24:51 ] Working with Hall of Famers

[31:02] MLB 15-second rule

[34:25] Windows of Trainability

[42:08] Process Over Outcome

[47:44] The Development of Mustard App

Follow Tom House

Twitter: @tomhouse

Mustard App

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Hitting Development @ Virginia Tech University | Kurt Elbin

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 08:10:00 GMT

Patrick Jones @pjonesbaseball is joined by Kurt Elbin @elbin_kurt this week. Kurt is the recruiting coordinator and associate head coach at Virginia Tech University. He has coached at division 3 and division 2 levels of college baseball. Prior to Virginia Tech, he was at Virginia Commonwealth University, coaching under Shawn Stiffler who was recently on the podcast. In this episode Kurt opens up about his philosophy on developing hitters in his program, how he's evolved over time, recruiting, and gives advice to coaches who one day want to coach at the Power 5 level.

Timestamps

[3:32] Unconventional Techniques

[4:30] Changing Up The Variables for Players

[11:22] The Team’s Game Plan

[15:14] Virginia Tech’s Reputation

[18:17]Helping Players with The Mental Side of the Game

[21:54] The Significance of the Recruitment Process

[29:58] Identifying Great Players

[33:07] Learning from Coaching Mistakes and Proud Moments

[36:57] The Pitch Clock

[40:32Typical Coaching Day

[46:19] Advice for Younger Coaches

Follow Kurt ElbinTwitter: @elbin_kurt

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The Science of Hitting, Bat Fitting, and Force Plates | Chad Miller

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 08:34:00 GMT

Chad Miller is the Co-Founder of the Louisville Slugger Science Hitting Center. Chad works with players at every level of the game and is a consultant to several MLB organizations. He is on the cutting edge of technology in hitting, and In this episode, we talk about some of the things that Chad walks us through in his evaluation process. We get into bat fitting, force plates, technology, and his vision for the future of hitting development.

Timestamps

[2:37] Common Hitting Traits that Need Improvement

[11:00] The Importance of Balance in a Player’s Hitting process

[13:23] The Importance of Ground Work in a Player's Hitting Process

[17:17] The Value of Technology in Coaching

[25:49] Key Takeaways from Bat Fitting: Improving Player Performance Through Proper Equipment

[34:10] Chad Miller’s Long-Term Vision

[35:51] Common Mistakes of Baseball Coaches

[39:12] Handling a Player’s Training Feedback

[42:35] Choosing the Perfect Equipment for a Baseball Player

[45:28] Thoughts on Blast Motion

Follow Chad Miller's Twitter: @CMillerLSHSC

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Lessons learned from being a head coach | Shawn Stiffler

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 09:37:00 GMT

This week we welcome the head baseball coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Shawn Stiffler. This season, 2023, is Shawn's first year as the head coach at Notre Dame. Previously he was the head coach at Virginia Commonwealth University. In this episode, we talk about all good head coaches' traits, how to run an organized practice, and how Shawn has changed over his coaching career.

[2:28] The Most Important Quality of a Head Coach

[4:38] Communication Skills

[8:17] Structuring Baseball Practices

[9:28] Developing Hitters

[17:44] Advice for Young Coaches

[23:47] Staff Hiring

[26:29] Gut Feeling VS Analytics

[41:36] Adapting to the Transfer Portal

Follow Shawn Stiffler

Twitter: @ShawnStiffler29

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mental Game | Andy Mckay

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 09:55:00 GMT

This week we welcome one of the best coaches I have heard speak on the mental side of the game, Andy Mckay. Andy is currently the Assistant GM for the Seattle Mariners. In this episode, we talk about goal setting, preparing for failure, and why as a coach, you should be coaching a player's response and not their result.

Time Stamps

[6:04] The Importance of Long-Term and Short-Term Goals for Players

[11:41] Key Focus Areas for Mental development

[19:04] Helping players Prepare for Failure

[26:07] Coaching the Response not the Result

[29:47] Changing the Pitching Approach

[37:24] Knowing a Player, Process Beyond the Data

[40:41] Strategies for Helping Players Overcome the Fear of Failure

[49:25] Realizations throughout Andy’s Coaching Career

[51:35] The Qualities and Practices that Make a Great Baseball Coach

[54:04] Quantifying the Impact and Progress of Baseball Coaches

Follow Andy Mckay on Twitter: @AndyMcKayHG

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to develop a high school pitcher | Jason Mills

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 09:55:00 GMT

On this week's episode, we welcome Jason Mills. Jason is the head coach for DH Conley High School, pitching coach for the Canes 17u National, scout for the New York Mets, President of the North Carolina baseball coaches association, and a high school chemistry teacher. This episode discusses developing high school pitchers in a team setting. If you enjoy this episode, please share it with someone you think would like to listen.

Timestamps

[2:18] Weekly Activities to Reach Your Potential: A Guide for Maximum Growth and Success

[4:52] Role of a strength coach in high school baseball

[13:15] Pitch Counts

[20:25] Year-Round Throwing

[28:48] Scouting pitchers

[40:30] Framework for developing pitches

[44:33] The risks and benefits of throwing breaking balls

If you haven't, please leave us a review on iTunes

Follow Jason Mills

Twitter: @dhcbaseball

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to build a successful program W/ Patrick Murphy

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 08:35:00 GMT

In today’s episode, my guest is Patrick Murphy, Head Softball Coach at The University of Alabama. His staff has been named NFCA south regional staff of the year 11x, including national staff of the year in 2012, he’s in the Alabama sports hall of fame, and in 2012 the Alabama Crimson Tide won the National Championship. More importantly, Coach Murphy is a good person who cares about his players. I visited him this past fall at the University of Alabama and was blown away by how well his program is run. In today’s episode, we talk about how to build a program, college recruiting and developing players on and off the field.

Timestamps

[3:50] Strategies for Involving Parents and Players

[14:24] The Three C’s

[17:10] Building a Strong Culture

[24:45] Strategies for Handling Discussions about Playing Time

[29:31] Dealing with Failure

[30:21] The Impact of the Transfer Portal on College Athletics

[34:52] Personal and Professional Development for Coaches

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Junior College Baseball W/Jon Watson

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 20:58:01 GMT

On today's episode, my guest is Jon Watson, and we dive into the world of Junior College baseball. Jon is currently the head coach at Chandler Gilbert Community College in Arizona. He has a wealth of experience as an assistant coach at the JUCO level and now as a head coach. We talk about who JUCO baseball is for and why you should consider it if you're a high school baseball player.

Timestamps

[5:37] Time management strategies for game days

[9:01] JUCO recruitment

[19:44] Undiscovered talent in JUCO

[23:51] Perception of transferring from JUCO

[26:16] Reasons for attending JUCO

[37:19] JUCO success stories

Follow Jon Watson

Twitter: @Jonwatson36

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aaron Longenecker: Secret Service Agent Becomes D1 College Softball Coach

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT

On today's episode, my guest is Aaron Longenecker. Aaron is currently the hitting coach for the Souther Mississippi softball team. Aaron spent 20 years as a United States secret service agent before becoming a softball coach. In this episode, Aaron explains his process in developing hitters at Southern Miss, how he uses Twitter as a recruiting tool, and how his previous career in the secret service helps him today as a coach.

Timestamps

[3:57] Transition from US Secret Service Agent to Hitting Coach.

[5:49] Aaron's baseball past before joining the US Secret Service.

[6:38] The coaching itch during his college and early career.

[9:16] The impact of Hal Mcray on Aaron Longenecker's baseball journey.

[11:07] The Thought process behind Aaron Longenecker's Coaching Career.

[12:16] The appeal of softball over other sports.

[15:20] Recruiting process in travel softball.

[17:26] Suggestions for enhancing the travel softball experience.

[18:44] Identifying potential players to recruit.

[19:27] Twitter as a qualified lead in the Recruitment Process.

[24:31] The role of being a secret service in determining desirable personality traits in a player.

[29:06] Southern Mississippi practice environment.

[33:59] Approach and plan during the game.

[36:39] Processes for helping players improve their Mental Game.

[44:11] Surrounding yourself with the right people.

Follow Aaron Longenecker:

Twitter: @BigRockHawk

LinkedIn: Aaron Longenecker

You can also listen on:

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/5uWotdCtMLSXIfOoKCMmhL

Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chase Gerbrick: Life as a D1 College Baseball Player

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 21:00:23 GMT

On today's episode, my guest is Chase Gerbrick. Chase is a freshman at Lipscomb. He talks about what his first fall ball was like. He also talked about his life as a college baseball player and how he got recruited to play at Lipscomb. Chase has a great recruiting story. He also talked about what you need to do to put yourself in a position to get recruited.

Timestamps

[3:16] Insights on college baseball experience

[4:29] Hard adjustments in college baseball experience

[9:08] The role of pre-college development in college baseball performance.

[12:59] Differences in bat speed between high school and college baseball

[18:34]Chase Gerbrick's Pursuit of Excellence in D1 Baseball

[19:27] Understanding Chase Gerbrick’s Goals and Plans in Baseball

[21:19] Looking at Chase Gerbrick’s Recruitment process

[25:09] Biggest Misconceptions in College Baseball Recruitment process

[34:25] Factors to consider when choosing a college baseball school

[38:12] Determining the Best Fit for Immediate Playing Opportunities

[43:49] Looking Ahead: Chase Gerbrick as a College Baseball Coach

[47:14] NIL

Follow Chase Gerbrick

Twitter: @ChaseGerbrick

Instagram: @gerbrickperformance

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Krista Stoker: Building a data-driven softball facility

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 21:00:34 GMT

On today's episode, my guest is Krista Stoker. Krista is the co-founder of S2 Breakthrough, which is a data-driven softball player development facility. They're focusing on player development for softball players, but they're using data-driven methods and research. They are working to apply data and research to their methods to develop softball, pitchers, and hitters.

Timestamps

[13:51] The Idea Behind S2 Breakthrough Programs

[15:44] Recruitment Process of S2 Breakthrough

[19:29] Funding and resource Limitations for Softball Development Centers

[23:25] Effective use of training techniques for young players to reach their potential

[27:06] The importance of Pitch Counts on the development of young players

[33:08] The similarities and differences between hitting and pitching in softball

[34:29] Katie Stewart’s hitting success

[38:40] The scale of S2 Breakthrough’s athlete training program

[39:05] The future of growth and expansion of S2 Breakthrough

Follow Krista Stoker

www.s2breakthrough.com

Instagram: @s2_breakthrough

Twitter: s2_breakthrough

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brett Carroll: Developing a Travel Baseball Organization

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT

In today's episode, We talk with Brett Caroll. Brett recently started a travel baseball organization in Knoxville Tennessee, BC Athletics. They offer Post grad programs and travel baseball. Brett gives his Insights and lessons from the recruiting process. Brett also shares his experience as a professional baseball player in the Major Leagues.

Timestamps

[2:59] Former pro baseball player reflects on career and future goals.

[4:59] Life after career and moving forward.

[7:08] Advice for the player you once were.

[8:25] Examples of process-driven goals and how to focus on them.

[11:33] The greatest moment of Brett’s playing career.

[21:13] Insights and lessons learned from the recruiting process

[23:59] An introduction to postgrad: what it is and why it matters.

[28:38] Travel Baseball.

Follow Brett Caroll

Instagram: bc_athletics_knox

Twitter: Bc_Athletics_

Website: www.bcathleticsknox.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryan Westmoreland: "He would have been Boston's left handed Mike Trout”

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 09:00:00 GMT

In today’s episode, we talk to Ryan Westmoreland. More than 10 years ago, Ryan was the Boston Red Sox Top prospect. He was drafted out of high school and was signed with Vanderbilt University. However, due to unfortunate health issues, his career was cut short. Nevertheless, he started coaching and helping high school and college players. In this episode, Ryan talks about how his day-to-day routine as a coach and what system he usually adhere to when working with players. He also shares his thoughts and opinions regarding analytics and technology in baseball as well as in helping players with their movement and mechanics. Ryan also talks about his past experiences in getting recruited for college and how he dealt with his unfortunate health issues.

Timestamps

[4:14] Daily coaching routine

[5:07] System used when working with players

[6:34] Opinion on analytics and technology in baseball from a coaching standpoint

[9:05] Thoughts on helping players move better and have better mechanics

[12:04] Time management

[13:21] Development process

[17:46] Draft process

[20:49] College Recruiting experience.

[42:18] Years in Coaching

Follow Ryan

Instagram: rwesty25

Twitter: RWesty25

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryan Brownlee: Time Management Strategy for College Baseball Players

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 09:00:00 GMT

In this episode, I talk to Ryan Brownlee. Ryan is a former college coach for 20 years at the Division 1 level. He has been a head coach and also a recruiting coordinator. He is currently working for the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA). Ryan shares his relationship with his dad, who had coached him at Evansville. He also talks about how he helps college baseball players manage their time. He mentions in this episode the system that he used when he was a coach that was very beneficial and valuable for players at any level.

Timestamps:

[4:13] Experiences in a father-son relationship.

[7:31] Advice to coaches coaching their children.

[9:05] Thoughts on the transfer portal.

[15:38] Recommended grade for a player to commit to college.

[18:26] Helping kids with time management.

[26:39] Things to improve in coaches at younger levels.

[30:39] Thoughts on travel baseball.

[33:40] Things to look for when recruiting players.

[40:04] Best way to reach out to Ryan Brownlee.

Twitter:

@CoachB_ABCA

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Aaron Clopton: College Professor Becomes D1 Softball Coach

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 20:30:30 GMT

In today’s episode, we talk to Aaron Clopton. Aaron is currently an assistant softball coach at Indiana University. He may have been in softball for over 20 years, but he also has done stuff outside softball like serving the military, being a professor, and engaging in real estate. In this episode, Aaron shares his journey and experiences in being a softball coach. He also talks about what parents should do to help their children in achieving what they want to achieve. With his years of experience in softball, he shares life advice to young coaches.

Timestamp

[2:43] Journey behind the success of Aaron Clopton.

[6:34] Aaron Clopton’s advice to a young coach.

[8:16] Life after coaching at Kansas.

[13:44] Differences from a pitching development in 2008 vs today.

[15:57] Mistakes seen in high school kids from a development standpoint.

[19:41] Things that parents need to do to help their children achieve what they want to achieve.

[27:58] Hitting vs Pitching

[29:22] Thoughts on what coaches should be teaching players at a young age.

[38:53] What Aaron looks for when watching the games.

[42:53] Do you foresee something like PBR to happen on the softball side?

[45:25] Typical fall at Indiana University Softball

[51:25] Improvements as a coach

Twitter: @aaronwclopton

Instagram: @aaronclopton

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Beating the yips and overcoming setbacks - Jacob Nix

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 10:00:34 GMT

In this episode, we talk to Jacob Nix. Jacob is a pitcher in the San Diego Padres organization. Throughout his journey in being a professional baseball, he experienced a lot of challenges, struggles, and injuries in which he shares these experiences in this episode. He also shares what he had encountered during drafting and how he struggled with the yips. With his experiences, he gives great tips to players who are going through the same way he had gone through.

Time Stamps

[2:00] Different challenges and struggles faced by Jacob Nix.

[4:57] Going back to playing baseball after going through a series of injuries.

[7:31] Experiencing a series of injuries and surgeries once more.

[10:28] Getting cleared to play once more in the field.

[12:32] Undergoing rehabilitation.

[13:55] Being on the roster for the game.

[16:05] Jacob Nix’s experience of getting drafted.

[25:21] Applying to different colleges.

[30:18] Getting the sense back into the game.

[36:25] Things Jacob Nix learned about himself and pitching.

[39:15] Tips that pitchers can use.

[43:16] Be patient and teach your body to make adjustments really quickly.

[47:01] Best way to reach out to Jacob Nix.

Follow Jacob Nix

Instagram: juicy_jake33

Twitter: JacobNix33

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

University of Texas Hitting Coach - Caleb Longley

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 09:30:52 GMT

In this week's episode, we talk to Caleb Longley. Caleb was formerly a hitting coach at Arizona State University. Now, he is currently coaching at the University of Texas. Caleb shares excellent insights into what he has been doing from a development standpoint. He also talks about what he is looking for from a recruiting aspect. Aside from being a hitting coach, he has his own business called Marv Training. This company has excellent products that help a lot of hitters and pitchers with their training.

Time stamps

[1:01] Something new in Caleb Longley’s life.

[1:44] Structuring to becoming a college coach.

[4:29] Lessons learned in the past year working with players.

[5:46] Lessons from the mental side of the game.

[6:34] Lessons from being a college coach.

[16:39] Being a relentless competitor mean.

[19:19] What are you looking for when recruiting players?

[21:47] Common flaws from a high school player standpoint.

[25:01] Things that helped hitters who had issues.

[26:28] Time spent with players during the fall.

[28:27] Advices to a coach aspiring to the same position as Caleb Longley.

[33:40] Ideal average exit velocity.

[35:31] Working with the pitching machine ball.

Follow Caleb

Instagram: caleb_longley

Twitter: CalebLongley

Email: coachlongley@gmail.com

Website: marvtraining.com

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Becoming an SEC College Baseball Player - Cade Beloso

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 09:30:42 GMT

In this episode, we talk to Cade Beloso. Cade currently plays for LSU. He talks about in this episode of being able to go through adversity having an injury, having other things come up and just continue to battle through. He gets into what it takes to be able to play in the SEC as well as what it's like to train in the offseason, such as what a typical day is like as an LSU Tigers.

SHOW NOTES:

[2:56] What is a typical fall ball in college baseball?

[3:37] How long have you been doing this?

[4:09] What’s something that you’ve learned about yourself since you’ve been in college?

[4:53] Is that something that you had to learn the hard way?

[5:44] What would you say was the difference between that year and other years in your college?

[6:42] Were you worried about getting drafted?

[7:44] What helped you make that transition into realizing this isn’t working and that you need to make a change?

[8:28] What is your routine like?

[10:00] What is balancing on film rollers?

[10:41] What do you think on the core velocity belt?

[11:26] How long does your entire routine take on a regular typical day?

[12:19] What is the typical velocity like?

[13:17] Would you say everybody on the team can at least hit 95 above?

[14:41] What do you mean by using the ground?

[15:36] Have you ever thought about mechanics or have you ever gotten into mechanics? What is your thought process on mechanics in general?

[17:45] Is controlling the strike zone something that you feel like can be a trained skill?

[18:55] What is your approach or plan when you get in the box to help you control the strike zone and be okay with walking?

[20:01] What do soft focus and hard focus mean?

[21:16] Do you change your plan a lot based on the pitcher's tendencies or do you just stick to a generic plan for the most part?

[22:28] How good are you at picking up if a pitcher is tipping pitchers or not like we saw in the World Series?

[23:38] Are you surprised at the level of pitching and how good pitching is in the SEC versus when you got there or has it been about the same?

[24:29] Did you ever psych yourself out knowing that it was a top prospect who you were facing?

[24:59] How do you deal with being taunted?

[25:56] What is your take on the new rules as an actual college player?

[26:44] What are some of the numbers that you’ve heard from guys getting NIL deals?

[27:15] Do you have any deals?

[27:48] Do you have to promote all your deals? How does that work?

[29:30] What is a typical day for you?

[32:03] When you’ve seen guys who have struggled, what do you think are the reasons they've struggled?

[33:23] What piece of advice would you give kids going through the recruiting process now?

[35:01] Is it true that if you go to a big-time school in the SEC, you don't play well in the fall?

[36:47] Do you think that guys just get too big of a head when they get in?

[37:38] What is the average velocity would you say that you typically face?

[38:04] Would you recommend a lot of these young guys hitting off machines regular? What should be something that they should be doing to help get them ready to face those types of arms?

FOLLOW CADE:

Twitter: cade_beloso

Instagram: cade_beloso

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New York Yankees Hitting Coach - Trevor Amicone

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 08:30:14 GMT

Trevor Amicone is currently a hitting coach in the New York Yankees Organization this past year and he was as well in Triple A, serving as their hitting coach there. Trevor has also a background and experience of being a high school and a college baseball coach and in this episode, he shares his experiences. He shares his knowledge on different aspects not just hitting but the game in general, coaching, and what it really is all about at the end of the day.

SHOW NOTES:

[2:13] Did you want to be in broadcasting before coaching or how did that all come about?

[5:13] Do you respect broadcasters more now having been through that and understanding just how hard it is?

[7:23] What’s something that you wish you would have done differently if you could go back now as a high school coach?

[9:32] Do you feel like the practices you had were just too easy?

[12:02] Do you think high school coaches should still focus and spend a lot of time on pick offs, cuts and relays, and rundowns or is it an overkill?

[13:31] You have to work on things that are going to happen the most in baseball.

[13:53] What was your transition like from high school to college? What was your reaction when you started coaching in college?

[16:09] Not everybody knows everything about everything.

[16:45] What are some of the things that you would implement to help create a competitive advantage amongst everybody else based on what you’ve seen?

[19:46] How do you think college coaches make it look harder than it actually is?

[22:48] How should players go about trying to get recruited to play?

[26:03] Did you utilize social media as a coach?

[29:05] What would you attribute to the skills that you have as a coach?

[31:34] What’s the best piece of advice your mom has given you as a coach?

[35:59] What’s the biggest difference between great and good players?

[37:34] Don’t you think that if a player wanted it that bad, they can make those changes?

[42:36] What’s your advice with people who work a lot with high school kids to get them ready to reach their potential at that next level?

[48:19] When you say take care of yourself, do you also mean to take care of yourself physically like working out?

[52:00] What advice would you give to those young coaches out there?

FOLLOW TREVOR:

Personal Email: tamicone@gmail.com

Twitter: @TrevorAmicone

Instagram: trevoramicone

Facebook: Trevor Amicone

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D1 Scholarship Pulled to Pac 12 Pitcher of the Year - Troy Rallings

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 08:30:42 GMT

In this episode, we have Troy Rallings. Troy is a former Pac-12 pitcher of the Year at the University of Washington. While in high school, he was recruited by another D1 program and ended up getting his scholarship pulled. We hear a lot about that in the recruiting world now, and Troy lived it. Still, he persevered and ended up attending the University of Washington and becoming the Pac-12 pitcher of the year.

SHOW NOTES:

[3:12] Why do you want to stay in baseball and continue to coach, develop, and help players get recruited?

[4:22] Have you been in the travel baseball scene?

[5:32] What are some ways you feel you can change the industry?

[9:47] How do you monitor arm stress?

[12:44] Where do you think travel baseball is going in the next 3-5 years?

[16:10] What are some of the things you're doing to help get their name out and get them recruited?

[21:21] How do you educate the parents and be honest with them when reviewing the recruiting process and where their kids stand right now?

[23:48] What are your thoughts on finding the right fit?

[26:18] What about the kids who aren't Power Five kids? Would you give them the same advice?

[29:46] How many players do you think never reach their potential because they don't believe that they deserve to have success?

[35:22] It's more than the money. It's about the influence of the impact and the relationships.

[36:37] If it's not the reality I want, let's just pause, take a deep breath and look at it and say, okay, what is it?

[37:01] How were you recruited in high school?

FOLLOW TROY:

Website: wholesticbaseball.com

Twitter: Troy Rallings

Instagram: Troy Rallings

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Pitching Tips from a former MLB Pitcher - Jacob Turner

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 08:30:05 GMT

Jacob Turner is a former player who was a first-round pick in 2009, #9 in the draft and had an MLB career. He also played for several years in the big leagues and Korea. He has retired from playing and is now an entrepreneur; where he and his brother started JL Strategic Wealth company.

In this episode, Jacob talks about how he made adjustments on the mound as a pitcher and what things he would do differently if he could start over again as a young pitcher.

Aside from baseball, he also talks about his transition after baseball, becoming an entrepreneur.

Time Stamps:

[3:33] If you go back and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be to a young Jacob Turner just coming up through the minor leagues?

[5:01] How did you keep your energy level neutral when you didn’t do well?

[7:10] Is there a time when you shouldn’t stick to the process anymore?

[8:31] What was different between your best year in the MLB as a 22-year-old?

[12:20] When you started struggling in 2013-2014, were you trying to find a new feeling, or were you still trying to find that feeling you had when you were dominant?

[12:38] What’s the most significant difference between facing big league hitters versus minor league hitters?

[17:20] Were you ever trying to add more velocity to get back to the big leagues?

[12:27] Why did you stop playing when you were only 28?

[21:36] How did you enjoy playing over in Korea?

[22:56] What was one thing you learned while in Korea?

[23:55] If you had a son, would you let him sign out of high school?

[26:49] Do you know anybody who has struggled to transition out of baseball?

[28:04] Can you take everyone through what you did after playing?

[32:17] What things stand out to you that successful people have?

[35:23] Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?

[36:58] Was there a moment when you realized what type of a business this was when you were a player?

[38:30] What was the process like when you were being sent down or released?

[40:13] What’s the most significant difference between minor and major leagues?

FOLLOW JACOB:

TWITTER: TheSuddenWealth

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Learn to Develop Infielders at Every Level - Brandon Szink

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 08:30:54 GMT

How do you Develop Infielders at Every Level of Baseball?

* Youth

* High School

* College

* Professional

Brandon Szink is a coach at Ohio Wesleyan University and runs the Bo Jackson Elite Travel organization. He has coached in professional baseball and is now doing travel baseball.

Brandon talks about high school and college baseball and developing infielders. He also shares how to manage a team and build a lineup.

He gives ways on how you can communicate with your players as well as with parents and coaches.

SHOW NOTES:

[3:00] How do you help players develop?

[9:08] what's usually the lowest-hanging fruit that you see when working with those kids? Is there any couple of things that you consistently see time and time again that you consistently have to work on with infielders?

[12:10] On the infield side, is it possible to take too many ground balls?

[15:53] What's something that you see from players that they really need to work on or emphasize in order to get to that next level?

[19:48] Is there anything that you help your infielders with specifically to help reduce that anxiety?

[32:44] What are some of the things that coaches can improve upon? What's some good pieces of advice you have for managing the game?

[38:34] Is there a certain reason you structure your lineup the way that you?

[43:01] What would you say to other travel organizations as something that they could do that would benefit travel baseball as a whole? What's something you feel like you guys do very well that maybe other organizations overlook?

[47:48] Is there anything else you would want to have or want anybody to know about you?

FOLLOW BRANDON:

Twitter: b_szink12

Instagram: b_szink12

Website: https://brandonszink.wordpress.com/about/

LinkedIn: Brandon Szink

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recruiting as a D3 College Baseball Coach - Taylor Valentine

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 08:30:10 GMT

Taylor Valentine is currently an assistant coach at Centre College in Kentucky. He has coached at now a division three level. He has also coached NAIA, Division One College Baseball, and USA Baseball. In this episode, we talk about some of the similarities and differences between the various levels. He talks about what he is doing with his play from a development standpoint at Centre College and what he is looking for in recruiting. Taylor also shares about USA Baseball and how they run things at USA Baseball.

SHOW NOTES:

[2:00] What would you say the biggest difference is in terms of the type of player that

you're recruiting in NAIA and Division 3?

[3:21] Would you say that the power tool is usually the one that separates players more than anything else?

[3:50] What would you say that your guys philosophy is on the transfer portal?

[4:42] Are most of the guys in the transfer portal Division 1 players or do you also find a lot of D2 and D3 kids in there too?

[6:15] What's your time frame like for recruiting high school players?

[6:56] How many players are you looking to bring in per class?

[7:27] Would you mind sharing what velocity or ranges and positions for a pitcher that you’re looking for?

[12:11] how do you help them get ready for that from a development standpoint?

[12:33] Are you okay with players swinging at the breaking ball first pitch?

[13:01] I guess your coaching philosophy is more so just be aggressive, is that your guys hitting philosophy, or is it even more in-depth than that?

[14:19] How do you help them understand what part of the zone that they're really good at?

[16:57] Do the players understand those angles?

[18:35] What does game planning look like for you guys during the season?

[20:36] Are you coaching third base during the game?

[21:40] If you could go back and tell yourself one thing, what would you tell yourself like

the first game that you ever coached their base?

[22:22] Is it hard to be the hitting coach and coach third base?

[23:41] How do you guys go about communicating with the players on where they stand throughout this season?

[27:25] What are your thoughts on pinch-hitting?

[29:16] Do you give the guys who are pinch-hitting any specific advice?

[30:50] During the summertime, what are your guys normally doing? Do you all go play somewhere?

[33:54] Would you say that most of the players want to go play?

[34:48] What is your schedule during the summertime?

[36:36] What is it like being a part of USA Baseball?

[39:09] What does the plans for you like? Do they tell you where they would want you to be for the following year?

[40:15] Is there anything else you want to say to those listening or watching this?

Follow Taylor:

Twitter: tvalentine_18

LinkedIn: Taylor Valentine

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Growing the Game of Softball - Tyler Black

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 17:00:24 GMT

In today’s episode, we talk to Tyler Black. Tyler is the host of the Black Diamond Softball and fitness podcast. He talks about his background in softball as well as what he is trying to do within the game of softball and helping it grow. He also talks about how he coaches his daughter and explains the development process from a parent and from a coach. He also mentions some of the things that he thinks are going to help and improve softball down the road and where he sees the game going.

SHOW NOTES

[3:00] Why did you start your podcast?

[04:19] What’s something that you’ve learned from doing your podcast that has helped your family understands the landscape of travel softball?

[05:53] Where do you see the disconnection between parents, players, and coaches in softball?

[08:14] Why would there be a disconnect between the talent level from the east coast to the east

coast?

[09:52] Do you ever foresee high school ball going away and it’s just nothing but travel

ball?

[12:43] How necessary is it for parents and players to be traveling around all over the

country playing travel softball?

[16:27] Does everyone feel that they need to go to all these tournaments and play so that when September 1st rolls around, they’re getting the calls?

[18:24] What is going to be your plan for your own daughter going forward?

[22: 35] What is your advice to players who are on social media and want to get recruited?

[23:18] Make sure you have a clean professional profile to that when they see that, they know who that person is.

[25:18] Are there certain metrics that they should put out there on their social media?

[27:15] Let someone else tell your story.

[29:07] What are some of the things that you find yourself consistently working on with players?

[31:24] If you develop the person, you’ll develop the player.

[36:29] How much bigger do you see softball getting?

[39:16] Why do you think baseball would get involved?

FOLLOW TYLER

Youtube: Black Diamond Softball and Fitness

Facebook Page: Black Diamond Softball and Fitness

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What the Analytics Don't Tell You, Scouting with 40 + Years of Experience - Doug Laumann

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 08:30:39 GMT

In today’s episode, we talk to Doug Laumann. Doug is currently with Chicago White Sox and is not just simply a director; he has over 40 years of scouting experience with several major league organizations. In this episode, he talks about what it is like scouting players down in the Dominican Republic versus scouting players in America. He also mentions what he is looking for when he is out scouting and how he only really needs to see a player one time before he's in or out on him.

SHOW NOTES:

[02:51] What piece of advice would you give yourself 40 years ago?

[4:28] What did you mean when you said to keep an open mind?

[8:02] There's a lot to having good area scouts, good scouts with no backgrounds on

players that you have to trust and that you can rely on to tell you because you're not

You will always see it the first time you go to see it.

[8:54] Do you attribute that gut feeling to you the performance of the players?

[18:07] Have you ever drafted a player based on those metrics and went against your gut?

[31:44] The best player on the team isn't the best prospect.

[33:24] Try to be as good as you can be.

[33:43] How much harder is it to draft a high school hitter versus a college hitter?

[39:05] What is the difference between scouting in Latin America and Dominican

Republic versus Americans?

[51:11] You need a guy who knows the culture, the language, and the kids to be there and be on the ground with them.

FOLLOW DOUG:

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Blueprint to Recruiting and Player Development - Marty Sutherland

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 08:30:00 GMT

In today’s episode, we talk to Marty Sutherland. Marty is currently the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Iowa. He gives some great insight and great tips to those who are going through the recruiting process right now. He also talks about what he's looking for and how they do things at Iowa from a development standpoint. He mentions some of the things that are important to them at Iowa. Marty takes us behind the scenes and talks about some of the things that they are implementing this fall with their players that they haven't done necessarily in the past.

SHOW NOTES

[4:26] What is your story on having to stop coaching, selling insurance, and then getting back into coaching?

[10:19] How many texts and emails would you say you get a day about recruiting?

[12:29] Why do you not go after and offer tons of kids then sit back and see how they perform?

[16:29] Would there be smaller classes because of the transfer portal?

[19:32] What does a high quality high school kid look like for you?

[22:56] What's something that turns you off when you are watching high school kids?

[27:51] Make sure you're working on your defense too. Because even if you're a good hitter, if you cannot defend or you’re a liability, you're not going to play.

[28:04] Are you looking for players who play solely up the middle?

[29:50] From a projectability standpoint, would you take into account where a kid is at right now versus where you project him to be down the road in a couple of years?

[32:25] Knowing what you know now, what piece of advice would you tell yourself from the first day you started recruiting out on the road several years ago?

[32:41] Trust what you see.

[35:19] Where did you learn how to recruit from?

[37:41] Is there anything that you feel like you want to really get better at from a recruiting or scouting standpoint?

[41:45] How did Iowa become known for this development program?

[45:14] Could you elaborate on the manager program?

[49:02] What would a position player who comes to campus in the fall at Iowa typically look like from a development standpoint throughout the fall into the winter?

[51:32] How do you help those players understand their swing?

[54:09] How important is helping players with feel?

[57:00] How do you help players with the mental side of the game?

FOLLOW MARTY

Twitter

msuth15

Instagram

msuth15

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Developing Canadian Baseball Players - Mitch Davidoff

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 08:30:53 GMT

In today’s episode, I speak to Mitch Davidoff. Mitch is currently the manager for the Victoria Eagles, which is a travel baseball organization. Mitch talks about how he helps young baseball players in Canada as well as the comparison of Victoria Eagles in Canada and in the United States. Mitch is also a fantastic hitting coach and has a growth mindset that works perfectly with his coaching skills. He also mentions hitters that he watches to observe their strategies in playing.

SHOW NOTES

[2:26] Based on what you've seen on how travel baseball is in the States, what's the biggest differences that you see from Canada to the United States?

[6:21] Do your team travel a decent amount?

[7:00] How often do your team come to the United States to play?

[7:54] How often do your team have college coaches come up and see you in Canada?

[10:39] What is your story behind playing college baseball at four different schools?

[13:52] What was your experience with competing at a higher level?

[16:42] Did you play hockey growing up?

[17:30] What is the timeline like for players in high school level in Canada?

[20:59] Is the strength conditioning world pretty big up there in terms of baseball players working out pretty hard all year round?

[22:05] What would be something that you would want to implement for your player from a development standpoint that you don’t have right now?

[25:46] What’s your framework from hitting standpoint when you’re developing players?

[29:09] How do you go about helping players deal with building an approach and the mental side of the game and kind of that tactical game planning?

[34:02] Who was your team growing up? Was it the Mariners?

[35:18] Are there any hitters that you really like watching today who are still playing?

[36:14] What are some of the things that you see from the hitters you watch that you take to your hitters?

[38:30] Do you ever have your hitters feel the positions you mentioned during their practice?

[40:13] What is the C from A.C.T.?

[41:45] Did you came up with the A.C.T. kind of program?

[42:55] What is your dream?

FOLLOW MITCH

LinkedIn: Mitch Davidoff

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Using Data to Evaluate Softball Pitchers - Nate Walker

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 08:30:56 GMT

Nate Walker has worked in baseball operations for two Major League Baseball front offices. He acted as a contact person for the coaching staff of the Major Leagues and helped them with pregame planning, game strategy, and statistical analysis. Nate currently serves as the founder and president of Diamond Solutions, a business that provides analytics consulting to softball and baseball companies.

In today’s episode, Nate talks about how he collects data and information in softball. He also mentions that high school pitchers should focus on creating movement north-south vs. east-west.

Nate also mentions that he goes out and scouts high school pitchers or the travel ball scene and his ways of scouting and recruiting pitchers.

Free Presentation on how to help Softball Hitters improve their timing

Tune in to this episode to find out more about Nate Walker.

SHOW NOTES

[2:37] How did you go from a scout and professional baseball to now working with different programs in the softball world on the pitching?

[5:40] How are you collecting data and information in softball? Is it through Rapsodo?

[7:17] When you said that, similar to when you were in the front office, are you speaking about just movement plots? Like the way track, man would have different scattered plots?

[9:12] What was something that did surprise you once you started collecting some of the data and information? Is there anything that stood out or surprised you?

[11:35] If they're focusing on their development, let's say they are high school pitchers, they should focus more on north-south and developing that repertoire than worrying about east going east-west.

[13:45] Have you ever experimented with players or had them experiment with different grips? And if so, have you seen any correlation between increased vertical brake with varying grips of pitch or finger pressure on the ball?

[15:06] What are some common flaws you see from a Biomechanical analysis?

[17:12] What velocity should high school players aim for if they want to play in college, based on the data you've seen?

[18:36] Do you scout high school pitchers or the travel ball scene?

[23:21] How do you, scout and recruit pitchers?

[27:00] What would you say about the percentage of progressive college softball coaches and maybe some of those early adopters you just mentioned?

[38:28] Do you do any work with travel softball organizations?

[37:37] How many years do you think it will take for softball to be as accepting and open from a technology analytics development standpoint right around where baseball is right now?

[40:41] What advice would you give to a high school pitcher?

FOLLOW NATE:

Twitter: DomiNate34

LinkedIn: Nathan Walker

Email: nhwalker34@gmail.com

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Teaching Players to Move Better - Dr. Ismael Gallo

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 20:30:00 GMT

Dr. Ismael Gallo, a physical therapist who was once a professional baseball player, appears in today's episode. As a current physical therapist as well as a former baseball player, he's able to mix the areas of movement and on field baseball and comprehend abilities and skill growth. He also created a movement system that enables players to execute more effectively from a young age through high school, junior high, college, and professional baseball.

SHOW NOTES

[2:20] Did you immediately knew that you wanted to get into studying the movement and biomechanics of how people move?

[4:05] What are some of the things that you've found that we're doing a poor job of training and developing athletes from a young age all the way up?

[5:05] What are some things that coaches can start doing to help their athletes develop at a younger age and at a faster rate?

[6:46] What are some ways to help a player when they grow older in high school?

[8:09] It's not necessarily a strength issue, it's just the players not having good movement.

[8:50] What are some simple ways that you can help with that movement and help improve that movement if you are a coach?

[10:45] How big of an impact does going though puberty affect movement and mobility?

[12:24] What about lifting weights? Do you combine your system with them already lifting weights?

[14:01] What exactly do you mean by they're moving one way in the weight room and then moving the other way?

[15:29] How many times a week should players be doing your program?

[16:58] Is your program something that you would want the player to do before practice or would you rather do them after?

[17:56] How long does it normally take to start to see changes that will show up during a game?

[19:27] What age should they be starting to do some of these movement patterns?

[20:25] Do you need anything for the program or is it something that you just need literally the ground and space?

[21:50] Is there anything specific that you see routinely a lot that could be preventative?

[23:02] What are some mechanical issues you see from pitchers when you watch them on a video?

[25:25] What exactly do you mean by flow?

[25:30] Flow is how we transition from one movement pattern to the next.

[28:03] Simplification is the biggest thing we have to do as providers.

[28:39] Train your movement patterns.

[28:49] What are your thoughts on young kids using weighted balls?

[31:56] Experience matters, the reps matter. You need a lot of reps to be able to master your craft as a coach.

[34:56] Do you have any Adrain Beltre stories you could share with the audience?

[36:29] Is there anything else you would like to share with the listeners?

[40:30] Just because you dropped out of something doesn't mean that your identity is a drop out or quitter forever. You can always pick yourself back up and finish strong.

[40:48] It’s never too late to reinvent yourself. It’s never too late to believe in yourself.

[43:06] If anyone wants to contact you, what’s the best way?

FOLLOW DR. GALLO:

Instagram: @dr.ismaelgallo @baseballflowsofficial

Twitter: @flowsdoc

Website: www.baseballflows.com

Facebook: Baseball Flows Page

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How to use Technology and Analytics to Develop Softball Pitchers - Josh Johnson

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 08:30:04 GMT

Josh Johnson, who joined Mississippi State's staff on August 27, 2019, has improved the Bulldogs' player development strategy using advanced technology and analytics.

Josh is the recruiting coordinator and the Associate Head Softball Coach at Mississippi State University.

He is working on research using motion capture technology with State's Athlete Engineering department while getting his PhD in biomechanics at Mississippi State.

In today’s episode, Josh, being one of the most progressive minds in softball, talks about his experiences and knowledge of applying biomechanics and advanced technology in softball. He also mentions that visualization and mental imagery has to be trained and that it takes practice to get good at it.

Furthermore, Josh points out the importance of movement. He mentions that learning to move correctly in the weight room is huge. Talking about and understanding how to move properly, according to Josh Johnson, is the easiest way to get better faster.

Here is a free presentation on How to Help Softball Hitters be on Time: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com/softballtiming

SHOW NOTES

[03:07] What are your thoughts on visualization and do you promote that to your players?

[06:40] Can you take us through what mean by goal setting for your players?

[11:45] What is the set up for posting your plans in order for everybody to see?

[13:04] Why did you pick softball over baseball?

[16:12] When did you have time to work on your PhD when you are doing other jobs as the college coach?

[19:00] Out of all the languages, why did you choose to learn Japanese?

[20:11] How is your motion capture lab work? Is it markerless?

[24:11] Do you think that in the next three to five years, the softball world will be basically where baseball is right now in terms of players?

[27:20] Have you seen and done any research regarding fastpitch softball like TPI OnBaseU?

[30:06] What are some things that softball pitchers, based on the data that you've seen or maybe have collected, should be focusing on in high school right now?

[34:58] What is your take on weighted balls for softball pitchers?

[37:34] First thing that high school pitchers should know is the importance of getting a movement screen and knowing yourself from a moving standpoint.

[37:42] Would you say that finding somebody who has a background in softball or just OnBaseU certified, TPI, or something to do this movement screen, or do you think that just the average strength coach knows enough to be able to help them with that?

[40:46] What are some velocity numbers that you typically see for some of your pitchers that are coming in as freshmen?

[40:26] Are there any cues that you hear on the pitching side that don’t ever really help but you hear them time and time again?

[47:00] Do you use a lot of video when you're trying to show changes to a player that you want them to make?

[53:03] What’s your take on player plans when your players show up every day?

FOLLOW JOSH:

Twitter: @jjpower19

Instagram: @jjpower19

Email: jjohnson@athletics.msstate.edu

Book: Tend to Grow

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Eastern Illinois University Assistant Softball Coach - Rachel Huggins

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 08:30:17 GMT

In today’s episode, a newly recruited hitting coach, Rachel Huggins, shares her experiences in coaching at Eastern Illinois University. Rachel shares how she was recruited during her high school years. She also talks about her recruiting process today as a hitting coach and how she helps hitters build their own approach and in individualizing the different pitches and parts of the zone.

She shares her and the team’s philosophy when it comes to hitting. She also talks about how she builds relationships with the team and points out what they need to improve on.

SHOW NOTES:

[2:25] What is your recruiting process as a high school player?

[3:48] Is there anything you would have worked on or focused more on as a player in high school to get ready for college?

[4:46] What other sports did you play?

[5:19] In the recruiting process, do you look for players who have played multiple sports?

[6:01] What are you looking for when you are recruiting players?

[7:08] Do you look for defense first type players or offense first type player? Is there something you look for like they can hit but you have to have someone who can play defense?

[7:49] How many players do you normally try to bring in per class?

[8:12] How many pitchers would you normally recruit in a class?

[8:43] Did you always know that you wanted to get into coaching when you were playing?

[9:56] What were you going to do if you were not a coach?

[10:17] What are some of the things that you learned and realized when you started coaching?

[11:18] What is your favorite part about coaching?

[12:01] What is your hitting philosophy like?

[12:55] What are some of the things that Chris Malveaux introduced to you that made you thing about things differently?

[13:42] How do you help hitters build their own approach?

[14:45] Do you have a team-wide philosophy when it comes to hitting?

[15:17] How are you planning on going about relationships with the team?

[16:00] How do you go about setting up the fall as the hitting coach?

[17:09] What do you like focusing on in the individual work? Is there certain constraints, drills, or machines that you like to use?

[17:52] Do you give the hitters plans on what you want them to improve upon over the summer?

[18:58] What is an example of what you would want the hitters to be specifically doing?

[19:42] What is your take on random versus block practice?

[21:01] From a mechanics standpoint, what do you like to see out of your hitters?

[22:23] What are some of the positions that you want the hitters to be in?

[22:54] Do you utilize technology?

[23:13] Have you used those rapsodo and blast before at Bradley?

[24:51] Is there something that you want to get better at from a coaching standpoint?

[25:37] Is there anything specific right now that you are working on or trying to learn?

[26:57] Are there certain or favorite drills that you do?

[27:13] Working in small groups, are there certain things or constraints that you’ll have the hitters to start in?

[27:42] How do you think a hitting coach should be evaluated?

[29:34] What is your typical practice day be like during fall season?

[30:42] How about during spring season? What would your typical practice day be like?

[31:18] Do you do hitters’ meetings before a series with the team?

FOLLOW RACHEL:

Twitter:

@CoachHugs19

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-huggins-8008288a

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Seattle University Recruiting Coordinator - Millard Dawson

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 08:30:24 GMT

Millard Dawson enters his fifth year with the baseball program at Seattle U in 2021-22, and his fourth as an assistant under Head Coach Donny Harrel. In his first season, Dawson served as a student manager for the Redhawks. He assists with the recruiting, small-game offense and outfielders, while also serving as the team's first base coach.

Millard shares his experiences being a competitor playing multiple sports and how he's grown as a hitter over the years. He tells us about professional baseball and what it all takes to be a complete hitter. He also talks about letting players be their own hitting coach.

He shares the importance of understanding how the body moves in sequence and getting hitters to understand how their body moves via drills or constraints from the ground up.

Millard shares some tips on how to be successful from a hitting standpoint. He talks about why he wants to give back to the youth and college athletes and help them learn from the mistakes that he made along the way.

In this episode, he touched base on Mental skills and breathing during fall ball and the importance of doing the right things at all times.

SHOW NOTES:

[2:31] What were you hoping to do with your bachelor's degree in Kinesiology/Health Promotion?

[3:52] What are some ways that you help hitters figure out their own body and how it's supposed to move, are there certain constraints or drills that you like to use with your hitters?

[5:22] The whole process of you deciding to try to play football and baseball at a very high level in college and ending up in professional.

[10:49] What are some of those mistakes you felt like you made back then that you help make sure guys steer away from?

[13:30] What's the right way to approach you as a coach if you recommend something to a player but they feel comfortable doing it their own way?

[17:05] How much do you promote just the competition within?

[19:29] What's your take on doing those types of things to help build confidence within players in that competition?

[22:08] what about lifting during the season?

[23:44] What's a typical fall ball day if you're a hitter?

[25:53] What's your take on small ball versus trying to hit for power?

[27:44] Is it important for you as a recruiter to make sure each guy can lay down a bun?

[28:52] What are some things that you know you've learned since you've started scouting, recruiting, and watching players?

[30:32] Do you watch kids?

[31:56] From a pitching standpoint is there a certain amount of starts or a certain amount of games you need to see from him before you're ready to make an offer?

[33:05] What about looking for position players who strictly play up the middle?

[34:10] Is there a certain time like home to first time or 60 time that really catches your eye?

[35:11] What about arm strength for outfielders?

[36:46] Is it hard to evaluate an outfielder though from their range standpoint?

[39:52] How do you go about developing them as human beings?

[41:49] Do you guys name captains?

[45:03] Are you guys utilizing the transfer portal?

[47:16] What advice would you give yourself being a recruiting coordinator on just how to go about getting them seen and getting recruited like what should they be focusing on?

FOLLOW MILLARD:

Twitter:

@SeattleUBase

@Coach_MDawson42

Email:

dawsonmillar@seattleu.edu

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Are you a Division 1 College Baseball Player?

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 08:30:00 GMT

I'm Patrick Jones and I used to be a hitting coach for the Baltimore Orioles. Now I work with hitters in the private sector in Cincinnati, Ohio, and also help players with college recruiting.

In today's episode, we're going to talk about college recruiting. Specifically, we're going to talk about division one players versus d2 and d3 players.

Learn the reasons behind why certain players are getting recruited to Division 1 schools and why others aren't.

It's a tricky topic to talk about because it's not always easy to see why certain players get chosen over others. But I think it's important for us to understand the reasons behind these decisions so players can better prepare for their future in terms of playing baseball in college and make sure they're doing everything they can to get recruited.

SHOW NOTES:

[1:34] Your age is important and the year you graduate is important.

[2:11] All these big conferences are looking at you.

[2:41] Remember how social media works you don't go viral by just doing ordinary things.

[3:20]The journey is far from over for anybody who's committing as an eighth or ninth grader.

[3:44] First thing is velocity.

[4:09] Projecting.

[4:34] Power five schools come in first and they try to get the top talent across the country.

[5:08] From a position player standpoint one of those top talents to be picked up.

[5:24] Defense is extremely important.

[6:34] When you're comparing yourself to some other players you got to take into account that it's not just the bat.

[8:03] Most of the time heading summer, heading into your senior year, and all of your senior year that's when the D2, D3, NAIA, and Jucos are recruiting players.

[9:22] Division 1 players that are being recruited.

[11:09] You need to be dominating where you're playing right now.

[11:59] Pop times.

[12:51]If you want to go play division one baseball you need to be around 100 miles an hour exit velocity.

[14:39] They're looking at your swing.

[15:16] Makeup from a position player standpoint

[15:46] From a pitcher standpoint you need to be around 90 miles an hour.

[16:54] At the college level it's about winning games.

[17:09] Projectability and Mechanics.

[19:17] Growth takes time.

[20:29] Consistency leads to growth.

Sign up for my email list and I'll send you free content every week via email with tips on being recruited into college baseball.

patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit

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Nutrition for Baseball and Softball Players - Dawn Weatherwax

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 08:30:14 GMT

In today's episode, I speak to Dawn Weatherwax. Dawn is a Registered/Licensed Dietitian with a specialty in Sports Nutrition and Founder of Sports Nutrition 2Go. She is also a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, which is the premier professional sports nutrition credential in the United States. In addition, she is an Athletic Trainer with a Certification in Strength and Conditioning from The National Strength and Conditioning Association.

She brings a comprehensive and unique understanding of the athlete's body, and its nutritional needs, to those interested in achieving specific performance goals and optimal health.

Dawn is an active member in the American Dietetic Association (ADA), Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutritionists Dietetic Practice Group (SCAN), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), National Athletic Training Association (NATA), & Greater Cincinnati Athletic Training Association (GCATA).

Dawn shares nutritional tips that will help players improve their game. Whether you are a professional athlete or an age-level player, in order to maximize success you must have a solid nutrition plan in place.

She talks about the Nutrition piece like hydration and what it actually does from an athletic standpoint. She also offered a lot of great advice from her experience working with athletes from different levels because a lot of players don't realize that nutrition is an important part of playing any sport.

She shares the importance of a training plan and routine for baseball and softball.

Dawn is a wealth of information, and she's got tons of great tips and tricks to share with all players out there. We know that you'll walk away feeling like you've learned something new and valuable from this episode, so we can't wait for you to hear it!

SHOW NOTES:

[2:27] What would you say is the most common mistake that players make when it comes to nutrition?

[3:15] Is there a certain amount of calories that you recommend players try to intake during the season?

[13:03] Elite athletes, it's not necessarily what they do that makes them elite it's what they don't do.

[23:12] It should be mandatory that you are bringing something with you to eat or snack on during the game.

[24:30] Food is fuel.

[24:52] If you’re 1% dehydrated your ability to track objects decreases by 10%.

[25:28] This game is so mental if you can't focus and lock in and your eyesight's affected, what are we doing?

[30:35] What's a good breakfast for a baseball or softball player?

[36:15] One of the things that I'll tell players is because being able to hit the ball harder is such an important task in hitting.

[46:42] How should players go about actually getting tested?

[50:29] If someone does want to work with you or reach out to you what's the best way for them to get in contact with you?

FOLLOW DAWN:

Website:

www.sn2g.com

Landline:

513-779-6444

Facebook:

Dawn Weatherwax

Twitter:

@sn2go

Instagram:

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Louisville Softball Hitting Coach - Bryce Neal

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 08:30:59 GMT

In today’s episode I speak to Bryce Neal, Bryce is the hitting coach of the University of Louisville.

Bryce comes to Louisville after serving as an assistant coach at Bucknell University during 2021 season.

Prior to his stint at Bucknell, Bryce served as a volunteer assistant coach at Arizona State in 2020. He has also worked as a private instructor and spent five years coaching one-on-one private lessons at Perfect Timing Baseball and Softball in Springdale, Arkansas. In 2019 he worked as a camp instructor for LSU softball.

From 2013 to 2015, he served as a director and coach for Midwest Nationals Baseball in Springfield, Missouri. While there he was in charge of developing training programs as well as travel logistics.

He talks about softball from a development standpoint, hitting, recruiting, offensive strategy, and the mental side of the game.

He shares some of his experiences in baseball and how he evolved as a coach.

In this episode, learn how they do things at the University of Louisville.

SHOW NOTES:

[2:34] Why did you decide to go in the softball game?

[4:12] What advice did your wife have for you when you came into softball?

[5:32] Has anything particularly changed in your approach to working with hitters now on the softball side?

[7:56] Being a hitter is the hardest thing to do and I think the second hardest thing to do in all sports just be a hitting coach.

[10:03] What are you telling the hitters as they're going up on the index circle?

[12:30] Would you say you're doing less talking now than you were doing before?

[14:56] You don't believe in the word timing, can you elaborate on that?

[18:47] Would you also work with hitters on their stance or set up to help with that time?

[22:49] When you're out recruiting and watching hitters knowing maybe it might be different for other people but being progressive how you are is there anything specific you're looking for?

[26:50] Is that just from your just gut and eyes tell you like they have good bath speed or they don't?

[29:12] How do you go about knowing who to go watch?

[32:19] What's a good home to first time that like you look down your stopwatch right that's a burner right there?

[33:40] What about from a defensive side?

[35:26] Are there other numbers that you're looking forward to at the camp from an exit velocity standpoint?

[38:54] How are you going to go about helping him develop as a hitter from the time he's a young kid all the way up the chain?

[42:42] How much parent involvement is too much?

FOLLOW BRYCE:

TWITTER:

@LouisvilleSB

@CoachNealPT

INSTAGRAM:

Louisvillesb

bhn_3

WEBSITE:

https://coachnealpt.medium.com/

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Entrepreneurship, College Recruiting, and Coaching with Paul Reddick

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 08:30:52 GMT

In today's episode, I speak to Paul Reddick. Paul is the Founder of the Baseball Education Center.

Paul is also one of America's top young speakers. He speaks to numerous youth, high school, college, and business groups every year. Paul's speaking career is centered around empowering youth and college groups to achieve lasting success, greater friendships, and healthy relationships.

In this episode, he talks about The Recruiting Process, The Politics in Baseball, Scholarship System, Baseball Culture, Player commitment, Self-development, and Building Relationships.

He talks about how he helps players get better and offers advice to aspiring players who want to be recruited.

Listen to learn more about baseball camps in this episode.

SHOW NOTES:

[5:54] While you were doing this were you also coaching too?

[8:08] What advice would you give yourself 20 years ago?

[11:40] What's your take on social media and recruiting?

[17:03] Why does he need to win?

[17:48] If a college coach loses his job.

[18:28] When parents ask me all the time won't coach take a chance on a kid it's not that they don't want to.

[20:10] The Evaluation Process

[21:14] Position Players.

[21:47] How do you go about trying to educate players and kind of getting them off of the D1 or bust mentality?

[31:17] What's your take on players committing early like before their junior year to a school?

[33:52] If you had a son who was a very good player in freshman and sophomore

[36:26] Your own theories on what would happen in the next couple of years.

[42:21] Do you like the NIL deals?

[46:12] Why did you start being an entrepreneur?

[59:24] You've been a speaker.

[1:02:27] What do you like the most?

[1:09:27] What's the best way for people to connect with you?

FOLLOW PAUL:

Website:

https://baseballeducationcenter.com/

paulreddick567.com

Instagram:

paulreddick567

Twitter:

@PaulReddick567

Phone:

201-323-0840

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Creighton University Hitting Coach and Recruiting Coordinator - Connor Gandossy

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 08:30:33 GMT

In today’s episode, I speak to Connor Gandossy. Connor came to Creighton in the fall of 2017 from Saint Louis University, where he served as an assistant coach for four seasons. Prior to coaching at Saint Louis, he was an assistant coach at Jefferson College.

Connor has been an instrumental part of the Bluejays’ successes leading to a trip to the NCAA Regional finals in 2019. The 2019 team was ranked among the 25 teams in the nation and claimed the BIG EAST regular-season and tournament championships.

He is responsible for recruiting, developing catchers, and working with the offense for the Bluejays, the same responsibilities he had at Saint Louis.

In total Connor has coached 28 players who were drafted by MLB. In addition to the teams’ on the field accomplishments, 25 Bluejay players were named to the 2018-2019 BIG EAST All Academic team.

In today's episode, he talks about leadership, development, how to go about recruiting, how to utilize the transfer portal, what specifically he is looking for when recruiting a player, who is he talking to, fall ball, and summer baseball for high school and college players.

SHOW NOTES:

[2:36] How do you utilize the transfer portal?

[4:07] Has the transfer portal affected how you go about recruiting?

[5:16] How do you go about identifying those high school players?

[7:10] Is there ever a time when you go to see one of a player's games and hope that nobody else from another school is there so you can see how he acts and plays?

[8:53] How much time do you make before making an offer?

[10:40] Is it common for coaches to have several offers out?

[12:24] How did you become a good recruiter in college baseball?

[14:14] What's the biggest thing that you learned when you started recruiting?

[15:01] What do you prefer coaching or recruiting?

[16:23] What's a typical fall like for you guys from a development standpoint?

[18:57] How long does it take some of these kids to get used to that failure in practice?

[20:30] Is there a different mindset or approach just based on how big it is at home versus on the road?

[24:58] How do you present presentations?

[26:20] What made you change styles?

[27:17] After each season do you sit back and have fun or reflect on the last season?

[30:15] Do you find that for some players to be more beneficial to stay back at Creighton and work out?

[32:52] Has the college summer league declined a bit?

[34:36] What percentage of players that you have this past year are playing summer ball?

[35:48] Does Creighton have private academic money that you can give to kids?

[37:08] What's your favorite spot in Omaha?

FOLLOW CONNOR:

Instagram:

Cgandoss6

Twitter:

@cgandossy6

LinkedIn:

Connor Gandossy

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The Art of Coaching Pitchers with Steve Merriman

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 08:30:51 GMT

In today’s episode, we have Steve Merriman. Steve returned to the Wolverines baseball program for the 2021 season after previously serving as pitching coach in 2002 and 2012, in addition to starting his coaching career at U-M as a hitting coach in 1995.

Steve worked in the Colorado Rockies organization, where he was the minor league pitching co-coordinator and pitching coach for the Double-A Hartford Yard Goats.

He worked with the Chicago Cubs in 2018 at their high-tech pitching lab in Mesa, Ariz., and has other professional coaching experience with the Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Mets, and Detroit Tigers organizations.

He currently serves on the advisory board for OnBaseU and has previously served in various professional roles, including area scout, AA pitching coach, and MiLB Pitching Coordinator. He has also coached at all levels of college baseball, including three seasons at Michigan.

In this episode, he shares his insights based on his experiences helping players improve their mechanics and he speaks of his philosophy and expertise as a pitching coach at different levels. Also, he shares advice for dads out there coaching their sons.

He explains the best approach for pitchers, the importance of player development, having a routine, and communication.

In this episode, learn the importance of having a growth mindset.

SHOW NOTES:

[2:33] What advice would you have for dads out there coaching their own sons?

[8:11] Timing and Tone.

[12:38] Do you have someone in the last bucket who just does not want to listen to you or anybody else?

[17:03] Is there a level that reflecting back on your career so far that was a ton of fun I really enjoyed that level?

[20:49] How do you go about if you see something in a pitcher like we need to add this pitch to your repertoire?

[24:41] What advice would you give them from just a pitching standpoint for high school pitchers out there and what to focus and work on?

[29:51] Roger Clemens and how at times he didn't throw necessarily an actual change up but he would just take some off of his fastball.

[32:52] What advice would you give to hitters?

[34:34] How often do you think pitchers are tipping pitches that you can pick up on?

[36:11] What are you focus on as a pitching coach?

[38:55] What would be from a pitching coach's perspective and your experience some ways that you've helped pitchers improve their mechanics?

[42:42] Why not external, could you dig in as to why you don't think that's necessarily the best approach for pitchers?

[45:08] What about helping players with the mental side of the game?

[47:41] What are some of the ways that you've been able to help them?

FOLLOW STEVE:

TWITTER:

@SMerrBullpen

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Duke University Pitching Coach - Brady Kirkpatrick

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 08:30:47 GMT

In today's episode, I speak to Brady Kirkpatrick. Brady joined the Florida Atlantic University staff as pitching coach in September of 2021.

Brady comes to FAU most recently having coached at Harvard University for the past three years.

Prior to Harvard, he coached for two seasons at Monmouth University. Before that, he was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Rochester University, and coached two summers with the Mountain West College Summer League as well.

Brady’s playing career began at the University of Maryland, for three seasons. He finished his college career at the University of San Diego, and began coaching there as well, in the fall of 2015 as a volunteer assistant.

In this episode, he talks about the landscape in the summertime as a Division I baseball coach.

He says that players need confidence to improve, and that confidence comes with preparation and organization.

He shares what he does every day when it comes to recruiting. He talks about structure and the mechanical side of things.

In this episode, we'll take a look at why command is important for younger pitchers.

SHOW NOTES:

[2:28] What's the landscape in the summertime for a division one college coach?

[4:03] How do you identify players you want to look at in the transfer portal?

[5:38] Is there a red flag when you see someone in the transfer portal?

[7:07] You guys had a prospect camp where you can actually work with the players when is that and I didn't know you're allowed to work with players at your camps?

[9:21] What's something that you see as a flaw from a lot of young pitchers that they don't necessarily work on enough for?

[11:10] What are some ways that you've been able to help pitchers improve their command?

[13:07] How many times when a player comes in as a recruit as a freshman there's mechanical work that you feel needs to be improved?

[15:12] Is it too young still at the college level to get kids to focus on meditating and the mental game?

[18:13] Do you want all your guys throwing sliders?

[20:34] Do you call the pitches during the game?

[22:57] Was this the first year that they used the earpiece or did you guys have that last year too?

[24:25] Can you review all games now?

[26:00] Are you a fan of the automated strike zone?

[27:28] What's something that you learned as a pitcher that has helped you as coach coaching pitchers?

[28:43] What's a way that you help players kind of understand and grasp what you want them to do on the field?

[30:37] Do you have your guys write down so they can remember what it feels like when they do it right and then when they do it wrong?

[31:44] Do you utilize personality tests at all when and trying to understand how your players learn and think?

[34:05] Jump steal - Are you guys doing that in college?

[35:50] Do you think they are going to change the ball next year?

[38:56] When you're out watching pitchers, How much of it is them just looking the part of being projectable?

[40:47] How important is body type to you when identifying pitchers?

[42:52] Is there a certain amount of time on average you watch a kid before you're like okay I'm in let's make him an offer?

FOLLOW BRADY:

TWITTER:

@FAUBaseball

@FAUcoachBK

https://patrickjonesbaseball.com/

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Coaching Division 2 College Baseball with Troy Merriman

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 20:30:00 GMT

In today's episode, we have Troy Merriman Troy is currently the hitting coach at the University of Findlay. He played at the University of Findlay, and now he's coached there for eight years.

In this episode, he gives some insight into not only how they do things at the University of Findlay, but also how the DII landscape is laid out, what scholarships are like at that level, how they allocate money at Findlay, and then he gets into a little bit more in-depth on what specifically are they looking for out on the recruiting side. Troy talk about how do they go about trying to develop players and what tools they use. Learn if they utilize the transfer portal.

We can get into a lot of different areas of a college program in this episode!

This episode can be very beneficial for parents, players out there, and even coaches maybe in other schools giving you all kinds of insight into what exactly goes on behind closed doors with these colleges so be sure to listen in!

SHOW NOTES:

[2:31] What's been something that stands out at the University of Findlay?

[4:10] How do division two scholarships work?

[6:42] If you give someone $10,000 can they take that $10,000 and spent it on tuition or can they do it on room and board?

[10:28] What takeaways did you have from watching and evaluating players and just the whole nine yards?

[13:48] In your eyes, what does a recruitable player mean?

[15:33] How many guys can you have on the roster?

[16:59] What's a typical day for you?

[19:51] Is there a system that you can kind of have to make sure everyone gets some time and knows what they need to work on?

[24:23] What do you like to do has been a player yourself and now a coach to help players with that side of the game?

[30:50] How often do you utilize social media for recruits or transfers and just everything out there?

[33:08] What do you think about kids tagging you in posts?

[37:23] When do you guys start looking at players specifically Division two level?

[40:50] Do you guys utilize the transfer portal?

[42:29] Why wouldn't I bring in the guy who's already had some experience?

[48:09] Why would someone want to come to play at the University of Findlay?

FOLLOW TROY:

Twitter:

Assistant Baseball Coach

@UF_Baseball_

@Coach_Merriman

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T.J. Bruce – Head Coach University of Nevada

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 08:30:27 GMT

Resilient. That would be the best word to describe T.J. Bruce. After his playing career ended, he decided he wanted to get into coaching. When he first started coaching junior college baseball he was making 5k while supporting his wife who was still in school.

He was passed over three times while he was a volunteer assistant at Long Beach State for the paid position. He never gave up. After he became the head coach at the University of Nevada, he had a player pass away, and then two weeks later, his dad passed away. He held it all together and became a stronger man.

He did all of this while becoming known as one of the best college recruiters in the country, won a national championship, and have a family.

SHOW NOTES:

[1:49] Why did you decide then to transfer to Long Beach State?

[3:27] When you say the style of play, what do you mean?

[5:58] So you're a graduate assistant when you came back and then did you transition into just a full-time assistant coach?

[9:17] During those four years was there ever a point where like I need to get a real job?

[13:19] Do you have a game plan of like what you want to do?

[15:08] Do you have to go out and watch just as many games as a mid-major school or can you just go to the big tournaments and just kind of pick and choose the best ones because it is UCLA?

[18:01] What was your recruiting pitch to someone who was drafted pretty high but obviously, still wanted to go to school with you?

[19:27] What do you think makes you a good recruiter?

[21:21] Why did you end up taking that big instead of staying at UCLA?

[24:28] How do you balance having a family with four kids and a wife plus being the head coach of a Division one baseball program?

[25:53] What was one thing that was unexpected that you found whether it be a good or bad thing about being a head coach that you didn't know you would kind of feel or figure out?

[28:08] How were you able to kind of hold everything together and just keep it going?

[29:36] When you got there what did you put in a completely new, system-like philosophies for offense and pitching and everything, Or how do you kind of go about changing the baseball culture?

[31:35] Do you man pretty much the offense?

[34:13] Have you implemented anything in terms of helping guys with their mental game?

[39:19] How do you decide how much an incoming recruit gets?

[41:49] What do you make of that of those bigger schools sometimes recruiting players and I've seen it even in the fall the guys coming in the fall and they don't play well They're on a big seller ship in the spring there at a junior college?

[43:50] Do you look at junior college players?

[44:16] If I'm a recruit right now listening to you what are some of the best things that you can kind of describe about going to the University of Nevada and playing baseball there?

FOLLOW T.J.:

TWITTER:

@NevadaBaseball

@tj_bruce

INSTAGRAM:

nevadawolfpackbaseball

Tjbruce02

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Adam Vrable, Assistant Baseball Coach - University of Louisville

Sun, 29 May 2022 20:30:39 GMT

Currently, in his 7th season as a Volunteer Assistant and the University of Louisville, Adam Vrable loves what he gets to do, coach. His passion for baseball sticks out like a sore thumb when you listen to him talk. Adam played College Baseball at Coastal Carolina where get graduated with a degree in History. After graduating he began his coaching journey, with stops at The Citadel and Charleston Southern. He also was involved in travel baseball coaching in South Carolina right after graduating from South Carolina. In this episode, Adam explains what it's like coaching at Louisville, why they compete in everything that they do, and working with baserunners, outfielders, and hitters at Louisville.

SHOW NOTES:

[2:12] Does that change the philosophy of the game when it's that cold outside?

[3:18] Do you guys change your philosophy on hitting or just approach or anything just based on where you guys play?

[5:11] Would you say that at Louisville you guys didn't waver your approach too much just in the last couple of years with the whole launch angle revolution?

[7:50] What's your guys' approach to stealing bases?

[10:41] Are there certain drills you like having the guys do?

[15:22] Did you teach something specific down there for outfielders as they're fielding the ball?

[20:20] Is it just all approach and mindset based with two strikes?

[23:05] What's a typical practice look like for you guys maybe just in the offseason what's that environment looks like?

[27:29] How do you make sure that these guys do get what they need individually in a team setting?

[40:26] How do you gauge that in a recruit?

[44:58] How many times do you want to go and watch a recruit?

[48:47] You mentioned two-way players. How often do you recruit two-way players?

FOLLOW ADAM:

@avrabes

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Adam Cornwell, Pitching Coach - University of Indianapolis

Mon, 23 May 2022 08:30:56 GMT

In today’s episode, I talk to Adam Cornwell. Adam joined the University of Indianapolis coaching staff after a two-year stay at the University of Dayton. The Flyers finished second in the A-10 during the regular season. He helped guide the Flyers to the 2nd most strikeouts in program history during the 2021 season.

He joined the University of Dayton baseball staff in August 2019 following a one-year stint as an assistant coach at Iona College, where he served as the pitching coach for the Gaels.

He talked about the pitching development side as a coach. He shares that pitching is all about disrupting timing.

In this episode, learn about the growth opportunity as a pitcher and what velocity he is looking for when recruiting.

SHOW NOTES:

[2:19] What was one thing that you thought you did an excellent job of and one thing that you are reflecting you feel like you could have improved upon as a coach?

[4:48] How did you get some players to believe in themselves?

[7:01] What rabbit holes have you recently gone down on the pitching development side?

[10:01] What were some of the everyday things you found when doing that screen on pictures? Was there a specific screen that failed or like a low-hanging fruit like all of them?

[11:45] How did you like the marv trainers? Are you talking about the ply balls that they had? How'd you like those with the seams?

[14:24] Are more guys playing catch with those because it feels like a baseball?

[15:15] Is increasing the velocity of your pitchers overall like a goal that you have at the end of the year?

[17:37] What's the most significant value you see in pitchers who have experience versus those not having experience?

[20:00] The average velocity at the d2 level versus the d1 level?

[22:09] What velocity are you looking for when you're out recruiting?

[23:56] Why did you transfer to Pittsburgh?

[25:46] What were some of the things you learned as a pitcher when playing in California?

[27:24] What did you say you went out there and worked with?

[32:12] What would you say from a mechanical standpoint? Was there anything that you changed when you were out there?

[40:03] What pitchers do you like to watch right now?

FOLLOW ADAM:

Twitter:

@AdamCornwell10

@UIndyBaseball

Instagram:

adam_cornwell10

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Texas A&M Softball Hitting Coach - Craig Snider

Mon, 16 May 2022 08:30:02 GMT

In this episode, we have Craig Snider. Craig is currently the hitting coach and recruiting coordinator at Texas A&M University. He won a National Championship when he was at his prior school, Florida State University, back in 2018.

Craig talks a bit about what they do at Texas A&M from a development standpoint and what he's looking for in recruits. It's fun to go across onto the softball side and see some of the similarities and differences between baseball and softball, doing some cool stuff with force plates down there.

He talks a bit about some of the fantastic projects behind the scenes.

SHOW NOTES:

[1:52] Why did you start and continue to stay in softball your entire career?

[4:27] How have you evolved over those 21 years as a coach?

[6:04] How have you gone about being able to make changes that show up in the game?

[8:05] What good exit velocity for a college softball player?

[9:09] Is there a team philosophy you have like I was listening to another podcast you did earlier. Did you talk about having a common language amongst your players?

[10:36] Vertical elite-What would be elite?

[10:46] Is there a correlation between the release point and vertical break?

[10:58] What would be an approach to facing a pitcher with an eight to ten-inch vertical break?

[15:24] Why would you want to run and swing, and I mean, is that just you're trying to hit ground balls?

[17:40] If you see someone's a slapper, are you probably not to look at them?

[18:23] What are you looking for from a defensive standpoint?

[20:27] How do you identify players you want to recruit?

[22:51] This is purely testing how the brain works, so this is actually like a blueprint of how your brain thinks and works.

[26:31] What are the percentages for pitchers who throw change-up versus other pitches?

[27:40] How do you give this information to the players?

[29:48] What's something that you would say the majority of players out there if they worked on it, would help them in the long run?

[33:09] Why do you think that is about players being on top of the play?

FOLLOW CRAIG:

TWITTER:

WEBSITE:

INSTAGRAM:

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The 12 Commandments of Amateur Baseball with Mark Helsel

Mon, 09 May 2022 08:30:00 GMT

In this episode, I talk to Mark Helsel. Mark is the founder and current director of US Elite Baseball which is a successful travel baseball organization for several years. US Elite is one of the top travel baseball organizations in the country.

He talked about practical guides for parents of young athletes and how to develop youth players.

He shares tips with parents and coaches on how to act during practices and games.

SHOW NOTES:

[2:57] What separates US Elite Baseball?

[4:40] What advice would you give to people across the country?

[5:52] What's been a big challenge for your organization over the last couple of years?

[6: 57] What's your take on dealing with parents?

[10:42] What are some of the things that you you try to educate the parents on?

[16:58 What I want parents to do is understand that everybody matures differently.

[20:34] What do you tell parents if their kid isn't hustling, running hard, or being a good teammate?

[22:51] Glass half empty type personality and baseball.

[23:52] One of the things that I talk to our parents a lot about is you can't want this more than they want it.

[27:47] We can just focus on the process the development and stop talking about how many hits we have.

[30:27] Let them speak for themselves if they're gonna be a college athlete.

[31:25] I would never let sports become a rift between me and my son.

[35:10] When we call this game of failure.

[38:41] We have a definition for the word commitment.

[41:32] Four roles that you can play.

[42:27] You got to trust us as your son's mentor.

Follow US Elite Baseball

Twitter:

USElitebase

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Travel Baseball, College Recruiting, and working with Hitters - Marcus Davis

Mon, 02 May 2022 08:30:02 GMT

In today’s episode, I speak to Marcus Davis. Marcus is a hitting coach in the private sector but has been on each side of the spectrum from former Midland and professional player to now coach of the 17U Braves.

He brings a wide variety of content about college recruiting, working with players, parents' expectations, and hitting as well.

He talks about working with players in the cage.

Learn about work habits and the ability of players to work through some adversity in this episode.

SHOW NOTES

[2:38] What's been your experience you coaching travel baseball last couple of years?

[3:36] What are you looking for when it comes to just players on your team obviously you can't take everybody. What type of players are you looking for?

[5:02] These days it seems that there are probably way more kids feeling that they're a top prospect when they're not actually but because of how early a lot of the recruiting is and social media. How did you handle the hype?

[6:40] Do you see that though with other kids nowadays where they get some attention and then they maybe get a little bit complacent they stop working because they get an offer really early on for big schools?

[9:34] Why do you need to be traveling all over the country if you're already really good at getting offers at a young age?

[11:30] How do you go about choosing the tournaments that you guys are going to play in?

[12:20] Are you guys able to practice during the summer and how does that work with the travel schedule?

[13:49] You played at junior college in Walters state and then went on to Florida state, so you went from a junior college to a power five school.

[22:33] How could you expect these parents and players to know what it's like?

[28:39] Why did you decide to go to a power five school?

[29:45] You already had performed at junior college which is good baseball it wasn't like you went from high school.

[32:24] What if his thing is I might go to JUCO for a year and then try to transfer but he already has division one offers?

[38:11] How do you go about helping your own guys?

[40:43] Is there a system you have when it comes to working with guys?

[42:48 ] If you're hitting baseballs over 100 miles an hour you probably don't need to set aside just an hour focused solely on bat speed training.

[50:23] What's the best way for someone to contact you if they want to hit with you?

FOLLOW MARCUS:

Twitter:

@_thehittingMD

Patrick Jones Baseball

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David Pearson - University of Iowa

Sun, 24 Apr 2022 20:30:52 GMT

In today’s episode, I talk to David Pearson. David is in his first season as a volunteer assistant coach with the University of Iowa baseball program. He serves as the Hawkeyes’ hitting coach.

David joins the program following a two-year run as an assistant coach at North Dakota State – his second stint with the Bison. He also has served as head coach at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) from 2016-19.

In this episode, he shares tips and pieces of advice with young coaches and young players.

He talks about how he goes about helping his players deal with failure.

Learn from his coaching career at different levels from a Player Development standpoint and ways to get better as Coaches and Players.

SHOW NOTES

[3:17] What was it like playing baseball in North Dakota growing up?

[4:17] When did you know that you wanted to get into coaching and that you want to be a coach?

[5:08] Did you know when you started coaching were there certain things that looking back you're like probably shouldn't have done?

[6:24] The biggest thing that I stress to a lot of young coaches.

[7:17] What's like one thing that really drew you to go to Iowa?

[8:26] Player development side at Iowa with the analytics department.

[9:22] What's something that you've learned maybe it's been at Iowa or maybe just in general just from all your years coaching?

[12:19] How do you help players with just dealing with failure?

[15:06] Our game is so predicated on how confident I am and how successful a person's been in the past.

[16:40] When you're in the box you need to see the ball big as you can and then trust your swing and be able all the work you've done in the weight room all the work you've done in the cages you have to be able to trust that when we get out onto the field you just now have to see the ball get a good pitch to hit.

[17:18] I wonder how many more players out there who start out struggling and because they don't know how to handle it they don't know how to do some of the things that you just described right there they never see the light at the end of the tunnel.

[19:08] Are there certain statistics or things that you emphasize to your players like for example in the minor leagues with the Orioles?

[20:20] Do you find that college kids the players on your team that they can handle like some of the information that they're giving them about that day's starting pitcher and the scouting reports and maybe movement and everything like that in their bowl?

[21:37] What's your take on teaching hitters two-strike approach?

[24:50] A lot of the great ones have the adjustability to be able to keep their hands back and fight pitches and be off time and still make something happen.

[25:46] Is hitting the breaking ball working on practicing hitting breaking balls off the machines something that you've done more of as your career has gone on?

[27:32] Trying to get players to improve their eyesight by working with eye doctors locally.

[29:27] Players now maybe focus more on the release point of the pitcher which allows them to see the ball better because of some of the stuff they're doing.

[30:44] Do you guys still put the screens across the infield so the players can't hit ground balls?

FOLLOW DAVID:

TWITTER:

@baseballDP

EMAIL:

david-pearson@iowabaseball.com

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Tyler Jackson - Morehead State University

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 20:30:49 GMT

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND SUMMER RECRUITMENT WITH TYLER JACKSON

In today's episode, I speak to Tyler Jackson. Tyler has helped Liberty to the finals of an NCAA regional in 2021 and is in his first season on the Morehead State baseball coaching staff as an assistant coach.

Tyler, who also was part of two NCAA Tournament qualifying teams at the College of Charleston, helped guide Liberty to 41 wins and the Atlantic Sun regular season title this past season. The Flames won two games in the NCAA Knoxville regional, eliminating Duke to reach the finals against host Tennessee.

In this episode, he shares his experiences as a hitting coach on different levels.

He talks about what he likes to emphasize with players during fall and during the season.

He shares some Recruiting trail tips with everybody who’s in that process or will be in that process.

In this episode learn how Tyler develops his players during the fall!

SHOW NOTES

[2:21] What's something that you're implementing now that you've learned from all your years of coaching and playing experience?

[4:01] Why do you have that approach to coaching where it's more so kind of giving letting them take the reins and do what they want?

[5:27] What are some of the things that maybe you could possibly share when it comes to getting ready for a game, is there a certain process that you have to help guys get ready to face a certain starting pitcher?

[6:41] What are your thoughts on random versus block practice before a game?

[7:36] What do the guys think of the machine?

[8:43] What's been the biggest challenge?

[10:17] What's your take on recruiting a high school player versus a JUCO or a transfer?

[11:50] JUCO guys are a little bit different.

[15:02] Are you looking for guys more so like up the middle first and then corner spots?

[17:52] What value do you put on speed?

[19:06] When you find out about a player and you look at maybe their pbr information like will you look at their 60 time there?

[19:40] How do you find players?

[20:18] Are you not always necessarily trying to recruit the very best player but you're trying to find a replacement for a player that's on your team right now?

[22:39] Do you think that transfers and the transfer portal have hurt high school kids getting recruited?

[23:31] Division one schools are done recruiting for the 2022 class.

[25:22] How do you go about developing these guys in the fall when you have a little bit more time to work with them?

[27:31] How little time you have versus how many players are out there. I mean you're the only hitting coach and you have all the over 20 guys.

[28:37] Is there a certain philosophy that you guys have?

[30:00] What is it like if you're coaching and there are maybe some players who aren't everyday starters?

[32:26] Why would someone want to come and play at Morehead state?

Follow Tyler:

Twitter

@tjacks17

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Lessons Learned Through Baseball - Charles Schultz

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 20:30:31 GMT

How to Achieve Greatness

Charles Schultz is the Owner of Super Fit Ohio and Edge of Greatness Podcast. Charles has always been enthusiastic about the pursuit of excellence, both personally and in coaching others.

He talks about why is it important to have relationships and build connections with players.

He shares why coaches should have real conversations and open the door for players to understand that all these little things that they're working on are a specific part of their journey towards their ultimate goal.

He talks about how players should sacrifice to achieve excellence in the field.

Learn about the importance of proper mentality before and during the game.

SHOW NOTES:

[2:42] What does that mean to be great?

[4:01] Building a system and then following through on the system.

[4:29] When you're working with athletes they obviously want to be great so how do you go about instilling that in them and making it so it's applicable to them at their age?

[5:47] Do you think it's really though sacrificing some of those other things like hanging out with friends or is it more so when they're just working harder and they're more focused?

[7:42] From a hitting coach standpoint right where it's like we want these guys to be confident in the box and that comes from preparation of course but it also comes from you know feeling like you're part of a group or a community and I think having friends is important too.

[10:28] Did you go back your junior year to what you were doing your freshman year or did you stay course the entire the rest of the way?

[11:02] Why do you think you decided to change course after your freshman?

[12:52] Do you think that if you would have went to a bigger school where there's more competition and you wouldn't have been able to be comfortable?

[14:55] Where were you thinking about transferring to?

[16:33] There are opportunities south at smaller schools that are considered d2.

[16:55] When you graduate after your senior year did you have any independent opportunities to continue playing baseball?

[18:37] How important age is in professional baseball?

[19:30] If you feel like you're ready to move on and you're ready to roll, and from a strength conditioning standpoint too when did that start taking place right after you got done playing?

[20:22] What's it like at your facility give us some background on like how you go about what's the system like there when it comes to kids coming in to train?

[21:44] What do you like better the lifting part or working with hitters?

[22:26] What's the smartest thing you've ever done as a coach?

[22:37] On the flip side, what's the one thing that you did as a coach that you know maybe was like a failure but you learned from it made you a better coach?

[24:41] On the business side of your strength conditioning business that you have, what are some of the things that maybe have surprised you since you owned a business?

[25:57] What's your vision?

[30:27] High school baseball's tough.

Follow Charles:

Website

Twitter

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Kyle Decker - Assistant Coach at University of Dayton

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 08:30:34 GMT

In today's episode, I speak to Kyle Decker. Kyle was brought on as an assistant coach in November 2020. He came to the Flyers after working as a volunteer assistant coach at Harvard University for the previous two years. While there he helped lead the Crimson to the 2019 Ivy League Championship and a spot in the Oklahoma City Regional in the 2019 NCAA Championship.

He served as a volunteer assistant coach at UMass for one year and as an assistant coach for the Plymouth Pilgrims of the New England Collegiate Baseball League.

He gave some tips on recruiting and shared what he is looking for in a player. He talks about what he would recommend to other coaches out there who are looking to get into college baseball.

We also talk about the challenges of being a volunteer coach and the sacrifices he made to coach at the collegiate level.

SHOW NOTES:

[2:24] Did you grow up a Boston Red Sox fan?

[3:29] The head coach at Harvard University.

[5:10] You grew up with a dad as a coach.

[5:44] What's one thing that you've learned since becoming a baseball coach?

[7:02] Turning into a nightly championship program.

[7:32] What's your favorite thing about player development?

[8:42] What would you say is the ultimate goal for most of the players that you've coached?

[10:09] How do you know when it's time to not talk too much vs when you need to talk more.

[11:47] What's your take on challenging guys vs traditional bp model 2

[18:42] Have you ever actually thought about getting into professional baseball?

[21:03] Are you always putting out your best 9 or are you sometimes gonna give guys a chance to maybe to don't get to play that often during midweek games so they can develop too?

[23:58] If you had a son who was in high school who wanted to play college baseball, what would you focus on him from a development standpoint?

[28:11] Do you wish you would've had a more diverse upbringing?

[34:00] What was it like playing in Belgium? How did you get there?

[37:49] What is it like to be a volunteer coach?

[44:41] What's the hard thing about recruiting that people don't know?

[47:25] How often do the parents play a role in you wanting to recruit that player?

[50:05] If someone wanted to play for you, what would be the best way to get your attention?

FOLLOW KYLE

Twitter: @Coach_Deck

Instagram: kyle_deckahh

Patrick Jones Baseball

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A 30 year-old playing college baseball - Kirk Cabana

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 08:30:00 GMT

In today’s episode, I speak to Kirk Cabana, Assistant Baseball Coach for Carolina University.

He shares his experiences being a Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Baseball Coach. He talks about establishing a culture, direction, and foundation for player development. He talks about the importance of having a growth mindset towards everything and finding your pursuit of purpose, making it to the next level, and making a difference.

He shares tips on how to build the foundations & values that make players better at sports and life.

He motivates players to find that drive towards the things that they believe.

Learn the importance of connecting with people that encourage you along the process in this episode.

SHOW NOTES

[4:04] Why were you playing college baseball at 30 years old?

[5:00] What were you doing all up into your 20s?

[9:11] How did you go about actually getting the coach to let you be on the team?

[15:59] How did the season go?

[17:44] After that season, what was next?

[21:32] Senior season.

[22:34] The leadership that you would bring and how you would help out those younger guys who are still trying to find their way.

[23:23] What do you think of coaching so far?

[25:05] We are all going to get drafted in life and so what you do right now sets yourself apart from your competitors in life.

[25:30] What are you getting your masters in?

[26:28] What's your vision for yourself?

[27:51] Having a growth mindset towards everything.

[28:21] What are you looking to work with people in sports or out of sports?

[28:35] Finding pursuit for purpose.

[30:25] What's your vision with your podcast?

[32:24] The definition of success. Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal.

[33:52] What I want to do next and how I can make things better.

[35:43] We get to do things rather than got to do things. It changes our mindset.

[36:17] What's a typical day like game day for Carolina university?

[37:59] We got to do bat testing for college baseball.

[38:23] Is that every level they're doing that?

[40:52] Head coach of an independent baseball team.

FOLLOW KIRK:

Podcast: pursuit4purpose

Instagram: pursuit4purpose

LinkedIn: Kirk Cabana

Twitter: CoachKirkCabana

Patrick Jones Baseball

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Shane Sharkey - Assistant Coach at Brookhaven College

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 20:30:16 GMT

In today's episode, I speak to Shane Sharkey. Shane has been a part of the success of Brookhaven Baseball for years. He was a member of the 2013 team that reached the NJCAA DIII World Series. He was an Assistant Coach on the 2019 team that reached the NJCAA DIII World Series.

In this episode, he shares how he recruits future JUCO players. He shares what coaches are looking for when it comes to players that they want to bring into a program from a scouting standpoint.

He gives advice to coaches and players going through the recruiting process at different levels.

SHOW NOTES

[3:13] What's the best thing about junior college baseball that people don't know?

[4:19] When it comes to recruiting and that process how late do you usually sign guys?

[5:09] What's the tuition like compared to a four-year college?

[5:53] Different divisions people don't know about junior college baseball.

[6:38] Do you guys get many transfers from four-year colleges?

[7:09] What are you guys specifically looking for when it comes to players that you want to bring into your program from a scouting standpoint what are you looking for?

[7:50] What are your responsibilities at school?

[8:30] What are the hours normally like in season and then offseason?

[9:08] There are really no guidelines or rules when it comes to Junior college baseball practice.

[9:45] You played at Brookhaven.

[10:04] Would you want to be a head coach someday?

[10:34] If you go to the high school level would you teach at the high school too?

[10:59] I know you played the following year too at out in Bakersfield how did that year go?

[11:57] Did you know right away you want to get back into coaching?

[13:35] In your own words what would be the advice you would give to people kind of going through that recruiting process and the different levels?

[15:57] How do you guys go about helping players or is there or do they do it on their own go from juco to their next stop?

[17:09] Are you picking up the phone yourself and calling these schools?

[17:56] How many times do you think those coaches read those compared to if you call as a coach?

[18:41] What kind of questions is that coach asking you when you've sent information to him?

[19:28] How many times would you say you call coaches and do they usually want to go see them or how do they want the player to come to work out for them at their school like how does that work?

[20:10] Do college coaches come and watch your guys' games during the season?

[20:27] You try to go and watch some high school games how does that work when you're so busy during the season with Brookhaven in college and coaching them?

[21:04] What's been the one thing that you've learned in coaching so far in your past several years that you've been doing it since you were done playing?

[23:10 Do you work other jobs during the year?

[24:54] What would be the advice you would give to someone who wants to get into college coaching?

[27:03] Sacrifice is a fantastic word.

[27:57] How do you guys go about trying to develop those players who may not be as good as the top-tier guys?

[29:20] Would you say the biggest difference is they're hitting or is it fielding?

[29:51] Do you guys have a certain philosophy when it comes to hitting an approach?

[31:40] Is there a specific system you have for trying to develop infielders?

FOLLOW SHANE:

Twitter: @CoachSharkey

Instagram: coachsharkey

LinkedIn: Shane Sharkey

Patrick Jones Baseball

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How to Develop Pitchers 'SAFELY' with Jared Gaynor

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 12:14:23 GMT

In today’s episode, I speak to Jared Gaynor. Jared is currently the minor league pitching coach for the Minnesota Twins.

In this episode, he shares his job as a pitching coach. How he builds trust and relationships with players. He shares tips to coaches on how to narrow the player’s focus and help put up some guardrails to make sure players are staying on the right path.

He shares why it is important to get to know yourself better, understand your strengths, and understand how to make adjustments quicker.

Jared talks about what's important at each level of youth baseball, and how to develop a process that's going to help players make it to the next level.

We also cover why it is important to have a plan for players on what their workload is throughout the week and make sure that they’re ready to handle the workload that they're doing.

Learn the importance of finding the language that the player responds to the best and what actually makes sense to them.

FREE LIVE TRAINING March 27th Link

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Devin Mesoraco - Volunteer Assistant Coach (University of Pittsburgh)

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 11:44:41 GMT

In today’s episode, I speak to Devin Mesoraco. Devin is currently the Volunteer assistant coach at the University of Pittsburgh.

He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets. Devin was an MLB All-Star in 2014.

In this episode, he shares his job as a catcher. How he got to be ready to call a game and be good defensively. He shares that at the end of the day he's there to serve the pitcher and how he needs to do what he can to help their career.

He shares why is it important to believe in yourself and be positive like you're going to have success.

Devin talks about three major things that you have to do well as a catcher

Throw
Block
Receive

He shares some advice to coaches at the high school and youth level in developing and working with baseball players and how to build younger players.

Learn the importance of connecting with players and pulling the ball with authority in this episode

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Finding Baseball Camps with Justin Seager and Brock Hudgens

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 15:13:46 GMT

In today’s episode, I speak to Brock Hudgens and Justin Seager, they played D1 ball together, got Drafted, and started a business.

They started an Airbnb Concept website to help parents & players find college baseball & softball camps in their area.

In this episode, they share setbacks in their own career and how that helped them in the long run.

We also talk about why is it rewarding to give back to the game and why sharing your knowledge and experiences with others is important.

SHOW NOTES:

[0:38] Why did you end up making a decision to walk-on at UNC Charlotte?

[4:06] Brock’s background and how he ended up getting to Charlotte.

[6:37] What camp did you guys meet at?

[7:23 College coaches the camp is like the way to go.

[8:01] Were camps like a big deal down where you guys were?

[8:33] Did anybody on your team get a scholarship offer or a walk-on spot offer based on a camp?

[9:28] Scouting and recruiting is a roll of the dice.

[10:08] Brock’s career ended up progressing at like and not only into college but even professionally too and just how he had to adapt, develop, and continue.

[13:02] Was it one throw that it everything changed on?

[15:21] Justin’s stories from the minor leagues.

[17:29] What advice would you give to someone who is in a similar boat that as you were, where they're playing behind somebody?

[18:57] Did you feel pressure being a right-handed hitting first baseman?

[19:51] Looking back do you think that pressure is warranted?

[21:30] Helping you the youth in baseball.

[22:37] Justin with Blast Motion

[24:36] Justin’s role with Blast Motion.

[25:41] When did this idea of this Airbnb for camps come about?

[27:59] Benefits of going to a camp.

[29:17] Are there specific ages or skill levels or is it just everybody anybody in all camps doesn't matter baseball softball everything's on the site?

[33:11] What I help players with doing to and recommend to them is video is such a powerful tool.

[35:41] What advice would you give to people out there who are in the same boat and having to do it and maybe not getting any love or even any responses?

Follow PlaynSports

Website: www.playnsports.com

Twitter: @playnsportsbsb

Instagram: playnsportsusa

LinkedIn:

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Developing as a High School Baseball Coach - Corey Smith

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 09:50:00 GMT

In today’s episode, I speak to Corey Smith, assistant baseball coach at McNicholas High School.

He shares what he learned being a high school baseball coach for the past five years. He talks about the importance of conditioning, strengthening the core, and doing everything in a baseball mindset to make a positive impact on the team.

He shares some of the sacrifices players, parents, and coaches make and how they resulted in players making it to the next level.

He talks about the need for a level of respect between parents, players, and coaches.

Learn and understand the uniqueness of high school baseball!

Show Notes

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Strength and Conditioning for Baseball Players - Josh Kauten

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 13:15:21 GMT

In today’s episode, I speak to Josh Kauten, he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers out of Illinois State University, where he was named the Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year and studied Exercise Science and Biomechanics.

After 5 seasons in professional baseball, he helped start the Heartland CC baseball program as the Pitching and Strength Coaches. He has worked with 100+ D1 players and 30+ Pros. His CSCS and CFSC certifications help give him a unique understanding of the human body and how to optimize performance.

In this episode, he talks about power output and efficient training.

He relates some of his experiences in kinesiology and how it helped him as a baseball coach.

Josh also talks about some health issues like stress that players may experience and how to overcome these pressure situations.

Learn about the importance of strength and conditioning for baseball players, and the effects it can have on their development.

Josh's Website

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Building a ROUTINE that works for YOU - Dave Anderson

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 13:33:10 GMT

In today’s episode, I speak to Dave Anderson, he was a member of the Dodgers team that won the 1988 World Series. Anderson was the manager for the 1994 Jamestown Jammers of the single A short season New York–Penn League.

Dave Anderson played 10 years in the major leagues 1988 world series champion.

He shares some advice to high school coaches who are trying to develop infielders. He talks about the importance of having a routine and staying ready during the game.

He also talks about the importance of cherishing opportunities to be at the plate and win the game!

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Recruiting Coordinator At Tulane University - Jay Uhlman

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 12:50:10 GMT

In today’s episode, I speak to Jay Uhlman, the Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator -Tulane University.

He is a veteran with over 24 years of experience as both an assistant and head coach

Jay Uhlman arrived at Tulane after he spent the previous eight seasons as a member of the University of Oregon staff where he was the associate head coach for the last three seasons.

He shares some advice to high school parents about going into the recruiting decision-making process.

He also talks about elevating standards and challenging players to see their competitiveness.

Learn about the importance of building relationships, bridging the gap, getting in the cage, communicating with them on defense, and fielding techniques.

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Head Baseball Coach at Denison University - Michael Deegan

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 09:48:00 GMT

In today’s episode, I speak to Michael Deegan, the Head Baseball Coach at Denison University.

He shares his vision and experiences as a coach on how to lead and live a meaningful life.

He talks about the importance of having great conversations and building relationships with players and coaches in the best way possible because he believes that finding your own voice and true self is really powerful. In this conversation, he talks about living your values and being the best version of yourself.

Learn about the importance of being transparent and how players should function as a team as he shares his secret and story on being successful in moving people forward and how you can best impact the team by constantly learning and communicating.

Show Notes

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Pittsburgh Pirates Field Coordinator and 3B Coach - Mike Rabelo

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 15:24:34 GMT

In today’s episode, I speak to Mike Rabelo, the Major League Field Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Mike was the hitting coach for the Gulf Coast League Tigers and the Short-season A Connecticut Tigers. He was hired as manager of the Connecticut Tigers for the 2014 season. He was also in the managerial position for the West Michigan Whitecaps, Lakeland Flying Tigers, and Erie SeaWolves'.

He shares his experiences and what he learned as a field coordinator, what goes on behind the scenes, and what makes the game happen to try to get all the players to coordinate and practice differently, better, and manage time efficiently!

He talks about educating players in the best way he can because he believes that the players want to learn and want to be challenged. In this damn good conversation, he talks about compassion for players, how to win players, and developing relationships with players for a long time.

Learn about the importance of how players should run smart, knowing the situation, where's the ball, what's the sign, and where’s the defense.

He shares advice to coaches out there on helping players deal with failure and how it goes back to timing!

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Improving your communication skills with Joe Ferraro

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 09:13:00 GMT

Joe Ferraro is a high school teacher, former baseball coach, and currently is the host of the 1% Better Podcast. I have been working with Joe for several months now to continue to improve my skills as an interviewer, as well as a better speaker. No matter what walk of life you're currently in, you can always get better at your communication skills.

Joe's Website

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Driveline Plus - Listen to episode for exclusive discount!

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Evaluating Coaches and Infield Play with Callix Crabbe

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 09:55:00 GMT

For the past three years Callix Crabbe has been the MLB Assistant Hitting Coach for the Texas Rangers. In this episode, Callix shares what he learned over his career as a hitting coach, how to evaluate coaches, and working with infielders.

Free Presentation on 'Timing'

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Stealing Bases, Scoring Runs, and Summer Baseball with Mike Roberts

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 09:04:00 GMT

With over 40 years of coaching experience, it is an honor to have on a legend in this weeks episode, Mike Roberts. Mike and I met this past season in spring training when I was working for the Baltimore Orioles organization. I instantly felt a connection with Mike and enjoyed picking his brain on all of the intricacies in the game. He spent 23 years as the head coach at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. During the summer he is the head coach for the Cotuit Kettlers in the Cape Cod League. In this episode, we talk a lot about stealing bases, summer baseball, and scoring runs. Mike is well known throughout the country as being innovative when it comes to stealing bases. Mike's son, Brian, played 13 years in the MLB and used his Dad's methods to steal bases throughout his entire career.

Mike's book on stealing bases

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Bat Fitting and On Deck Routines with the Baseball Performance Lab

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 09:18:00 GMT

Why do you swing the bat you do? What was the reason you went with the specific length, weight, handle? Is there a way to identify what specific bat you should be swinging?

On this week's episode, we have Liam Mucklow who is the founder of the Baseball Performance Lab and Micah Gibbs who is the Director of Player Development at BPL on the podcast to discuss Bat Fitting.

I have yet to see anyone in the Baseball world do what these guys are doing from an equipment standpoint. They are using objective information to find the perfect bat for each hitter to maximize their production at the plate.

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Building a High School Program with Art Senato

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 09:13:00 GMT

For the past thirty years, Art Senato has been coaching high school baseball. This year he decided to take on a new challenge and become the Head Coach for Centennial Spartans High School Baseball Team, in Burleson Texas. Art takes us behind the scenes and tells us how he's building the program in his first year as head coach. We also talk about helping kids in the recruiting process, playing time, off-season workouts, and building a culture.

Coaches sign up for content I only share via email

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The College Recruiting Journey with Walter Beede

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 09:57:00 GMT

Walter is a father, coach, and advisor. He has been helping players and families with the recruiting process for over thirty years. In this episode, we talk about how parents should act during games, advice to kids who aren't getting recruited, not playing travel baseball before 14u, and verbally committing to a school as an underclassman. Walter just came out with a book to help families through the recruiting process.

“Committed : The Guide to Developing College Ready Recruits from Middle School Through High School”

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Atlanta Braves MLB Assistant Hitting Coach - Bobby Magallanes

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:32:49 GMT

2021 World Series Champion, Bobby Magallanes joins the show this week! Prior to this past season Bobby had spent 31 years in the minor leagues as a player and as a coach. While he was coaching in the minor leagues, Bobby got his masters degree in performance psychology. Let me tell you from first hand experience, that is useful when coaching hitters during a 100 plus game season. We also talk about the importance of having a growth mindset as a coach. mindfulness, what coaching actually means, and two strike approach.

Free hitting PDF

If you have any future guest recommendations please email me, jonesbaseballtraining@gmail.com

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NAIA to the Big Leagues with Ben Heller

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 13:05:15 GMT

On this episode we have a current player joining us on the podcast! Ben Heller, who has had an amazing journey from starting back as a high school pitcher not getting recruited. He then signed on to play at Olivet Nazarene a small NAIA college, got drafted by the Indians in the 22nd round, and ended up making it to the MLB. Ben has had some tough luck with injuries the last few seasons. In this episode, he talks about having to deal with those injuries from a mental and physical standpoint. We also talk about how Ben uses meditation to stay in the moment, why being too coachable isn't a good thing and advice to young players.

If you have any questions you would like me to answer on the podcast please email me, jonesbaseballtraining@gmail.com

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Paul Janish - Associate Head Coach, Rice University

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 08:28:00 GMT

After retiring from professional baseball at age 36, Paul Janish immediately got into coaching. Legendary college baseball coach, Wayne Graham asked Paul to come back to his alma mater (Rice University) and help out. He’s been coaching at Rice ever since. In this episode, Paul talks about the transition into coaching, coaching infielders, and some things he learned by playing professional baseball.

If you have any questions or future guest recommendations, please email me, jonesbaseballtraining@gmail.com

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Todd Miller - Hitting Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, Tennessee Tech University

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 08:43:00 GMT

Todd is entering his 16th season coaching College Baseball. This upcoming season will be his first year at Tennessee Tech University. He is serving as the hitting coach and recruiting coordinator. Todd has coached at the D3, D2, and now D1 level. In this episode, we get into recruiting, developing hitters mentally and physically, 2k approach, and Todd’s background.

Todd and I will be speaking at Connecting the Dots conference December 3-5th in Knoxville Tennessee. We would love to see you there!

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ESPN College Baseball Analyst, Mike Rooney

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 10:36:00 GMT

This week we are talking some college baseball with former college coach, Mike Rooney. Mike started out his baseball journey as a player at the University of Notre Dame. His coach at Notre Dame, Pat Murphy eventually got the head coaching job at Arizona State University and brought Mike along with him. In this episode, Mike talks about some of the reasons he loves broadcasting, why he loves college baseball, and some rule changes he is looking forward to in the future.

Show Notes

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Coaching Baseball and Running a Business with Caleb Longley

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:38:56 GMT

Caleb is currently the Hitting and Pitching Development Coordinator at the University of Texas. Prior to his current position at UT, he was the Director of Hitting Development and Analytics at Arizona State.

When he's not at the field coaching, he's running his business, Marv Training. A company that started out selling resistance bands and is now expanding into other products including their newly released product, plyo balls with seams.

In this episode, we talk about Caleb's current role at Texas and what that entails, how Marv Training started, what he found out about running a business, and where he sees himself in five years.

Marvtraining.com

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Pitching Coach University of Georgia - Sean Kenny

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 16:33:40 GMT

After coaching stops at the University of Michigan, Maryland, Pepperdine, and San Diego, Sean Kenny has found a home as pitching coach at the University of Georgia. This is his 26th year as a collegiate coach. He has continued to adapt over the years with all the new information while keeping his core beliefs on how to develop pitchers. In this episode Sean talks about some of the changes he has made over his coaching career, what are some of the things that he has never changed in his career, and how he goes about developing players at the University of Georgia.

Full Show Notes Here

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Aaron Smith - Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Belmont University

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 18:10:17 GMT

Aaron has been coaching at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee for thirteen years now. He is the Associate Head Coach and is also in charge of running the offense. Aaron has continued to evolve as a coach throughout the years with all of the new pieces of technology, while relying on his experience to help simplify it to his players. In this episode we cover what fall ball looks like at Belmont, using technology for his hitters, and the differences between elite hitters and average ones.

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Hitting Lessons from a Baseball legend - Joe "The Hit Doctor" Barth

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 13:32:48 GMT

Joe is the founder of Tri City Aresnal, a nationally known travel baseball organization based out of New Jersey. Joe has sent thousands of kids to play college baseball, and hundreds that ended up playing professional baseball, including one of the greatest players of all time, Mike Trout. Joe made the jump to be in baseball full-time in the mid 80s after being a full-time CPA until he was 42 years old. He started out with his own facility and eventually got into showcases, high school baseball, camps, and eventually Tri City Aresnal in the mid 90s.

“The Hit Doctor” as he’s widely known around the country breaks down his core beliefs about developing hitter’s in this episode. We get into mechanics, approach, practice design, and the mental game. Joe tells some great stories about some of the best hitters to ever play including Ted Williams and Joe Morgan.

Here is Joe’s website

If you are a hitter and are interested in working with me in the off-season in Cincinnati please email me jonesbaseballtraining@gmail.com

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Hitting Coach, University of Washington - Andy Jenkins

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 07:39:00 GMT

This upcoming season (2021-2022) will be Andy's first season at the University of Washington. It will also be his first time as a full-time hitting coach. Andy has had previous coaching stops at Cal State Fullerton and Oregon State University. In this episode we talk about what hitting philosophy Andy plans on implementing this upcoming season, what he's learned from the best head coaches in college baseball, and college recruiting.

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Getting Recruited to Play College Baseball

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 08:02:00 GMT

How do you go about getting recruited to play college baseball? What camps or showcases should you be going to? In this episode I talk about how to evaluate yourself as a baseball player in the recruiting process and then how to go about promoting yourself the RIGHT way.

Evaluating yourself.

Do you love playing baseball? Are you thinking about how to get better everyday?

What are your grades like?

What do you want to do with Baseball? Play in MLB, Play in College? Power 5? Good education, etc. Be honest with where you’re at.

How old are you? (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)

What level of Baseball are you currently playing?

· One of the top organizations in the country?

· Competing against high level competition?

· Are you dominating?

Position player

- Do you have power?

- Patience at the plate? BB/K

- Speed? (Baserunning?)

- Moving on each pitch,

- Arm?

- Glove?

- How do you handle failure in big moment?

- Good Teammate

Pitcher

- Velocity

- Projectible

- Command

- 2/3rd pitch that you can throw for strike

- Body language when you don’t get a good call.

If you don’t have a big enough engine, ie you are lacking strength (velocity, power, arm strength might be best to spend the summer working on those things vs. traveling the country playing in games.

Promoting yourself

· Emailing college coaches directly.

- Make a personalized video to that coach (Xan Barksdale's idea)

- Tagging college coaches on social media

· Maybe 1 or 2 that you’re really interested in

- Showcases

· PBR/Perfect Game

- Camps

· Can be a good thing if you’re really interested in the school.

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A life spent Coaching Baseball with Turtle Thomas

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 03:17:53 GMT

14 College World Series appearances, 19 consecutive top 10 recruiting classes, and two national championships. Not a bad resume for this week’s guest, Turtle Thomas. Turtle coached college baseball for 39 years with stops at Clemson, Georgia Tech, LSU, Miami (FL), and Arizona State. Currently, he is a roving catching instructor in the Texas Ranger organization. In this episode we talk about his experience as a relentless recruiter, tips to help catchers, and advice he would give to young coaches.

If you haven’t please rate and leave a review on iTunes, it helps the overall rating of the show so we can reach more coaches and impact more players.

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Training Baseball Players with Kevin Poppe - DST Performance

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 08:55:00 GMT

Kevin Poppe is the co-owner of DST Performance in Houston, Texas. DST (Dynamic Sports Training) trains athletes of all ages. In this episode, we talk specifically about working with baseball players. We talk about some of the things that Kevin does when working with high school, college, and professional baseball players, what it is like for an athlete when they first walk into DST, and why no tool is the holy grail.

What happens when you walk into DST Performance for the first time?

General strength training for high school athletes.

How do you know what exercises a professional baseball player should be doing?

External cueing vs. internal cueing

Tommy John surgery epidemic

MAT “Movement Activation Technique”

No ‘tool’ is the holy grail

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Throwing Harder and Swinging Faster with Paul Nyman

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 08:34:00 GMT

Paul Nyman is an Engineer who has a passion for player development in baseball. After starting his regular job in the technical world as an engineer, Paul retired in 1989. He started to come across different research articles on overload/underload training and ways to develop ballistic power. He started to realize that not many people were putting in the time and effort in the baseball world to develop players in a similar manner. With Paul’s background as an Engineer, he knew he could develop products that could help teach coaches how to train pitchers and hitters to maximize their capabilities as a baseball players. In this episode, Paul takes us through his research and experience in developing hitters and pitchers.

Paul’s company is called SetPro. His Twitter handle is @setprosports

Some of the questions that were asked:

Where did all of the new school pitching philosophy coming from?

If you were running a professional organization, how would you structure it from a developmental standpoint for pitchers?

What tools or products are overrated in the pitching world?

Similarities and differences in pitching and hitting mechanics.

What are optimal mechanics for a hitter? How does that change based on pitch type/location?

Where do you see baseball going in the next 3-5 years from an analytical and development standpoint?

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If I had a son who WANTED to play Baseball

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 08:22:00 GMT

What would I do if I had a son who wanted to play baseball. How would I go about it from a developmental and parent perspective. I played baseball as a kid and now have coached players from middle school to the MLB. I have seen what has worked and what hasn't. Below are a few of the topics that I will go over in the episode.

Gymnastics at a young age

Play other sports if he wanted to, he’s in the driver’s seat

Give him the option to do other things if he wants to. I want him to be curious. Identity isn’t a baseball player. Separating baseball player vs person. Bad game?

Having fun, being a good teammate, and playing hard would be the goal during games. I know if this is the goal, he will play better. Not focusing on his own stats.

After and DURING the game. Remind him how much I love and believe in him. After a big strikeout, I’m looking for my Dad in the stands to see his reaction. Every son want’s his Dad to be proud of him.

At a young age, I would throw him CBs, a lot. Swing decisions often separate hitter’s in baseball. Not talent.

We would focus a ton of time on defense. Playing and learning multiple positions. Often forgotten and equally if not more important in some ways depending on the position.

Getting a strong foundation before high school. (Learning how to hinge, squat, move properly). I know I would’ve been a much better player had I learned to move properly at a younger age.

Strength, speed, and power. (Greg Rose. Under 22 is where we can develop speed. When they’re growing fast, train fast. Bones are growing faster than muscles. When you think of mechanics you start to slow down. Develop ballistic speed.

Recruiting process: What is the goal? Being honest.

No showcases until he’s ready. The focus is on development and having fun. If that’s not until he’s a junior then that’s when we go.

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Player Development and College Recruiting with Donegal Fergus

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 08:21:00 GMT

Donegal Fergus has been coaching baseball for over 20 years. He has coached at the collegiate and professional level for numerous teams including the University of Washington, UC Santa Barbra, and most recently, the Minnesota Twins. Donegal is currently working with hitter's in the private sector back home in California. In this episode we talk about challenging players in the practice setting, the similarities between college and pro ball, and college recruiting.

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Dr. Michael Gervais - High Performance Psychologist

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 08:39:00 GMT

Dr. Gervais is one of the most sought-after high-performance coaches on the planet. He has worked with Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks, Olympic medalists, UFC fighters, MLB players, and coaches from every major sport. He is also the host of the Finding Mastery podcast and the founder of Compete to Create, a business he founded with Pete Caroll.

Dr. Gevais has been featured in NBC, ABC, FOX, ESPN, NFL Network, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Outside Magazine, WIRED, ESPN Magazine, and the Harvard Business Review.

We talk about how to help athletes, dealing with failure in baseball, and the exact process that Dr. Gervais uses when working with someone.

Topics and questions during the episode:

How can I sustain the right type of mindset to grow to get better?

The #1 fear for most humans is what people might think of them.

How can we re-define failure in baseball?

What will happen if I don’t perform well?

Failure is the inability for us to not go for it.

We have to be able to use information well. It’s up to us on how we use it.

Co-Rumination and why it’s important for us to talk about our failure’s but not ruminate on it.

“My purpose in life is to help people stay in the present moment”

The present moment is also the key to getting into flow state.

A typical day in the life of Dr. Michael Gervais.

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Kyle Wagner - Aggression Precedes Discipline, Developing Amateur Hitters

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 08:41:00 GMT

Currently the Director of Player Development for GoWags a travel baseball organization, author of two books, "GreenLight Hitting" and "How the Rivercats Won", Kyle Wagner stops by the show to talk about a better way to develop amateur hitters, through aggression. In this episode Kyle explains why "aggression should precede discipline", the age when plate discipline should start to be emphasized, and some drills he likes to do with younger kids to instill this message.

You can follow Kyle on social media @gowagskyle on Twitter.

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Jim Rickon: Labeling Players, Scouting, and Amateur Baseball

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 08:44:00 GMT

Jim Rickon is currently a scout for the Cleveland Indians. He has been with the Indians organization for over 20 years as a player and coach. He has served as a hitting coach, coordinator, and now scout. In this episode he talks about some of the things that he's learned over the years, the differences between scouting and coaching, and why labeling players by their body language and work ethic my not be a good idea.

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Cody Decker on Pinch Hitting, Data for Players, and Pulling Pranks

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 08:44:00 GMT

Normally on the show we have coaches at various level who come on and talk about their current coaching situation, how they go about developing players, and give advice to everyone listening. However, I think it's just as important to have current and former players on the show to balance that out. I know I have learned a ton from just listening to players talk, they will tell you what pieces of information help and what doesn't. That is why on this episode I invited former MLB player, Cody Decker to talk about his experience as a player. Cody played for 11 years, mostly all in the minors, getting a cup of coffee in the show. Cody shares his experience not being able to get any data from his organization on himself as a player, and why it made sense years later.

Training Pitchers REMOTELY with Ben Brewster

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 08:34:00 GMT

Can you develop pitchers without actually seeing them in person? Ben Brewster and Tread Athletics have been doing that for several years, and have been doing it extremely well. Ben is the Co-Founder of Tread Athletics, a company that specializes in remote training for pitchers. They provide extensive educational resources for their clients along with formalizing an in depth plan for each pitcher. In this episode, Ben explains how he got started doing remote coaching, some common flaws he sees in pitchers, and an example of what it would be like to work with Tread Athletics.

TreadAthletics.com

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Jim Maciejewski - Developing High School Players, and the value of Consistency

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 08:58:00 GMT

What makes high school baseball beneficial? To me it's actually closer to what college is like. Same teammates everyday, competing against teams in your league, and winning is relevant. It's important for the game that high school baseball is still held in high regard. No better way to find out what it's like to be in high school sports than to bring on a current high school Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach. Jim Maciejewski is currently the Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach at Mauldin High School in Mauldin, South Carolina. In this episode Jim talks about some of the problems he sees at the high school level, dealing with parents, how he runs his baseball program, and a story of a player who struggled in high school but continued to work and is now in MLB spring training.

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Jeff Banister - Managing in MLB, Analytics, and Resiliency as a Kid

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 08:32:00 GMT

Experience. Wisdom. Those are the first two words I think of when I think of Jeff Banister. Jeff has been coaching in professional baseball for over 35 years. He has been a MiLB manager, Field Coordinator, and MLB Manager. He was the Pittsburgh Pirates manager from 2010-2014 and then was the Texas Rangers manager from 2015-2018. Jeff is currently the Director of Player Development at the University of Northern Colorado, where his son is playing. Jeff's journey in baseball was anything but easy. He developed cancer in high school, spent six months in a hospital, and was told he was probably going to get his leg amputated. In college, he was in a collision at home plate that left him paralyzed for two weeks. Before turning twenty-one years old he had over ten surgeries. In this episode he opens up and talks about that experience as a kid, what he's learned as a coach, and what the best thing about being a manager is.

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Director of Coaching Development with USA Baseball, Andrew Bartman

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 09:18:00 GMT

Former college coach and current director of coaching development at USA Baseball, Andrew Bartman, stops by to share some wisdom this week. Andrew has been at several colleges at the NAIA and JUCO level. He shares some stories of why coaching at that level can be such a challenge and at the same time a great learning experience. In this episode Andrew talks about giving back to the community, staying present with your family, and some of the great resources that USA Baseball has for coaches that are free!

Feel free to reach out to Andrew directly if you have any questions: andrewbartman@usabaseball.com

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Tyler Packanik - A Data Driven Approach to Developing Infielders

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 15:55:07 GMT

"Defense wins Championships" We've all heard it a thousand times. However, it can take a back seat to hitting because it's not as much fun to talk about (My opinion). Defense is one of the things that allows hitters to stay in the lineup when they're struggling. It allows players to not feel as much pressure at the plate because they know they provide value on the other side of the ball. In this episode with Tyler Packanik, currently the Volunteer at the University of Missouri, we talk about ways to develop infielders at a faster rate. Tyler played college baseball is Marrieta College in Ohio. After his playing career he has had several coaching stops including Ohio University, Bucknell, Stetson, and this past season coaching travel baseball for the Orlando Scorpions. In this episode Tyler gives some tips on ways to utilize video at practice, drills that you can do with all skill levels, and how to get better when you don't have a coach around the hit you ground balls.

Tyler's website

Follow Tyler on Twitter:

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Adam Vrable - Competing in practice, Teaching players to own their craft

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 09:45:00 GMT

Currently in his 7th season as Volunteer Assistant and the University of Louisville, Adam Vrable loves what he gets to do, coach. His passion for baseball sticks out like a sore thumb when you listen to him talk. Adam played College Baseball at Coastal Carolina where get graduated with a degree in History. After graduating he began his coaching journey, with stops at The Citadel and Charleston Southern. He also was involved in travel baseball coaching in South Carolina right after graduating from South Carolina. In this episode Adam explains what it's like coaching at Louisville, why they compete in everything that they do, and working with baserunners, outfielders, and hitters at Louisville.

Blast Motion Code: pjb25

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Should kids throw Curveballs? Coaching Trevor Bauer in High School - Jim Wagner

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 09:09:00 GMT

For over twenty years Jim Wagner has been working with pitchers of all ages. He currently runs his own pitching facility, Throwzone Academy in Los Angeles, California. Jim's very first client was a 10-year-old named Trevor Bauer, who just this past year won the Cy Young award. In this episode Jim talks about the age kids should start throwing curveballs, educating parents on pitch counts, and utilizing a radar gun and white board for competition.

Blast Motion Code: pjb25

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Ian Macdonald - Recruiting High School Baseball Players

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 15:03:12 GMT

Currently the recruiting coordinator at the University of Charleston, Ian Macdonald takes us behind the curtain to see what it's like to be solely focused on recruiting high school baseball players. We talk about recruits using social media, some of the red flags that coaches are looking for and doing extensive background work before offering them a roster spot. Ian also explains how they take advantage of the rules at the DII level, which includes unlimited amount of staff and expanded rosters. They have eight coaches on staff, two teams which consist of forty-eight players, a Varsity and J.V. team. This allows them to develop players who may not be ready to play right away on their varsity team. For further information on how they look at college recruiting and what they're looking for check out Ian's website.

Ian's website

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Josh Bloomer - Creating buy in, using tech in hitting, and game planning

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 09:27:00 GMT

We sit down with the hitting coach for the Duke University softball team, Josh Bloomer. Josh started his career as a high school math teacher for 15 years. During that time he was the Head Softball coach at Louisville Male High School, where in his last year as head coach they finished #1 in the country. After that season he was offered the position as hitting coach at Duke University. He talks about his transition from high school to college, and some of the things that go on behind the scenes when you're a college coach. Josh also talks about implementing technology into Duke's program, specifically Blast Motion, and what some of the metrics he focuses on. Lastly, we talk about creating buy in, and some of the ways he went about doing that in his first year at Duke.

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Baseball is 90% Mental - Dr. Brent Walker

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 14:45:41 GMT

Brent Walker is the Associate Athletic Director of Championship Performance at Columbia University. He has spent several years working with all sports including baseball. He has several professional baseball clients whose performance on the field has benefitted from working with him.

In this episode Dr. Brent Walker discusses the role parents should play in sports, techniques to help your players when they’re struggling, and the value of writing things down on paper.

If you’re interested in working with Dr. Brent Walker please email him @Bww2108@columbia.edu

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Director of Pitching at Driveline Baseball - Bill Hezel

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 09:30:00 GMT

If you love pitching, you're going to love this episode with Bill Hezel. Bill's coaching journey is unique. He coached college baseball for seven years, while working a full-time job, oftentimes having to sleep in his car in-between practice and work. He eventually took a job at Driveline Baseball where he is now the Director of Pitching, as well as being a pitching consultant to the Philadelphia Phillies. In this episode, Bill gives a behind-the-scenes look at what he does at Driveline, the best ways to develop pitchers, and what he looks for when hiring future employees.

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Teaching Sabermetrics with Professor Dave Hyland

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 09:37:00 GMT

Data..It seems that people love it or hate it in baseball. However, I'm here to re-assure you that it's okay to use data. In this episode we have Dave Hyland, currently a Professor of Finance at Xavier University. Dave teaches a Sabermetrics course at Xavier and explains what he teaches his students, and how he got the idea to start the class. If you're someone who is interested in data in baseball, then this is going to be a great episode to listen too!

Dave's email: hylandd@xavier.edu

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Recruiting in 2020, Developing a conference champion, - Liam Bowen

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 09:11:00 GMT

Head Coach at UMBC (University of Maryland Baltimore - County), Liam Bowen, drops by to talk about what it's like taking over a program a D1 program. Liam explains why you need more evidence to convince players to make changes, and why he wants recruits to be curious from a developmental standpoint. Liam took over as head coach at UMBC in late 2019 during the season. He explains how he's transitioning his team's mindset, and why mindset is everything. Lastly, we get into recruiting, how is Liam recruiting in 2020 with the pandemic going on? The difference in recruiting position players vs. pitchers in 2020? Why being a mid-major D1 is actually an advantage from a recruiting standpoint, especially with the dead period going on.

"We're not going to recruit a conference champion, we're going to develop a conference champion"

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Minnesota Twins Bench Coach, - Mike Bell

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 10:00:00 GMT

Currently bench coach for the Minnesota twins. Mike actually went to the same high school that I went to, Moeller High School, and now his son, Luke, is playing at Xavier University, where I graduated from as well. Small world. Mike started out as a Manager in the minor leagues for the Diamondback. He also served as a field coordinator, and was the director of player development for the Arizona Diamondbacks for the last 7 years prior to getting the job with the Twins in 2020.In this episode Mike gives advice on what he’s looking for when interviewing candidates for a job in professional baseball. Mike has done 100s of interviews during his time with the Diamondbacks and has first hand knowledge of what an organization is looking for when hiring someone.

Lastly Mike talks about some of the things he’s learned over his career in professional baseball. His Dad played 18 years in the MLB , grandfather player 15 years, and Mike’s brother David is currently the Manager for the Cincinnati Reds.

marvtraining.com

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From Car Salesman to D1 Pitching Coach - Matt Passauer

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 08:23:00 GMT

After graduating from college Matt didn’t immediately get into coaching. He started as a car salesman. After doing that for a year he became an assistant coach at East Georgia College. After one year he was promoted to Head Coach, a title he retained for the next three. Matt then made the decision to become the volunteer at Miami, Oh. After one season he was promoted to Pitching Coach.

In this episode you will learn what a D1 pitching coach is looking for when he is out recruiting, how he develops pitchers at Miami, and some ways you can individualize in a team setting.

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Hitting Coordinator for the Colorado Rockies - Darin Everson

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 08:44:00 GMT

Loved talking shop with one of the best hitting minds in the game, Darin Everson, Hitting Coordinator of the Colorado Rockies. In this episode we talk about how we as coaches can help players become their own hitting coach, home schooling his son, Jared, while he was managing for the Rockies in 2016, and the importance of teaching players to “be where your feet are at”.

Marv Training Bands marvtraining.com

Darin's website: www.elitebaseballacademy.com

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MLB Hitting Coach for the Chicago Cubs - Anthony Iapoce

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 09:29:00 GMT

Current hitting coach of the Chicago Cubs stops by the podcast to discuss a variety of topics. Anthony has coached in the minor leagues, was a coordinator, and now a coach at the big league level. In this episode he gives advice on how help players during a season, working with players from different countries, and what he noticed watching players in the Dominican Republic train.

If you're interested in having Anthony speak to your team via zoom please send him a DM on Twitter @anthonyiapoce

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Nutrition for Baseball Players - Brandon Guyer

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 09:45:00 GMT

Mechanics, lifting, defense, and hitting are all fun things to talk about. However, one of the most overlooked things in player development is nutrition. On this episode we have Brandon Guyer, former MLB player who is now a certified nutritionist. Brandon gives example of some things that he would do to help with nutrition on the road during his career. We also talk about the mental game, and how nutrition plays a role in that, and lastly Brandon gives advice on what kinds of food and nutrients you should be consuming as a baseball player.

Brandon's website is fullyequippedathlete.com

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Adam Rosales - Former big leaguer and current coach - Oakland A’s

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 09:32:00 GMT

Imagine getting cut from 3 different teams within 10 days?! That's what happened to Adam Rosales, former big leaguer, who is currently coaching in the Oakland Athletics organization. In this episode Adam gives tips on what helped him mentally stay in the moment throughout his career, why he sprinted around the bases after a HR, and tips for up and coming hitters who want to continue to play at a high level.

Adam’s website: https://www.baseballutility.com/

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Independent Baseball, Hitting Coach Fargo Redhawks - Anthony Renz

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 09:13:00 GMT

Another route to get to the big leagues is through Independent Baseball. In this episode we have the hitting coach for the Fargo - Moorhead Redhawks, Anthony Renz. Anthony explains his experience in Independent Baseball and talks about some of the similarities and differences between it and MiLB. I personally played Independent Baseball and realized just how good the competition is. For some of these teams they have several players who will go BACK to the big leagues at some point. We also talk about player development in Indy Ball and what Anthony would like to do in the future.

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Arm injuries, Pitching Development, and World Series Arms - Colter Bostick

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 08:19:00 GMT

Colter Bostick is currently a pitching coach in San Antonio, Texas. Colter trains pitchers in all facets of the game and emphasizes a holistic training approach for his players. In this episode we talk about Colter's background as a player and how that shaped his coaching philosophy, what happens when a player starts working with Colter, arm injuries for youth players, and what he see's from a pitching perspective when watching pitchers in the World Series.

Colter's Twitter: @maximized_bsb

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Andy Tracy, Cleveland Indians Triple - A Manager

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 08:34:00 GMT

After embarking on a 16-year career as a professional baseball player, Andy Tracy decided to transition into a manager. He's currently the Triple-A Columbus Indians Manager in the Cleveland Indians organization. Andy not only played professionally in the United States but also spent several years playing winter ball in Latin America, as well as playing a season in Japan. In this episode, Andy talks about his journey as a hitter, what he thinks of today's game, and his coaching philosophy.

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Developing Hitters at different levels with Matt Lisle

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 08:20:00 GMT

Matt Lisle has coached at various levels in baseball and softball. Along with being a private instructor, he has coached travel baseball, high school, NAIA, Div 3, Div 2, Div 1, MLB. While he was busy coaching at various levels he also amassed a big following online (over 1 million followers). In this episode, you will learn about Matt's coaching philosophy, the differences between Softball and Baseball, and some ways that amateur baseball can be better.

You can follow Matt across all social media platforms @coachlisle

His website is https://thehittingvault.com

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UCLA, Pro Ball, and mental game with Ty Moore

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 08:12:00 GMT

Ty Moore is currently the Director of Player Development at Gardner Webb University. After a great career at UCLA that included a National Championship his Freshman year, Ty was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 12th round. In this episode Ty talks about his experience as a Bruin, what west coast baseball is all about, what pro ball is like in an organization and in Indy Ball, and we go over his role as Director of Player Development at Gardner Webb.

Follow Gardner Webb on Twitter: @gwubaseball

Follow Ty on Twitter: @ty29moore

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CEO and Founder of HitTrax Mike Donfrancesco

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 08:43:00 GMT

A great way to develop hitters is by providing them immediate feedback. HitTrax does exactly that. HitTrax is a data company that captures several metrics regarding every batted ball a hitter hits. In this episode we bring on the CEO and founder Mike Donfrancesco. We get into Mike's background, how he actually was able to build the system itself, and what are some of the exciting things that he has in store for the company in the near future!

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Developing the Ultimate Catcher with Tyler Goodro

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 08:01:00 GMT

Catching! Arguably the most important defensive position on the diamond. However, what does it take to truly make a good catcher? Is it a strong arm? Blocking? Framing? I decided to stop guessing and bring on an expert. Tyler Goodro is the founder of Goodro Catching. A facility in Omaha, Nebraska where he works on teaching catchers of all ages the nuances about the position. In this episode he takes us through his background as a catcher, helping players with the recruiting process, pop time, arm strength, blocking, and what a typical day looks like at his facility.

Axe Bat: Type in code pjbbcor20 for 20% off any BBCOR Axe Bat

Follow Tyler on Twitter: @goodrocatching

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Where is Player Development Going? With Chase Rowe and Tyler Jeske

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 08:51:00 GMT

Tyler Jeske – Currently MiLB Hitting Coach Los Angeles Angels, Co-founder of Slugfest

Chase Rowe former Detroit Tigers MiLB Hitting Coach. Founder of Pittsburgh Spikes - Travel Baseball organization.

Tyler and Chase are teaming up to push player development to a new level. Tyler recently moved to Pittsburgh to join Chase in opening up a new facility called Battleground Baseball Group. They want to provide an environment where all coaches are working together to provide a better learning environment for players. They have also been putting together hitting plans for hitters from a holistic lens. Not just focusing on meaningless metrics, technology, or phrases that the player doesn’t value. Using the player’s language and having a conversation with the player to find out what’s important to them.

Player Plan from Tyler and Chase

Tyler Jeske: @TJeskelaa

Chase Rowe: @chaserowe23

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Minnesota Twins MiLB Pitching Coach - Jared Gaynor

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 14:53:09 GMT

Attention all Pitchers! This week we have an outstanding pitching coach on the show! Jared Gaynor, is currently a pitching coach in the Minnesota Twins organization. He also has a business where he works with pitchers remotely to improve their mechanics, in-game strategy, and movement. In this episode we talk about different drills you can be doing to improve your pitching mechanics, how to use weighted balls, and when you should start to work on pitch tunneling.

Jared Gaynor contact:

Email: info@gaynorstrength-pitching.com

Instagram: @gsp_training

Pivot Pickoffs Drill: https://www.instagram.com/p/CESp32lA5qY/?igshid=w5p44lotcdm1

- Continuing to throw as a coach, reminder to remember how hard it is to pitch

- Experimenting with different drills, need to feel it as a coach yourself.

- Pivot Pickoffs drill – helps arm action, allows hand to get inside 90 degrees

- Shortening arm action, depends on what lower half is doing

- Using weighted balls allows you to feel what your arm is actually doing

- Should kids be focusing on to improve as a pitcher?

- What does the load mean for a pitcher?

- How long do you want your back heel connected to ground?

- What was your approach to attacking hitters in College?

- Even if you throw hard, your fastball isn’t going to be your main swing and miss pitch.

- Why don’t more pitchers throw inside?

- At what age should kids be focusing on pitch tunneling, spin rate etc.

- Three types of fastballs carry fastball (true 4 seam FB), average movement fastball, sinker fastball

- You need to know what your fastball is doing to know what off-speed pitches you should throw.

- Why don’t more pitchers grunt?

- Remote Training, how can you get better by working with Jared?

Jared Gaynor contact:

Email: info@gaynorstrength-pitching.com

Instagram: @gsp_training

Pivot Pickoffs Drill: https://www.instagram.com/p/CESp32lA5qY/?igshid=w5p44lotcdm1

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Miami (OH) University Hitting Coach - Justin Dedman

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 08:06:00 GMT

We have an outstanding hitting coach on the podcast this week. Justin Dedman is currently the hitting coach at Miami OH. However, he has coached at every level of college baseball except JUCO and Played college baseball at Dennison University.

He was head coach at Dennison University, Volunteer Assistant at Austin Peay University and director of baseball operations at Ole Miss University, assistant coach at Lee University, and now assistant coach at Miami (OH) University. In this episode we talk about recruiting to your home park, giving hitters autonomy, implementing mental game into everyday practices, and why mechanics shouldn't be the first thing you focus on as a coach.

Axe Bat Code: PJBBCOR20

Justin Dedman Twitter: @hittingmental

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Building Better Infielders with Dai Dai Otaka

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 08:14:00 GMT

We don't have many episodes with current players. However, this week was an exception. This weeks episode features Dai Dai Otaka, currently and infielder at John Hopkins University. Dai Dai may still be a player but his curiosity and internal motivation have made him a coach on the field. I enjoyed this conversation as we talked about Dai Dai's background, the infield position, and how to set up a practice so your players will develop and have fun!

Make sure to check out Dai Dai on Twitter: @dai_squared

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Getting Strong with Connor Derrickson (Twins MiLB Strength Coach) - 180

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 08:54:00 GMT

Nutrition, sleep, and strength training are apart of every professional athletes lifestyle. Players at younger levels should be prioritizing the same things. On this episode we welcome on Connor Derrickson, strength and conditioning coach in the Minnesota Twins organization. Connor takes a holistic approach to training athletes and gives us a breakdown on some ways to go about your training!

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Giving back through Baseball - Bryce Weiler

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 08:55:00 GMT

How can we give back through this great game of baseball? On this episode I decided to bring on the disability consultant for the Baltimore Orioles, Bryce Weiler. Bryce is also the founder of the Beautiful Lives Project. A non-profit that aims to give people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in activities such as playing in baseball games that may not have been available to them previously due to physical or facility limitations. If you're interested in helping please reach out to Bryce through Twitter: @bryceweiler or his website: Beautifullives.org

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Stealing more Bases with Matt Talarico

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 08:37:00 GMT

Baserunning! A topic that is not talked about enough but is so crucial to having a successful offense.

No better way to talk about baserunning than bring on one of the best at teaching it in the game, Matt Talarico.

Matt is currently the baserunning coordinator and MiLB Hitting Coach for the New York Yankees.

In this episode, he talks about coaches who influenced him early on, how he became obsessed with baserunning, and some tips to help players steal more bags!

Credits parents for allowing him to be creative
Coaching at the University of Dayton and Wright State University
The aha moment as a coach
Go to a college that fits you well.
Derek Woodley and Matt Roberts were two of the coaches that made the biggest impact on Matt.
"They both cared so much about you as a person". The amount of effort that he put in every day was inspiring, kept every practice plan, planned for practice every day.
Getting excited about changing baseball through baserunning.
Where did the fascination about baserunning come from?
Not trying to make every player steal 60 bags.
Mike Roberts played an instrumental role in helping Matt learn the art of stealing bases.

Check out Matt's website Stealbases.com

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Building An Offense with Todd Guilliams, University of Kentucky

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 08:47:00 GMT

Developing an offense that produces runs. At the end of the day, this is what really matters, not mechanics, stances, etc. Can your team produce runs?! In this episode, we bring on the man who is an expert in helping teams dominate on offense, Todd Guilliams. Todd is currently the Volunteer Assistant at the University of Kentucky. Prior coaching stops include Eastern Kentucky, Emery Riddle on and off for 23 years, Dallas Baptist, Valdosta State, and Western Carolina. He has now been at the University of Kentucky for the past five years. He is in charge of running the offense for the Wildcats. We talk about Todd's offensive Philosophy, some of the nuances in hitting, and the importance of hitting with two strikes.

If you would like to learn more about Todd's offensive philosophies here is his book, "High- Scoring Baseball"

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Hitting Less, Catching, Becoming a better coach as a TV Analyst - Michael Mckenry

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 14:39:38 GMT

This episode has value for everyone. You want to become a better Hitter? Catcher? Teammate? Coach? If you said 'Yes' to any of those then you'll want to stick around and hear my episode with Michael McKenry. Michael is a former MLB catcher who played in the big leagues for seven years. Looking back on his career they're some things he wished he would've done differently as a a hitter, and he he shares those in this episode. We also talk about being a defensive first catcher, giving players the message they need not want, and what a typical day is like as a TV analyst.

If you enjoy the show and want to help us out please subscribe, rate, and a leave a review on iTunes. Only takes a few minutes.

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Ohio State Director of Pitching Development – Brad Goldberg

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 08:08:00 GMT

This week we welcome on former MLB pitcher and current Director of Pitching Development at The Ohio State University, Brad Goldberg. Brad returns to Ohio State after pitching for the Buckeyes during his collegiate career. He was named third team All-Big Ten selection in 2013, went 6-1 with a 2.99 earned-run average in 15 starts before being selected in the 10th round of the 2013 MLB draft. During the last few years of his playing career he started to use analytics and immediately saw the impact it has on him as a player. Being able to use his experience in the MLB while also understanding analytics, technology, and most importantly knowing how to translate that information to each individual player, is what separates Brad from many other pitching coaches.

- Advantage as a former MLB Pitcher who knows technology and analytics.

- Applying feel to help pitchers

- Pitching better when given access to data/analytics

- Blew out teres major on one pitch, ended career

- Game has changed more in the last 2-3 years than the previous 50 years.

- Temp, balance, and layback

- Increasing layback with prehab

- Fast tempo on the mound.

- Looking into release heights and accessing different parts of the zone.

- Learning to hinge, knowing how to load back hip.

- Pushing off of inside back heel

- Three points of pressure

- Throwing footballs and re patterning motion.

- Pitchers pulling open with front side.

- What is going on during first move? What happens at the start dictates the finish.

- Heavy ball in glove to help them stay closed.

- Kids are smart. They will go down rabbit holes.

- Giving kids a questionnaire to see how they learn best.

- Players don’t want to sound stupid or unafraid to ask questions.

- Stanford research project – 90% of what we learn is visually.

- Being able to speak the lingo of the player.

- Coaching yourself, is going to be the next revolution of player development.

- What have you done for me lately business.

- A lot of guys who are playing Double A can play in the big leagues, however can they do it night in and night out?

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Travel Baseball, Recruiting, Development during the season with Jeff Petty -174

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 13:50:39 GMT

Travel Baseball is back! This week we welcome on the head coach for 17u Canes National team, Jeff Petty. In this episode Jeff talks about the summer baseball circuit. The pros and cons of college recruiting, and how the recruiting circuit can improve? One of the things that I really like about Jeff and his team is they make a point to push development; renting a field before the tournament starts to practice, and bringing a pitching machine along with them on the road, are a few of the ways they help develop their players. We also get into college coaches pulling offers, cutting kids after fall ball, and why picking the bigger school may backfire.

Have produced 20 first round draft picks
150 MLB Draft picks out of high school
Have team bus that picks team up at airport
The entire team eats together on the road
Have a strength and conditioning coach on the road
How does a player get an opportunity to play for the Canes National team?
Agents calling recommending players for summer
2019 season played 60 games, 40 of those on the road.
Improving summer baseball
More practice time teaching fundamentals
Picking out the right tournaments
Why do players decommit so often?
College coaches pulling offers all the time
Do college coaches pull offers at the end of fall ball?
Developing during the summer time.

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Developing the modern day Catcher - Xan Barksdale

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 12:50:00 GMT

I didn't forget about the guy behind the dish! So many times we forget about arguably the most important position player on the field, the catcher.

The guy who takes control of the game and leads by example. In this episode, we bring on Xan Barksdale, the founder of catching-101.com. Xan is a former division 1 college baseball coach at Lousiville and East Tennessee State.

After coaching college baseball for nine years he decided that in order to help more players he needed to take advantage of the internet and spread his wisdom though books DVD, Camps, and speaking engagements.

He hosts a catching conference every year called Catcher Con in Nashville Tennessee. We go over technology and how it has helped evaluate catchers, pitch framing, blocking, drills, and the importance of the bullpen.

Running catching-101.com and Catcher Con
Recruiting a defensive first catcher.
Technology has now allowed us to evaluate catchers.
Receiving is #1, blocking and throwing would be #2 and #3
Can't put a metric on pitch framing at younger levels. Trained eye.
Some coaches like players to be raw behind the dish, can mold them.
Coaching at Louisville and East Tennessee State
Coaching college baseball for 9 years.
Why Xan decided to stop coaching at the college level.
Can reach a lot more people online
Joining USA Baseball
Consulting with organizations
Catchers Conference in Nashville, Tennessee
Do Catchers need to be the loudest player on the field?
The importance of the bullpen. Coaches force catchers to be active
No more than two pitches go buy before catcher speaks
Applying 'feel' to work with pitchers
Drills - keeping it simple. Should be focused on one specific thing

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How to get a job in Professional Baseball? - Ari Adut

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 08:02:00 GMT

What qualifies someone to get a job in professional baseball? Where do you apply? In this episode we bring on Ari Adut, who is currently an MiLB hitting coach in the New York Yankees organization. For the previous five years Ari coached at Los Angles Valley College, a JUCO, where Ari served as the hitting coach as well as the strength and conditioning coach. In this episode Ari talks about how he was approached by several MLB organizations while he was coaching JUCO baseball. He gives tips for anyone looking to follow in his footsteps.

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Individualizing a plan for pitchers - JD Heilmann

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 13:57:56 GMT

Pitching Coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Cincinnati.

- Not going to clone pitchers, just want to understand where they’re coming from

- Mobility Assessments

- Long toss program with Jaeger bands. Don’t put limits on your arm!

- Key to recruiting – building relationships with high school, summer baseball coaches.

- Once they start to get stronger, they’re able to make mechanical changes.

- Let them come in and pitch during their Freshman fall, start to make changes if necessary, during winter

- Show pitchers a visual of intent and what that means.

- Some of your best coaches are the players you have already.

- Finding drills to benefit your players

- Working on your breaking ball with a softball

- Using technology, but not letting it use you.

- Experimenting with different pitches, finger pressure

- Mental game, breathing

- How to coach pitchers during the game

- Calling pitches is just a suggestion, allowed to shake.

- Game planning before a game.

- You have to control the running game to pitch in college

- What JD is looking for when he recruits pitchers.

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Coaching hitters in a team setting, recruiting videos with Michael Earley

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 08:05:00 GMT

How can you get recruited to play at Arizona State? What are they specifically looking for when watching recruiting videos? On this episode we welcome on the hitting coach for the ASU Baseball team, Michael Earley. In this episode Michael talks about working with high level hitters, how to make in game adjustments, and the system that he has put in place to develop hitters.

Blast Motion Code: pjb25 for 50% off

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How to develop baserunning, infield/outfield play with Jason Bell

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 08:09:00 GMT

While hitting might be the most fun thing to do, "defense wins championships" On this episode we welcome on the MiLB Field Coordinator for the Houston Astros, Jason Bell. Jason oversees the baserunning and infield/outfield play at the MiLB level, including the Dominican Republic. Jason talks about his journey into progressional baseball, which includes a stint as a MiLB manager, and ideas for coaches to help develop players on defense.

Blast Motion Code: pjb25 for $25 off

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University of Michigan Pitching Coach - Chris Fetter

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 08:39:00 GMT

In this episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, host Patrick Jones interviews Chris Fetter, Associate Head Coach and Pitching Coach at the University of Michigan. Chris Fetter talks about making his transition from playing baseball to coaching baseball, his work with the Los Angeles Dodgers and now at the University of Michigan, implementing mental practices, utilizing data, and how he approaches strengthening his pitcher’s abilities.

Episode Highlights:

Chris Fetter talks about his background in baseball.
What was it like being the pitching coordinator for the Los Angeles Dodgers and what did he learn?
Did he learn a lot of Spanish?
Did he rover among the affiliates while he was with the Dodgers?
What did he apply in Michigan that he learned from the Dodgers?
Are there any common data trait differences for pitchers in the bullpen versus the game?
Chris Fetter talks about strengthening the mental game and long tosses.
Does he recommend different pitches for his players?
What is his take on flat groundwork, pitching, and barefoot training?
What things does he incorporate in the fall to help players develop?
What is his approach to helping players with game planning?
What is he looking for when he is recruiting players?
Get players to think like they are in a real game during practice.

3 Key Points:

Remember that the bullpen is a much more controlled setting than actual games.
Chris Fetter introduces his players to the meditation techniques of Alan Jaeger.
Make your players into athletes by getting them acclimated to what their body is doing in spontaneous situations on the field.

Tweetable Quotes:

“Working with college-aged kids, getting to work with them not only on the field but in their personalities and growing into men, it is a great honor.” – Chris Fetter
“You're made to go out and try things, sometimes everything is not going to work. I think that is where you learn a lot. It is not just understanding what the technology tells you. But, it is going out there and experimenting too with it.” – Chris Fetter
“We are going to be one of the first college teams to have marker-less motion capture on our field, not only on our field but in our hitting and pitching facilities. That will be a neat little tool that will help us get some of that biomechanical data.” – Chris Fetter

Resources Mentioned:

Chris Fetter Social Media: Linkedin Twitter
Mental Practices by Alan Jaeger: jaegersports.com/mental-practice-plans

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How to Communicate with Players - Drew Saylor - 167

Tue, 26 May 2020 08:09:00 GMT

Hitting Coordinator Kansas City Royals - Drew Saylor

In this episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, I interview Drew Saylor, Hitting

Coordinator for the Kansas City Royals. Drew Saylor shares his baseball history, including

working with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Colorado Rockies organizations, he discusses the ways he has become a better hitting coach, ways to improve communication with players, the importance of the mental game, and his hitting philosophy.

Episode Highlights:

Drew Saylor shares his background in baseball.
Drew really appreciates how supportive his wife has been in his career.
While he was a manager, was he a hitting coach as well?
What caught him off guard when he became a manager?
Drew found he became a better hitting coach when he became a manager.
How does he guide his players in their mental game?
Has he had experiences where he has had to trust his coaches to implement what he wants the players to execute?
How can you get better about finding out what players need?
We are very adaptable as human beings.
What did his role entail with the Pittsburgh Pirates?
Create a positive team environment.
How does he get his team fired up?
What is his hitting philosophy?
When he is working with a player, what would be a typical cage session be like?

3 Key Points:

Get to know how players perceive things and customize training to their needs.
One thing COVID-19 has taught us is that essentially human beings need physical contact and spatial closeness to one another.
Supplying the needs of his players has helped Drew Saylor learn more about who he is in the process.

Tweetable Quotes:

(Wife) “She knows the demands and the sacrifice. I say this a lot to our coaches, we don’t make the sacrifice when we sign up for this job. It’s our wife and our kids that sign up for that sacrifice.” – Drew Saylor
“I really absorbed myself into the hitting space and I wanted to learn, not even just the teaching methodologies, but sequencing and tunneling.” – Drew Saylor
“You can’t expect a player to know how to handle failure if the only time he handles failure is at 7pm, because of the heightened sense of these stats count, this is how I’m being evaluated.” – Drew Saylor

Resources Mentioned:

patrickjonesbaseball.com
Drew Saylor Social Media: Linkedin Twitter

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Climbing the Coaching Ranks with Johnny Washington - 166

Tue, 19 May 2020 14:32:56 GMT

In this episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, I interview Johnny Washington, Director of Hitting for the San Diego Padres. Johnny Washington discusses what he has learned about coaching, how he transitioned from a baseball player to a baseball coach, player communication, the importance of first base, and remaining open-minded.

Episode Highlights:

Go to patrickjonesbaseball.com and sign up for 13 baseball training drills you can do by yourself.
Johnny Washington introduces himself and his background.
What got Johnny into his coaching role?
What would Johnny Washington do differently if he could start over as a coach?
Does having good timing come from experience or awareness?
How much contact with players is enough or too much?
Johnny Washington coached first base and gives tips on how to coach a base.
Remain open-minded with a growth mindset.
What is Johnny Washington looking for when watching pitchers?
How many hitters has Johnny worked with?
Does he keep notes on every player?
Johnny talks about working with major league baseball hitting consultant Craig Wallenbrock.
Does he relate what is happening in the real world to baseball with his players?

3 Key Points:

How coaches present information and choosing the right time makes a huge difference when communicating with players.
Be a good listener and be observant and let the player show you where he is in his journey.
First base is crucial because you touch first base more than any other.

Tweetable Quotes:

(Coach Carlos Subero) “He coached the player. He coached my actual dream. He didn’t coach what everyone else thought. He coached what I wanted to do, which I really, really respect.” – Johnny Washington
“I think over time, without the mistakes, without the struggle, without just the constant head pounding of how can I get guys better, there is no growth for us as coaches.” – Johnny Washington
“I was able to build good relationships and build trust, which I think is the most important piece to coaching because you are actually like a teacher. You are more of a teacher, a mentor, psychologist at times.” – Johnny Washington

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Becoming a Better Infielder and Baserunner with Tyler Gillum

Mon, 11 May 2020 08:25:00 GMT

In this episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, I interview Tyler Gillum,

the Assistant Coach, and Health and Wellness Coordinator at South Mountain Community

College in Phoenix, Arizona. During the summertime, he is the head coach for the Savannah

Bananas, a collegiate summer baseball team. He has also been in the Coastal Plain League,

Texas Collegiate League, and Cape Cod League. Tyler Gillum talks about infield play, how to

coach third base, strength training, and base running.

Episode Highlights:

What drew Tyler Gillum to coach the Savannah Bananas?
Tyler Gillum talks about ways his team breaks the norm on the baseball field.
What did Tyler’s high school coach do that made such a big impact on him?
What are his roles with South Mountain?
What is a typical day like for his infielders?
Tyler Gillum shares a story about a bullpen catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Tyler shares his positive opinions of wall balls and counting hops.
How does he teach the double play?
Does he have runners purposely slide in?
Does he use machines to measure the type of spin that is coming off the ball?
What are his thoughts on developing first basemen?
Does he have first basemen hold off runners differently?
Your body is going to figure out how to be as fast as possible if you put it on a stopwatch.
Is he ok with players sliding head-first?
Tyler walks us through a third base runner scenario.

3 Key Points:

During practice, stretching and playing catch are the two things that they do every time.
Wall balls are something you can do anywhere that are very helpful for training.
When training players for the double, Tyler tells them to approach the bag with their left foot in the middle of the bag in an athletic position, with their shoulder parallel with the part of the second base facing them.

Tweetable Quotes:

“Whatever is normal, do the exact opposite.” – Tyler Gillum
“I wanted to be in Phoenix because I thought it was the best place that I could grow and network. Those two things are something I always stuck with.” – Tyler Gillum
“Catch play is, I would say the hardest things we do at practice, one of the hardest things that we do at practice, also one of the most beneficial things that we do at practice.” – Tyler Gillum

Resources Mentioned:

patrickjonesbaseball.com
Tyler Gillum’s Website: gillumbaseball.com
Tyler Gillum Social Media: Instagram Twitter
Tyler Gillum Phone Number: (602) 370-7649

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Using Technology to Develop Hitters - Jeff McGarry

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 13:09:27 GMT

In this episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, I interview Jeff McGarry, Account Manager at Blast Motion. Jeff McGarry discusses what the metrics mean for Blast Motion, how to best utilize their training services, as well as Jeff’s personal and professional background.

Episode Highlights:

Go to Blast Motion and use coupon code PJB25 and you will get a 50% discount on a bat sensor.
How long has Jeff McGarry been a surfer?
Jeff McGarry talks about his life in New York City and then San Diego with his fiance.
Jeff McGarry knew when he was a student at the University of Pennsylvania that he wanted to work in baseball.
What was it like going to an ivy league school?
Jeff McGarry shares his high school grade point average and S.A.T. scores.
Jeff’s major in college was Communications and Commerce and he was able to apply those skills at Blast Motion.
What are some examples of what coaches should be looking for in players?
How does the sensor determine where the body should be?
Does it help if a player pares up video while they are using the bat sensor?
Does the rotational acceleration change dramatically based on the early connection score?
Bat speed and rotation together are power metrics.
How does bat size factor into metrics?
How should you implement Blast Motion?
Any more than a score of 95 is a bad thing.
What types of remote training is Blast Motion offering?

3 Key Points:

Taking a swing with Blast Motion populates your playing metrics with a red, yellow, or green ranking of whether you are excellent, average, or have some work to do.
The connection at impact score is a measurement of the bat and body relationship when you make contact.
Rotational acceleration measures the first quarter of your swing and how close you are able to get to your top speed.

Tweetable Quotes:

“60% of the meetings, whatever we talk about, whatever we strategize around, it is the same that is going around in any other company. It’s just that the perks are I get to talk shop with baseball coaches every single day.” – Jeff McGarry
“I get to go visit amazing facilities. I get to travel around the country and build relationships and go to phenomenal conventions, the ABCA Convention in January every year.” – Jeff McGarry
“The most common suggestion that I make on the team side is to roll out rounds of batting practice that focus on driving the inside pitch and pulling the baseball.” – Jeff McGarry

Resources Mentioned:

● Jeff McGarry Social Media: Linkedin

● Blast Motion: blastmotion.com

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Developing Pitchers with Nate Yeskie - 163

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 13:16:58 GMT

In this episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, I interview Nate Yeskie, Pitching

Coach and Associate Head Coach at the University of Arizona. Nate Yeskie has helped guide

Oregon State to a national championship in 2018, was named Assistant Coach of the Year by

D1 Baseball in 2017, was named 2x National Pitching Coach of the Year by Collegiate Baseball in 2013 and 2017. Nate shares a ton of useful pitching information and ways to prepare pitchers for game time.

Episode Highlights:

How has it been for Nate Yeskie to transition from Oregon State to the University of Arizona?
What did Nate Yeskie implement in the fall that maybe was different before he arrived at the University of Arizona?
Can video work at times get players, especially pitchers, to overthink?
What would he say to one of his pitchers if he didn’t have any information on the hitters that they were facing?
Does he ever talk to his players about their individual mental game plan when they are going into a game?
Does he talk to his guys about pitchers tipping pitches?
When and why did he implement using weighted balls?
When he is recruiting pitches, what things must they have going for themselves?
What drills help pitchers throw harder?
Does he practice PFPs?
Is there anything valuable about pitchers fielding the ball?
Work with a growth mindset.
Nate talks about how he communicates with players.
Know when to push and pull with pitchers.
When pitchers are struggling on the mound, what does he talk about during mound visits?
Be authentic and who you are. The players know when you are fake.
What if a pitcher needs to get their arm to align with their release?
What does he think about pitch count and innings?
Why has he turned down professional baseball jobs?

3 Key Points:

Focus on training players with routines of things they can control.
Batters are going to swing where they like the ball to be. Pitchers should pay attention to what they like to swing at.
When you release a pitch, you become the 5th infielder, 6th if you consider the bunt game with the catcher coming into play.

Tweetable Quotes:

“We educate them each day, whether it is video, bullpens, anything that we’re doing to try to get them better. We have to educate them through that process in an effort to empower them.” – Nate Yeskie
“When it comes to pitching, ‘feel’ is probably the most important thing.” – Nate Yeskie
“I think a lot of times coaches can fall into a trap of repeating themselves, or coming up with their own terminology, and what you are now doing I think is force-feeding the athlete to look through your eyes.” – Nate Yeskie

Resources Mentioned:

● Nate Yeskie’s Social Media: Twitter

● Axe Bat: axebat.com Type in code PJB25 for a 25% off discount

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Is JUCO Baseball the Right Route for You? - 162

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 08:20:00 GMT

In this episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, I interview Marty Smith, who has completed his 25th year as Head Baseball Coach at College of Central Florida this year. They discuss the benefits of junior college baseball, how he is adapting with the times, the ways in which players can get recruited at the junior college level, and what coaching at the junior college level looks like.

Episode Highlights:

How has Marty Smith been adjusting to social distancing?
What is Marty Smith’s background and how did he get where he is at?
Marty talks about how he remembers having Hall-Of-Fame player Mike Piazza on his team.
Marty hasn’t really thought about coaching for another team.
What is it about the JUCO level now compared to the past?
Does Marty Smith find it hard being at the junior college level to get players to not just think about themselves but to think about the team?
What is a good way to get recruited at the junior college level?
How do they recruit for their own team?
What would a typical fall season look like and a typical practice?
Marty gives space to hitting coaches and pitching coaches to do their jobs.
What has stood out during the interview process about coaches that have worked out well?
Marty Smith talks about snapping out of his common routines and taking a step back to make changes.
Which tactics does he use to motivate players?

3 Key Points:

Their recruiting process is going to see players during the summer and the fall, and they rely on scouts and coaches.
Marty Smith’s typical baseball practices are 2 and a half hours with 40 minutes of that being stretching and throwing.
About five of Marty Smith’s assistant coaches have gone onto professional baseball after just one year.

Tweetable Quotes:

(JUCO Players) “They want to prove something. They got turned down by the D1s and that is obviously the term you hear through high school. Is he going to sign D1?” – Marty Smith
“Kids have bought into what we are doing. They are happy that they are here. Shoot, they want to stay here every after they leave here.” – Marty Smith
“We do have a scout day in September. It is like 3 weeks after they get here, probably a month after they get here. We’ve had all 30 teams here. We’ve had 10-20 colleges on average. That kind of gets their name out there.” – Marty Smith

Resources Mentioned:

● Marty Smith’s Social Media: Linkedin Twitter

● Axe Bat: axebat.com Type in code PJB25 for a 25% off discount

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How to Get Recruited With No Baseball? - Nate Metzger - 161

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 08:51:00 GMT

In this episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, host Patrick Jones interviews Nate Metzger, Associate

Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Wright State University, a place that has sent over

20 players into professional baseball since 2015. They discuss ways to still get your name out

there, even during social distancing when you are unable to play at all, recruiting videos, and what

Nate Metzger looks for in new recruits.

Episode Highlights:

● Go to patrickjonesbaseball.com/161podcast and sign up for free 13 hitting drills

you can do by yourself.

● Wright University was top 25 in the nation in 2017 and they were top 10

offense in the nation in 2019.

● What was Nate Metzger’s journey to get where he is at today?

● What stands out to Nate that he learned as a coach that he learned during

his years at the junior college level?

● How is Nate able to filter through players to find who is the best fit for his

team?

● In-state and local players tend to have more support from family and

friends.

● What should players be doing now to get recruited during social

distancing?

● Nate Metzger describes what a regular practice looks like during fall

season training.

● Can athletes be trained to want to be challenged?

● If your mindset isn’t right, you won’t keep your job for long.

● Players know if you are a hypocrite and you don’t care.

● Make your player not just better players, but also better people.

● What advice does he have players in terms of a player development plan?

3 Key Points:

1. Good recruitment provides talent that gives you a head start when building a team.

2. Build strong connections and relationships with reliable sources for a more effective recruitment process.

3. The greatest athletes want to be challenged.

Tweetable Quotes:

● (Junior College Players) “Those guys had a little bit of a chip, you know, on their shoulder and I think that part of it was a lot of fun in creating those opportunities, moving those guys on.” – Nate Metzger

● “It starts with guys that have tools. Guys on the mound that have arm talent, and really, as much as we’re going to try to coach these guys up, you want to start with good ‘clay’ versus bad ‘clay.” – Nate Metzger

● “I think probably the hardest transition for a high school hitter to the college game is velocity and then off-speed stuff. The velocity is heavier, and the off-speed stuff is better.” – Nate Metzger

Resources Mentioned: