There are two types of age to consider: biological or real age and developmental age; these two are very different. Real age is exactly that—how old a player is by his or her birth certificate. Developmental age is more of a guess, an inexact measure of a player’s age equivalence. The players who become early Division-I signees […]
Real Age vs Developmental Age – Why Some Athletes Get Left Behind Read More »
What should a coach say to a pitcher in a mound visit? During my playing days, I had some good visits and some worthless ones, and my parents always wanted to know what were the magic words my coach had to impart. Now, as a coach myself, I’m the one giving advice in these fleeting
What To Say In a Mound Visit Read More »
In episode 91, Dan discusses what parents should look for in a strength coach via the exercises they prescribe in a training program. In the 90-second mindset, he discusses the FIRST thing every player should do this offseason. The question of the week is about bullpen length for youth pitchers – how many pitches should
EP91 – Safe Strength Exercises & Optimal Bullpen Length for Pitchers Read More »
I walked up to my dark blue locker, removed my hat and placed it next to my mitt in the top cubby. I pulled my white jersey over my head, and dropped it lazily onto the floor in a heap by my feet. As I wondered what the post-game spread was, I turned around to
What Can I Say to Not Get Punched in the Face Right Now? Read More »
I regularly discuss with young pitchers how to hold runners. It is relatively cut and dry, but takes a concerted effort and attention. There doesn’t need to be some major cat and mouse game with runners. Rather, it can boil down to the following seven tactics that any pitcher can employ in holding runners and
How To Hold Runners As a Pitcher Read More »
As I walked along the brick ballpark fence, my maroon jacket slung over my shoulder, fans leaned over with their arms extended. It was early in the season and the stadium buzzed with excitement. Turning a tinge of orange, the sun had just decided that it would, in fact, set. Some days, I’d slap as
The Athlete’s Secret World Read More »
In this episode Dan discusses whether youth pitchers should vary their leg kick timing to disrupt hitters – is it good or harmful for their development? Should college pitchers take a gap year in 2020? And, are sports drinks a good nutritional choice during a game? To submit a question for the Q&A segment, email
Little droplets of saliva spewed out as he rattled off more nonsense into the microphone. Just a few inches from his face, I stared up at his vacant, wobbly, drunken black eyes as I pulled furious breaths of air up through my nostrils. He was 6’3″ 250lbs — a solid 50lbs heavier than me — but I was confident
The principle of charity is about giving the benefit of the doubt to someone in an argument or claim. In coaching, often we don’t give coaches the benefit of the doubt, even when their decision may be based on information we don’t have access to. Dan also talks about umpires and the best way to
EP89 – Principle of Charity Toward Coaches; Umpires Are Just Bad Hops; Mass = Gas? Read More »
The duffle bag made a long journey, ending in a Dominican orphanage. It was a huge catchers’ gear bag, big enough to handle a bunch of bats, a full set of gear, jerseys, gloves, pants — all of it. On the end was the #8, proudly embroidered in white with a red border. The navy-blue bag was
The Path to La Otra Banda Read More »