Over the past week, Aroldis Chapman, Closer for the New York Yankees made headlines on both ends of the 9th inning spectrum. The upper tier for his dazzling and DOMINANT All Star Game Appearance. On the other side of the pendulum, his blown save against the Tampa Bay Rays. As the closer position goes, you either get the glory or be the goat. It is how you remain unperturbed by the massive ups and downs of the position. Therefore, how does one remain even keel throughout the 162 game grind and the pressure cooker of the 9th inning that comes with it? You can start by staying in the moment and f ..read more

You hear a lot about expanding or stepping out of your comfort zone, in order to grow. That is completely acceptable and encouraged, as Stress Creates Strength. However, where is the line for that with pitchers like us, whom are extreme creatures of habit? Naturally, we cling to our routines, because they are the foundation to our consistency and success. With that being said, When, Where, Why, and How to step out of The Comfort Zones of Pitchers? As an athlete, one must be flexible and able to adjust. Not only does it enhance performance against the elements, it prevents a stalemate in prepar ..read more

Randy Johnson Slider –  In this post, I am going to break down the Slider of the Big Unit, Randy Johnson. Shout out to all those who requested the break down of the Big Unit. Again, our condolences to the bird…   If you have a favorite pitcher who you would like to see a breakdown of how he uses his Slider, leave a comment below and I will create a video of that pitcher… All I ask, he is that you request a pitcher who DOMINATES with the Slider! This breakdown will be from Randy Johnson’s Perfect Game against the Atlanta Braves in 2004. ENJOY! Randy Johnson Slider Breakdown Transcript May ..read more

Pitching In The Big Game  Let’s talk about this… Louisville’s Luke Smith had a few choice words for Vanderbilt pic.twitter.com/cj7p17SOhn — The Render (@TheRenderMedia) June 22, 2019 For those who feel the need to break baseball’s unwritten rules, simply to retain personal engagement, you are part of the growing problem. One which rewards entertainment over execution. Keep in mind, that the reason why this is being encouraged, is because it sells. It makes money. Money off of those who miss the point. Even worse, it makes money when an over the top event cost a team the game or their seaso ..read more

The Slider  Good Fastball ……Check Fearless Competitor……Check The Ability to Attack Hitters……Check Good feel for the curveball…….Ummmmm The first three are a foundation for the makeup of a solid pitcher. The fourth item on the list can separate great pitchers from the rest of the pack. A sharp breaking ball that is paired with a good fastball is a great combination of changing speeds and movements for a pitcher. Guaranteed to put the odds in your favor. The Slider Because the Curveball is NOT for You However, if you also answered ‘Ummmmmm’ to the question about the curveball, then maybe Uncle ..read more

This is a reality in baseball that you can deal with. Often times, the best games that you pitch, you may lose. Sounds odd if you haven’t yet encountered this. Nonetheless, it is a powerful building block in pitching. Also, it comes with an unusual feeling of satisfaction. The BEST Games You Pitch Raising Your Game When the stakes are raised or the competition you are facing is above customary, it elevates your game. You know that you have to pitch better to compete. Since there is less margin for error, you are locked in on making your pitches with a higher level of conviction. That’s why i ..read more

Hitters love to talk and speculate about how to figure out a pitcher. They pick up on something and think they got him the next time around. Comically, not thinking that the pitcher is capable of making adjustments. Thus, the hurler being the one perpetually ahead in this ongoing battle of 150 years and counting. Obviously, it is fun to be on the right side of history. There are reasons for all this. For whatever it may be, hitters love to be so sure of themselves. With that being said, let’s talk about the Magic Dot. The small dot a hitter sees on the Slider when you Stay Behind the Ball, Rel ..read more

When the intensity gets dialed up, the adversity monster has appeared, and the game may be on the line, you have to Stay Positive. Keep in mind, that you are always 1 Pitch Away From Getting Out of a JAM ….even without allowing a run. Sometimes, you have to take what you can get… Other times, count your blessings and accept the good fortune.   If you see a difficult situation as dreaded and no way out…Well, guess what? You are correct! When you realize that you have your work cut out for you and have to bear down to make better pitches, in an aggressive manner, while trusting your defense, the ..read more

All praises due, as this summer the great Mariano Rivera becomes the first player ever elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on 100% of the ballot… as a relief pitcher, no less! A position which the writers have snubbed over the years or made wait it out for petty reasons, has now made history! Being the all times Saves Leader with 652 and 42 more in the postseason, he notably did it most of his career with just 1 pitch. The Cutter. Sadly, that is where we have a problem.You’re Not Mariano Mo’s epic career took off in the Mid to late 90’s. During my years in college and pro ball just a ..read more

There is trend that goes around high school baseball and college programs also. When pitchers down on the depth chart realize that they are not a part of the original ‘A squad’ plans to start the season, they make a suicidal shift. Rather, then keep working and putting forth the effort necessary to improve, they just want to be one of the boys. Since their roster spot is secured on the team, they respond to the demotion by merely showing up to do the bare minimum. Basically, wishing and hoping for things to get better. Expecting playing time to just fall into their lap. All without hesitating ..read more