Blogs

Today, we’re sitting down with sports nutritionist Nick Valenti to discuss the widely misunderstood topic of sports nutrition. Topics include:

• • Calories-in-calories out… Does it work long term?
  • Advice for hard gainers
  • Caloric restriction, when is it necessary
  • Protein… animal or plant-based

Nick was previously with the Toronto Blue Jays as a dietetic intern.  He also served as an intern with Cressey Sports Performance during the summer of 2023.  Nick has a Master’s of Science from Florida State University in Sports Nutrition and a Bachelor’s degree from Queens College in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Continue reading “Podcast 102#: Discussing Hard Gainers, Lean Muscle Mass and Protein with Nick Valenti”

Today I’m sitting down with my partner here at RPP, Bahram Shirazi, to discuss the current status of travel baseball as well as what to look for in a great travel program. Topics Include:

• • Current status of travel ball
  • Why we started our own program, Revolution Baseball
  • Development vs. winning
  • What parents should consider when choosing a program
  • The recruiting front in travel ball
  • Long-term athletic development or lack thereof
  • The importance of great coaching

Continue reading “Podcast #101: Status of Travel Ball and What to Look for in a Great Program”

This week marks my 100th episode of the “Behind The Seams Podcast”. It’s been, not only an incredible journey but also, an incredible learning experience. This week I’ll celebrate by going through 9 of my “Ah-Ha” moments with 9 coaches from the following star-studded cast.

• • Randy Sullivan – Back leg mechanics
  • Scott Brown – Common characteristics of elite players
  • Mike Boyle – Unilateral versus bilateral training
  • Mike McFerran – Using data with youth players
  • Brandon McDaniel – Understanding the Infrasternal angle
  • Graeme Lehman – Adjusting mechanics based on architecture
  • Alan Jaeger – Improving your mental game
  • Robin Lund – Finding the leaks in mechanics
  • Sean McGrath – Making front leg adjustments

Hope you enjoy…

Continue reading “Podcast #100: My 100th Podcast and 9 “Ah-Ha” Moments Along the Way!”

Today, Matt Hartshorn Pitching Coordinator with RPP is guest hosting, and we’re sitting down with Rapsodo’s Director of Marketing Matt Fowles and Chief Analytics Engineer John Garrett. Topics Include:

• • Baseball data’s role in player development
  • How data is used in recruiting
  • Seam-Shifted Wake… how the data is evolving

Continue reading “Podcast #99: Pitch Design with Rapsodo’s Matt Fowles and John Garrett”

Today I’m flying solo, answering questions regarding playing summer ball (or not). And if so, how to train properly during the hot summer months in order to maintain athleticism. Much of what you will hear is the premise behind our Elite Summer College Programs which begin shortly. Topics will include:

• • Pros and cons
  • To play or not to play… that is the question
  • Finding the right organization and fit
  • Maintaining athleticism throughout the short season

Continue reading “Podcast #98: Summer Training Considerations for College Athletes”

Today we’re sitting down with Pitching Coordinator Matt Hartshorn and Director of Hitting Andrew Pezzuto, both coaches on the new RPP Revolution 14U travel team. Topics include:

• • Importance of starting LTAD (long-term athletic development) at a young age
  • What to look for in a good travel program
  • Getting baseline numbers and re-assessing

Continue reading “Podcast #97: Building the Total Athlete, Long Term Athletic Development in Travel Baseball”

This week we’re sitting down with 108 Performance owner and operator Eugene Bleecker to discuss some issues when training young athletes as well as getting more athletic going INTO rotation. Topics Include:

• • Coaching out a “fear of the ball”
  • Hand-eye at the plate
  • Water bag training for DNS

Continue reading “Podcast #96: Working with Young Athletes and Training Athleticism into Rotation with Eugene Bleecker”