Podcast #49: Assessing Hitters to Maximize Performance with FDU’s Assistant Coach Ethan Newton

Ethan Newtong

My guest today is Ethan Newton, Assistant Coach at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU). He joined (actually re-joined) the Knights last year after having spent over a year here at RPP as the Director of Hitting. Join us as we discuss:

    • Value in assessments
    • Movement strategies and hitting mechanics
    • Importance of the middle

Continue reading “Podcast #49: Assessing Hitters to Maximize Performance with FDU’s Assistant Coach Ethan Newton”

Podcast #48: Choosing a Summer College League with CPL’s Chip Allen and Justin Sellers

Coastal Plain League

I am very excited to have Commissioner Chip Allen and Deputy Commissioner Justin Sellers from the Coastal Plain League on the show today. For those of you that may not be familiar with the Coastal Plain League, it is one of the premier summer college baseball leagues in the country. It is located in the southeast covering the states of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Continue reading “Podcast #48: Choosing a Summer College League with CPL’s Chip Allen and Justin Sellers”

Podcast #46: Working Your Way Up the Ranks with PC Peter Larson of the Twins

Today’s guest is Peter Larson, Pitching Coach for the Minnesota Twins AAA-Affiliate in St. Paul.  Join us as we discuss a variety of topics, including:

    • Moving up the coaching ranks in pro ball
    • Working with athletes going through rehab
    • Changes in the Twins minor league programs and training
    • Turning data into an actionable game plan, especially during the season
    • Working with the bio-mechanists and big takeaways

Continue reading “Podcast #46: Working Your Way Up the Ranks with PC Peter Larson of the Twins”

Podcast #44: Setting up a Successful Team Culture with University of SF Head Coach Rob DiToma

Today we’re sitting down with University of San Francisco Head Coach Rob DiToma, whom I’ve known since his days at Farleigh Dickinson University (FDU). On the menu today:

    • Recent changes in the incoming ball player
    • Creating a team culture on day 1
    • Early specialization and injury

Continue reading “Podcast #44: Setting up a Successful Team Culture with University of SF Head Coach Rob DiToma”

Podcast #43: Training a Moving Target with SF Giants S&C Coach Andy Lyon

Today’s podcast is with Andy Lyon, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach with the San Francisco Giants. Join us as discuss a variety of topics including maneuvering programming to optimize the ever changing needs of professional baseball players throughout the year. Topics include:

    • Off-season / in-season training needs
    • Differences between training pitchers and position players
    • When and how to apply baseball-specific conditioning throughout the year

Continue reading “Podcast #43: Training a Moving Target with SF Giants S&C Coach Andy Lyon”

Podcast #42: Recruiting and Showcase Prep Nuggets from PBR New Jersey’s TJ Hunt

I would like to welcome our guest today, TJ Hunt with Prep Baseball. I have known TJ for many years, going back to our days in Sloatsburg, NY and it’s a great pleasure to have him in the show. If you’re planning on attending a @prepbaseball event, this is a must listen. Join us as we discuss how to prepare, and the do’s and don’ts when you show up.

Continue reading “Podcast #42: Recruiting and Showcase Prep Nuggets from PBR New Jersey’s TJ Hunt”

Podcast #41: Key Insights into Developing D1 Pitchers with Florida Gators’ David Kopp

My guest today is David Kopp, pitching coach with powerhouse University of Florida Gators, who play in the SEC and are a consistent top 10, if not top 5 national program.  Join us as we discuss:

    • Ways to shrink the learning curve
    • When and how to make adjustments
    • How to work with different learners and athlete frustrations
    • Components of baseline testing on Day 1
    • Much More…

Continue reading “Podcast #41: Key Insights into Developing D1 Pitchers with Florida Gators’ David Kopp”

Podcast #40: Scouting Young Talent for Pro Ball with the Padres Mike Kanen

My interview today is with Mike Kanen, Regional Crosschecker with the San Diego Padres. I have interviewed many college coaches during the past year and I am very interested to hear how college and pro ball perspectives can differ on the recruiting and scouting front. Join us as we dig into a variety of topics, including:

    • Scouting HS players vs. college players
    • Going to college vs. pro ball
    • Specific traits when scouting a young athlete
    • How scouting has changed over the past 5-10 years

Continue reading “Podcast #40: Scouting Young Talent for Pro Ball with the Padres Mike Kanen”