Diamond Dreams: Developing Talent and Training Athletes in Baseball

  In Season Strength Training   It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the best athletes in the world put in a little bit of practice every day. Consistency is something that is required to become an elite level athlete. To maintain their offseason work and continue to operate at their peak levels, our players find the time to get their training in throughout the course of an 150+ game season. Most of these guys will play 200+ games this year, and still make time to get their work in.    When I was with my first professional team , players execute their training in “blocks ”, which are essentially lifts . They are expected to lift a minimum of 8 blocks a week. The players have the choice between doing a little something every day, or picking 2 days a week to get their lifts in. These lifts are paired with Sprinting and conditioning, depending on playing time and position.  Other organizations do it differently, but all professional athletes are expected to ...

  Thoughts   I thought it would be beneficial to share some of the key themes I felt important that I learned or found a new appreciation for after my experience in Puerto Rico and amidst a recent transition in my baseball life. Take from it what you want, but I think these can become very helpful in navigating your own athletic careers.    Growth - Be comfortable getting and being uncomfortable               If you are constantly comfortable, chances are you aren’t pushing yourself hard enough, taking chances or putting yourself in challenging enough situations. Growth happens not from the situation changing but learning how to deal with all different types of situations and challenges. I’ve seen this in multiple places but it’s a simple message. When you train in the weight room – the weights don’t get lighter, you just get stronger.  Same thing in life and sport.    Will those sit...

  Some Advice for Tryouts and This Upcoming Season With the Coaches  - Tryouts and Practice (and Games) ·        Introduce yourself to new coaches and players. ·        Acknowledge your coaches when you get into practice, a cage or a drill (if it allows) o     Say thank you  and be appreciative of their help when it’s over. ·        Tell the truth and be accountable if you made a mistake. Trust goes a long way.  o     Find a way to get better instead of finding a way to make an excuse. ·        Respectful players and good teammates get more chances and last longer. Remember that.  ·        Show them what you can do to help the team win. Being adaptable is extremely beneficial. ·        Be someone the coaches and your teammates want to be around. Your energ...