Patrick Jones Baseball

This week, we welcome Chris Cates to the podcast. Chris is the Director of Player Development at the University of South Florida. He has had previous coaching stops at Florida State, Central Florida, and Tampa. In this episode, our focus is on developing infielders. Chris talks about his experience as an infielder when he played at the University of Louisville. He also gets into what he looks explicitly for when evaluating infielders, drills, and instincts. The Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/THCWebsite: https://patrickjonesbaseball.comFollow me on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseballTwitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseballLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I visited Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, this week and recorded an episode with Matt Rembliak (Associate Head Coach) and Joey Cooper (Assistant Coach) Bowling Green was the 2024 MAC regular season champion. They had a breakout season in 2024, going 24-6 in conference play, and finished with a 33-20 overall record. In this episode, we discuss the current recruiting landscape, including: Players getting their offers pulled. How the new rules impact the type of player Bowling Green will recruit What Bowling Green looks for in a high school player Advice to current high school players Lastly, we discuss player development at Bowling Green and the similarities between the players who have made the biggest jump in on-field performance. College Baseball Recruiting Consultation: This is for high school baseball players interested in college baseball. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There have been massive changes in college baseball over the last 12 months. In this episode, you will learn what those changes are, how they impact the recruiting timeline, what college coaches are looking for, when you should go to camps and showcases, and how college coaches find players. 1-1 PJB Recruiting Consultation: We meet via Zoom, and I can answer any questions you have and evaluate you. If you're a good fit for my recruiting service, we can discuss the next steps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Jones @pjonesbaseball sits down with Neal Packanik @nealpackanik to discuss the landscape of travel baseball. Neal is the general manager of Bo Jackson Elite, one of the most respected travel baseball organizations in the Midwest. In this episode, Neal talks about the common mistakes people make in travel baseball, what to look for in a travel baseball team, and the college recruiting process. PJB Recruiting: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting  The Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/THC Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseballTwitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseballLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Patrick dives into Timing. More importantly, where in their swing are they off-time? We break down the key phases of a swing—gather, forward move, launch position, and contact—to help hitters understand what it means to be ‘on time.’Key Discussion Points: What Does It Mean to Be ‘On Time’?We explore the definition of timing, emphasizing the importance of selecting the precise moment for optimal effect. Whether a hitter has good or sub-optimal mechanics influences when they make contact, ideally in line with their front foot. Three Timing Checkpoints:Release Point: The highest point of the hitter’s gather coincides with the pitcher’s release. This is a crucial moment where rhythm, movement, and mentality play a significant role.Launch Position: The hitter’s front heel should land on the ground when the ball is 2/3rds of the way to home plate. Issues like late upper body load or losing hip load can disrupt timing here.Contact Point: A good contact point with proper mechanics versus dr

This week, Patrick Jones, @pjonesbaseball on Twitter, sits down with Ben Clemens, @ben_clemens on Twitter. Ben is a writer at Fangraphs. In this episode, they talk about the biggest winners and losers at the trade deadline, how to analyze players using data, and Ben's writing process. Hit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contact The Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/THC Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com Listen to the Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456b Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseballTwitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseballLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Patrick Jones, @pjonesbaseball on Twitter, discusses how to game plan against pitchers to maximize hitters' success at the plate.4 steps to creating a game plan: Identify the Type of PitcherCategorize pitchers into three types: roll-out-of-bed, double-take, and a dude based on their pitching abilities.Adjust hitting approach based on the type of pitcher faced. Analyze Pitcher TendenciesLook at strikeout-to-walk ratios to determine aggressiveness at the plate.Understand how pitchers start and finish hitters to develop a game plan. Study Pitch MovementsUtilize movement plots to educate hitters on pitch movements.Differentiate between east-west and north-south pitchers to adjust hitting strategy. Create Individualized PlansTailor game plans for each hitter based on their understanding of pitch movements.Emphasize sticking to the plan to beat the pitcher and avoid falling into their traps.Hit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contact The Hitting Chronicle News

Patrick Jones, a former hitting coach in the Baltimore Orioles organization and founder of Patrick Jones Baseball, discusses swing decisions. In this episode, Patrick breaks down the definition of the strike zone, how to improve swing decisions, MLB hitters who have improved their swing decisions, and drills you can do with your hitters to help them improve their swing decisions.Hit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contactThe Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/THCWebsite: https://patrickjonesbaseball.comListen to the Patrick Jones Baseball PodcastiTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456bFollow us on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseballTwitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseballLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/ Hosted on Aca

Episode 351: Patrick Jones (https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseball) explains 6 different ways to help hitters hit slow pitching.Timestamps:[00:51] Managing Expectations[04:17] Shrinking the Zone[08:15] Overcoming the Challenge of Slow Pitching[09:48] Balancing Aggression, Exaggerating Approach, and Staying Relaxed[12:57] Be Specific[14:11] Sacrificing an At-Bat[18:47] Practice Being LateA-Rod HRHit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contactThe Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/...Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.comListen to the Patrick Jones Baseball PodcastiTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456bFollow us on Social MediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseballTwitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseballLinkedIn: https://w

In this podcast episode, Patrick Jones and Jared Gaynor delve into the intricacies of pitch development and design. Jared emphasizes mastering the fastball before introducing offspeed pitches to young pitchers, suggesting a focus on the four-seam fastball. He advocates for teaching sliders before curveballs due to their higher velocity and easier command. The discussion also covers pitch movement profiles—north-south, east-west, and combo—and the importance of spin rate. Jared introduces his course "Pitch Design U," aimed at providing coaches and players with actionable insights into pitch movement, grips, and analytics. The episode highlights a strategic, data-driven approach to pitching.Timestamps:[05:00] At what age should kids throw curveballs?[10:31] Slider vs. Curveball[14:11] Movement plots[17:27] Understanding pitch movement[18:20] Pitch profiles[23:55] Understanding spin and movement[30:55] Spin Rate[33:06] Advice for hitters[34:25] Pitching at different levels[35:09] Data for off-speed pitches[39:20

In this podcast episode, Patrick Jones continues his conversation with hitting coach Mike Brumley, delving deeper into baseball hitting mechanics. Brumley advocates for a focus on ribcage loading. He also discusses the misconceptions around hip hinges and loading the back hip, emphasizing the importance of non-verbal cues and the use of specialized training tools to improve hitting skills. Brumley shares insights from his experience coaching professional players.TIMESTAMPS:[03:53] Hip Hinge and Leverage[10:04] Exit Velocity and Launch Angle[16:58] Identifying Hitting Flaws[19:15] Approach and Plan[21:35] Preparation Routines[28:34] Developing Hitting Skills[36:50] Analogies for Hitting[39:15] Benefits of Training ToolsMike Brumley Website: https://brumbands.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Patrick Jones interviews Mike Brumley, a seasoned baseball coach with a rich 40-year career. Brumley shares his expertise in coaching hitters at various levels, from high school to the majors. They discuss the emotional aspects of hitting, the transition challenges for high school players, and the mental approach to the game. Brumley introduces a grading system for at-bats and emphasizes strategic game planning. He also offers unconventional insights into hitting mechanics, stressing stability and leverage over hip rotation, and the importance of the thoracic spine. Brumley's perspective challenges traditional coaching methods, advocating adaptability and a progressive mindset.TIMESTAMPS:[02:03] Differences in Working with Players[10:55] Judging At-Bat Success[18:18] Game Planning[23:04] Developing a Hitting Philosophy[25:53] Understanding Pitcher Tendencies[32:55] Contrarian Views on Hitting Mechanics[37:30] Rotation and Separation[38:30] Understanding Hip Rotation[40:30] Impact of Body Mech

In this podcast episode, Patrick Jones interviews Mike Cunliffe, head coach of the Seattle Speed Track Club, about enhancing athlete speed. Cunliffe emphasizes the role of biomechanics, power-to-weight ratio, and proper recovery in improving performance. He discusses the importance of deadlifts, managing central nervous system fatigue, and specific training for base running in baseball. Cunliffe shares his coaching background, the impact of structural issues on performance, and the significance of cellular optimization for recovery. He offers practical advice for coaches with limited resources, including plyometric exercises and intelligent training management.Timestamps: [03:11]  Max Velocity Mastery and Unlocking Athletic Potential in Baseball[15:34] Strategies for Endurance and Sprint Performance[17:12] Cutting-Edge Recovery Techniques[20:14] In-Season Training[27:48] Power-to-Weight Ratio[29:33] Biomechanics and Acceleration[33:00] Training Schedule and Neural Stress[37:02] Mike Cunliffe's Backg

Patrick Jones talks about the transfer portal in this podcast episode. He explains how he aligns topics with the time of year and why he's discussing the transfer portal now. He shares insights based on his experience working with players navigating the transfer process, highlighting common scenarios and misconceptions. He emphasizes the importance of understanding why players want to transfer and the realities they face in finding new opportunities. Patrick delves into the criteria college coaches consider when evaluating transfer candidates, including performance metrics like strikeout-to-walk ratios for pitchers and offensive production for hitters. He also discusses the implications of different types of scholarship offers and the significance of summer collegiate baseball leagues for player exposure and recruitment. Throughout the episode, Patrick offers practical advice and cautions against unrealistic expectations in the transfer process.Timestamps:[01:49] Understanding the Transfer Portal[09:43] NCAA

On this episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, Josh Gessner, a right-handed pitcher in the Texas Rangers organization, shares his journey from Australia and Japan to professional baseball, discussing overcoming challenges like the yips and increasing pitching velocity through training methods. Gessner advises aspiring players to know themselves and consider their development needs, emphasizing the value of education alongside athletic pursuits. They highlight personal struggles and coping mechanisms, stressing the mental aspect of overcoming fear and judgment, and discuss simplifying the pitching process and building supportive relationships with coaches. Additionally, Gessner talks about his venture into social media writing and podcasting, aiming to share his learning experiences to help others, with a focus on mental resilience, growth, and knowledge-sharing to support individuals facing similar challenges.Timestamps:[2:32] Josh Gessner’s Journey from Roots to Success[7:35] 80 to 90 MPH through DriveLine[10:07

In this podcast episode, Sean Stevens shares his remarkable journey from starting college baseball at 28 to becoming a successful coach at Middle Georgia State University, emphasizing perseverance and dedication despite challenges. He discusses the recruiting process, stressing the importance of building relationships with players and identifying talent both online and through personal interactions. Stevens also highlights the significance of summer collegiate baseball in player development, advocating for players to seize opportunities to showcase their skills and improve draft prospects. Additionally, the conversation delves into the process of selecting players for a summer baseball team, emphasizing collaboration between the head coach and general manager, and discusses player contracts, performance-based lineup decisions, and the supportive environment provided for players attending Middle Georgia State University.Timestamps:[2:06] Sean Stevens Baseball Journey From Discovery to Determination[5:48] Findi

In this podcast, Tyler Packanik from Jacksonville State University discusses the complexities of college baseball recruiting. They explore topics such as regional recruitment strategies, the balance between high school and junior college recruits, and adapting to changes like the transfer portal. Tyler emphasizes the significance of athleticism and baseball IQ in player evaluation, particularly for infielders, and shares insights on assessing speed and base running ability. They also address challenges in evaluating players based on showcase metrics versus in-game performance and stress the importance of video analysis in scouting.Timestamps:[03:21] Developing a Diverse Recruiting Strategy in College Baseball[10:21] Infield Evaluation in Baseball Recruiting[12:01] Assessing Infield Movement in Recruitment[15:13] The Role of Home to First Time in Baseball Recruiting[17:14] Understanding Showcase Pop Times[19:03] The Overlooked Art of Base Running in High School Player Scouting[20:58] Navigating the Pitfalls of

This week we're focusing on the mental side of the game. This is what I've seen separate players over the years. Of course, you have to have the physical skills, but you'd be surprised at how many players have better physical skills but can never seem to put it all together. The reason? The mental game. In today's episode, I'm sharing 7 ways to help players with the mental side of the game.Timestamps:[ 0:44 ] A Player’s Version of Success[ 3:40 ] Plan for Failure [ 7:23 ] The Process Checklist [ 9:19 ] Be less negative, Not more Positive[ 11:18 ] The Art of Not Caring [ 13:54 ] Social Life  [ 16:17 ] Breathing  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast, Mike Brown, the recruiting coordinator at the University of Utah, discusses the details of recruiting players for college baseball programs. Brown shares insights on scholarship allocation, recruiting strategies, and evaluating player potential, emphasizing character traits. They discuss prioritizing key positions like starters, shortstops, catchers, and center fielders for scholarships and recruiting Juco players and transfers. Evaluating high school players involves assessing adaptability and attitude, with a focus on arm action for infielders and hitting mechanics for hitters. The podcast highlights the importance of generating backspin line drives and discusses player development, team culture, and the challenges of competing at higher levels.Timestamps:[2:45] Decoding College Baseball Scholarships[4:35] Scholarships, Juco Players, and Walk-Ons[7:11] Evaluating High School Players for Division One Baseball[9:19] Navigating the Shift in College Baseball Recruiting while Balancing Pote

In this podcast, Micah Franklin, the manager of the Oakland Ballers in the Pioneer League, discusses the team's entry into independent baseball, focusing on winning and the challenges of player recruitment. The team's unique approach to signing players, with an initial emphasis on position players, is highlighted, and the coaching staff, including notable names like Don Wakamatsu and J.T. Snow, is introduced. Micah shares insights into the team's spring training schedule and the importance of a specific directional bat path for hitting success. The conversation shifts to Micah's scouting experience, emphasizing the growing role of analytics in player selection. He discusses scouting notable players like Cody Bellinger and details Bellinger's transformation in hitting approach. Game planning, opponent analysis, and the importance of trust between players and coaches are key themes. The rarity of hitting coaches reaching out is mentioned, underscoring the significance of effective communication in player develo