Elite Baseball Development Podcast
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The Elite Baseball Development Podcast is a one-stop-shop for baseball development. Please subscribe to get updates for every new show!
Episodes
- Pinch Hit Friday #78 - The 5 Quickest Paths to Safely Increase Pitching Velocity
Eric outlines five effective and safe strategies for pitchers, particularly amateurs, to improve their pitching velocity quickly. This episode is timely with the summer baseball season nearing.
- 224. Dr. Robby Sikka on Tennis Injuries, Sports Medicine Trends, and Player Advocacy
Dr. Robby Sikka joins Eric to discuss the increase in injuries within professional tennis and explore current trends in sports medicine across various high-level sports.
- Pinch Hit Friday #77 - Can Movement Screens Predict Injuries?
This episode discusses research on the Functional Movement Screen's effectiveness in predicting upper extremity injuries in baseball players. It also covers the general purpose of athletic assessments and how predictive value can differ be…
- 223. Slade Cecconi on Late Bloomers, Veteran Mentorship, and Self-Evaluation
Cleveland Guardians pitcher Slade Cecconi joins the podcast to discuss his journey to the big leagues, highlighting his experience as a late bloomer and the role of veteran mentorship in his development. He also shares strategies for ongoi…
- Pinch Hit Friday #76 - Preparing College Athletes for a Healthy, Productive Summer
This episode addresses sports medicine challenges and injury trends impacting college baseball players during the summer. It offers insights for players, parents, and coaches.
- 222. Dr. Michael Freehill on College Injuries, Flexor Tears, and Research Breakthroughs
In this episode, Eric welcomes Dr. Michael Freehill - team doctor for the Athletics and Stanford Baseball - to the show. As a shoulder and elbow expert, avid researcher, retired player, and baseball father, Dr. Freehill has unique insights…
- Pinch Hit Friday #75 - Scouting, Structure, Workload, and Continuity: Lessons Learned from the 2020 MLB Draft
In this episode, Eric discusses the unique circumstances surrounding the 2020 Major League Baseball Draft. It's been said this draft underperformed in terms of producing big leaguers, and there are some important player development lessons…
- 221. Ian Seymour on Offseason Adjustments, Tommy John Rehab, and Social Media Avoidance
In this episode, Cressey Sports Performance - MA co-owner and Director of Performance John O'Neil sits down with Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Ian Seymour. They touch on a wide variety of topics, ranging from offseason planning, to college recrui…
- Pinch Hit Friday #74 - How to Handle a Bad Pitching Outing, with Matt Minnick
In this podcast, CSP-FL pitching coach Matt Minnick shares insights on how players, coaches, and parents can work together to break down bad outings and create a plan for improvements. These lessons are applicable across all levels. Suppor…
- 220. Will Waterman on Predicting Performance with Rotational Screens
In this episode, frequent guest Will Waterman from Proteus Motion shares some new insights on power development. He highlights the screens that have the most predictive capabilities if you're trying to build elite rotational athletes. Supp…
- Pinch Hit Friday #73 - The 4 Types of Sleepers
In this episode, Eric outlines the four types of sleep profiles that researchers have investigated, and speaks to the importance of taking an individualized approach to optimizing this important part of their preparation and recovery. Supp…
- Pinch Hit Friday #72 - Meaning Over Minutia
In this podcast, Eric emphasizes the need to remain openminded to different philosophies and viewpoints that may conflict with your own personal status quo. He speaks to looking past minutia to determine the actual meaning of the informati…
- Pinch Hit Friday #71 - Anconeus Epitrochlearis and Overhead Throwing Athletes
In this episode, Eric outlines what an anconeus epitrochlearis is and how it can contribute to medial elbow pain, especially in overhead throwing athletes. Just as importantly, he speaks broadly to why it's important to consider anatomical…
- Pinch Hit Friday #70 - High-Low Models for Pitchers: the Why and How
In this episode, Eric highlights the importance of pitchers employing high-low models to their routines in order to optimize recovery and reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, he shares examples of how this structure works in the real w…
- Pinch Hit Friday #69 - When Adding Load Improves Movement
In this episode, Eric looks at how adding load can actually improve movement quality for certain individuals in specific situations. It might seem counterintuitive, but this knowledge can be a powerful tool in your coaching toolbox when ap…
- Pinch Hit Friday #68 - Training Frequency for Baseball Skill Development, with Ronnie Bernick
In this podcast, Cressey Sports Performance - Florida hitting coach Ronnie Bernick discusses how often young players should train various aspects of skill development. This is a helpful podcast for not only players, but also coaches and pa…
- Pinch Hit Friday #67 - Cervical Rotation and Pitching Injuries
In this episode, Eric reviews a study of professional pitchers that saw a link between cervical spine range of motion and shoulder and elbow injuries in overhead throwing athletes. He speaks to how this loss of motion occurs, and more impo…
- Pinch Hit Friday #66 - No Wasted Reps
In this episode, Eric highlights the need for athletes to recognize that every rep can contribute to both short- and long-term outcomes - but the attention to detail is what determines whether that impact is positive or negative. Support O…
- Pinch Hit Friday #65 - Swing Mechanics and Hitting Approach, with Ronnie Bernick
In this episode, Cressey Sports Performance – Florida hitting coach Ronnie Bernick discusses how young hitters can take their foundational swing mechanics to a hitting approach that plays in game scenarios under different circumstances. Su…
- Pinch Hit Friday #64 - Dr. Peter Kriz on How Can We Do Better Than Pitch Counts for Preventing Injuries
In this episode, Eric interviews Dr. Peter Kriz about the results of a recent study he co-authored: "Do Pitching Restriction Policies Reduce Shoulder and Elbow Injuries in High School Baseball Players?" This discussion examines the history…
- Pinch Hit Friday #63 - Should Rotational Athletes Do Anti-Rotation Core Work?
In this episode, Eric answers a listener's question about whether rotational athletes should include anti-rotation and anti-extension core exercises in their programs. Support Our Sponsor: Proteus Motion
- Pinch Hit Friday #62 - How Hitters Can Interpret and Utilize Data, with Ronnie Bernick
In this episode, Cressey Sports Performance - Florida hitting coach Ronnie Bernick talks about how hitters can use data to shape their long-term development rather than just getting hung up on a few numbers. These are important lessons for…
- Pinch Hit Friday #61 - 4 Signs of Training Maladaptation in Rotational Athletes
In this episode, Eric highlights four ways that you can evaluate whether your training programs are creating the wrong adaptations. While we work heavily with rotational athletes, several of these lessons are applicable across all sports.…
- Pinch Hit Friday #60 - Mapping Out a Calendar for Athletic Development
In this podcast, Eric speaks to planning out the yearly calendar, prioritizing certain qualities, and accounting for the differences in warm vs. cold weather climates. Support Our Sponsor: 1stPhorm
- Pinch Hit Friday #59 - Random vs. Blocked Practice, with Ronnie Bernick
In this podcast, Cressey Sports Performance - FL hitting coach Ronnie Bernick highlights the differences between random and blocked practice, and just as importantly, outlines how each can fit into overall development plans for hitters. Su…
- 219. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Peripheral Nerve Entrapment with Dr. Eric Wagner and Dr. Robert Bowers
In this episode, Eric interviews two Emory Healthcare sports medicine physicians, Dr. Eric Wagner and Dr. Robert Bowers, on the complexities of diagnosing and treating thoracic outlet syndrome and peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes. The…
- Pinch Hit Friday #58 - Key Competencies for Developing Youth Hitters with Ronnie Bernick
In this episode, Cressey Sports Performance - Florida hitting coach Ronnie Bernick discusses the key principles in youth hitting development and addresses the misconceptions within the space. He further emphasizes the need for coaches to f…
- 218. Kevin Neeld on Hockey Hips, Early Sports Specialization, and Work Capacity
In this episode, Eric chats with Boston Bruins Director of Performance, Kevin Neeld. They discuss the lengthy competitive hockey season, strategies for managing stiff hips, the skill-specific nature of work capacity, and how teams are eval…
- Pinch Hit Friday #57 - Spin Misconceptions with Matt Minnick
In this episode, Cressey Sports Performance - Florida pitching coach Matt Minnick takes a quick dive into what pitchers should know about spin - and more importantly, how they often overvalue spin rate. Matt shares insights on what really…
- 217. Mark Blackburn on What Baseball Can Borrow from Golf
Renowned golf instructor and PGA Tour consultant Mark Blackburn shares fascinating insights on how the baseball world can borrow a variety of key competencies from the golfing community. From technology, to individualization, to long-term…
- Pinch Hit Friday #56 - Is it Time to Course-Correct in Youth Baseball?
In this episode, Eric reflects on the yearly baseball calendar and how we're at a crucial point in time where players, parents, and coaches may need to make tough decisions regarding developmental paths. Support Our Sponsor: 1stPhorm
- 216. Brett Price on the Evolution of College Baseball Strength and Conditioning
In this episode, Eric interviews Alabama Baseball strength and conditioning coach Brett Price. They discuss how strength and conditioning has changed in college baseball over the past decade. From technology, to recruiting, to collaboratio…
- Pinch Hit Friday #55 - Growth Spurts and Movement Quality
In this episode, Eric discusses both the challenges and benefits youth athletes experience during adolescent growth spurts. Support Our Sponsor: 1stPhorm
- 215. Understanding the Sports Hernia: What's a Core Muscle Surgery?
This episode discusses sports hernias, also known as athletic pubalgia or core muscle surgery. It covers the diagnosis, including symptoms, functional anatomy, preventative training, treatments, and surgical options, highlighting its relev…
- Pinch Hit Friday #54 - When in Doubt, Chase Scapular Posterior Tilt
The Elite Baseball Development Podcast episode discusses a study on scapular posterior tilt in baseball pitchers, explaining injury mechanisms and training modifications for health.
- 214. Retirement Reflections and Coaching Kids with Steve Cishek
Steve Cishek, a retired MLB relief pitcher, returns to the podcast to reflect on his baseball career. He shares advice for aspiring players and discusses his experiences coaching youth and high school sports.
- Pinch Hit Friday #53 - Eric Schoenberg on the Power of Consistency
In this episode, Eric Schoenberg highlights the impact of consistent, small actions in achieving significant results, especially within baseball sports medicine where movement control is key.
- 213. Dr. Tera Giroux on Low Back Pain, Diagnostic Imaging, and Manual Therapy
Dr. Tera Giroux discusses the management of acute versus chronic low back pain, the role of diagnostic imaging, and manual therapy interventions. The discussion covers sports medicine topics relevant to athletes.
- Pinch Hit Friday #52 - Eric Schoenberg on the Dangers of Rushing Return-to-Play
Physical therapist Eric Schoenberg joins the podcast to discuss the dangers of returning to play too quickly after an injury or surgery. The episode covers the motivations for rushing the process, relevant research, and the advantages of a…
- 212. Spencer Stockton on Hypermobility, Sequencing, and Leveraging Data vs. "Feel"
Spencer Stockton, pitching coach at Cressey Sports Performance - Florida, discusses his experiences as a hypermobile pitcher. He covers beneficial training cues and the role of motion capture technology, emphasizing a coaching approach tha…
- Pinch Hit Friday #51 - 3 Reasons the MLB Amateur Recovery Period Policy Will Curb Injuries
The MLB Amateur Recovery Period Policy is examined, with three key reasons provided for its expected effectiveness in curbing the recent increase in pitching injuries.
- 211. Understanding NIL, the Transfer Portal, and the New Era of College Recruiting with Walter Beede
Walter Beede returns to the Elite Baseball Development Podcast to discuss Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal in college baseball. He shares updates since his previous appearance and offers predictions for the fut…
- Pinch Hit Friday #50 - Prioritization of the Acute Program Variables
In this episode of the Elite Baseball Development Podcast, Eric explains the acute programming variables applicable to any training regimen. He also provides guidance on how coaches should prioritize these variables to create safe and effe…
- 210. High-Performance Speed Testing and Training with 1080 Motion
Eric speaks with Adam Rolf and Matt Tometz from 1080 Motion about their technology for assessing and improving athletic speed. The discussion covers how their system aids in training acceleration and deceleration for performance enhancemen…
- Pinch Hit Friday #49 - Does Throwing Weighted Baseballs Increase Pitching Injuries?
Host Eric reviews a study investigating the relationship between weighted baseball use and pitching injuries among professional players, highlighting key factors.
- Pinch Hit Friday #48 - The Recovery Hierarchy
In this episode, Eric details the elements of an athlete's recovery strategy, emphasizing the prioritization of each component for optimal results. The episode is supported by AG1.
- Pinch Hit Friday #47 - 5 Common Mistakes with Medicine Ball Exercises
Eric discusses five common programming and technique errors associated with medicine ball exercises. These mistakes can negatively impact the effectiveness of medicine ball workouts for athletes in rotational sports.
- Pinch Hit Friday #46 - The Biggest Early Off-Season Training Mistake
In Pinch Hit Friday #46, Eric covers how baseball players of all ages should structure their offseason training calendar, emphasizing how to maximize the initial month of the off-season.
- Pinch Hit Friday #45 - 5 Mistakes That Stall Progress, with Spencer Stockton
Spencer Stockton, pitching coach at Cressey Sports Performance - Florida, identifies five common mistakes that impede athletic progress. These insights are relevant for athletes across all ages and competitive levels.
- Pinch Hit Friday #44 - When Adaptation Happens Too Quickly
This episode addresses structural maladaptation in youth athletic development, with host Eric explaining the risks of early sports specialization and its uncertain long-term outcomes.