One of the more widely discussed topics, related to pitching, is long toss. Now don't get me wrong, there are plenty of other things we can throw in the mix there (arm slot/action, weighted ball training, and countless strength training debates) but for the time being we'll discuss long toss and its role in our program.
The simple answer is, we preach it! Our pitchers typically long toss [on average] four days per week. One of the biggest things I talk with our guys about is 'listening to your arm' - a term coined by Alan Jaeger. Example, if I long toss on Monday and then come out to throw on Tuesday, it may be easy for me to think that I shouldn't stretch it out as much since I threw to my maximum distance the day prior. When it comes to throwing, I want our players doing as little 'thinking' as possible, I want them feeling and listening!
One thing we talk about quite often is the recognition that you may not feel at your best [for any multitude of reasons] on a given day. We want to get the most out of what our arm has in it, on that particular day - and the only way to do that is to listen to your arm as you begin to throw and stretch things out. For instance, if you determine that your arm is only at 70% that day - then you goal should be to get 100% of that 70!
The only way to do that is to let your arm dictate how much or how far you throw, don't have a predetermined idea going into that throwing session. We don't put maximums or minimums on our guys - I don't mandate they get out to 290 ft. and I don't tell them they can't go further than 250 ft. I tell them to get the most out of their arm, day in and day out. This concept is described well in Derek Johnson's The Complete Guide to Pitching, "...there are no restrictions of time or distance on the throw and these elements will vary from pitcher to pitcher. The general rule is to throw the ball as far as possible, as hard as possible, for as long as possible, always maintaining body control."
January 14, 2015
January 12, 2015
Catching Up
Long time no see! After a brief hiatus, welcome back to the Diamond. I have decided to take the blog in a new direction. Considering where this thing began for me (an aspiring coach fresh out of college) to where it was last I left you (updates and insight into the Defiance College baseball program), we'll be heading down a new path. But more to come on that in a second.
In the meantime, let's play a little catch up on what's been keeping me busy. Last I wrote, the Defiance College baseball team was entering the final weekend of the 2014 regular season. The following months produced a new opportunity for me. I moved to Wisconsin, land of the Cheese Heads, for an assistant job in the Northwoods League. I was fortunate enough to serve as the first base coach for the league champion, Lakeshore Chinooks. The 2014 'Nooks ended the season as one of only three teams in NWL history to win 50+ games (54-21). We captured both the first and second half regular season titles, as well the postseason championship - and finished the summer ranked as the top summer collegiate baseball team by Perfect Game.
In the meantime, let's play a little catch up on what's been keeping me busy. Last I wrote, the Defiance College baseball team was entering the final weekend of the 2014 regular season. The following months produced a new opportunity for me. I moved to Wisconsin, land of the Cheese Heads, for an assistant job in the Northwoods League. I was fortunate enough to serve as the first base coach for the league champion, Lakeshore Chinooks. The 2014 'Nooks ended the season as one of only three teams in NWL history to win 50+ games (54-21). We captured both the first and second half regular season titles, as well the postseason championship - and finished the summer ranked as the top summer collegiate baseball team by Perfect Game.
May 1, 2014
Conquering Senior Day
Welcome back to the Diamond! Since last you read, the Defiance College Baseball team was gearing up to kick off the 2014 season - and now is on the verge of completing it. This year has certainly seen its share of red lights, traffic jams and detours. And although, the Jackets have just eight wins on the year and have had their cliche troubles with pitching and defense - they have continued to show resilience no matter the opponent and no matter the situation.
DC has just three games left on their schedule this season - Friday and Saturday (5/2 & 5/3) the Fightin' Engineers of Rose-Hulman come to town to cap the 2014 regular season. Also this weekend, the Defiance College baseball staff and athletic department will recognize the program's five seniors; Darin Waterman, Aaron Helland, Brandon Riley, Pat Masopust and Trey Trumpower.
Waterman's career numbers include a .316 batting average in 459 at-bats (third most all-time) with 34 career doubles (tied for school record), 10 home runs and 76 RBI - Darin is also fifth in hits all time at Defiance with 145. All this to go along with a career 4.97 ERA, and top five career totals in innings pitched and strikeouts (206.1 and 188, respectively).
Helland, a Defiance native and [along with Waterman] a four-year starter, already holds the career record for stolen bases at DC with 79, and sports a lifetime .257 batting average in 443 at-bats - which is good for fifth best in school history. Aaron also has the fifth most walks in program history with 66 free passes drawn.
Riley has been a three year letter-winner for the Jackets (all behind the plate), after transferring from Ohio University in the fall of 2011. Brandon's played in 45 games, starting 25 of them along the way as a battery mate for the DC pitching staff. He's collected a .226 batting average while consistently putting the ball in play - managing only 12 strikeouts in 103 total plate appearances.
Masopust, a converted catcher and now everyday first basemen for the Jackets, will exit with a .272 career average in 235 at-bats and 85 games played. Patty Baseball also boasts a .391 on-base percentage and is top ten all-time in putouts with 402.
Trumpower, a Loudonville (OH) native has been a four-year letter winner for DC - all in the outfield. And a catalyst for the culture change that Head Coach Derek Woodley has been able to establish in his seven years at the helm of the DC Baseball program.
DC has just three games left on their schedule this season - Friday and Saturday (5/2 & 5/3) the Fightin' Engineers of Rose-Hulman come to town to cap the 2014 regular season. Also this weekend, the Defiance College baseball staff and athletic department will recognize the program's five seniors; Darin Waterman, Aaron Helland, Brandon Riley, Pat Masopust and Trey Trumpower.
Waterman's career numbers include a .316 batting average in 459 at-bats (third most all-time) with 34 career doubles (tied for school record), 10 home runs and 76 RBI - Darin is also fifth in hits all time at Defiance with 145. All this to go along with a career 4.97 ERA, and top five career totals in innings pitched and strikeouts (206.1 and 188, respectively).
Helland, a Defiance native and [along with Waterman] a four-year starter, already holds the career record for stolen bases at DC with 79, and sports a lifetime .257 batting average in 443 at-bats - which is good for fifth best in school history. Aaron also has the fifth most walks in program history with 66 free passes drawn.
Riley has been a three year letter-winner for the Jackets (all behind the plate), after transferring from Ohio University in the fall of 2011. Brandon's played in 45 games, starting 25 of them along the way as a battery mate for the DC pitching staff. He's collected a .226 batting average while consistently putting the ball in play - managing only 12 strikeouts in 103 total plate appearances.
Masopust, a converted catcher and now everyday first basemen for the Jackets, will exit with a .272 career average in 235 at-bats and 85 games played. Patty Baseball also boasts a .391 on-base percentage and is top ten all-time in putouts with 402.
Trumpower, a Loudonville (OH) native has been a four-year letter winner for DC - all in the outfield. And a catalyst for the culture change that Head Coach Derek Woodley has been able to establish in his seven years at the helm of the DC Baseball program.
February 27, 2014
Opening Ceremonies
Tomorrow, February 28th, the Defiance College baseball team will open up its 2014 season in great southern fashion as they'll travel to Danville, KY to play a four game set against Calvin College and Centre College, respectively. The Jackets will kick off the weekend with a 3pm start (2/28) against Calvin, followed by a doubleheader against the two teams Saturday, and a single-9 vs. Centre for Sunday's getaway game.
Opening Day will feature a Yellow Jacket team (20-16, 13-11) coming off one of the most successful seasons in recent memory, including the third most wins in program history and first playoff berth in nine years - against Calvin College (16-25, 15-13), who finished fourth in the MIAA and earned a trip to their conference tournament. Tomorrow's game will also serve as the first of the season for the Knights.
Opening Day will feature a Yellow Jacket team (20-16, 13-11) coming off one of the most successful seasons in recent memory, including the third most wins in program history and first playoff berth in nine years - against Calvin College (16-25, 15-13), who finished fourth in the MIAA and earned a trip to their conference tournament. Tomorrow's game will also serve as the first of the season for the Knights.
January 21, 2014
Springing into Action
Welcome back to the Diamond! Since last I left you, the Defiance College and Defiance High School baseball teams had just officially announced their second straight Northwest Ohio Baseball Day w/ the Pros. The event was another huge success, with upwards of 200 people in attendance - all enjoying the fan fest atmosphere with big leaguers Jon Niese & Marc Krauss, as well as seven other minor leagues and 2 former pro-ballers. One of these two included local legend, Ned Garver - Garver who pitched 14 years in the big leagues from 1948-1961(including a 20-win season in 1951). I dare to say that Ned stole the show, with his stories of baseball's storied past and tales of losing out on the MVP award to Hall-of-Famer, Yogi Berra!
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| Mets LHP Jon Niese (left) & Indians minor league RHP Dace Kime (right) |
Hit the jump to read about the Yellow Jackets' countdown to Spring Training!
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