This is Part 1 of a 3-part Heat Check Series where I walk through different points in my career journey in which I threw hard. There’s been 4 specific occasions throughout my journey that I threw hard but each experience entailed different approaches to the same goal so it’s fun to reflect/unpack it all and think it could be of value for those listening in. In this episode, I reflect on my high school years and what I was actively doing to influence my throwing velocity which landed me the 88th overall pick in the 2010 MLB Draft (when things were so simple lol) Then we’ll dive into the 2014-2015 season, breaking down how athleticism, long toss, mindset, and freedom played a massive role in power output. This is experience-based, not absolute! Hope this helps someone!
02:02 – Velocity Is NOT Absolute Why velocity advice shouldn’t be taken as black-and-white rules and why individual process matters. 02:43 – Watching Elite Throwers Develop Differently Observations from pro ball and why different athletes reach high velocity in completely different ways. 04:07 – High School Velocity Context Being highly scouted, showcase environments, and why early velocity is often more genetic than developmental. 06:32 – Showcases vs Game Pitching Why velocity showed up most in short stints and what that environment allowed mentally and physically. 07:08 – No Weightlifting, Tons of Athleticism Distance running, jump rope, long toss, and why developing as an athlete mattered more than loading weight early. 08:07 – Pre-Start Routine & Process Orientation Detailed warmups, mental preparation, and how being obsessive about process built confidence. 10:57 – Long Toss as an Athletic Stimulus Why extensive long toss was one of the most powerful velocity builders in high school. 12:47 – Loving Pitching More Than Throwing Hard Sequencing, command, and how being a “pitcher first” may have limited raw velocity at times. 14:34 – Velocity Dip & Getting Released (2014) Leaving Pittsburgh, velocity falling off, and the mental reset that followed. 15:05 – Returning to High School Roots Distance running, simplified training, and rebuilding athletic movement patterns. 17:30 – Training in the Backyard Lab Homemade strength work, front squats, sandbags, and throwing far with intention. 18:40 – “If I Need to Throw Hard, I Need to Throw Far” How increased long toss volume organically reshaped arm path and movement efficiency. 19:51 – 2015 Velocity Jump Going from unknown free agent to touching upper-90s through intent, freedom, and consistent stimulus. 20:20 – Long Toss vs Mound Mechanics The realization that controlled chaos in long toss can (and should) influence mound movement. 21:07 – Over-Exaggerating Athleticism on the Mound Learning to load aggressively, use the ground, and embrace movement instead of fighting it. 22:53 – Mental Freedom & Power Output Why letting go of fear and expectation unlocked the best velocity of my career. 24:08 – Ground Force, Loading & Energy Transfer Early understanding of force absorption, storage, and release — before knowing the biomechanics language. 25:22 – Being Released Was a Gift How freedom from pressure allowed velocity to climb rapidly in 2015. 26:03 – Training That Supported Velocity Front squats, med balls, arm care, and throwing volume — no magic exercise, just alignment. 27:11 – Velocity Spike & Injury Reality Rapid velocity gains, accumulated stress, and the bone spur surgery that followed. 28:18 – Setting Up Part 2 Previewing the 2017–2018 velocity journey and a completely different path to power. 30:17 – Closing Thoughts Why reflecting on the journey matters and what’s coming next in Part 2 and Part 3.
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