Episodes
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This week, we’re diving deep into baserunning, a crucial game aspect often overlooked. Our guest, Tyler Packanik, the Recruiting Coordinator at Jacksonville State University, is an expert in baserunning. Beyond his recruiting role, Tyler focuses on infield and baserunning, bringing insight into how to excel in these areas. In this episode, he shares advanced techniques and tips on getting leads to reading pitchers, stealing bases, and more.
Episode Highlights:Introducing Tyler Packanik: His background as a recruiting coordinator focused on infield and baserunning at Jacksonville State University.Breaking Down Baserunning: Fundamentals of baserunning, including taking leads, reading pitchers, stealing bases, and running through and around bases.Techniques & Strategy:How to effectively use the vault and creep leads.Knowing when to steal bases and understanding pitcher cues.Tips for maximizing a lead-off without getting picked off.How to round first base and take an aggressive approach to turning doubles into triples.The Mental Game of Baserunning: Developing confidence on the base paths and staying in control under pressure.Pro-Level Insight: How MLB players like Anthony Volpe showcase elite baserunning and why speed isn't the only factor for practical baserunning.Tips for Coaches: Structure baserunning drills in practice, build players' instincts, and emphasize repetition and situational awareness.Key Coaching Techniques: Tyler's approach to coaching all types of runners (green, yellow, red) involves maintaining a "best time every time" mindset and encouraging players to see their foot hit the base for precision.Tyler does an incredible job of breaking down complex techniques and strategies to help you or your team improve. From maintaining momentum at second base to running through first base correctly, Tyler’s insights make this episode a must-listen for anyone serious about elevating their baserunning skills.
Follow Tyler Packanik on Twitter: @TPAC5.
Enjoy the episode, and get ready to dominate the base paths!
Patrick's new course, Swing Decisions: How To Master The Strike Zone
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Kyle Wagner is Cumberland Valley's current high school baseball coach in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. Kyle is a former college and professional baseball player, author, and father. In this episode, Kyle talks about the current landscape of youth baseball, what he's thinking about, and why he decided to get back into coaching. Kyle is an excellent follow on Twitter @gowagskyle
Coaching Beyond Xs and Os
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Adam Maloof is a professor of Geosciences and a Princeton athletics fellow for the baseball team. He has recently published several research articles on various topics in baseball. Today, we focus on his article on the college strike zone. In today's episode, you will learn about umpire tendencies, the called strike zone, and, most importantly, how to use this information to help your hitters make better swing decisions.
Adam's articles
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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/THC
Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com
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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.
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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.
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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/pjonesbaseball
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseball
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseball
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/
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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 dragging or drifting the barrel, leading to sub-optimal performance.Exaggeration Drills for Timing:For hitters who are early: try getting jammed or taking a 50% swing.For those who are late: focus on pulling a home run or aiming to do damage. These drills help adjust timing and mechanics.Perspective on Failure:We discuss the mindset of failing as a hitter. Do you want to fail with fear and anxiety, or with aggression and preparedness? Your approach to failure can influence your path to improvement.Visuals and Drills:Practical drills like machine batting practice with feet spread out and taking 50% swings are highlighted to reinforce proper timing and mechanics. Gradually reintroducing movement while focusing on minimal lower half engagement can lead to better results.Conclusion:The episode wraps up by reinforcing the importance of understanding timing checkpoints—gather, launch, and contact—along with the value of exaggeration in practice, maintaining the right perspective, and using drills to refine a hitter’s timing and mechanics.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/id1282221540
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456b
Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseball
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseball
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/
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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/id1282221540
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456b
Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseball
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseball
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/
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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 Pitcher
Categorize 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 Tendencies
Look 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 Movements
Utilize movement plots to educate hitters on pitch movements.Differentiate between east-west and north-south pitchers to adjust hitting strategy.Create Individualized Plans
Tailor 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 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/id1282221540
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456b
Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseball
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseball
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/
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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/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/id1282221540
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456b
Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseball
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseball
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/
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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 Late
A-Rod HR
Hit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contact
The Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/...
Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com
Listen to the Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456b
Follow us on Social Media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseball
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseball
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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] Pitch Design Course
Follow Jared Gaynor on Twitter: @PitchingCoachU
Jared's New Pitch Design Course: https://www.pitchingcoachu.com/a/2147874657/zexGvH52
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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 Tools
Mike Brumley Website: https://brumbands.com/
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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 Mechanics
Mike Brumley Website: https://brumbands.com/
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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 Background in Track and Field Coaching
[40:29] Biomechanics for Base Running
[44:55] Sprinting Prime and Training Methodologies
[47:20] Biomechanics and Force Application in Running
[50:07] Body Realignment and Injury Management
[54:24] Recovery and Cellular Optimization
[58:07] Weight Room Protocols for High School Coaches
[01:10:20] Plyometric and Speed Training for Baseball Players
[01:14:21] Biomechanics of Sprinting
[01:18:14] Contacting Coach Mike Cunliffe
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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 Rules and Regulations for Division I Baseball
[12:29] Expectations & Statistical Significance in the Transfer Portal
[19:37] Returning to School, Division Choices, and Scholarship Types
[25:55] Summer Collegiate Baseball
Follow Patrick Jones on Twitter: @pjonesbaseball
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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] Gessner’s Recruitment Journey in College Baseball
[17:41] Advice for Young Players Choosing Between College and Professional Baseball
[20:08] College Scholarships and Degrees in Pro Baseball
[23:34] Reflections on Early Professional Baseball
[26:13] Overcoming the Yips
[31:21] Managing Persistent Challenges
[33:45] Keys to Pitching Success
[36:32] Insights from Training Facilities
[37:46] The Value of Coaching Relationships in Training Facilities
[39:41] A Dive into Writing and Social Media
Follow Josh Gessner on Twitter: @GessnerJosh
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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] Finding Purpose in Coaching
[7:31] The Recruiting Journey at Middle Georgia State
[10:25] Online Recruitment in College Baseball
[13:15] The Importance of Baseball IQ in Player Success
[16:22] Understanding the World of Summer Collegiate Baseball
[20:31] Selecting Players for Summer Baseball Teams
[22:21] Contrasting the Cape Cod League and Other Summer Baseball Experiences
[25:18] Player’s Contracts in Summer Leagues
[28:08] The Relationship Between Coaches and GMs in Summer Baseball
[33:08] Player Performance and Immediate Impact in Summer Baseball Leagues
[34:23] Navigating Lineup Dynamics
[39:06] Understanding College Expenses at Middle Georgia State
Follow Sean Stevens on Twitter: @CoachStevensMGS
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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 Recruiting Advice
[26:59] Understanding Why Coaches Go Silent in Recruiting
[28:36] The Significance of Coaches Following Players on Twitter
[31:22] Inside Jacksonville State's Game Day Routine
[34:55] Evaluating Season Performance and Learning from Setbacks
[38:05] Managing Defensive Alignment and Base Coaching Strategies
[39:11] Why Choose Jacksonville State Baseball
Follow Tyler Packanik on Twitter: @Tpack5
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