In this episode, I sit down with Cam Johnson, the Hitting Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Valparaiso University. Cam shares his insights on developing hitters, understanding the biomechanics of a swing, and tailoring coaching methods to individual players. We also dive into the recruiting process, strategies for building a successful roster, and advice for players navigating the modern college baseball landscape. Whether you’re a coach, player, or parent, this conversation has actionable tips to elevate your game.

Timestamps

1. 2:01-6:30 – Journey into coaching and early influences.
2. 6:31-10:45 – Using biomechanics to enhance hitting development.
3. 10:46-15:00 – Timing: The key to a great swing.
4. 15:01-22:00 – Drills that work: Eliminating inefficiencies.
5. 22:01-28:00 – Recruiting strategies and balancing the roster.
6. 28:01-35:00 – Advice for players navigating the recruiting process.
7. 35:01-40:00 – Why Valparaiso is a great place for athletes.

Connect with Cam Johnson:

• Email: [email protected]
• Valparaiso University Baseball: Visit the Website

Contact with Patrick Jones:

• Website: patrickjonesbaseball.com
• Twitter: @pjonesbaseball

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In this episode of the Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast, we’re joined by Matt Wollenzin, the Hitting Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Evansville. Matt takes us behind the scenes of one of college baseball’s most exciting mid-major programs, sharing how Evansville has built a championship-caliber team that competes with the nation’s best.

From their incredible Super Regional run to their unique approach to player development and recruiting, Matt dives into the secrets of their success. Learn about the culture of collaboration, how they develop hitters with individualized training, and the program’s commitment to long-term growth. Plus, get insights into how Evansville’s team believes in each other, adapts to adversity, and continues to rise above expectations year after year.

If you're interested in what it takes to build a winning program from the ground up and how a mid-major can compete with the top-tier teams in college baseball, this episode is a must-listen!

Follow Evansville Baseball on Twitter: @UEBaseball

Check out Patrick's new course:

Swing Decisions: How To Master The Strike Zone

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In this episode, I sit down with Danny-David Linahan, the new hitting coach at Texas State University. Danny shares his journey from playing college baseball to coaching in the major leagues with the Minnesota Twins. He offers valuable insights on hitting, player development, and transitioning between professional and college baseball.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction and Danny's background

2:11 - Transition from playing to coaching

5:17 - Experience with the Minnesota Twins

10:24 - Moving to Texas State University

15:19 - Approach to player development

21:39 - Key indicators for hitters

26:00 - Importance of marginal gains

30:33 - Differences between pro and college baseball

35:45 - Advice for aspiring players and coaches

College Baseball Recruiting Consultation

patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

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In this episode, we welcome back Andy Barkett, former MLB hitting coach, and current private hitting instructor. Andy shares insights from his nearly 30 years of coaching experience, focusing on the mechanical aspects of hitting. He discusses his transition from professional baseball to private coaching, the development of his remote training business, and his new product, the Power Pivot. Andy also delves into common issues he sees in college hitters and provides valuable tips for improving swing mechanics and mental approach.

0:00 - Introduction and Andy's background

5:30 - Transition to private coaching and remote training

10:15 - Evaluating hitters and addressing mechanical flaws

15:45 - The Power Pivot tool and proper hip rotation

22:30 - Common issues in college baseball hitting

28:00 - Comparing MLB hitters to amateurs

33:45 - The role of technology in hitting development

38:00 - Closing thoughts and contact information

Contact Information:

Andy Barkett

Power Pivot product

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In this episode, we sit down with Tyson Ellis, the pitching coach at Eastern Florida State College, a Division I junior college. Tyson shares insights into the world of junior college baseball and pitching development. Here's what you'll learn:

Junior College Baseball Breakdown

• Differences between Division I, II, and III junior colleges in terms of scholarships and competition levels
• Scholarship opportunities and roster management in Florida junior colleges
• The recruiting process for junior college players moving to four-year schools
• 
  

Pitching Philosophy and Development

• Tyson's approach to developing pitchers, focusing on toughness and competitiveness
• The importance of game experience in pitcher development
• Insights on pitch calling and working with catchers

Summer Baseball

• Tyson's role as head coach for the Florence Flamingos in the Coastal Plain League
• The process of building a summer league roster
• The value of summer ball for college pitchers

Career Path and Coaching Philosophy

• Tyson's journey from player to coach
• His views on pitcher workload and off-season training
• Advice for high school players on managing their throwing schedules
• 
  

Follow Tyson on Twitter @Tyson_Ellis13 for more baseball insights and Florida Gators content.

Here are the timestamps for key segments of the episode with Tyson Ellis

:00:00 - Introduction and background of Tyson Ellis

03:45 - Explanation of Division I, II, and III junior colleges

07:30 - Scholarship opportunities in Florida junior colleges

11:15 - Tyson's pitching philosophy and focus on toughness

15:30 - Evaluating mental toughness in pitchers

19:45 - Discussion on velocity ranges in Florida JUCO baseball

24:00 - Recruiting process for JUCO players moving to four-year schools

28:30 - Tyson's approach to calling pitches during games

33:15 - Tyson's role as head coach for the Florence Flamingos

36:45 - Building a summer league roster

41:30 - Importance of summer ball for college pitchers

46:00 - Advice on pitcher workload and off-season training

50:30 - Recommendations for high school pitchers

54:15 - Closing thoughts and where to follow Tyson on social media

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In this episode, Patrick Jones interviews Adam Schlenoff, the Associate Head Baseball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Johns Hopkins University. Adam discusses his coaching journey, the challenges of recruiting for a top academic institution, and the high level of competition in Division III baseball. He explains Johns Hopkins' unique position as an elite academic school and a national championship contender in baseball. Schlenoff shares insights into their recruiting process, player development strategies, and the team's recent success in hitting for power.

Time Stamps:

13:07 - Division III baseball - pitching and defense

19:36 - Setting the Division III record with 114 home runs in 56 games in 2023

23:19 - Example of a Division I transfer

24:51 - Explanation of the process-oriented approach to hitting and player development

26:41 - Building trust with student-athletes and utilizing resources at Hopkins

28:33 - Focus on proper loading in hitting

30:04 - Drill work to improve players' adjustability at the plate

30:30 - Collaborating with team captains on new ideas for training and development

Follow Patrick:

Patrick's Twitter

Follow Adam:

Adam Schlenoff

Follow Johns Hopkins Baseball:

Johns Hopkins Baseball

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Would you like to work with me to help you find your perfect school?

https://patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

My service includes:

* Full evaluation and personalized recruiting plan.

* Direct connections and recommendations to college coaches.

* Access to honest feedback from coaches.

* Player development support throughout the recruiting process.

* Ongoing communication and guidance for both recruitment and player improvement.

Episode notes:

1. Consider Position Projection

- Evaluate the player's projected position in college, not just their current position.

- Up-the-middle players are valued differently than corner players due to defensive impact.

2. Understand Context

- Consider how the player fits the team's home park dynamics.

- Some coaches recruit based on how their home park plays, influencing player selection.

3. Batting Practice

- Focus on hitting to all fields, not just pulling the ball.

- Showcase hitting ability by staying up the middle and demonstrating power without solely focusing on home runs.

4. Metrics

- Metrics are a starting point, not the sole determinant of a player's potential.

- Coaches prioritize hitting ability and swing decisions over metrics.

5. Movement

- Coaches look for good movement and a swing that translates to the next level.

- Individualized stances and hitting styles are valued, focusing on hitting consistency.

6. Mental Game

- Demonstrate competitiveness and resilience in the face of failure.

- Show a growth mindset, situational hitting, and positive team interaction.

7. Power and Speed

- Coaches value players who can reach second base independently through power or speed.

- Power includes hitting doubles, not just home runs.

8. Left-Handed Hitters

- Left-handed hitters are often preferred due to swing aesthetics and matchup advantages against right-handed pitchers.

- Avoid overemphasizing metrics; focus on overall hitting ability.

- Do not solely rely on physical attributes; mental game and team dynamics are crucial.

Tips for Efficiency

- Emphasize hitting to all fields during batting practice.

- Prioritize consistency and situational hitting

- Foster a growth mindset and positive team interactions.

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In this episode, Angelo Gingerelli, Strength & Conditioning Coach at Seton Hall University, joins us to discuss his two decades of experience in the field and the evolution of training for college athletes. We dive into topics like the importance of mastering basic movement patterns, the role of strength training in developing explosive power for baseball and softball players, and how to balance individualized training with foundational athletic development.

Angelo's new book

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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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