I think it's important in life to frequently ask ourselves why we do certain things. I've always tried to do things for the right reasons and I've found that the occasional self-examination can go a long way towards making sure I'm properly motivated in all areas of my life. I first started asking myself "why am I doing this?" in high school when many of my …
With the regular season winding down and post-season tournaments and All-Stars right around the corner, it's extremely important to make sure our players are as prepared mentally as they are physically. While this advice absolutely applies to regular season games, often "big games" amplify the pressure to succeed personally and win, so I thought now would …
This is usually the stage of the little league season when young player's arms - especially pitchers - start getting tired. With a long pre-season here in Southern California and playoffs/all-stars often running well into June, it's extremely important that we do everything we can to protect young arms. Here are few thoughts: 1) Throw less …
Hey everyone! I am sorry it has been a few weeks since my last blog but I promise I will do my best to keep you all up to date about a life trying to reach your dreams of the Major Leagues. I have just completed my first year of Spring Training. All in all it …
March 3rd, was the first day for all of the pitchers and catchers reporting to minor league spring training. However, I decided to come to Florida a few days earlier on the 28th of Febuary to check out the facility and get use to the time change. As a Californian born and raised it takes …
Hi, I hope everyone had a great start to their New Year. My name is Jake Floethe and I was lucky enough to work under Coach Dan Spring over this past offseason in the spring training camps and lessons. While working in the Palos Verdes area I saw a great deal of talent. I am …
Anyone reading this knows by now that Spring Training doesn't believe in yelling at players. Not because we aren't competitive and not because we don't want to push our players to succeed, but simply because yelling doesn't work. I don't know anyone who enjoys getting yelled at, and after a lifetime spent in competitive sports …
Ask anyone who plays baseball at any level what their least favorite part of the game is and I’d bet money the answer will be: going through a hitting slump. All hitters go through slumps and learning how to deal with and ultimately overcome them is an essential component to the mental makeup of a …
As pitchers log more and more innings this season and are starting to show more consistency in their ability to throw strikes, I often get asked whether or not it's appropriate to start practicing "hitting the corners." The primary goal for all young pitchers should be to throw as many strikes as possible, constantly challenging …