Garrett Baker - Mets Integration Pitching Coach

In this episode of BachTalk we delve into Ben Racke's inspiring fitness journey and the growth of his successful strength and conditioning business in NKY. We explore his early life, upbringing, and the pivotal moments that ignited his passion for fitness. Ben shares insights into his current S&C programs at Ryle and Be Strong, along with recent program implementations and the state of fitness in NKY. He discusses how he leverages social media to motivate and connect with others, offering valuable tips on building and retaining a client base. Ben also touches on emerging fitness trends and structures he plans to incorporate into his programs. We summarize key takeaways and invite listeners to follow Ben Racke on social media for ongoing fitness inspiration. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast for more engaging content.

Time Stamps:

Introduction of Guest (00:01:22) Introducing Ben Racke, owner of Ben Racke Fitness, and highlighting his background and experiences in strength and conditioning.

Starting a Job at Anytime Fitness (00:11:37) The speaker talks about getting a job at Anytime Fitness and coaching group training sessions.

Starting Own Business and Financial Struggles (00:13:53) 

Renting Space at Dixie Fitness and Pro Force (00:17:35) The speaker discusses renting space at Dixie Fitness and later at Pro Force, gaining experience and observing different training approaches.

Ben discusses the decision to move to Florida for a coaching job and the challenges they faced with the move (00:23:03) Moving to Florida for a coaching job, Ben discusses the decision to move to Florida for a coaching job and the challenges they faced with the move.

Working in Florida and experiences (00:24:09) Working in Florida and experiences with a narcissistic boss Speaker 3 talks about their experiences working in Florida, including dealing with a narcissistic boss and the impact it had on clients and gym members.

Experiences working with pro athletes in Florida and the decision to move back to northern Kentucky (00:25:13) Insights into working with pro athletes and deciding to move back. Ben shares their experiences working with pro athletes in Florida and the decision to move back to northern Kentucky.

The process of training and conditioning in high school (00:34:31) Discussion on the training and conditioning process in high school, including the focus on football workouts and the need for a shift in perspective.

Issues with current training approaches (00:35:28) Critique of common training practices, such as lack of attention to movement quality and detail, reliance on generic exercises, and lack of understanding of principles.

Importance of consistent stimulus and general strength training (00:40:36) Emphasis on the need for consistent stimulus, sprinting, changing direction fast, and improving general strength for overall athletic development and injury prevention.

Strength training for kids (00:46:02) Importance of consistent strength training for young athletes and the misconception of needing specialized training.

Building a strong foundation (00:47:11) The significance of developing a solid base of strength and how it translates to improved athletic performance.

Quality coaching for high school athletes (00:50:56) The importance of individualized coaching and communication with high school athletes to achieve optimal results.

Understanding Exercise Science and Practical Application Discussion (00:57:00) Understanding Exercise Science and Practical Application Discussion on the value of exercise science knowledge and practical application in strength and conditioning coaching.

Challenges in Implementing Effective Training Methods (00:58:31) Challenges in Implementing Effective Training Methods. The frustration and difficulty in finding the right balance between traditional training methods and new approaches.

Parents' Misconceptions about Training Exploring (01:03:43) Parents' Misconceptions about Training Exploring parents' misconceptions about what constitutes good training and the importance of tracking tangible data for progress.

The Importance of Full Body Stimulus (01:08:15) - Discusses the significance of incorporating a bigger stimulus than just bandage exercises for overall physical output in sports.

Exercise Selection and Stimulus for Baseball Players (01:09:15) Explains the rationale behind choosing exercises like front squats and trap bar deadlifts for baseball players to achieve the desired global stimulus.

Addressing Parents' Misconceptions (01:13:19) - Ben talks about the common misconceptions parents have regarding their children's training goals, such as the need to lose body fat or become more jacked, and emphasizes the importance of strength training and consistent training for athletic development.

The importance of positive training experiences (01:19:25) The guest discusses the significance of creating a positive training experience for athletes, emphasizing the long-term impact it can have on their motivation and commitment to fitness.

Negative experiences in college weight rooms (01:21:34) The guest shares stories of college athletes who had negative experiences in the weight room, leading them to avoid working out for years after their sports career ended.

Appreciation for the guest's insights (01:22:45) The host expresses gratitude for the guest's time and appreciates his realistic and helpful approach to training high school athletes.

In this episode of we have the privilege of conversing with Turner Givens, whose extensive baseball background and unique blend of experiences have positioned him as a true expert in the field of player development. Turner, currently serving as a Performance Coordinator at Tread Athletics, brings with him the prestige of being a former National Champion in 2018, as well as a wealth of knowledge gained from his roles as an Assistant Coach at the University of Dallas and the University of Texas at Tyler. Throughout our conversation, we'll trace Turner's journey from his early days as a player to his current role, explore his knack for solving movement-related challenges with creative solutions, and dive into the dynamic realm of pitch analytics and design. Plus, we'll keep the conversation open for Turner to share his personal thoughts and insights on various aspects of the game, making this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about the art and science of baseball.

Timestamps:

**The overall progression to being a performance coordinator (00:02:41)**
Turner Givens discusses his journey from being a volunteer assistant coach to becoming a performance coordinator at Tread Athletics.

**The start of Turner Givens' interest in data-driven player development (00:04:15)**
Givens talks about how he got into data-driven player development and his early experiences with tools like Rapsodo and Modus.

**Transitioning to a new job at Tread Athletics (00:07:12)**
Givens shares his decision to move to Triad Athletics and his excitement about learning from the people there and being in a high-paced environment.

**The grind of being a volunteer or grad assistant (00:09:57)**
Discussion on the challenges and dedication required for individuals in these roles, using a specific example.

**The daily schedule and responsibilities of a college coach (00:11:44)**
Explanation of the various tasks and time commitments involved in coaching at the college level.

**Building relationships with athletes and developing coaching skills (00:14:24)**
Conversation about the process of building relationships with athletes and becoming an effective coach, including personal experiences and learning from others.

**The mindset of a big leaguer (00:24:35)**
Discussion on the intense focus and competitiveness of big leaguers during bullpen sessions.

**Developing a resilient mindset (00:25:35)**
Exploring the importance of mindset and confidence for a Triple-A player dealing with inconsistent playing time.

**Adding a cutter to improve performance (00:27:28)**
The successful addition of a cutter pitch to a player's arsenal, resulting in improved performance and velocity.

**The cutter as a game-changer (00:28:32)**
Discussion about a pitcher's career year after adding a cutter pitch and the impact it had on his performance and confidence.

**The mental benefits of adding a pitch (00:29:34)**
Exploration of how adding a new pitch can not only improve performance but also boost a pitcher's confidence and mindset.

**The importance of finding one little outlier (00:30:00)**
An example of how adding a cutter pitch transformed a pitcher's arsenal and made him more effective in specific counts.

**Connecting the Dots and Building Relationships (00:37:12)**

**Setting Boundaries and Saying No (00:38:09)**

**Pitch Analytics and Arsenal Building (00:41:48)**

**Pitch Design and Confidence (00:46:49)**

**Backwards Chaining in Pitch Design (00:47:40)**

**Changing Coaching Approach in Different Seasons (00:49:28)**

**Teaching Price (00:56:05)**
Discussion on the challenges of learning and teaching Price, particularly in remote settings.

**Breathing Patterns and Exercise Goals (00:56:54)**
Exploration of the importance of understanding breathing patterns and exercise goals in relation to the body's limitations and compensations.

**Efficiency of Correctives (00:59:37)**
Debate on the necessity and extent of correctives, emphasizing the need for simplicity and focusing on specific adaptations.

**The Outlier Guys (01:05:08)**
Discussion about finding value in pitchers who may not throw hard but have unique pitching styles.

**The Challenges of Posting Content (01:05:49)**
Talking about the difficulties of consistently creating quality content and avoiding burnout.

**Appreciation for the Interview (01:06:39)**

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Agresti, the Director of BackStop U at Velo University, to dive into his fascinating journey from being a four-year starter at Binghamton University to becoming a catcher for the Sussex County Miners in the Frontier League.

Join us as we explore Jason's experiences in Indy Baseball, from his time with Rockland and New Jersey from 2019 to 2022, to the significant changes he's witnessed in the world of catching since 2018. Jason will share his insights into how technology and data have transformed the game, both for coaches and scouting.

Discover the expectations and insights looking ahead to 2023 in Indy Ball and get an in-depth look at Velo University, including its background and Jason's initial interactions with the facility. Learn about the implementation of Backstop University and how it has contributed to the development of catchers.

In the BackStop U segment, Jason shares the inception of the program, its overall evaluation process, and delves deep into his own ideologies and thought process when it comes to programming catchers in 2023.

As we explore the future of catching in 2023 and beyond, Jason provides his perspective on how the position will evolve at both the college and professional levels. He discusses how organizations value catchers and the balance between high catchability and low offense, which can help organizations save money for other positions.

Join us for an insightful conversation that sheds light on the world of catching in baseball, both past and future. Don't miss this episode packed with valuable insights and Jason's unique perspective.

Join us on a fascinating journey with Emilio Martinez, an engineer and coding enthusiast. With degrees in Mechatronics Engineering and an MBA, Emilio brings a unique blend of skills and experience to our podcast. From college baseball to his proficiency in programming languages like Python, R, and MATLAB, we'll explore how his education and talents shape his career in mechatronics engineering and data analytics.

Discover his pivotal role as an R&D Engineering Intern at BaseballCloud and his contributions to data analysis in sports. We'll also delve into his time as a Performance Coach at Tread Athletics, where data-driven insights are transforming sports performance training and pitching development.

Emilio's entrepreneurial spirit shines through his venture, Engineered Performance LLC, a remote training company aimed at shaping the industry's future. Join us as we explore his journey in seeking data science roles, showcasing his commitment to innovation. Emilio's story, at the intersection of engineering, data, and sports, promises an engaging and insightful podcast experience. Tune in and be inspired by his dedication to excellence.

Time Stamps:

Intro (1:20)

Pre-Podcast thoughts (2:20)

Emilio's educational background (3:18)

MBA Experience and using the ideology in Player Development (8:00)

Learning Python, MATLAB, and R (14:00)

Process of learning (20:00)

Analyst realization (25:04)

Processes and ideologies towards projects and organizations (27:00)

Baseball Cloud Experience (31:18)

Tread Athletics Experience (40:00)

Experience within collaboration (48:23)

Thoughts on association and the 'whys" (55:00)

Trainee experiences, what is "training", and why there is a huge misconception (62:00)

Future opportunities (76:00)

Episode 4 Season 5 is out with Garrett Baker. He is currently an Integration Pitching Coach within the Mets organization. 

Garrett obtained his Master of Science in Exercise Science - Sports Psychology while also having a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise from Cedarville University. 

Garret’s background includes coaching within 4 colleges and Powerhouse Performance Training. Garrett talks about using all of his backgrounds from pitching, S&C, and Sports Psychology towards the development of pitching. 

Garrett talks about using the Ecological approach and overall human movement from Ido Portal to progress pitchers into an overall skillful approach towards development.

TimeStamps:

Intro (1:30)

What is a Mets Integration Pitching Coach (2:30)

Integration of Skillful systems (4:30)

Ian’s perception on skillful implementation (8:45)

What is a skillful movement within pitching (10:15)

Overall background towards style of coaching (13:30)

Time at American Internal (18:30)

Ido Portal movement system (20:00)

Organization of the thoughts within the brain (26:30)

Adding variability to training both S&C and pitching (32:02)

Utilizing movement history of athletes (36:30)

How to utilize variability training (42:00)

What is ecological psychology  (44:45)
Player Development 2023 - Skillful Data (54:00) 

Closing (59:00)

• Intro (1:20)
• How to keep a podcast going (2:40)
• Before Driveline (7:00)
• Getting hired at Driveline (8:20)
• Overall roles at Driveline currently (13:15)
• Peer Reviewed Articles (15:40)
• Driveline current business process (20:00)
• Purchasing Motus and creating Pulse (22:00)
• Driveline Metric Projections 2023 within Pitching, Hitting, Overall Biomechanics, and High Performance (30:00)
• What are organizations looking for within Hitting in 2023 (37:00)
• Open Source Biomechanics data (41:00)
• What is like starting a podcast (43:45)
• Interacting with fans (49:30)
• Overall hiring of Driveline employees into pro organizations during 2022-2023 off season (51:00)
• What should Alex’s workout be for the day? (59:40)
• Closing (65:30)

Episode 2 Season 5 is out with Seamus Kenneally. He is currently a Strength & Conditioning at Break Through Fitness Cincy while also being an assistant coach for both Kings High School (Cincinnati, OH) and Cincinnati Bulls Summer Organization.

Seamus graduated and played college baseball at Marietta. Seamus talks about all the trials and tribulations he encountered while in college. These included injuries, COVID-19, and overall development.

Seamus is very passionate about overall athletic development. As a Strength & Conditioning coach his overall goal is not only for athletes to get big and strong but to have total control of their COM (Center of Mass). By implementing systems that all for these adaptations he believes that he can get the most out of every athlete.

Seamus is currently an assistant coach for Kings High School (Cincinnati, OH) and Cincinnati Bulls Summer Organization. Shea talks about what it’s like to help completely change the culture of a high school into respectable player development and winning organization.  He talks about not only the baseball qualities to improve an organization but how their ultimate job is to help develop boys into men.

Seamus has a very bright representation of what it’s like to holistically develop baseball players while also teaching them about life’s challenges. Seamus has become a great mentor to many players and his influence will only grow in the years to come.

TimeStamps:

-        Intro (1:22)

-        College Background at Marietta College (3:20)

-        Injuries (4:20)

-        COVID (7:25)

-        Psychology aspect of player acquisition (9:50)

-        Break Through Fitness (12:05)

-        Utilization of Kinetic Chain within Strength & Conditioning (13:10)

-        Strength and Power Implementations to programs (16:35)

-        Training the overall athlete (18:20)

-        Building a High School Program from the ground up (23:40)

-        Practice Scenarios (23:30)

-        Putting the Program on the map (28:25)

-        Summer Baseball overview (32:05)

-        College Recruiting 2023 (35:30)

-        Transfer Portal (38:00)

-        Summer Baseball Organization growth (42:10)

-        Best advice for player development 2023 (44:25)

-        Closing (45:50)

Episode 1 Season 5 is out with Easton Miller. Easton is currently the head of Strength and Conditioning at KOVA sports. KOVA is an inclusive baseball training center pertaining to Hitting and Throwing development while also focusing on overall athletic health. The overall goal of the facility is to help athletes reach their maximum potential.

KOVA is quickly becoming an influential facility located in Texas. KOVA has implemented an overall education system for the progression of innovative technology and concepts toward player development.

Easton started his career at KOVA as an intern while working under Grant Fowler. Fowler introduced overall French Contrast, Extreme Isometrics, and plyometric training. Easton goes on to explain KOVAs overall implementation of Strength & Conditioning. Easton talks about he programs his athletes within the weight room and pertains to his weekly progressions of athletes.

Easton has implemented a week-by-week programming style working with high school and college athletes. He talks about how to implement proper programs while taking into consideration what athletes are doing at their primary schools. His overall goal is to teach athletes to learn how to listen to their bodies and progress in their overall development holistically.  

Timestamps;

-        Intro (1:20)

-        Background (2:15)

-        What is KOVA (6:30)

-        Start of KOVA (7:00)

-        Start of Internship (9:00)

-        Working with passionate owners (11:00)

-        How the facility operates from the top down (13:00)

-        Progression becoming Head of S&C (15:30)

-        Progression of programming (18:00)

-        Biggest learning curve towards becoming head of S&C (21:30)

-        Program within High School athletes (23:30)

-        How to get athletes to trust you (26:30)

-        Teaching athletes to listen to their bodies (28:30)

-        Programming Style (30:45)

-        Using Non-Linear Periodization (34:30)

-        Plyometrics (39:00)

-        Why hanging is so important (44:00)

-        Technology within KOVA (46:45)

-        Facility interactions between coaches (53:35)

-        Organization towards athletes (57:45)

-        Player Development within the next 5 years (60:45)

-        Closing (67:45)

Episode 36 Season 4 is out with Noah Junis. Noah is currently the assistant director of pitching at Premier Pitching Performance located in Wentzville, MO. Before working at PPP, he was the Pitching Director at Push Performance in Tempe, AZ. While his overall first coaching position was at Illinois Central College.

Noah talks about his overall start in coaching and how he overall progressed into pitching development. Noah explains what overall role is entailed at Push Performance and how it was such an eye-opening experience within biomechanics, S&C, and movement assessments.

Noah explains what Premier Pitching Performance is in relation to private sector facilities. PPP has become well known for its overall assessment of biomechanical data, strength vs power evaluation, and pitch design. Over the past couple of years, PPP has become a consultant towards collegiate programs helping with the overall assessment process and program design.

Timestamps:

-        Intro (1:20)

-        Background (2:20)

-        Illinois Central College (3:00)

-        Initial coaching learning curves (4:35)

-        Push Performance Experience (6:40)

-        Initial jump working with professional athletes (9:10)

-        Programming process at Push Performance (11:30)

-        Learning how to utilize biomechanical, anatomical, and human physiology methods (14:05)

-        What is Premier Pitching Performance (16:15)

-        Working with different colligate programs (20:00)

-        Working with college pitching coaches toward developmental programs (22:00)

-        Communication between PPP and Collegiate programs (25:00)

-        Data interpretation towards PPP (27:15)

-        Program style from data interpretation or first movement quality (30:00)

-        Progression of pitchers over the next 5 years (31:30)

-        Is coding going to be a priority for pitching coaches (35:00)

-        How is data changing the culture of college programs (39:00)

-        Bridging the gap between biomechanics and pitching (43:00)