Ken Pumphrey explaining curve ball grips to Pat Hornick (RHP, Severna Park HS)

After several weeks of planning and preparation, the BATT Academy is proud to report that the Pro Pitching Experience kicked off week 1 yesterday.  The six week program is anchored by four ex-professional pitchers, Eric Milton, Mitch Cook, Ken Pumphrey, and Tony Saunders.  Each two-hour session is broken up between an hour of one-on-one pitching instruction and an hour of strength and conditioning, customized specifically for pitchers. 

Mitch Cook explaining the importance of a pitcher's lower body power

Our inaugural program sold out, as we strictly limited it to 16 elite high school and college age pitchers. Hopefully this is the first of many similar type programs throughout the year at the BATT Academy.

Eric Milton discussing bullpen preparation with Britton Quayle (RHP Frostburg State)

This elite group of pitchers will be exposed to the physical and mental aspects of pitching in a unique way, through the minds of four ex-professional pitchers.  In addition, they will gain insight on arm care and  injury prevention to go along with their weekly workout routines. 

Tony Saunders demonstrates a proper PFP drill

Also, we want to give a special thanks to our guest instructor, Greg Schwartzkoff (Stength & Conditioning Coordinator for the Bowie Baysox), for taking the time to work with our pitchers in the Pro Pitching Experience program in week 1.  Greg was able to bring his knowledge on how to prepare and repair a pitcher’s body between starts and share it with our program.  So again, thanks Greg from the entire BATT Academy Staff!!

Greg Schwartzkoff

To find out more about the Pro Pitching Experience or to request a lesson with one of our instructors, please contact a BATT Academy representative at 410.590.BATT or email thebatt@verizon.net

The Pro Pitching Experience

Tuesdays only beginning July 6th, 2010

¨ 6 week program combining pitcher’s skills training and baseball-specific strength and conditioning

¨ Experience professional training from a staff with over 40 years of Professional Baseball Experience

¨ Customized weight-training, Vertimax and SAS programs

¨ “Pre-hab” and injury prevention techniques

¨ Focus on instruction and skills development

This program is strictly limited to 24 pitchers age 13 and older.  To request a spot please call The BATT Academy at 410.590.BATT or send an email to thebatt@verizon.net

Pro Staff Including:

Eric Milton

-1st Round pick NY Yankees

-No-hitter with Min Twins 1998

-Also pitched for the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, and Los Angeles Dodgers

-2001 AL All-Star

Mitch Cook

-3rd Round pick Chicago Cubs    

-Also pitched for the New York Mets and Houston Astros

-Current pitching coach for Anne Arundel Community  College

Tony Saunders

-Signed by Florida Marlins

-Pitched in Game 4 of 1997 World Series

-Pitched 2 years for Tampa Bay

-Retired 1999

Ken Pumphrey

-4th Round pick NY Mets

-Also pitched for Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies

-75-68 career record & 4.15 era

Kevin Kean- Old Mill HS     Mike Marsh- Chesapeake HS       Jason Seitler- Chesapeake HS

2010 MSABC Pre-Season All-State Selecetions

Throwing a baseball with accuracy and speed is obviously a necessity for ballplayers to continue to move up the baseball ladder. It is almost incomprehensible that kids who are fourteen years old and in high school are expected to play at the same distances that major league baseball players do, but that is the case. High school dimensions are the same ninety feet between the bases and sixty feet between home and the pitcher’s mound. Those are formidable distances for players, especially for those who have not had their growth spurt yet. The good news is that players can improve their arm strength and accuracy with good mechanics and practice by engaging in Long-Tossing. Players who want to improve their throwing should adhere to the following fundamentals and practice until perfecting them. It is also necessary to throw (correctly) for anywhere between seven and nine months out of the year. Generally, as kids get closer to high school, more throwing is advised with at least a couple of days a week of quality throwing (Long-Toss!). Getting the proper amount of rest between throwing sessions is also important.

3 Absolutes of Throwing for Speed and Accuracy

1. Direction – most kids know how to stand at home plate so having them go to their hitting position before throwing should come easy. This complete turn of the body will point the front shoulder directly at the target with feet parallel to each other. Without this correct set-up position, the thrower’s ability to reach maximum speed and accuracy are already compromised. As noted with hitting position, a complete ninety degree turn of the thrower’s foot of the same side as his throwing arm is necessary to get to correct starting position.

2. Direction 2 – Players must step directly at the target. Without this direct step the thrower’s hips will not function correctly causing a lack of accuracy and power. The length of the step will be determined by the distance of the throw and will come naturally, with the key being the direction. Drawing a direct line from the lead foot towards the target or setting down a couple of objects for the player to step in between are good practice drills to reinforce the correct step. An indirect step is the most common area of break down in a player’s throwing fundamentals.

3. Follow through – it is necessary that throwers allow their arm to travel the complete path so the body can alleviate some of the stress of the arm action on the shoulder and to prevent aiming the ball. This is done by the players throwing arm finishing at his opposite side hip, thigh or knee and by having his rear leg come up and forward as they throw. Like hitting, this weight transfer puts power into the throw.

Sounds simple enough but like anything, “The difference between doing something totally correct and almost correct, is the difference between success and failure.” (Author of quote is unknown.) Long distance throwing can also develop arm strength but the 3 above fundamentals must be followed for “long toss” to be beneficial.

Hope this helps!

Coach Fletcher