Share
Patrick Jones Baseball
5 Lifts Every Hitter Should Be Doing | Cory Ritter
Ep. 337
•
In this podcast episode, Corey Ritter, a guest with eight years of experience in professional baseball as a strength and conditioning coach and sports science coordinator for the Dodgers, discusses various aspects of player development. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of a global perspective in training, the need for continuous improvement, the role of workload management, and the integration of strength and hitting programs. Ritter emphasizes the significance of assessing athletes over an extended period to tailor training programs effectively. He also touches on the challenges and benefits of implementing motor preference assessments in player development. Throughout the discussion, Ritter highlights the interconnection between strength conditioning and on-field performance, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to player development.
Timestamps CORY RITTER:
[2:10] A Journey from the Majors to the Private Sector
[4:49] Training Insights on Baseball Athlete Workouts
[6:31] Essential Workouts for Baseball Success
[09:15] Navigating the Science Behind Hitter Training
[11:10] Workload Management
[15:20] The Art of Player Evaluation in Sports Training
[20:27] Understanding the Complex World of Motor Preferences in Athlete Training
[23:55] Bridging the Gap Between Weight Room and Field Performance
[25:45] Strengthening the Hitter's Foundation for a Solid Swing
[28:47] Crafting Time-Effective Baseball Workouts
[34:12] The Significance of Grip Strength in Baseball Performance
[36:29] Diverse Approaches to Generating Hitting Power in Baseball
[37:44] The Role of Plyometrics for Young Baseball Players
[39:10] Movement Mastery in the Strength Side
[41:53] Recovery Revelations
Follow Cory Ritter on Twitter: @crittfit7
Check Out Patrick's Stuff:
• 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit
• ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting
More episodes
View all episodes
The Mental Game Is the Game | Ryan Gipson
40:45|In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Gipson, Oregon State Assistant Coach, who coaches hitting for the Beaver program.Ryan takes us through his journey playing baseball as a teen, redshirting at a JUCO, then playing two years at Oregon State before getting into coaching. Ryan shares what he likes to see from prospective recruits, why having a clear identity at the plate matters, and the "1-for-1" approach he advocates with his hitters. We also talk about how hitting mechanics have evolved over time and the role of summer baseball for his players.Follow Ryan on X:Ryan Gipson: @GipsonOSUOregon State Baseball: @BeaverBaseballConnect with Patrick Jones Baseball:On X: @pjonesbaseball📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/blog⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruitingThe Mindset of a Major League Hitter | Curtis Granderson
33:29|This week we welcome 16-year MLB pro Curtis Granderson to the podcast. Curtis does a great job breaking down what worked for him as a hitter, his approach at the plate, routines, and some of the key lessons he learned as a hitter during his career. He also reflects on his time playing college baseball at the University of Illinois Chicago.In addition to his accomplished playing career, Curtis is a wonderful ambassador for the game. If you'd like to learn more about his work giving back to the game, I highly recommend checking out the Chicago Baseball & Educational Academy: https://www.cbeauic.org/.Follow Curtis Granderson on X: @cgrand3Chicago Baseball & Educational Academy: https://www.cbeauic.org/Chicago Baseball & Educational Academy on X: @CBEA_UICConnect with Patrick Jones BaseballFollow on X: @pjonesbaseball📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.https://www.skool.com/patrickjonesbaseball⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruitingBaseball Nutrition for Strength and Performance | Nick Lemke
37:19|In this episode, I sit down with Nick Lemke, a registered dietitian who specializes in nutrition for baseball players. We talk about why nutrition plays such a critical role in athletic performance, with a specific focus on muscle gain and healthy weight management.We cover practical topics like tracking food intake, how often players should be eating, pre-workout nutrition, meal planning, hydration, and the role supplements can (and can’t) play. We also discuss how stress impacts both nutrition and on-field performance.Nick shares why consistency matters more than perfection and explains how players can better understand their individual nutritional needs to perform at their best.Connect with Nick Lemke, RDFollow on X: @nicklemkerdNick's Linktree: https://clutchperformancenutrition.fit/linktreeConnect with Patrick Jones BaseballFollow on X: @pjonesbaseball📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.https://www.skool.com/patrickjonesbaseball⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruitingSeparation is in the Preparation | Giuseppe Papaccio: Associate Head Coach, Seton Hall
39:21|In this episode, I sit down with Giuseppe Papaccio, Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for Seton Hall University.Giuseppe is one of the most disciplined coaches I've come across. We got into his daily routines, how he defines success as a coach, and why the mental game matters just as much as mechanics. Giuseppe shares how his time in professional baseball shaped the way he teaches hitters today, and we talked through the balance between swing work and mindset that every great hitter needs.We also dug into how recruiting is changing in college baseball and what players should understand about that shift. Throughout the conversation, one theme kept coming up: preparation, mental strength, and a commitment to continuous learning, and that's true whether you’re coaching, developing hitters, or working to play at the next level.On X:Giuseppe Papaccio: @gpapaccio2Patrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.Unlocking Mental Performance | Zach Brandon
43:58|In this episode, I sit down with performance and leadership advisor Zach Brandon. Zach spent seven years leading mental performance and coach development initiatives with the Arizona Diamondbacks and now works directly with professional and collegiate coaches.Zach takes us through his journey. We discuss sports psychology, the significance of individualized mental training, and the role of coaches in player development. We also talk about the nuances of breathwork, the balance between aspirational goals and process, and the importance of self-awareness and intentionality in performance. Huge thanks to Zach for coming on the podcast and sharing his expertise with us!On X:Zach Brandon: @MVP_MindsetPatrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseballZach Brandon's newsletter: Winning With Words — playbook of stories and principles for coaches to elevate their leadership and help their players win the inner game.📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.The Patrick Jones Story (And My New Community!)
41:20|This week we’re doing something a little different—my guest joins us to interview me! Nathan Collier is a content specialist and a former sports journalist. He’s also a baseball dad, middle school coach, and president of his local rec league. Nathan takes me through my baseball story. We go through my journey from youth leagues to high school, through my time playing D1 baseball at Xavier, the Independent Leagues, and then into my current role as a college baseball recruitment expert. We talk about our shared love of baseball, the mental side of the game, and the goal of providing honest, straightforward guidance for players, parents, and coaches trying to navigate the college baseball recruiting process. We also talk about the all-new Patrick Jones Baseball Player Community, which launches today! You can request to join at this link:https://www.skool.com/patrick-jones-baseball-2715/aboutOn X:Patrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball📬 Sign up for my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruitingFrom MLB Scout to Norfolk State Head Coach | M.L. Morgan
27:06|In this episode, I sit down with M.L. Morgan, the head baseball coach at Norfolk State University. We discuss his journey from being a player to a coach, his experiences in compliance, and the importance of building a strong program. M.L. shares insights on recruiting, the significance of relationships in baseball, and what he looks for in players as a scout.On X:M.L. Morgan: @ML_MorganNorfolk State University: @SpartanBSBPatrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball📬 Sign up for my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruitingA Different Way to Play Travel Baseball: Cubs Nike RBI
50:18|In this episode, I interview John Yolich, a Chicago teacher, parent, and coach in the Cubs Nike RBI program. We talk about the unique aspects of the Cubs RBI program—its inclusivity, the resources it provides for families, and its focus on developing young athletes as whole people. John shares how he got involved in the program, the importance of mindset in youth sports, the role parents play, and how the program helps players prepare for life beyond baseball. We also discuss ways travel baseball organizations can improve their offerings, regardless of their budget.Follow Patrick Jones Baseball on X and Instagramhttps://x.com/pjonesbaseballhttps://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball/📬 Sign up for my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruitingFocusing Only on D1 Is a Massive Trap
05:02|In this episode, I break down one of the biggest mindset traps I see in college baseball recruiting: the “Division 1 or bust” mentality. A lot of players tell me their plan is to go to a Division 2 or Division 3 school for a year, then hit the transfer portal to move up to D1. But in reality, that mindset usually backfires.I share why focusing only on yourself and your end goal often guarantees you won’t get there and what kind of mindset actually leads to growth, success, and new opportunities. The players who go on to transfer successfully don’t chase D1. They buy in, go all-in on their current program, and play for the love of the game. That’s what makes them stand out to coaches at every level.If you’re a high school player or a parent helping your son navigate recruiting, this episode will help you reframe your goals and focus on what really matters.Follow Patrick Jones Baseball on X and Instagramhttps://x.com/pjonesbaseballhttps://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball/📬 Sign up for my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting