Share
Patrick Jones Baseball
Nutrition for Baseball and Softball Players - Dawn Weatherwax
Ep. 263
•
In today's episode, I speak to Dawn Weatherwax. Dawn is a Registered/Licensed Dietitian with a specialty in Sports Nutrition and Founder of Sports Nutrition 2Go. She is also a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, which is the premier professional sports nutrition credential in the United States. In addition, she is an Athletic Trainer with a Certification in Strength and Conditioning from The National Strength and Conditioning Association.
She brings a comprehensive and unique understanding of the athlete's body, and its nutritional needs, to those interested in achieving specific performance goals and optimal health.
Dawn is an active member in the American Dietetic Association (ADA), Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutritionists Dietetic Practice Group (SCAN), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), National Athletic Training Association (NATA), & Greater Cincinnati Athletic Training Association (GCATA).
Dawn shares nutritional tips that will help players improve their game. Whether you are a professional athlete or an age-level player, in order to maximize success you must have a solid nutrition plan in place.
She talks about the Nutrition piece like hydration and what it actually does from an athletic standpoint. She also offered a lot of great advice from her experience working with athletes from different levels because a lot of players don't realize that nutrition is an important part of playing any sport.
She shares the importance of a training plan and routine for baseball and softball.
Dawn is a wealth of information, and she's got tons of great tips and tricks to share with all players out there. We know that you'll walk away feeling like you've learned something new and valuable from this episode, so we can't wait for you to hear it!
SHOW NOTES:
[2:27] What would you say is the most common mistake that players make when it comes to nutrition?
[3:15] Is there a certain amount of calories that you recommend players try to intake during the season?
[13:03] Elite athletes, it's not necessarily what they do that makes them elite it's what they don't do.
[23:12] It should be mandatory that you are bringing something with you to eat or snack on during the game.
[24:30] Food is fuel.
[24:52] If you’re 1% dehydrated your ability to track objects decreases by 10%.
[25:28] This game is so mental if you can't focus and lock in and your eyesight's affected, what are we doing?
[30:35] What's a good breakfast for a baseball or softball player?
[36:15] One of the things that I'll tell players is because being able to hit the ball harder is such an important task in hitting.
[46:42] How should players go about actually getting tested?
[50:29] If someone does want to work with you or reach out to you what's the best way for them to get in contact with you?
FOLLOW DAWN:
Website:
Landline:
513-779-6444
Facebook:
Twitter:
More episodes
View all episodes
355. 4 Ways To Help Hitters Improve Timing
33:24||Ep. 355In this episode, Patrick dives into Timing. More importantly, where in their swing are they off-time? We break down the key phases of a swing—gather, forward move, launch position, and contact—to help hitters understand what it means to be ‘on time.’Key Discussion Points: What Does It Mean to Be ‘On Time’?We explore the definition of timing, emphasizing the importance of selecting the precise moment for optimal effect. Whether a hitter has good or sub-optimal mechanics influences when they make contact, ideally in line with their front foot. Three Timing Checkpoints:Release Point: The highest point of the hitter’s gather coincides with the pitcher’s release. This is a crucial moment where rhythm, movement, and mentality play a significant role.Launch Position: The hitter’s front heel should land on the ground when the ball is 2/3rds of the way to home plate. Issues like late upper body load or losing hip load can disrupt timing here.Contact Point: A good contact point with proper mechanics versus dragging or drifting the barrel, leading to sub-optimal performance.Exaggeration Drills for Timing:For hitters who are early: try getting jammed or taking a 50% swing.For those who are late: focus on pulling a home run or aiming to do damage. These drills help adjust timing and mechanics.Perspective on Failure:We discuss the mindset of failing as a hitter. Do you want to fail with fear and anxiety, or with aggression and preparedness? Your approach to failure can influence your path to improvement.Visuals and Drills:Practical drills like machine batting practice with feet spread out and taking 50% swings are highlighted to reinforce proper timing and mechanics. Gradually reintroducing movement while focusing on minimal lower half engagement can lead to better results.Conclusion:The episode wraps up by reinforcing the importance of understanding timing checkpoints—gather, launch, and contact—along with the value of exaggeration in practice, maintaining the right perspective, and using drills to refine a hitter’s timing and mechanics.Hit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contact The Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/THC Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com Listen to the Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456b Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseballTwitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseballLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/354. How To Use Data To Evaluate Players | Ben Clemens
57:33||Ep. 354This week, Patrick Jones, @pjonesbaseball on Twitter, sits down with Ben Clemens, @ben_clemens on Twitter. Ben is a writer at Fangraphs. In this episode, they talk about the biggest winners and losers at the trade deadline, how to analyze players using data, and Ben's writing process. Hit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contact The Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/THC Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com Listen to the Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456b Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseballTwitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseballLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/353. 5 Ways To Help Hitters Prepare For A Game
30:01||Ep. 353In this episode, Patrick Jones, @pjonesbaseball on Twitter, discusses how to game plan against pitchers to maximize hitters' success at the plate.4 steps to creating a game plan: Identify the Type of PitcherCategorize pitchers into three types: roll-out-of-bed, double-take, and a dude based on their pitching abilities.Adjust hitting approach based on the type of pitcher faced. Analyze Pitcher TendenciesLook at strikeout-to-walk ratios to determine aggressiveness at the plate.Understand how pitchers start and finish hitters to develop a game plan. Study Pitch MovementsUtilize movement plots to educate hitters on pitch movements.Differentiate between east-west and north-south pitchers to adjust hitting strategy. Create Individualized PlansTailor game plans for each hitter based on their understanding of pitch movements.Emphasize sticking to the plan to beat the pitcher and avoid falling into their traps.Hit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contact The Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/THC Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com Listen to the Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456b Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseballTwitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseballLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/352. How To Help Hitters Improve Swing Decisions
42:47||Ep. 352Patrick Jones, a former hitting coach in the Baltimore Orioles organization and founder of Patrick Jones Baseball, discusses swing decisions. In this episode, Patrick breaks down the definition of the strike zone, how to improve swing decisions, MLB hitters who have improved their swing decisions, and drills you can do with your hitters to help them improve their swing decisions.Hit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contactThe Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/THCWebsite: https://patrickjonesbaseball.comListen to the Patrick Jones Baseball PodcastiTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456bFollow us on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseballTwitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseballLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/351. 6 Ways To Help Hitters Hit Slow Pitching
20:46||Ep. 351Episode 351: Patrick Jones (https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseball) explains 6 different ways to help hitters hit slow pitching.Timestamps:[00:51] Managing Expectations[04:17] Shrinking the Zone[08:15] Overcoming the Challenge of Slow Pitching[09:48] Balancing Aggression, Exaggerating Approach, and Staying Relaxed[12:57] Be Specific[14:11] Sacrificing an At-Bat[18:47] Practice Being LateA-Rod HRHit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contactThe Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/...Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.comListen to the Patrick Jones Baseball PodcastiTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456bFollow us on Social MediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseballTwitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseballLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/350. Pitch Design | How To Develop Better Pitches w/ Jared Gaynor
43:13||Ep. 350In this podcast episode, Patrick Jones and Jared Gaynor delve into the intricacies of pitch development and design. Jared emphasizes mastering the fastball before introducing offspeed pitches to young pitchers, suggesting a focus on the four-seam fastball. He advocates for teaching sliders before curveballs due to their higher velocity and easier command. The discussion also covers pitch movement profiles—north-south, east-west, and combo—and the importance of spin rate. Jared introduces his course "Pitch Design U," aimed at providing coaches and players with actionable insights into pitch movement, grips, and analytics. The episode highlights a strategic, data-driven approach to pitching.Timestamps:[05:00] At what age should kids throw curveballs?[10:31] Slider vs. Curveball[14:11] Movement plots[17:27] Understanding pitch movement[18:20] Pitch profiles[23:55] Understanding spin and movement[30:55] Spin Rate[33:06] Advice for hitters[34:25] Pitching at different levels[35:09] Data for off-speed pitches[39:20] Pitch Design CourseFollow Jared Gaynor on Twitter: @PitchingCoachUJared's New Pitch Design Course: https://www.pitchingcoachu.com/a/2147874657/zexGvH52349. Top MLB Hitters Fly To See Him | Mike Brumley | (Part 2)
41:27||Ep. 349In this podcast episode, Patrick Jones continues his conversation with hitting coach Mike Brumley, delving deeper into baseball hitting mechanics. Brumley advocates for a focus on ribcage loading. He also discusses the misconceptions around hip hinges and loading the back hip, emphasizing the importance of non-verbal cues and the use of specialized training tools to improve hitting skills. Brumley shares insights from his experience coaching professional players.TIMESTAMPS:[03:53] Hip Hinge and Leverage[10:04] Exit Velocity and Launch Angle[16:58] Identifying Hitting Flaws[19:15] Approach and Plan[21:35] Preparation Routines[28:34] Developing Hitting Skills[36:50] Analogies for Hitting[39:15] Benefits of Training ToolsMike Brumley Website: https://brumbands.com/348. Top MLB Hitters Fly To See Him | Mike Brumley | (Part 1)
41:07||Ep. 348In this episode, Patrick Jones interviews Mike Brumley, a seasoned baseball coach with a rich 40-year career. Brumley shares his expertise in coaching hitters at various levels, from high school to the majors. They discuss the emotional aspects of hitting, the transition challenges for high school players, and the mental approach to the game. Brumley introduces a grading system for at-bats and emphasizes strategic game planning. He also offers unconventional insights into hitting mechanics, stressing stability and leverage over hip rotation, and the importance of the thoracic spine. Brumley's perspective challenges traditional coaching methods, advocating adaptability and a progressive mindset.TIMESTAMPS:[02:03] Differences in Working with Players[10:55] Judging At-Bat Success[18:18] Game Planning[23:04] Developing a Hitting Philosophy[25:53] Understanding Pitcher Tendencies[32:55] Contrarian Views on Hitting Mechanics[37:30] Rotation and Separation[38:30] Understanding Hip Rotation[40:30] Impact of Body MechanicsMike Brumley Website: https://brumbands.com/347. How to develop faster baseball & softball players | Mike Cunliffe
01:19:31||Ep. 347In this podcast episode, Patrick Jones interviews Mike Cunliffe, head coach of the Seattle Speed Track Club, about enhancing athlete speed. Cunliffe emphasizes the role of biomechanics, power-to-weight ratio, and proper recovery in improving performance. He discusses the importance of deadlifts, managing central nervous system fatigue, and specific training for base running in baseball. Cunliffe shares his coaching background, the impact of structural issues on performance, and the significance of cellular optimization for recovery. He offers practical advice for coaches with limited resources, including plyometric exercises and intelligent training management.Timestamps: [03:11] Max Velocity Mastery and Unlocking Athletic Potential in Baseball[15:34] Strategies for Endurance and Sprint Performance[17:12] Cutting-Edge Recovery Techniques[20:14] In-Season Training[27:48] Power-to-Weight Ratio[29:33] Biomechanics and Acceleration[33:00] Training Schedule and Neural Stress[37:02] Mike Cunliffe's Background in Track and Field Coaching[40:29] Biomechanics for Base Running[44:55] Sprinting Prime and Training Methodologies[47:20] Biomechanics and Force Application in Running[50:07] Body Realignment and Injury Management[54:24] Recovery and Cellular Optimization[58:07] Weight Room Protocols for High School Coaches[01:10:20] Plyometric and Speed Training for Baseball Players[01:14:21] Biomechanics of Sprinting[01:18:14] Contacting Coach Mike Cunliffe