Here’s some lessons I learned from my pretty below-average baseball career:
1. There is absolutely no reason to go through an entire mechanical shift during the middle of a season. Like Hunter, it’s week 3 of conference play you aren’t becoming Yu Darvish right now.
In-House
@mariozabala85
cruising averaging 94.8 indoors. In the transfer portal looking for a new home.
Converted outfielder first year of pitching. New slider up to 88 (-3” HB & 3” VB).
Either reach out to me or Mario personally. Won’t be on the board very long.
@TreadHQ
How many people throw a 97mph heater that looks this easy?
@MattBollenbach
sitting 96.5 today in a bullpen. Changeup up to 90.8. Slider has a different profile, up to 84.
THREW 76% STRIKES IN SEASON (willing to sign FA deal for a plane ticket)
@TreadAthletics
@TreadHQ
Ok so let’s try this again,
@sjnight21
93-95. We even added in a 4th option.
Sinker today 93-95 avg 94.1
Cutter 85-87 avg 86.8
Slider 80-83 avg 82.6 -20H & 0.1 V
Changeup 85-87 avg 86.4 21H & 8V
Will literally sign right now for just a contract.
@TreadHQ
@TreadAthletics
Overthinkers & just flat out Dome-jobs,
You aren’t gaining anything from trying to think your way out of everything.
There’s more to lose by doing endless feels drills and trying to find some “hidden unlock” caved away inside your anatomy.
In similar fashion to my last post,
@JakeLlaneza
showed up with several issues.
A multitude of throwing issues, topped with a couple of years of throwing in some pain.
This was one of the first videos he sent me, already knew he was gritty 👀
Going to start with Day 2 highlights from
@TreadHQ
Pro-Day:
Alan Carter (
@alanzcarter
)
Up to 96.2 on Trackman.
Shifting into Live ABs after this. Will be ready to go for spring training.
Data listed below.
RS Senior
#UDFA
FB: 92-94 t95 spin 2350-2500
SL: 81-83 spin 2550-2750
CH: 82-84 spin 1500-1800
CB: 75-78 spin 2450-2600
Can provide full rapsodo reports along with more footage upon request. Also one year of eligibility remaining.
@FlatgroundApp
@PitchingNinja
@Challenger_ST
“Mechanics” are just a spectrum of positional points that look appealing to the eye.
Some of the best looking “mechanics” come from guys who throw 88.
Searching for mechanical answers without ticking other boxes is a hoax.
Next up, overall legend/free agent “Big” John Murphy (
@jmurph725
)
Really impressive bullpen from Big John. Coming off an insane year in the Frontier. 36 innings, 63ks with only 8 walks. He had more saves this year than walks.
Data can be provided.
@TreadAthletics
@TreadHQ
In-House
@mariozabala85
cruising averaging 94.8 indoors. In the transfer portal looking for a new home.
Converted outfielder first year of pitching. New slider up to 88 (-3” HB & 3” VB).
Either reach out to me or Mario personally. Won’t be on the board very long.
@TreadHQ
End of thread and final thought: Eat Arbys, train hard, and work harder than anyone. You might find success and you might not. In the end, leave no doubt that you gave everything you had.
@TreadHQ
@TreadAthletics
Converted outfielder
@Nick_Horvath2
throwing a great bullpen for
@TreadHQ
Pro Day.
Avg. 92.1, up from his in-season velo.
Left handed carry balls.
Gyro slider is a legit weapon. Changeup has come a long way.
Good stats to back it up. Data below.
Somehow
@KarlBlum_
is still a Free Agent.
Lives yesterday 3/25
FB Average 95.6 t96.8
Cutter up to 91.8
Split up to 88
Slider 82 (little PNW special)
Free the man ⚡️
Too electric to not take a chance.
@TreadAthletics
@TreadHQ
Just a little preview of what Alan Carter (
@alanzcarter
) is bringing to the table as a FA right now.
Consensus is in that his split is legit (one came in at -16V, 0.1H).
Not to mention he’s been up to 99 😉
@TreadAthletics
@TreadHQ
Free Agent
@ericw35
up to 96.9 on stalker today (little variance with 97.1 on trackman and I forgot to video the 96.9)
Avg. Fastball over 95.0.
Video includes full Arsenal from last week. Linking metrics below.
@TreadAthletics
@TreadHQ
Pro Day pen
#2
Featuring:
@MattBollenbach
Average FB velo of 96.5. (T97.2 on Trackman - generous round there) 😉
Big carry profile.
Slider is a work in progress.
Unreal feel for the strike zone (season avg. of 69.4%).
It’s time to start having a real conversation about
@TheRealFrankMos
getting an affiliate gig.
Over 42 appearances & 44.1 IP, Frank has 17 saves, 1.83 ERA, 70Ks and only 14 walks. His highest K/BB in his entire career.
When
@mattbrownrhp
started with me here at
@TreadHQ
he had been up to 94 in a game and 92 in a bullpen.
We initially identified some serious issues. Instead of breaking it down in a scrubbed over video, we just started throwing.
Wanted to gauge his ability to make changes.
Since
@gduncan713
didn’t get much Pro-Day love with below average fastball profile, we did some seam shifting to find a better profile.
New heater profile-
Avg. Velo 94.4 top 95.7 🪄
Avg. VB 7” Avg. HB 19.4”
I’d say the new profile is much more enticing (oh and it’s harder)
End of rant as most guys seasons are wrapping up/playoffs are beginning.
Don’t like how you played? Fix it.
You were the GOAT? Don’t get complacent.
Work your ass off so you don’t regret it in 10 years when you look back and say “What if?”.
@TreadHQ
I’ll say that
@mattbrownrhp
is absolutely COOKING right now. Getting ready for his JUCO season.
The king of strikes can’t even miss the zone at 100%.
First time back on the mound showcasing a 96.7 on rapsodo. Oops 🤷🏼♂️🪄
@TreadHQ
@TreadAthletics
Full pen for
@ericw35
today.
Stuff is pretty legit. Slider up to *almost* 90 today.
Could think of some orgs that would be interested in a 6’6 lefty who chills mid 9s.
@TreadAthletics
Finally time to start having a conversation about
@TheRealFrankMos
getting a shot in affiliate ball.
13.1 IP 20Ks and only 5 hits allowed 😬
FB up to 97, has been 93-96 as of late. More in zone. ⚡️
Slider up to 88, routinely above 86.
Stuff plays. Big strike guy.
@TreadHQ
Next on the list, Seth Nightingale (
@sjnight21
).
While the Pro-Day velo wasn’t exactly his peak, he has shown that he can get up to 96 in previous bullpens.
✅ Stuff is clearly there. (Heard a rumor that he has a 4th offering in the works) 😉
@TreadHQ
@TreadAthletics
Just checking in to see how
@sjnight21
is getting ready for pro day.
Touch and feel turned into averaging 95. Again.
Looks pretty good to me. 🤷🏼♂️
Yet again, trackman data available. Will be throwing January 22nd.
@TreadHQ
@TreadAthletics
Nate Campbell
@nate_campbell37
is on fire right now. Up to 97 this past weekend (with some 96s just for verification). Heard he punched out 12 too 🤫
One of the hardest working kids you could ask for. Has done nothing but been a privilege to work with.
@TreadAthletics
@TreadHQ
MLB Free Agent: Sam Freeman (
@nofunfree71
) Live ABs
FB Velo Average today 92.1, (up to 93.4 in bullpen on Tuesday).
Highest velo Sam has ever been in March (true gamer 📈). Especially for a guy who is regularly upper 90s in games.
@TreadHQ
@TreadAthletics
Lateral flexion can be your friend!
As to where most people see the common ideology of “shooting the hip forward”
I think it’s easier to see the throw similar to the golf swing.
Get into one side of lateral flexion, then get over it to the other side of lateral flexion
A biology major at the University of Charleston,
@htownsend18
trained himself from an injury plagued 82mph thrower to topping 96.5 🤯.
He graduated from Charleston with a BS in biology and is currently pursuing his MBA.
We love getting better at the right time
@MattBollenbach
indoor PR at 97.2
That was this morning. Slider has a new shape as well.
Day 3 should have better hopes for the 🐍
@TreadHQ
@TreadAthletics
Seeking professional opportunities. Have in-game footage and rapsodo reports.
Can either DM me for info or reach me at
@htownsend18
@gmail
.com
@FlatgroundApp
Hunter Townsend (
@htownsend18
)
Sr RHP,
@UCWV_Baseball
FB: 91-93 top 95. Sat 94 last outing of season. Consistent mid 90s potential
Slider: 83 mph, 2700 RPM
Change-up: 78.4 mph w/ great fade/depth
Full pen here from this week w/ rapsodo report
@PitchingNinja
@FlatgroundApp
I have worked with Seth for over 5 years (For those of you who want changes to happen in a month) Real change happens over time. Bullpen PR last week to all time PR this week.
Weird how some things work.
Willing to sign right now. Let’s make something happen. All data ready.
Decided to miss this one also.
Converted position player, throws 99 in legit 2 months. (Will most likely throw well over 100 in 2 more cause why not 🤷🏼♂️)
This is the easiest layup of a UDFA ever.
@TreadHQ
(Btw he threw in summer ball games and didn’t walk anyone
#strikes
)
Going to go ahead and post my guys Pro-Day performances. We shall start off with the highest velo. That title goes to none other than
@mariozabala85
Top velo on stalker of 98.4. 😉
New addition of a sinker for this week.
Slider up to 90.9.
Splitter up to 90 as well.
Draft Eligible RHP
@Zach_Fruit
sitting 93-95 in summer ball. 25ks in 13 innings seems like a decent stat line.
Easy to see why with stuff like this. Pretty electric ⚡️
@TreadHQ
@TreadAthletics
Athlete highlight: Kobe Allen
Started up to 88 in bullpens. But would be mostly 84-85.
Decided to go all in on using his massive extension bias and just try to find some athleticism.
Now up to 93. Has thrown more innings so far than his entire college career.
Going to go ahead and post my guys Pro-Day performances. We shall start off with the highest velo. That title goes to none other than
@mariozabala85
Top velo on stalker of 98.4. 😉
New addition of a sinker for this week.
Slider up to 90.9.
Splitter up to 90 as well.
I’ve been thinking about introducing great places in Japan to English-speaking audiences.
This is my first attempt at making such a video.
I would be delighted if people at Tread, and many others, watch this video!
Thankful for Gerry having me on. I ramble a lot, but I think it’s pretty cool that I get to talk to this guy with his audience. Give it a listen! 🤷🏼♂️
🚨 Episode
#152
w/
@htownsend18
went LIVE today
Over the last 2.5 years, Hunter has gone from a mid 80s to mid 90s arm
We detail how he programs his OWN throwing, our work together & how it all added up to his progress
Hear the whole process here:
23 year old MiLB FA
@evanelliott73
(just turned 23 😉)
95-97 (Rapsodo had him 96-99 but oranges to apples here) has been up to 100.
New gyro up to 88
New curve up to 83 ✨
Video attached. Can get data when needed.
Word on the street is that
@LSims_
is back. 😉
This slider specifically was -21”HB & 7”VB at 83.5mph
Rehab outings progressing nicely. This should be fun.
What do you got on this
@PitchingNinja
?
@TreadAthletics
@TreadHQ
Been a great time working with Gerry. Can’t say enough about how helpful he has been and how much he has helped me change as a player.
Also, Rapsodo numbers available upon request. T94 in the fall.
Remote athlete
@htownsend18
at 91 here in his 1st time back on the mound
Up from 186-199 pounds from last year. Topped at 87 in his first pen this time last year
Progress w/ his strength training has been great & he’s moving towards 95 come spring
@FlatgroundApp
@PitchingNinja
Cole Ragans is back working with Tread (where he worked out last year) and his curveball looks…uh, good. The reaction to it is funny.
#Royals
Here’s the link:
FB: 94-96 T99
SL: 86-88 T90
46 APP (48.1in)
7-1 record
20 saves (league leading)
ERA: 1.86
WHIP: 0.77 (23h 14bb)
K/9: 14.5 (78)
BAA: .137
Accomplishments
2023 All Star
Frontier League Reliever of the Year
Post Season All Star
@FlatgroundApp
@PitchingNinja
Initially I prioritized the weight room. Being 6’3 155lbs does not play off in the long run if you just aren’t a significantly gifted thrower. I had to learn how to move in all planes of motion with as much speed and strength as possible.
Big League Free Agent, Sam Freeman (
@nofunfree71
) looking solid for Pro-Day.
New slider is in play. Not to mention for a true “gamer”, 92-93 in a pen is an upgrade for sure. Up to 97-98 in games.
Splitter is still money.
Data available upon request.
@TreadAthletics
@TreadHQ
Blessed to have known you for as long as I did. An outstanding human being, a great ball player, and a true friend. Thank you for helping me through everything when I was down. Rest easy buddy, love you.
Coming off a pretty good senior year at
@USC_Baseball
, Blake Sodersten should have a good opportunity to hear his name called.
Added some velo in an increased role for the Trojans.
68.1 ip 72Ks across 19 total appearances with only 9 starts. ⚡️
To say that I am proud is an understatement. However, I told him 2 years ago that this day was coming. Glad to see it all come to light. This is only the beginning! 🚀
To start off I can’t explain what this means to me. I have dreamt about this moment my whole life. I couldn’t have done it with out the people that I have in my life. Thank you to everyone! Thank you to the Minnesota Twins for the opportunity to live it out.
Grant Townsend 6’ 185lbs 25 y/o
FB: 91-95 2400rpm, 20vB 12hB avg
SL (gyro): 83-85
CH: 80-84, 7vB 20hB
Formerly with the Blue Jays, got TJ in June ‘21 and released following rehab (no game action)
@FlatgroundApp
Simple pairing to work on lateral & rotational output for baseball players
1. 10 second overcoming iso push in a lateral position against a wall
2. Pogo jump to 1/4 turn lateral jump
Get athlete feeling good drive laterally prior to jump work. Pogo = drive leg elasticity
I am beyond thankful for everything that has come my way so far in life, and I am beyond excited for what the next chapter holds. After much personal reflection and prayer, I’ve decided to alter my career path following this season to pursue an opportunity with the US Army.
Where does that lead me to now? How did I stay healthy and gain velo? I took 100% commitment into every single thing I did. Left no stone unturned. Lifted heavy, lifted fast, threw hard, and took deloads. Every day was a day for progress.
🎙Tomorrow, former remote trainee & current RHP
@ETSU_Baseball
,
@htownsend18
, will be joining me for a very introspective recording
From 82 mph & UCL reconstruction to 95 mph & pro ball aspirations
Hear everything that went into the process
📱SUBSCRIBE:
I spent a lot of time watching elite throwers and just trying to figure it out. To say the least, I spent the greater portion of 4 years domed up. (Hard to not be domed up when
@trey_dillard7
threw harder than me, left and right handed).
You voted! On Saturday, March 6th, Logan Campbell (
@campbell35elite
) of
@UCWV_Baseball
took the mound and was DOMINANT, striking out 14 batters in just s6 innings, giving up 1 hit and 0 runs. Video below of all 14 K's. That's why he's your
#D2Baseball
P.G.P.O.T.W (3/01-3/07).
Lucky for me I had
@DTreatss
to get domed up with. We spent HOURS stuck in the middle of the summer heat throwing at a park. Trying to figure it out in any way possible. We experimented. Figured out what sucked and what didn’t.
After three weeks, these are the top-60 qualified pitchers in college baseball based purely on stuff. Stuff+ doesn’t know the location or result of a pitch, just the shape.
Don’t spend every weekend out partying, but also don’t be such a hardo that you miss out on opportunities to make memories with friends that you’ll have for the rest of your life.
Obviously don’t get in trouble, be smart.
Dropped the ball on this one so I’ll update this with some metrics so we can get Matt a FA deal.
Slider has changed, it’s better. (Got a couple past -18HB)
Threw 76% STRIKES in-season.
(That number is wayyy to high this is the easiest fix ever)
@TreadAthletics
@TreadHQ
We love getting better at the right time
@MattBollenbach
indoor PR at 97.2
That was this morning. Slider has a new shape as well.
Day 3 should have better hopes for the 🐍
@TreadHQ
@TreadAthletics
I sought out relationships and guidance from people who knew a lot more than me. I couldn’t do it on my own. Not only did I get their help, I tried to learn on my own from any platform I possibly could. I asked questions and wanted answers.
UDFA looking to sign a FA deal. Punched out 36 in 22 innings in the Draft League. Up to 96 with a 39% Whiff% on heaters. Someone should sign this guy.
@FlatgroundApp
@TreadHQ
@TreadAthletics
Draft Eligible RHP
@Zach_Fruit
sitting 93-95 in summer ball. 25ks in 13 innings seems like a decent stat line.
Easy to see why with stuff like this. Pretty electric ⚡️
@TreadHQ
@TreadAthletics
Let’s start with some Pro Day video. First up is Nathan Alexander. After getting drafted and released by the Marlins and a couple of stints in Indy Ball, he decided to reinvent himself.
For Pro Day, Nasty Nate was 94-96, flashed some good breakers. Included a mystery pitch too
First video- 88-92
Second video- 92-94 t95
Added some verbal cues along with some positioning feels during his plyos. Killed the excess forward trunk tilt, and now it’s diesel.
@sjnight21
Not to say that my way was right or efficient by any means. What I did learn was that there is no substitute to hard work and that most people don’t want to work hard. Thankfully I had friends like
@PeckJ22
and
@jacobkaiser03
who pushed me when I simply didn’t want it.
Standard jumps are great…
But athletes must train repeat contacts
Here are 21 of my favs you can have as options for your training
1. 1/4 turn lateral
2. Lateral to 1/4 turn box
3. Drop to broad jump
4. SL broad to broad jump
5. Repeat SL broad
6. Double hurdle to lateral
7.
There are times where you’re gonna be the WOAT, there are times where you’ll be the GOAT.
Managing expectations in between these two results keeps the outlook on the season in par.
The reason you’re in the super dome is you don’t actually understand what you’re trying to do
You fix that by going through to the end and understanding it fully, not by avoiding it
Somehow
@KarlBlum_
is still a Free Agent.
Lives yesterday 3/25
FB Average 95.6 t96.8
Cutter up to 91.8
Split up to 88
Slider 82 (little PNW special)
Free the man ⚡️
Too electric to not take a chance.
@TreadAthletics
@TreadHQ
Free Agent Day 2 standout:
@jonnyolsen316
velo is up. Stuff is way up. Professional strike thrower.
CB over 80+ now.
New gyro slider.
Data listed below. Deserves an opportunity back in affiliate ball with a revamped arsenal.
@AgentRachelLuba
@TreadHQ
Hasn’t played competitive baseball in close to 8 years.
Started throwing bullpens 4 months ago at 86 into a fence at a random park somewhere outside of Toronto.
If you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way.
@Challenger_ST
@JohnEcreel
@htownsend18
Gee G. Mr Tread, Ben Brewster is trying to weasel out of his forcing boys to keep their arm on plane BS (forearm flyout) by now engaging the Lat to pitch, you know, my way.
With your 2 bidness schools education, will you explain why Treads can’t cocontract Pec Major and Lat? 🇺🇸
Couldn’t be happier for one of my original training partners and true friends.
Funny how a 98mph bullpen is only slightly cool now. It’ll be 100 in a few weeks.
Take good care of our friend
@doublexcanflex
❤️
Just four and a half months after ACL and meniscus surgery, Jake Madole stepped up to the plate for the final at bat of his collegiate career.
He gave us a moment we will never forget. 📹
#ETSUTough