Recap Points from AMARO Sports Pitching clinic
Here are some key points we went over:
KEY POINT #1: Story about Roger Clemens and his work ethic.
KEY POINT #2: Story about Aaron Nola and his routine.
KEY POINT #3 – Play Catch with Intention
KEY POINT #4 – A’s & Bs get your scholarships
KEY POINT #5 – Allocate time for Sport Specific and Strength training each week
KEY POINT #1: Story about Roger Clemens and his work ethic
Coach Tom was sharing a story about the great Roger Clemens. Tom was asked to be at the field 60 minutes before everyone else to hit ground balls to Clemens. PFP (Pitcher Fielding Practice). The same drills we were working on this past week. One of the best MLB pitchers ever was doing the simple, boring, drills to improve.After about 4 or 5 ground balls, Clemens threw his arms up and said “what are you doing, hit em’ harder”. Coach Tom said “I’m not trying to get you injured”. Clemens’s said “this will win me 20 games this year, this is what is going to get me better! So hit em’ harder!” Coach Tom said “OK”.
This anecdote is a great example of Clemens prioritizing the fundamentals and practicing the thing that will help win him 20+ games. Seems so simple but often overlooked.
KEY POINT #2: Story about Aaron Nola
Coach Ruben Amaro (former GM of the Phillies) was sharing a story about the current MLB Pitcher Aaron Nola. When Ruben went down to LSU to scout Aaron, what caught Ruben’s attention wasn’t Aaron’s fastball or curveball but his preparation before the game. Ruben got to the ballpark a couple hours beforehand to see how Aaron prepared for the game and he was left amazed. As Ruben puts it “Aaron’s warm up was very structured. He ran X amount of sprints, threw X amount of pitches and followed the same routine before each game”. When Ruben went back a couple weeks later to scout Aaron, to his surprise witnessed the SAME ROUTINE. Ruben then asked his head scout and other scouts on his staff “is this what he does before every start?” and they responded “yes”.
This anecdote is a great example of being consistent with your routine. Find your routine for success and stick with it.
KEY POINT #3 – Play Catch with Intention
Coach Jake went over the importance of playing catch will INTENTION. As Jake put it “during your catch play do it with intention. Always be working on something. Whether it’s grips, location, or mechanics. Act like a recruiter or scout is watching you throw for the first time.
KEY POINT #4 – A’s and B’s give you a chance for scholarship dollars
Coach David Amaro went over the importance of grades and how important they are in the recruiting process. Be different, be a leader and learn to work hard on your grades. It usually translates onto the field.
KEY POINT #5 – Allocate time for Sport Specific and Strength training each week
Coach Nick Ferdinand went over the importance of dedicating yourself to your craft. Get yourself into the routine each week of working with a coach in your specific position and in the weight room. Sport Specific training + Strength training are two pieces of the puzzle that will turn you into the best athlete you can be.The very best in the world are doing these exact things. This will be your greatest competitive advantage.