top of page


Why can't my kid throw strikes?
Usually, it’s not arm strength. It’s not “natural talent.” It’s not even mechanics in the way most people think about mechanics. The primary thing that prevents youth pitchers from throwing consistent strikes is: Inability to repeat their delivery That’s the whole engine room. ⚙️ A pitcher can have: decent velocity good athleticism even a nice-looking motion …but if their body lands in a slightly different position every pitch, the release point wanders like a shopping cart w
Johnny Thunder
May 65 min read
Mastering Emotional Control in Young Baseball Players with Parental Support
Playing baseball as a young athlete can be thrilling and challenging at the same time. The excitement of the game often comes with intense emotions—frustration after a missed play, excitement after a great hit, or nervousness before stepping up to bat. Learning to manage these feelings is crucial for a young player’s growth, both on and off the field. Parents play a vital role in helping their children develop emotional control, which can improve performance and build resilie
Big League Gumbo
May 13 min read
What Does it take to Succeed?
Two players, both Tampa Bay Rays, show us through their actions why they can excel at the major league level Speaking with former MLB player Johnny Field, he learned a valuable lesson at the Rays training camp. Field, like most other players, would shag fly balls without intent during BP sessions. Then he noticed four time gold glove winner Kevin Kiermaier. When Kiermaier shagged, he turned every lazy fly ball into a valuable rep, working his craft with his footwork and an
Big League Gumbo
Apr 141 min read
Baseball Age Cutoff Dates Explained (Ages 6–12)
Youth baseball age cutoff dates confuse almost every parent at some point. The rules aren’t complicated — but they are specific. And if you misunderstand them, your child can end up in the wrong division, miss a tryout window, or feel unexpectedly overmatched. Here’s how it actually works. What Is a Baseball Age Cutoff Date? A cutoff date determines your child’s “baseball age” for an entire season. Most national organizations (including Little League and many travel organizat
Big League Gumbo
Feb 63 min read


Unlock Your Hidden Speed: Proven Tips and Tools to Dominate the Ten Yard Dash
Are you excited to elevate your ten yard dash performance? Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or just someone who wants to impress friends and family at the next backyard sprint, finding ways to improve your speed can make a significant difference. Unlocking your hidden speed involves proper techniques, strength training, and the right tools. In this post, we’ll share essential tips and tools that can enhance your speed and help you conquer the ten yard dash. Under
Johnny Thunder
May 8, 20254 min read


Why Not You? Embracing Confidence in Youth Baseball
In the fast-paced world of youth baseball, confidence is more than just a feel-good sentiment. It is crucial for a player's growth and...
Johnny Thunder
Mar 8, 20254 min read


Breaking Through: A Young Baseball Player's Journey to Overcome Fear and Find Success on the Field
In youth sports, pressure can be intense. For many young athletes, the enjoyment of playing is often overshadowed by the fear of failure....
Johnny Thunder
Feb 25, 20254 min read


How to Break Through a Batting Slump: Strategies for Young Hitters
Batting slumps can be tough for young hitters. They often appear out of nowhere and can dim the excitement of playing. However, it’s vital to understand that slumps are a normal part of a player's growth. This blog will share practical and effective strategies to help young hitters shake off their slumps and regain confidence at the plate. Understanding the Slump A batting slump typically shows up as a noticeable decline in performance. You might see a hitter struggle to make
Johnny Thunder
Feb 17, 20253 min read


How Visualization Techniques Can Help Young Ballplayers At The Plate
In baseball, hitting slumps can feel endless, often leading to negative thinking and poor performance. Visualization is a proven...
Johnny Thunder
Feb 17, 20252 min read
How Can You Prepare for a Professional At-Bat?
View your at bat in three distinct steps Pre At-Bat: Have an idea and approach of what you want to accomplish in the given situation Mid...
Johnny Thunder
Feb 4, 20255 min read
bottom of page
