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The Mindset of Great Pitchers
In this episode of the Charge Forward Coaching Podcast, host James Blasco interviews Jason Immekus, a minor league pitching coach with the Cincinnati Reds. They discuss the mindset of great pitchers, the importance of mental toughness, and how routines and rituals contribute to performance. Jason shares insights on coaching young athletes, preparing for big moments, and the sacrifices required to achieve success in baseball. The conversation emphasizes the need for a supportive environment that fosters growth and resilience in athletes.
Takeaways
Mental toughness is about staying focused on the next pitch.
Coaches must show they care to build trust with players.
Young athletes face more distractions than previous generations.
Mental toughness can be developed and sharpened over time.
Routines and rituals are crucial for performance but must be adaptable.
Creating a safe environment allows athletes to learn from failure.
Handling conflict positively is essential for growth.
Parents should model consistent behavior for young athletes.
Success in baseball comes in many forms and styles.
Aspiring pitchers must be willing to sacrifice for their goals.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Mental Toughness in Pitching
(06:29) Understanding the Mindset of Great Pitchers
(11:41) The Role of Routines and Rituals in Performance
(17:29) Building Mental Toughness in Young Athletes
(23:46) The Importance of Adaptability in Pitching
(29:22) Advice for Aspiring Pitchers
About the Guest:
Jason Immekus is a veteran pitching coach and consultant with over 19 years of experience developing athletes at the collegiate and professional levels. He is currently a Minor League Pitching Coach for the Cincinnati Reds, (Daytona Tortugas) where he works with emerging talent to refine mechanics, build confidence, and prepare pitchers for the big leagues.
Before joining the Reds, Immekus built a distinguished coaching career across multiple programs:
Crowder College (2018–2021): Guided pitchers and contributed to team success in the NJCAA ranks.
Pittsburg State University (2016–2018): Helped lead the pitching staff to its best statistical performance since 1997, contributing to postseason qualification.
Missouri Southern State University (2010–2015): Coached an MIAA Pitcher of the Year, six All-MIAA pitchers, and advanced to two NCAA Regionals.
Jefferson College (2006–2009): Served as pitching coach and recruiting coordinator.
Immekus has also worked extensively in collegiate summer leagues such as the Coastal Plain League, Northwoods League, and Mink League, where he mentored players who went on to professional careers. Over his career, he has helped develop more than 60 pitchers who signed professionally, including seven who reached Major League Baseball.
In addition to his coaching roles, Jason has served as an Associate Scout for both the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays, bringing his expertise in player evaluation to MLB organizations. He also contributes as a Pitching Coordinator and Consultant for Premier Pitching Performance, where he designs individualized throwing programs and connects advanced data analysis to on-field success.
A native of Carthage, Missouri, Immekus began his playing career at Independence Community College before transferring to Washburn University, where he was an all-conference pitcher. He later signed a free-agent contract in the Frontier League, playing for the Richmond Roosters and Kalamazoo Kings.
About the Host:
James Blasco is a CTA Certified Coach, and a Certified Functional Mental Toughness and Resilience coach, and a Certified Neuroscience Coach based in Ormond Beach, Florida, with a rich background in sales, media, and entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, James has excelled in sales and sales coaching for some of the largest media companies, owned three successful businesses, and worked in media relations in the NFL. His diverse experiences have equipped him with a deep understanding of leadership, communication, and the drive needed to achieve success. James is also trained specifically to coach to all aspects of mental toughness and resilience.
Having received coaching and mentoring throughout his personal and professional life, James recognizes the profound impact of genuine, constructive, and meaningful guidance. He understands the passion required to pursue a goal, as well as the challenges of doubt, fear, and the need for perseverance.
Resources:
Website: www.chargeforwardcoaching.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chargeforwardcoaching/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChargeForwardCoaching/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chargeforwardcoaching
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChargeForwardCoaching
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/ChargeForwardCoaching
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ChargeForwardCoaching
Cincinnati Red: www.mlb.com/reds
Daytona Tortugas: www.milb.com/daytona
View all episodes
By James BlascoIn this episode of the Charge Forward Coaching Podcast, host James Blasco interviews Jason Immekus, a minor league pitching coach with the Cincinnati Reds. They discuss the mindset of great pitchers, the importance of mental toughness, and how routines and rituals contribute to performance. Jason shares insights on coaching young athletes, preparing for big moments, and the sacrifices required to achieve success in baseball. The conversation emphasizes the need for a supportive environment that fosters growth and resilience in athletes.
Takeaways
Mental toughness is about staying focused on the next pitch.
Coaches must show they care to build trust with players.
Young athletes face more distractions than previous generations.
Mental toughness can be developed and sharpened over time.
Routines and rituals are crucial for performance but must be adaptable.
Creating a safe environment allows athletes to learn from failure.
Handling conflict positively is essential for growth.
Parents should model consistent behavior for young athletes.
Success in baseball comes in many forms and styles.
Aspiring pitchers must be willing to sacrifice for their goals.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Mental Toughness in Pitching
(06:29) Understanding the Mindset of Great Pitchers
(11:41) The Role of Routines and Rituals in Performance
(17:29) Building Mental Toughness in Young Athletes
(23:46) The Importance of Adaptability in Pitching
(29:22) Advice for Aspiring Pitchers
About the Guest:
Jason Immekus is a veteran pitching coach and consultant with over 19 years of experience developing athletes at the collegiate and professional levels. He is currently a Minor League Pitching Coach for the Cincinnati Reds, (Daytona Tortugas) where he works with emerging talent to refine mechanics, build confidence, and prepare pitchers for the big leagues.
Before joining the Reds, Immekus built a distinguished coaching career across multiple programs:
Crowder College (2018–2021): Guided pitchers and contributed to team success in the NJCAA ranks.
Pittsburg State University (2016–2018): Helped lead the pitching staff to its best statistical performance since 1997, contributing to postseason qualification.
Missouri Southern State University (2010–2015): Coached an MIAA Pitcher of the Year, six All-MIAA pitchers, and advanced to two NCAA Regionals.
Jefferson College (2006–2009): Served as pitching coach and recruiting coordinator.
Immekus has also worked extensively in collegiate summer leagues such as the Coastal Plain League, Northwoods League, and Mink League, where he mentored players who went on to professional careers. Over his career, he has helped develop more than 60 pitchers who signed professionally, including seven who reached Major League Baseball.
In addition to his coaching roles, Jason has served as an Associate Scout for both the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays, bringing his expertise in player evaluation to MLB organizations. He also contributes as a Pitching Coordinator and Consultant for Premier Pitching Performance, where he designs individualized throwing programs and connects advanced data analysis to on-field success.
A native of Carthage, Missouri, Immekus began his playing career at Independence Community College before transferring to Washburn University, where he was an all-conference pitcher. He later signed a free-agent contract in the Frontier League, playing for the Richmond Roosters and Kalamazoo Kings.
About the Host:
James Blasco is a CTA Certified Coach, and a Certified Functional Mental Toughness and Resilience coach, and a Certified Neuroscience Coach based in Ormond Beach, Florida, with a rich background in sales, media, and entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, James has excelled in sales and sales coaching for some of the largest media companies, owned three successful businesses, and worked in media relations in the NFL. His diverse experiences have equipped him with a deep understanding of leadership, communication, and the drive needed to achieve success. James is also trained specifically to coach to all aspects of mental toughness and resilience.
Having received coaching and mentoring throughout his personal and professional life, James recognizes the profound impact of genuine, constructive, and meaningful guidance. He understands the passion required to pursue a goal, as well as the challenges of doubt, fear, and the need for perseverance.
Resources:
Website: www.chargeforwardcoaching.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chargeforwardcoaching/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChargeForwardCoaching/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chargeforwardcoaching
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChargeForwardCoaching
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/ChargeForwardCoaching
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ChargeForwardCoaching
Cincinnati Red: www.mlb.com/reds
Daytona Tortugas: www.milb.com/daytona