The PBSCCS Podcast

Kyle Lindsey is in his third year with the Atlanta Braves organization, having served as the strength and conditioning coach for the Danville Braves in 2018 and the Gulf Coast League Braves in 2019. Before joining the Braves, Lindsey was an intern for Texas Christian University (2017-2018) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (2016-2017) and worked primarily with the schools’ baseball, beach and indoor volleyball programs. He is an alumnus of Auburn University with his bachelor’s degree in psychology (2012) and master’s degree in exercise science (2015) with a specialization in biomechanics and minor in sport management. As a graduate student he assisted faculty and doctoral candidates with their research in sport biomechanics and motor performance. Lindsey is a native of Texas and resides in the Dallas area during the off-season.

Topics covered in this episode:
-His best professional baseball story
-Being named GCL Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year (2019)
-Paleontology

Quotes:
-"I want my players to see that I'm willing to do what I ask them to do on a daily basis" (11:15)
-"I've always made an effort to get to know my players on a personal level" (13:29)
-"The sooner that you can get experience the better" (20:13)

If you would like to learn more from Kyle, you can follow him on social media:

Instagram:
@kylerobertl

Twitter:
@KyleLindsey

This episode of The PBSCCS Podcast is a group discussion on in-season recovery techniques.

Speakers:
-Logan Jones (Arizona Diamondbacks organization)
-Danny Escobar (LA Angels organization)
-Travis Roberson (Cleveland Indians organization)

Questions/topics covered in the episode:
-Overall thoughts on the importance of recovery modalities in-season
-Challenges faced trying to improve recovery in professional baseball
-Discussion on ideal vs. reality for players
-Modalities that have proven to be successful
-Resources for continuing education on various recovery techniques

Quotes:
-"I think as performance coaches our first job is to just do no harm" - Logan Jones (2:42)
-"In Minor League Baseball you gotta be creative, especially on the road" - Travis Roberson (23:37)
-"One of the biggest resources that are available for recovery modalities is looking at powerlifters and Olympic weightlifters" - Danny Escobar (34:02)

If you would like to learn more from the guests on this episode, you can follow them on social media:

Instagram:
@logan_jones95 - Logan Jones
@robersont7 - Travis Roberson
@edanielescobar - Danny Escobar

Twitter:
@Logan_Jones95 - Logan Jones
@robersont77 - Travis Roberson
@edanielescobar - Danny Escobar

This brief episode marks the three year anniversary of The PBSCCS Podcast. The episode covers what has been added and what will be added in the year to come, as well as some updates on the PBSCCS.

Group episodes were the big addition to the podcast in year three. The feedback has been very positive thus far, and we will continue to have more group episodes in the future.

We will also be working to add sponsors to our podcast this year (with potential discount codes for listeners).

In terms of the PBSCCS, we have added an Instagram page with content posted weekly. We will be upgrading our website this year and will be hosting a Virtual Clinic in conjunction with the NSCA.

For more information on the clinic, please follow the link below:

https://www.nsca.com/events/clinics/baseball-clinic/

If you are enjoying the podcast, please leave ratings and reviews on iTunes - this will help the outreach of the podcast grow.

If you want more information from the PBSCCS, you can follow along on social media:

Twitter: @PBSCCS
Instagram: @PBSCCS

or go to the website: http://baseballstrength.org/

Thank you to all the listeners and guests for the support over the first three years of this podcast!

This episode of The PBSCCS Podcast is a group discussion on using Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) in professional baseball.

Speakers:

-Al Sandoval (Texas Rangers organization)

-Derek Mendoza (Seattle Mariners organization)

-Trevor Swartz (Colorado Rockies organization)

Questions/topics covered in the episode:

-Overall thoughts on Functional Range Conditioning

-Biggest misconceptions about FRC

-How to implement FRC in the professional baseball setting

-Advice for others on implementing FRC and where to find more information

-Must use drills

Quotes:

-"It's a tool in the toolbox, but it's a tool that I use a lot more often than my other tools" - Derek Mendoza (3:28)

-"Teaching people how to move their body like it was meant to be moved is huge" - Al Sandoval (34:55)

-"Do them when you can, where you can" - Trevor Swartz (36:10)

If you would like to learn more from the guests on this episode, you can follow them on social media:

Instagram:

@alsando22 - Al Sandoval

@findyourprime - Derek Mendoza

@trevor_swartz9 - Trevor Swartz

Twitter:

@AlSandoval22 - Al Sandoval

@tswartz9 - Trevor Swartz

Eric Ortego just completed his 3rd season in the Cleveland Indians organization and is currently assigned to the Lynchburg Hillcats. Prior to joining the Indians organization, Eric was the Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning at McNeese State University, where he was the head strength and conditioning coach for baseball, softball, and volleyball, and the assistant strength and conditioning coach for football. He was in this position from January 2014 to January 2017. He has also been a Graduate Assistant at the University of Louisiana at Monroe (August 2013 to January 2014) and has completed internships at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (January 2012 to May 2012) and the University of Louisiana at Monroe (January 2013 to August 2013).

Eric earned a B.S. in Kinesiology – Exercise Science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in May 2012 and a M.S. in Applied Exercise Physiology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in December 2013. He was also a college baseball player at LSU-Eunice, where he was part of the 2008 NJCAA National Championship team.

Eric is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Topics covered in this episode:

-His best professional baseball story

-Discipline, organization, and teamwork

-Finding success in strength and conditioning

Quotes:

-"Everything in professional baseball is starting to get more individualized" (8:58)

-"I'm still trying to learn how to be successful myself" (11:57)

-"Always make the main goal the main goal" (14:26)

If you would like to learn more from Eric, you can follow him on social media:

Instagram:

@eric_ortego

Twitter:

@Eric_Ortego

This episode of The PBSCCS Podcast is a group discussion on building effective working relationships between strength and conditioning coaches and other members of the medical staff.

Speakers:

-David Meyer

-Johnny Larson

Questions/topics covered in the episode:

-General discussion on the working relationship these two had while together in the St. Louis Cardinals organization

-How to define roles, build trust, and use effective communication within this relationship

-How to effectively navigate different situations with players (injuries, different personalities, etc.) through this relationship

-Advice for others on how to better develop/maintain these working relationships

Quotes:

-"Before I was ever even a PT I was interested in the strength and conditioning side" - David Meyer (19:33)

-"We were constantly learning from one another" - Johnny Larson (23:10)

-"I think there needs to be overall less finger-pointing at each other and there needs to be more uplifting of each other" - David Meyer (31:58)

-"Look at yourself as a performance team. You're there to work for a common goal" - Johnny Larson (55:05)

If you would like to learn more from the guests on this episode, you can follow them on social media:

Instagram:

@davemmeyer - David Meyer

@johnny_larson89 - Johnny Larson

Twitter:

@JPLarson89 - Johnny Larson

or by checking out David's podcast:

The Injured to Elite Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-injured-to-elite-podcast/id1495593399

Chris Giacchino is a certified strength and conditioning coach, certified athletic trainer and holds his USAW certification.

Chris is in his third season with the Cleveland Indians and in his second season as the Minor League S&C Coordinator. Chris spent his first year with the organization as a strength coach in the Arizona Rookie League (AZL).

Prior to joining the Cleveland Indians organization, Chris spent 4 seasons at Purdue University as an Assistant Director of Football Strength & Conditioning. There he led sport science initiatives and worked directly with skill position players. He also managed the S&C programming for players returning to play, players in long-term rehabilitation, and players with acute training modifications. In addition to Football, Chris led S&C for Cheerleading, Cross County and Throwers for Track & Field.

Chris has previous coaching experiences at the University of Connecticut, Texas Christian University, and Quinnipiac University.

Chris earned his Master’s of Science in Exercise Science and was a Graduate Assistant strength coach at the University of Connecticut. He earned his Bachelors of Science in both Exercise Science and Athletic Training from Sacred Heart University.

Topics covered in this episode:

-His best professional baseball story

-Latin players in professional baseball

-Social media

Quotes:

-"To me sport specificity doesn't even exist in the weightroom" (6:03)

-"Every system has worked for somebody at some point in their career" (9:33)

-"They are way more interested in your loyalty than anything else" (11:50)

If you would like to learn more from Chris, you can check out his articles on the PBSCCS website:

http://baseballstrength.org/push-ups-in-high-school-baseball-by-chris-giacchino-atc-cscs/

http://baseballstrength.org/goblet-squat-in-high-school-baseball-by-chris-giacchino-atc-cscs-cleveland-indians/

or by following him on social media:

Instagram:

@coach_gchino

Twitter:

@CoachGchino

This episode of The PBSCCS Podcast is a group discussion on working Winter Ball.

Speakers:

-Ben Chadwick (Boston Red Sox organization)

-Derek Mendoza (Seattle Mariners organization)

-Tanner Miracle (New York Mets organization)

Questions/topics covered in the episode:

-General discussion on working Winter Ball (including teams, roles, responsibilities, etc.)

-How do you view your experience while working Winter Ball?

-How did your time during Winter Ball make you a better coach when returning to the States?

-How did you get involved with your Winter Ball team and what advice do you have for other coaches who may want to get involved?

-What is your best Winter Ball story?

Quotes:

-"It's unlike any other type of baseball you've seen" - Derek Mendoza (13:59)

-"Most teams are going to have some sort of coach that has a connection in one of the leagues" - Ben Chadwick (41:34)

-"My advice to any strength coach that has the opportunity to do this is do your research and really take a hard look at it" - Tanner Miracle (43:55)

If you would like to learn more from the guests on this episode, you can follow them on social media:

Instagram:

@findyourprime - Derek Mendoza

@tanman_miracle - Tanner Miracle

@bchadwic - Ben Chadwick

Twitter:

@CoachMiracleTM - Tanner Miracle

Andrea Nunez is currently a strength and conditioning coach in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim organization. She is the first Latina Strength and Conditioning Coach in professional baseball. She spent the 2019 season in the AZL, winning the award of Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year in that league. She is originally from Ciudad Juarez, CH, and a graduate of Santa Teresa High School. She was an NCAA Volleyball athlete at New Mexico Highlands University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in HPS. She is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA and a Level 1 Certified Coach through USA Weightlifting.

Topics covered in this episode:

-Being the first Latina Strength and Conditioning Coach in Professional Baseball

-Being Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year in the AZL

-Humility and work ethic

Quotes:

-"I am fully aware that I am not where I want to be yet. I have a lot of work to do and I remain humble through all situations" (11:16)

-"How do you make your own energy?" (13:28)

-"We have to have top notch work ethic" (18:48)

If you would like to learn more from Andrea, you can follow her on social media:

Instagram:

@excuseszero_

This episode of The PBSCCS Podcast is a group discussion on using force plates and jump testing.

Speakers:

-Trevor Swartz (Colorado Rockies organization)

-Brian Buck (Sparta Science)

Questions/topics covered in the episode:

-General force plate discussion (frequency of testing, metrics used, testing used, etc.)

-How are you taking that data and using it to drive changes?

-Challenges you face/backlash from athletes (dealing with "well what does that mean?")

-Continuing education about force plates - where to find more info

Quotes:

-"It's selfish as a practitioner to think that we're just gonna test and eventually figure it out and then come back with a better plan" - Brian Buck (15:54)

-"The training is meant to offset what is going on in the game" - Trevor Swartz (19:28)

-"A force plate is just hardware. Let's not forget that. It's the interpretation that matters" - Brian Buck (53:42)

If you would like to learn more from the guests on this episode, you can follow them on social media:

Instagram:

@trevor_swartz9 - Trevor Swartz

@brianbuck6 - Brian Buck

Twitter:

@tswartz9 - Trevor Swartz

@brianbuck6 - Brian Buck