Elite Baseball Development Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: Eric Cressey

The Elite Baseball Development Podcast is a one-stop-shop for baseball development. Please subscribe to get updates for every new show!

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Pinch Hit Friday #94: How to Utilize General Physical Preparation
Pinch Hit Friday #94: How to Utilize General Physical Preparation episode artwork
#94
Today at 10:00 AM

In this episode, Eric discusses the nuances of General Physical Preparation and best practices for adding exercises to programs. 

Thank you to today's sponsor 1st Phorm. 

1stPhorm is an awesome supplement company with a comprehensive product offering I enjoy using myself and with our athletes. Visit https://1stphorm.com/cressey and get free shipping on your order of $99 or more.



Pinch Hit Friday #93: 3 Reasons to Avoid Velocity Based Training
Pinch Hit Friday #93: 3 Reasons to Avoid Velocity Based Training episode artwork
10/23/2026

In this episode, Eric briefly discusses the rationale for velocity-based training (VBT), but, more importantly, highlights three scenarios where it isn't a good fit for athletes.

Thank you to today's sponsor AG1. 

It is the new and future way of getting a multivitamin, and a whole lot more - and in multiple flavors. Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/cressey and claim my special offer today – FREE travel packs, a shaker, and a 600-serving bottle of Vitamin D3+K2 – with your first purchase. I use AG1 daily myself and highly recommend it to our athle...


Pinch Hit Friday #92: 6 Start-Up Strategies for Hypermobile Athletes
Pinch Hit Friday #92: 6 Start-Up Strategies for Hypermobile Athletes episode artwork
#92
10/16/2026

In this episode Eric discusses strategies for kickstarting training programs for hypermobile athletes. 

1. Stop Stretching

2. Stop Treating Protective Tension

3. Sleep 

4. Foundational Movement Patterns

5. Close the Active/Passive Gap

6. Weight Bearing Earlier 


This episode is sponsored by 1st Phorm. 


Pinch Hit Friday #91: Better Band Strategies
Pinch Hit Friday #91: Better Band Strategies episode artwork
#91
10/09/2026

In this episode Eric discusses the utility of bands in training programs for both healthy and rehabilitating athletes. Against the background of five categories of rotator cuff training, I share where bands fit in to the overall equation.

Thank you to today's sponsor Jaeger Sports. 

Alan Jaeger the founder of Jaeger Sports has been a long time friend and a trusted professional in the baseball space for the last two decades. The J-Bands were a revolution when they were first introduced to baseball players  in the 2000s. 

Listeners can get 10% off thei...


Pinch Hit Friday #90: Does Strength Training Cause Elbow Injuries in Youth Pitchers?
Pinch Hit Friday #90: Does Strength Training Cause Elbow Injuries in Youth Pitchers? episode artwork
#90
10/02/2026

In this episode Eric discusses some common misconceptions about strength training for young baseball players. Strength and conditioning programs sometimes have come under scrutiny on social media as the cause of injuries in youth baseball players, but there are other variables at play. 

Thanks to today's sponsor AG1: 

AG1 is your daily foundational nutrition; it has 75 whole-food sourced ingredients designed to support your body’s foundational nutrition needs across five critical areas of health: energy, immunity, gut health, hormonal support, and healthy aging. 

It is the new and future way o...


Pinch Hit Friday #89: Young Hitters, Bat Speed, and Jump Tests
Pinch Hit Friday #89: Young Hitters, Bat Speed, and Jump Tests episode artwork
#89
09/25/2026

In this episode Eric discusses a recent Korean youth baseball study that sampled youth baseball players ranging from ages 12-15. This study focused on the correlation between bat speed and a few different force production methods in these populations. 

Thank you to today's sponsor 1st Phorm. 

1st Phorm is an awesome supplement company with a comprehensive product offering I enjoy using myself and with our athletes. Visit 1st Phorm and get free shipping on your order of $99 or more.



Pinch Hit Friday #88: Ranking Recovery Options
Pinch Hit Friday #88: Ranking Recovery Options episode artwork
#88
09/18/2026

In this episode, Eric does rapid fire impressions on common recovery initiatives as they're proposed to him. Learn which approaches he finds the most beneficial for short- and long-term recovery and athletic success.

This episode is brought to you by AG1. They’ve just upgraded the formula to AG1 Next Gen, which comes in a slightly larger size with bolstered vitamins and minerals and upgraded probiotics. They’ve completed four clinical trials on the formulation, and these clinical studies have demonstrated that AG1 improves gut health and addresses common nutrient gaps, even among healthy eaters.

AG1...


Pinch Hit Friday #87: Hip-Shoulder Separation and Bat Speed
Pinch Hit Friday #87: Hip-Shoulder Separation and Bat Speed episode artwork
#87
09/11/2026

In this episode, Eric highlights the findings of a recent study on hip-shoulder separation and contact depth as they relate to bat speed in baseball hitters. This is a very nuanced discussion, so he shares insights on how to best interpret the data relative to player development initiatives. 

Thank you to today's sponsor 1st Phorm. 

1st Phorm is an awesome supplement company with a comprehensive product offering I enjoy using myself and with our athletes. Visit 1st Phorm and get free shipping on your order of $99 or more.



Pinch Hit Friday #86: How to Evaluate Athlete Referrals
Pinch Hit Friday #86: How to Evaluate Athlete Referrals episode artwork
#86
09/04/2026

In this podcast, Eric digs into the considerations you should have when evaluating where and who athletes should be referred to. A referral to a specialist is vital to athletic performance because this is where they will be spending a bulk of their time training and recovering, especially during formative years of their lives. 

A special thanks to this show’s sponsor, AG1. 

Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/cressey and you’ll receive an awesome welcome pack consisting of free AG1 travel packets, a shaker bottle, and a 600-serving bottle of Vitamin D3+K2 with your f...


Pinch Hit Friday #85: Timing Up Trunk Rotation for High Performance
Pinch Hit Friday #85: Timing Up Trunk Rotation for High Performance episode artwork
08/28/2026

In this podcast, Eric digs in on why the timing of trunk rotation is so important for keeping pitchers healthy and helping them perform at a high level. Citing recent research on how early and late trunk rotators move differently, he highlights practical applications for players and coaches.

A special thanks to this show’s sponsor, AG1. 

Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/cressey and you’ll receive an awesome welcome pack consisting of free AG1 travel packets, a shaker bottle, and a 600-serving bottle of Vitamin D3+K2 with your first order.


Pinch Hit Friday #84: A Pitch Count Study for the Ages
08/21/2026

In this episode, Eric highlights a recent study on the sports medicine impacts of pitch count implementation in Japanese youth baseball.

Thank you to today's sponsor 1st Phorm. 1st Phorm International is the premier supplement line in the industry. Head to https://1stphorm.com/cressey to get free shipping on orders over $75. 


Pinch Hit Friday #83: How Height and Weight Impact Youth Pitching Velocity and Spin Rate
Pinch Hit Friday #83: How Height and Weight Impact Youth Pitching Velocity and Spin Rate episode artwork
#83
08/14/2026

In this podcast, Eric highlights the results of a recent Japanese study that examined the relationship between physical maturity and velocity and spin rate. There are some important implications for elementary, middle, and high school athletes.

Thank you to today's sponsor AG1!

Head to https://www.DrinkAG1.com/cressey and you’ll receive an awesome welcome pack consisting of free AG1 travel packets, a shaker bottle, and a 600-serving bottle of Vitamin D3+K2 with your first order.


229. Austin Henrich on The Future of Pitching Development
229. Austin Henrich on The Future of Pitching Development episode artwork
#229
06/18/2026

In this episode, Eric sits down with Cressey Sports Performance - Florida Director of Pitching Austin Henrich. They discuss findings from the CSP-FL motion capture lab with amateur and professional pitchers, and how this technology can help different pitchers in different ways. Austin speaks to key long-term development strategies for youth pitchers, and how professional players can sometimes learn as much from amateurs as the young guys can pick up from the veterans.

Thank you today's sponsor AG1. 

Head to DrinkAG1 and you’ll receive a free 10-pack of Athletic Gre...


Pinch Hit Friday #82 - The Pillars of "Athlete Diagnosis"
Pinch Hit Friday #82 - The Pillars of "Athlete Diagnosis" episode artwork
#82
06/12/2026

In this episode, Eric talks about the Pillars of "Athlete Diagnosis." In order to best serve an athlete, sports medicine and strength and conditioning specialists need to look comprehensively at a number of factors and work as a team. To illustrate, he shares a case study of an athlete with a history of shoulder pain and glenoid dysplasia and the entire associated process unfolded.

Visit our sponsor, Ancore, and enter coupon code CRESSEY at checkout to save 10% on your order. 


228. Shane Drohan on Hypermobility, Pitch Design, and Long-Term Development
228. Shane Drohan on Hypermobility, Pitch Design, and Long-Term Development episode artwork
#228
06/09/2026

In this episode Eric talks with Brewers left-handed pitcher Shane Drohan. Shane is Florida State University grad who made his major league debut in 2026. He's recorded 13 appearances in his rookie campaign to the tune of a a 3.11 ERA in 37.2 innings pitched. Shane has been training at Cressey Sports Performance since his junior year of high school. 

In the episode Eric and Shane discuss his development as a pitcher, the challenges of hypermobility, the difference between coming out of the bullpen vs as a starter in the majors, and more. 

Visit our sponsor - AG1...


Pinch Hit Friday #81 - Joint Hypermobility, Psychosocial Stress, and Joint Loading
Pinch Hit Friday #81 - Joint Hypermobility, Psychosocial Stress, and Joint Loading episode artwork
#81
06/06/2026

In this podcast, Eric discusses the physiological and biomechanical interplay among joint hypermobility, psychosocial stress, and joint loading. These considerations are important for anyone who coaches or rehab athletes, as well as individuals who always seem to get injured during stressful periods of life.

1st Phorm


227. Sean Casey and The Mental Game of Baseball
227. Sean Casey and The Mental Game of Baseball episode artwork
#227
06/02/2026

In this episode Eric chats with MLB veteran and hitting coach Sean Casey. They speak to the mental side of the game and how hitting in the big leagues has evolved. 

Visit our sponsor, AG1.


Pinch Hit Friday #80 - Adding Tools to the Training Toolbox
Pinch Hit Friday #80 - Adding Tools to the Training Toolbox episode artwork
#80
05/30/2026

In this episode, Eric talks about how each training case is unique, and coaches and rehab professionals need to make sure they've got a variety of strategies - exercises, coaching cues, and a professional network - to best support their clients and athletes.


226. Standardization in an Era of Innovation
226. Standardization in an Era of Innovation episode artwork
#226
05/26/2026

In this episode, Eric shares insights on how important quality control is in the rapidly evolving fields of health and human performance. Learn more about the new CSP Amplify app at www.CSPAmplify.com



Pinch Hit Friday #79 - 6 Tips for Aging Athletes
Pinch Hit Friday #79 - 6 Tips for Aging Athletes episode artwork
#79
05/23/2026

In this episode, Eric shares training, nutrition, and recovery insights for aging athletes who want to preserve high levels of performance. This information has merit for not only athletes, but also parents and coaches in this age demographic.

Visit our sponsor, Ancore, at www.AncoreTraining.com and enter coupon code CRESSEY at checkout to save 10% on your order.


225. Scott Brown on Recruiting and Developing SEC-Caliber Pitchers
225. Scott Brown on Recruiting and Developing SEC-Caliber Pitchers episode artwork
#225
05/19/2026

In this episode, Eric welcomes long-time Vanderbilt pitching coach Scott Brown for a far-reaching conversation on pitching development. Scott shares insights on how college baseball has evolved over his 14 seasons in the SEC, speaks to his own insights as a baseball dad, and identifies key competencies that separate the ones who have success at Vanderbilt and beyond.



Pinch Hit Friday #78 - The 5 Quickest Paths to Safely Increase Pitching Velocity
Pinch Hit Friday #78 - The 5 Quickest Paths to Safely Increase Pitching Velocity episode artwork
#78
05/15/2026

In this episode, Eric highlights five ways that pitchers - especially in the amateur ranks - can safely build pitching velocity in a short amount of time. With summer ball approaching, this information is very timely.


224. Dr. Robby Sikka on Tennis Injuries, Sports Medicine Trends, and Player Advocacy
224. Dr. Robby Sikka on Tennis Injuries, Sports Medicine Trends, and Player Advocacy episode artwork
#224
05/12/2026

In this episode, Eric welcomes Dr. Robby Sikka, who brings a wealth of sports medicine research experience across a variety of sports. Robby shares insights about the dramatic rise in injuries in professional tennis while also speaking to the broader landscape of sports medicine trends across high level sports.


Pinch Hit Friday #77 - Can Movement Screens Predict Injuries?
Pinch Hit Friday #77 - Can Movement Screens Predict Injuries? episode artwork
#77
05/08/2026

In this podcast, Eric reviews some recent research on the utility of the Functional Movement Screen in predicting upper extremity injuries in baseball players. More importantly, he speaks broadly to the goal of doing assessments, and why what's predictive in one population might not hold up in a different group of athletes.


223. Slade Cecconi on Late Bloomers, Veteran Mentorship, and Self-Evaluation
223. Slade Cecconi on Late Bloomers, Veteran Mentorship, and Self-Evaluation episode artwork
#223
05/05/2026

In this podcast, Eric welcomes Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Slade Cecconi, who speaks about not only his path to the big leagues, but his strategies for continuing to improve while at the highest level. Slade shares his late bloomer story, and outlines key developmental strategies he employed - including leaning on the wisdom of MLB veterans.


Pinch Hit Friday #76 - Preparing College Athletes for a Healthy, Productive Summer
Pinch Hit Friday #76 - Preparing College Athletes for a Healthy, Productive Summer episode artwork
#76
05/01/2026

In this episode, Eric talks about the sports medicine challenges facing collegiate baseball players, and highlights injury trends that don't seem to be letting up. If you're a player, parent, or coach in the college setting, you don't want to miss this timely podcast!


222. Dr. Michael Freehill on College Injuries, Flexor Tears, and Research Breakthroughs
222. Dr. Michael Freehill on College Injuries, Flexor Tears, and Research Breakthroughs episode artwork
#222
04/28/2026

In this episode, Eric welcomes Dr. Michael Freehill - team doctor for the Athletics and Stanford Baseball - to the show. As a shoulder and elbow expert, avid researcher, retired player, and baseball father, Dr. Freehill has unique insights about the direction in which baseball sports medicine is headed. They cover flexor injuries and what the industry needs to do to prevent and treat them.


Pinch Hit Friday #75 - Scouting, Structure, Workload, and Continuity: Lessons Learned from the 2020 MLB Draft
Pinch Hit Friday #75 - Scouting, Structure, Workload, and Continuity: Lessons Learned from the 2020 MLB Draft episode artwork
#75
04/24/2026

In this episode, Eric discusses the unique circumstances surrounding the 2020 Major League Baseball Draft. It's been said this draft underperformed in terms of producing big leaguers, and there are some important player development lessons we can learn from this outcome.

Thanks to our sponsor, AG1. Head to https://www.DrinkAG1.com/cressey and you’ll receive an awesome welcome pack consisting of a free 5-pack of AG1 travel packets, a shaker bottle, and a 600-serving bottle of Vitamin D3+K2 with your first order.


221. Ian Seymour on Offseason Adjustments, Tommy John Rehab, and Social Media Avoidance
221. Ian Seymour on Offseason Adjustments, Tommy John Rehab, and Social Media Avoidance episode artwork
#221
04/21/2026

In this episode, Cressey Sports Performance - MA co-owner and Director of Performance John O'Neil sits down with Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Ian Seymour. They touch on a wide variety of topics, ranging from offseason planning, to college recruiting, to Tommy John rehabilitation, to Ian's avoidance of social media. Ian's worked incredibly hard to get to the big leagues and has many excellent lessons to share with a larger audience.


Pinch Hit Friday #74 - How to Handle a Bad Pitching Outing, with Matt Minnick
Pinch Hit Friday #74 - How to Handle a Bad Pitching Outing, with Matt Minnick episode artwork
#74
04/17/2026

In this podcast, CSP-FL pitching coach Matt Minnick shares insights on how players, coaches, and parents can work together to break down bad outings and create a plan for improvements. These lessons are applicable across all levels.

Support Our Sponsor: 1stPhorm


220. Will Waterman on Predicting Performance with Rotational Screens
220. Will Waterman on Predicting Performance with Rotational Screens episode artwork
#220
04/14/2026

In this episode, frequent guest Will Waterman from Proteus Motion shares some new insights on power development. He highlights the screens that have the most predictive capabilities if you're trying to build elite rotational athletes.

Support Our Sponsor: AG1


Pinch Hit Friday #73 - The 4 Types of Sleepers
Pinch Hit Friday #73 - The 4 Types of Sleepers episode artwork
#73
04/10/2026

In this episode, Eric outlines the four types of sleep profiles that researchers have investigated, and speaks to the importance of taking an individualized approach to optimizing this important part of their preparation and recovery.

Support Our Sponsor: AG1


Pinch Hit Friday #72 - Meaning Over Minutia
Pinch Hit Friday #72 - Meaning Over Minutia episode artwork
#72
04/03/2026

In this podcast, Eric emphasizes the need to remain openminded to different philosophies and viewpoints that may conflict with your own personal status quo. He speaks to looking past minutia to determine the actual meaning of the information we consume.

Support Our Sponsor: 1stPhorm


Pinch Hit Friday #71 - Anconeus Epitrochlearis and Overhead Throwing Athletes
#71
03/27/2026

In this episode, Eric outlines what an anconeus epitrochlearis is and how it can contribute to medial elbow pain, especially in overhead throwing athletes. Just as importantly, he speaks broadly to why it's important to consider anatomical variants in addition to medical and movement diagnoses.


Pinch Hit Friday #70 - High-Low Models for Pitchers: the Why and How
Pinch Hit Friday #70 - High-Low Models for Pitchers: the Why and How episode artwork
#70
03/20/2026

In this episode, Eric highlights the importance of pitchers employing high-low models to their routines in order to optimize recovery and reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, he shares examples of how this structure works in the real world.

Support Our Sponsor: Marc Pro


Pinch Hit Friday #69 - When Adding Load Improves Movement
Pinch Hit Friday #69 - When Adding Load Improves Movement episode artwork
#69
03/13/2026

In this episode, Eric looks at how adding load can actually improve movement quality for certain individuals in specific situations. It might seem counterintuitive, but this knowledge can be a powerful tool in your coaching toolbox when applied in the right scenarios.

Support Our Sponsor: AG1


Pinch Hit Friday #68 - Training Frequency for Baseball Skill Development, with Ronnie Bernick
Pinch Hit Friday #68 - Training Frequency for Baseball Skill Development, with Ronnie Bernick episode artwork
#68
03/06/2026

In this podcast, Cressey Sports Performance - Florida hitting coach Ronnie Bernick discusses how often young players should train various aspects of skill development. This is a helpful podcast for not only players, but also coaches and parents looking to make efficient training decisions for the athletes they "manage."

Support Our Sponsor: 1stPhorm


Pinch Hit Friday #67 - Cervical Rotation and Pitching Injuries
Pinch Hit Friday #67 - Cervical Rotation and Pitching Injuries episode artwork
#67
02/27/2026

In this episode, Eric reviews a study of professional pitchers that saw a link between cervical spine range of motion and shoulder and elbow injuries in overhead throwing athletes. He speaks to how this loss of motion occurs, and more importantly, how it relates to overall movement dysfunction and the pitching injuries we commonly see.

Support Our Sponsor: AG1


Pinch Hit Friday #66 - No Wasted Reps
Pinch Hit Friday #66 - No Wasted Reps episode artwork
#66
02/20/2026

In this episode, Eric highlights the need for athletes to recognize that every rep can contribute to both short- and long-term outcomes - but the attention to detail is what determines whether that impact is positive or negative.

Support Our Sponsor: 1stPhorm


Pinch Hit Friday #65 - Swing Mechanics and Hitting Approach, with Ronnie Bernick
Pinch Hit Friday #65 - Swing Mechanics and Hitting Approach, with Ronnie Bernick episode artwork
#65
02/13/2026

In this episode, Cressey Sports Performance – Florida hitting coach Ronnie Bernick discusses how young hitters can take their foundational swing mechanics to a hitting approach that plays in game scenarios under different circumstances.

Support Our Sponsor: AG1