Driveline Baseball Podcast
Driveline Baseball’s data driven baseball training is changing and challenging the old school culture of baseball. Every week Driveline Baseball Founder and CTO Kyle Boddy and CEO Mike Rathwell share the latest biomechanics research, training breakthroughs and Kyle’s occasional Twitter rants. If you are a dedicated coach or player that is always looking for an edge then this podcast is for you.
From Intent to Impact: Understanding Command in Pitching | R&D Podcast Ep 103
In this episode, Jack, Josh, Marek, and special guest Connor Pelletier explore the challenges of measuring command in pitching. They dive into the development of the Intended Zones tool, the role of mechanical adjustability, and how variability can actually improve command. The conversation also covers new research on throwing mechanics and what it means for the future of command training.
This podcast offers a unique look into how Driveline combines research, analytics, and practical application under one roof to push baseball development forward. Whether you're a player, coach, or analytics enthusiast, you'll gain insights into the future...
Plyo Balls: Weight, Size & Their True Impact
In this episode of The Desert Shift Podcast, Daulton Barry and Pitching Intern, Grayson Liebhardt, discuss various aspects of training, particularly focusing on the use of plyo balls, the importance of training intent, and the concept of expectations versus reality. They delve into the significance of recovery, nutrition, and the environment in which athletes train. The conversation also highlights the unique experiences and growth opportunities Driveline offers, emphasizing the importance of being detail-oriented and committed to the training process. The episode concludes with light-hearted discussions about favorite hot dog orders and energy drinks.
00:00 Introduction
01:50 Understanding Plyo...
Arsenal Building 101 | R&D Podcast Ep 102
In this episode, Jack, Josh & Marek break down the importance of arsenal models in pitching, highlighting how different pitches interact to create uncertainty for hitters. They introduce new metrics like "mix" and "match," discuss the trade-offs of adding pitches, and explore how batter familiarity and training economy impact pitch effectiveness. The conversation also touches on heart rate data and the future of pitching analytics in MLB.
This podcast offers a unique look into how Driveline combines research, analytics, and practical application under one roof to push baseball development forward. Whether you're a player, coach, or analytics enthusiast...
Summer Ball or Summer Training? | The Desert Shift Podcast EP 02
In this episode, Daulton Barry and Tyler Kozlowski discuss the offseason strategies for college athletes, emphasizing the importance of self-assessment and honest evaluation of one's skills and readiness for the next level. They explore training strategies, the significance of strength and conditioning, and the role of aerobic capacity in baseball performance. The conversation also touches on the mental aspects of training and the necessity of recovery and family time for athletes.
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
10:00 Assessing Player Development and Training Needs
20:09 The Importance of Physical & Mental Recovery
28:00 Long-Distance Running and Its Role in Ba...
EP 63: Modeling the Game: How Driveline R&D Utilizes AI
In this special episode of the Driveline podcast, a few members of Driveline’s R&D team (Kyle Boddy, Clayton Thompson, Conner Pelletier & Jack Lambert) talk through how they use AI in projects, from building pitch models to solving motion capture problems on-site with an NBA team. They share what it was like starting as interns, the mistakes they made, and what helped them grow. The episode also covers what they look for when hiring now, and why technical skills alone aren’t enough. It's a look inside the systems, tools, and mindset behind Driveline’s innovation.
The Best Training Tool You've Never Heard Of
In this inaugural episode of The Desert Shift Podcast, Dalton Barry and Dylan Gargas discuss various topics related to baseball training, including the impact of new technologies like torpedo bats, uncommon training tools, and the importance of a supportive training environment. They share their personal journeys to Driveline, highlight success stories of athletes, and provide insights into the hiring process for interns at the facility. The conversation emphasizes the significance of hard work, adaptability, and the value of community in achieving success in baseball.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
02:42 Opening Weekend Highlights
05:54 Impact of Torpedo Bats...
Predicting Pitching Success: The Power of Advanced Models | R&D Podcast Ep 101
In this episode, Jack, Josh & Marek explore the evolution of pitch modeling in baseball, covering key metrics like 'Stuff' and the shift to component-based approaches. They discuss how advanced models predict pitching success and how insights can be applied to both pitchers and hitters. The conversation also touches on the 'Big 3' of hitting analysis, the development of a matchup model tailored to hitters, and the limitations of current models, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement in player evaluation.
This podcast offers a unique look into how Driveline combines research, analytics, and practical application under one roof...
EP 62: Our Most Game-Like Training Tool
In this episode of the Driveline podcast, Director of Hitting Tanner Stokey, along with Hitting Trainers Brandon Dim and Jacob Hirsh, break down what Leather Smash Factor Balls are. They discuss what these unique balls are, how they're used in training, and the reasoning behind their development.
0:00 What are Leather Smash Factor Balls
6:00 Bridging Between Different Training Environments
9:29 Benefits of Leather Smash Factor Balls
11:12 Data Collected
16:05 Feedback From Hitters
25:00 Better Feedback For Coaches
27:30 Durability
EP 61: Balancing Competition and Development
In this episode of the Driveline podcast, Tanner Stokey, Connor White, and Matt Kress discuss the importance of summer training for high school and college baseball players. They emphasize the need for self-evaluation, understanding personal development needs, and the impact of the transfer portal on player opportunities. The conversation highlights the balance between competing in summer ball and focusing on physical and skill development, with real-life examples illustrating the importance of making informed decisions about summer training. This conversation delves into the intricacies of player development in baseball, focusing on metrics, continuous assessment, and the strategic planning necessary for...
Arsenal Effects & The Death of the Sweeper? | R&D Podcast Ep 100
Welcome to the Driveline R&D Podcast, where we explore the cutting-edge intersection of baseball analytics, player development, and on-field performance. In this milestone 100th episode, the new R&D crew takes over following the departure of the original hosts to MLB organizations.
Join Jack Lambert (Baseball Operations Director), Josh Hejka (minor league player with the Phillies and Driveline's longest-running intern), and Marek Ramilo (part-time R&D analyst and quant trader) as they dive into how research and development is transforming training in Major League Baseball and at Driveline.
Episode Highlights:
•0:00 - Introduction to th...
