Bio

  • HC of Virginia Military Institute
  • Been pitching coach at VMI since 2017
    • As a pitching coach recruited and mentored
      • Josh Winder (7th round Twins)
      • Matt Eagle (Free agent with Dodgers)
      • Zak Kent (9th round Rangers)
  • VMI’s all time hit leader
  • Top 3 in 9 offensive categories
  • Drafted by the Oakland A’s as an infielder and transitioned to a pitcher his last 2 seasons in pro ball
  • robertsjs@vmi.edu
  • https://vmikeydets.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/sam-roberts/1206
  • VMI had 3 current big leaguers in the big leagues this year!!

Notes

  • What works in college baseball?
  • I got to get a hold of this guy!! (Learner)
  • Think about more of the stuff we DO have, and not what we DON’T have
  • We are trying to get our kids to be their own best coach
  • Track
    • Swing and miss in the zone
    • Strike %
    • Avg miss
    • Swing and miss
  • Don’t want kids to lock up due to too much information
  • Kid to kid - coach needs to have an idea
  • Buy in from the information that puts kids in best position
  • Information holds coaches accountable
  • Coaches have an idea of what the kid can handle
  • Overall goal of pitcher is to get outs efficiently
  • Videos in locker rooms of guys having success
  • Before any knowledge you can give them they need to know you care
  • Communicating with kids is most important to build relationship
    • How was your day
    • Are you having a good day
    • Being there for them
  • Talk to them outside the baseball field
  • Ultimately you create more buy in based upon being there for the guys
  • Be sure the information we are giving guys is allowing them to still play loose and fast.
  • Do not get caught up in the negative results
  • Consistently preach your message, so they don’t fear the mistake
  • Get our guys in a position to understand themselves
  • Practice
    • Ton of baserunning - 20/30 minutes
      • Bullpen pitcher right to the field to take reps off pitcher. Multiple lines to maximize reps.
      • Live fungo
    • Individualized as much as we can
    • Break down each guys movements and plan how to attack it
    • Be comfortable in an uncomfortable situation
    • Relief guys don’t throw on a fresh mound!
    • Start with starters!!
    • The things that you value the teams are better at
    • Create a situation that we can help multiple guys
    • “Competitive moments”
      • Last thing we do everyday
      • Little bit uncomfortable
      • Whole team
      • Create different situations to compete and outside comfort zone
  • VMI had 3 guys in the major leagues this year!!
  • Your best learner is failure

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