Dear Baseball Gods: Recent Episodes
Dan Blewett
Dan Blewett shares sound advice for baseball families to help them get the most out of their baseball career. In this baseball podcast, you’ll get short, actionable things you can do to improve and have a more meaningful, fulfilling baseball journey.
In this episode, you’re getting another a sample chapter of my new book, Clean Your Cleats: Advice on Baseball and Life for … EP112 – Coaches – Chapter 27 from Clean Your Cleats Read More »
In this episode, you’re getting another a sample chapter of my new book, Clean Your Cleats: Advice on Baseball and Life for … EP111 – Baseball is a Trap – Chapter 2 from Clean Your Cleats Read More »
In this episode, listen to a sample chapter of my new book, Clean Your Cleats: Advice on Baseball and Life for Ballplayers. … EP110 – Slowing the Game Down – Chapter from Clean Your Cleats, My New Book Read More »
Dear Baseball Gods will be on pause for a few months – Dan explains why in this episode and what to expect. … EP109 – Odds of Making it to the Majors; Why the Show is Going on a Break Read More »
In this episode, Dan discusses reasons on whether throwing a football is beneficial for pitchers. Dan also gives helpful suggestions on equipment … EP108 – Is Throwing a Football Good for Pitchers? Plus Home Gym Tips Read More »
In this episode, Dan discusses BABIP (batting average on balls in play) and the importance of understanding what BABIP is especially for … EP107 – BABIP (Batting Average on Balls in Play) Plus Is Bunting Good or Bad? Read More »
In this episode, Dan gives a rundown of run expectancy in baseball, along with different scenarios on how run expectancy plays out … EP106 – Run Expectancy Plus Nutrition for Middle Schoolers Read More »
In this episode, Dan discusses pitching velocity ranges and peaks and how they interact with each other. Dan then talks through the … EP105 – Pitching Velocity Ranges and Peaks; Offseason Weekly Throwing; Plus, Knowing Who You Are as a Player Read More »
Is core training for baseball overrated? Dan discusses what core training does and doesn’t do for an athlete. Also in this episode, … EP104 – Is Core Training for Baseball Overrated? Plus, Garbage Time in the Weight Room Read More »
Having trouble locating a pitch? Dan gives helpful tips on how to locate each pitch. Also in this episode, Dan discusses which … EP103 – What to do When You Can’t Locate a Pitch; Plus, What Type of Cleats are Best? Read More »
Is a knuckle-curveball different than a regular curve? And, what does hiding the ball mean for pitchers? Should they try to do … EP102 – What Does Hiding the Ball Mean for Pitchers? And, Is a Knuckle Curve Different? Read More »
Some coaches claim that sleep is critical to recovery. Sure – this is true, and everyone needs sleep. But is it actually … EP101 – Is Sleep Important For Performance? Plus, Is MLB Baseball Boring Now? Read More »
In this landmark 100th episode, Dan reflects on some of the important things he’s learned in the 3 years that have passed … EP100 – It’s Been One Hundred Episodes – What Have I Learned Since Then? Read More »
Are short and longterm goals really that important? Is distance running useful for pitchers? Or is it the devil? And, what should … EP99 – How Important Is Launch Angle? Distance Running & Are Goals Actually Useful? Read More »
Should pitchers throw year round in baseball? How should they plan their workload? And, does having small hands prevent a pitcher from … EP98 – Year Round Throwing Do’s and Don’ts; Does Hand Size Matter in Throwing a Changeup? Plus: Pick Offs Read More »
If a young pitcher has command but is way below average on velocity, is that at least a bit of solace? Is … EP97 – Velo or Command for Young Players? Journaling & Yoga for Baseball Players Read More »
Learn strategies to pitch with runners on 3rd base – the bases loaded, 2nd & 3rd, and runner on 3rd only. Then, … EP96 – How to Pitch with Runners on 3rd; How to Bounce Back After a Bad Start; Is a Slider Bad for Your Arm? Read More »
What’s the right arm slot for a pitcher, and what should be considered in adjusting arm slot? Plus, is it good to … EP95 – Proper Arm Slot For Pitchers, Yelling Instructions to Players & Can Youth Players Throw a Knuckleball? Read More »
Whats the best pitching repertoire for a high-spin fastball pitcher? Should he add a sinker, slider or curveball? What’s best? Dan also … EP94 – Best Pitching Repertoire – Dos and Donts; 80%Rule; Is it Okay to Show Emotion on the Field? Read More »
How fast do ballplayers develop? Is baseball skill related more to absolute skill? Or size and strength PLUS a requisite amount of … EP93 – Developmental Age of Ballplayers; Wearing Your Cap Backwards; Can Baseball Players Be…Fat? Read More »
Does a pitching leg kick increase velocity? Do higher leg kicks = faster fastballs or better mechanics? Dan also talks through the … EP92 – Does a Pitching Leg Kick Increase Velocity? What to Throw in a 3-2 Count, and How NOT to Pitch Injured Read More »
In episode 91, Dan discusses what parents should look for in a strength coach via the exercises they prescribe in a training … EP91 – Safe Strength Exercises & Optimal Bullpen Length for Pitchers Read More »
In this episode Dan discusses whether youth pitchers should vary their leg kick timing to disrupt hitters – is it good or … EP90 – Should You Take a Baseball Gap Year? Is Gatorade Bad for You and Should Pitchers Vary Leg Kick Timing? Read More »
The principle of charity is about giving the benefit of the doubt to someone in an argument or claim. In coaching, often … EP89 – Principle of Charity Toward Coaches; Umpires Are Just Bad Hops; Mass = Gas? Read More »
In this episode, we discuss the separation between parents and their players in the dugout. Some coaches recently were arguing on twitter … EP88 Parents Giving Their Kid a Gatorade in the Dugout? Is It a Big Deal? Read More »
To submit a question for the Q&A segment, email a voice recording to Dan at hello@danblewett.com. Want to support the show? Buy a … EP87 Finding the Right Pitch Mix; Being a Good Teammate on the Bench; Why Pitching to the Corners is Bad Strategy Read More »
Are olympic lifts good for baseball players–are they worth the risks? Should players swing at the first pitch of an at-bat? What … EP86 Olympic Lifts for Baseball, Swinging at the First Pitch & Lifting After Baseball Read More »
Diamondbabble: when baseball coaches describe things in overly complicated ways. Why is the game overflowing with it? In this episode, Dan reads … EP85 What Is Diamondbabble? First-pitch tactics and Should Pitchers Throw Two Breaking Balls? Read More »
I recently wrote and shared An Open Letter to Young White Athletes. This was what I’d say to a kid about what’s … EP84 – “Stick to Coaching” Read More »
Baseball season arrived, then quit on us. But, this is a bigger heartbreak and a more confusing time than some parents may … EP83 – Why We Actually Miss Baseball and What To Do About It Read More »
In this talk in a USA Baseball sponsored coaches’ clinic in Illinois, I discussed 10 mental training do’s and don’ts. Mental skills … EP81 – My Recent Mental Skills Speech Read More »
In this episode, I discuss why I’m selling my academy, moving on, and all the things I THINK I’ll be doing with … EP80 – WHAT THE HECK AM I DOING WITH MY LIFE. Read More »
Listen in as Dan Blewett shares chapter twelve from Dear Baseball Gods: A Memoir. This chapter details news he received about his … EP79 – Chapter 12 From Dear Baseball Gods: A Memoir Read More »
Listen in as Dan Blewett shares chapter one from Dear Baseball Gods: A Memoir, his book on his baseball career, his battle … EP78 – Sample Chapter from Dear Baseball Gods the Book Read More »
Dave Fischer, pitching coach and mental skills coach from the University of Rhode Island, joined me on the show to share his … EP77 – Mental Skills for Pitching with Dave Fischer Read More »
Ryan Faer, the Cleveland Indians’ minor league strength coordinator, joined me to talk about how he landed his job as a coach … EP76 – Ryan Faer Talks Mental Health & Strength Training in Pro Baseball Read More »
Ty Blankmeyer joined me on the show to talk about his playing career at St. John’s University, his time in the Minor … EP75 – Ty Blankmeyer, Milwaukee Brewers Area Scout Read More »
Jimmy Gonzalez, Manager of the Chicago Cubs’ High-A team, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, joined me to talk about his 14 years as … EP74 – Cubs’ High-A Manager, Jimmy Gonzalez Read More »
My Book, Dear Baseball Gods, is going to be released on April 15, 2019 and it was two years in the writing, … EP73 – The Story Behind Dear Baseball Gods the Book Read More »
Steve Marino got told no at dozens of tryouts and pro workouts. But, he kept going until one day…there was a yes. … EP72 – Steve Marino Refused to Give Up Read More »
Morgan Depew, assistant with the University of Jacksonville in Florida, joined me to talk about his journey from former Warbird trainee, to … EP71 – College Recruiting with Morgan Depew Read More »
Ethan Guevin of http://www.KeepPlayingBaseball.org joined me to talk about baseball recruiting, and give some practicing recruiting tips and advice to players and … EP70 – College Baseball Recruiting with Ethan Guevin, Recruiting Expert Read More »
Ryan Copeland–associate head coach at the University of Illinois Springfield–came on the show to talk about how he uses technology to build … EP69 – Ryan Copeland on D2 Baseball, Pitching & 47-Win Seasons Read More »
Pete Maki, current Minnesota Twins minor league pitching coordinator and former D-1 pitching coach from Duke and Columbia University, joined me on … EP68 – Pete Maki, Twins Pitching Coordinator Read More »
In this episode of Dear Baseball Gods, Dave shared stories of players and coaches from his minor league days, his time as a Cleveland Indians minor league rehab pitching coordinator, and his decade+ of experience with ESPN. You'll hear how he helps Alex Rodriguez and Jessica Mendoza prep for their broadcast, his views on pitcher arm path and his assessment of Joe Kelly, and much more. GREAT talk about tons of different topics in baseball.
Pitching Coach Josh MacDonald joins me on the show to talk about pitching, recruiting, and his unique role as a lifelong UConn … EP66 – Josh MacDonald of UConn Baseball Read More »
How can we create the perfect warmups for baseball? Should a 10U softball team take 90 minutes before a game to warm … EP65 – Why Warmups Are Getting Out of Control Read More »
Jeff Bajenaru–the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Triple-A pitching coach–joined me to talk about his pretty amazing journey in baseball. From being told he’s never … EP64 – Jeff Bajenaru: Stories From a Triple-A Pitching Coach and MLB Pitcher Read More »
What is it like to be a D1 baseball player? Coach Kevin Vance, pitching coach at the University of Rhode Island, joins … EP63 – Kevin Vance: What Life as a D1 Baseball Player is Like Read More »
Shaun Cole, former pitching coach of the year in 2012 and current pitching coach for Eastern Kentucky University, joined me to talk … EP62 – Shaun Cole, 2012 National Pitching Coach of the Year Read More »
In this episode, I discuss some of the complexities of baseball that either go unnoticed or misunderstood by the ordinary baseball fan. … EP61 – What The Baseball Fan May Not Realize Read More »
So you’re searching for a new hitting coach, pitching instructor, or personal trainer. They seem knowledgeable when they speak…but is it all … EP60 – 5 Ways to Tell if A Coach Actually Knows What He’s Doing. Read More »
Rob Friedman, owner of the beloved @pitchingninja Twitter account, came on the show to talk pitching, GIFs, coaching, and his meteoric rise … EP59 – Rob Friedman, the @PitchingNinja, Talks Pitching Read More »
In this episode I dove in to how I’ve witnessed the strength and baseball profession change over the last 10 years, and … EP58 – How The Internet Is Changing The Coaching Industry Read More »
In this episode I discuss the mental side of Tommy John rehab, and the challenges athletes face to stay connected to the … EP57 – The Mental Side of Tommy John Rehab Read More »
In this episode I discuss how hitters can optimize their ability to make harder contact more consistently if they improve their plate … EP56 – Improve Your Approach As a Hitter Read More »
In this episode I discuss everything pitch calling, and why I am very certain that coaches should NOT call the game from … EP55 – Should Coaches Call Pitches in Baseball? Read More »
I took a trip to the Dominican Republic to coach a youth baseball team. This is how the trip went and what … EP54 – Baseball in the Dominican Republic Read More »
In this episode I discuss the crazy team-changing of travel baseball, how coaches and players should approach it, and why it’s just … EP53 – Offseason Workout Structure & Travel Baseball Madness Read More »
Do pitchers in baseball really use scouting reports? If not, why not? I discuss how pitch sequences and pitch calling in baseball … EP52 – Do Pitchers Use Scouting Reports? Pitch Sequences and Pitch Calling Read More »
In this episode of Dear Baseball Gods, I explain basically everything about how to throw a changeup – the grip, the action, … EP51 – Everything About How to Throw A Changeup Read More »
For young pitchers, the first pitch they learn is a curveball. But, developing a really good curveball is tough – it takes … EP50 – How to Develop a Really Good Curveball Read More »
In this episode I give an update on how my season coaching has gone giving ZERO signs from third base. We don’t … EP49 – Do We Still Need Third Base Signs in Baseball? Read More »
I was recently discussing life balance as a parent asked how much was too much for his son. Life balance is a … EP48 – Is Life Balance Important For Athletes Who Want to Be Great? | Dear Baseball Gods Podcast Read More »
In this episode I try to crack the code of how pitchers locate the ball, how they adjust misses on each pitch, … EP47 – How to Improve Pitching Command; Pitch Count Guidelines For Coaches Read More »
In this episode I talk about fitting the mold as a player – how players can make themselves marketable (or not) by … EP46 – Pitching Through Fatigue, College Baseball Recruiting Read More »
In this episode I discuss how to deal with umpires in baseball – should we befriend them? Be constantly on them? Argue … EP45 – Dealing With Umpires in Baseball & A Shrinking Strike Zone Read More »
In this week’s episode I discuss slumps – when to panic and when not to. We also talk about correcting slumps, re-evaluating … EP44 – How to Deal with Slumps in Baseball Read More »
In this episode I discuss the influence of pitching coaches and how important they are, what to say in a mound visit … EP43 – What to Say In a Mound Visit Read More »
In this episode, Dan shares the trinkets on his shelves and what they mean to him, talks about how to approach your … EP42 – Shelves, Playing Time, Cutters and Sinkers Read More »
Dan talks about control vs command; why some pitchers command the ball better than others; what pitchers can do to improve their … EP41 – How To Improve Pitching Command Read More »
Former Big-Leaguers Daniel Herrera and Bill Murphy join me to reminisce and share some of their best stories. Getting patted on the … EP40 – Stories from the Bullpen | Dear Baseball Gods Read More »
Mike Pinto, manager of the Southern Illinois Miners professional baseball club, joins me to talk about the culture he’s built in 12 … EP39 – Mike Pinto Creates a Winning Culture Read More »
Dr. Alan Nathan sat down to discuss rule changes in baseball, the future of technology and stats in sports, how baseballs are … EP38 – Dr. Alan Nathan Talks Baseball Technology Read More »
Dan discusses seven things that even good pitchers overlook in their routines, practice habits, and more.
Dan talks about the culture of blame and excuse-making in sports, and how we can do better.
For a lifelong athlete, the transition out of sports following retirement can be a very depressing, confusing time. Many players feel lost, … EP35 – Transitioning Out of Sports…It’s Hard. Read More »
Should pitchers lift heavy? Are pitchers shortening their careers because of the way they train? Dan discusses current culture in strength and … EP34 – Should Pitchers Lift Heavy? Read More »
How important is a coach in the development of a young athlete’s passion for the game? Dan shares stories of his best … EP33 – How Coaches Impact Their Players Read More »
Bases loaded? Coach not giving you enough innings? A pitch isn’t working? Not 100%? Dan tells a few stories and gives advice … EP32 – Mental Strategies For Pitchers Dealing with Adversity Read More »
Bill Murphy, over his 14-year career, spent time in the MLB and NPB, spending two seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines, winning … EP31 – Bill Murphy on Japanese Baseball Read More »
Sean Gleason, former Orioles farmhand, explains the differences between American and Mexican League baseball. He talked about his development into a hard-throwing … EP30 – Sean Gleason Talks Mexican League Baseball Read More »
Daniel Herrera was one of the last pitchers to throw a screwball in the Major Leagues, and we talked about command, reading … EP29 – Daniel Herrera Read More »
Fehlandt Lentini stole 567 bases at an 85% success rate over 17 years of professional baseball, an absurdly good rate. Listen as … EP28 – Fehlandt Lentini – The Man You Can’t Catch Stealing Read More »
Jacob Cruz, the hitting coach for the AA Tennessee Smokies, joins me to talk about trends in hitting, the Arizona Fall League, … EP27 – Jacob Cruz Read More »
Bobby Stevens, former Orioles minor league infielder, talks travel baseball, dealing with difficult teammates, the baseball Twitter world, and more.
In part two, we discuss pitching injury factors including radar gun usage and velocity obsession, the Motus sleeve, pitch mix, pitch counts … EP25 – Guide to Preventing Pitching Injuries Pt.2 Read More »
In this episode, Dan gives practical advice for parents and coaches on preventing pitching injuries.
Shawn Teufel, former Mets and Tigers farmhand and son of 1986 World Series Champion Tim Teufel, joins us to talk about his … EP23 – Shawn Teufel: Sidearm Pitching, Velocity and Bernie Madoff Read More »
Zach Clark continues his story of converting into a Knuckleballer, then his transition back into conventional pitching, then finally scouting. We discuss … EP22 – Zach Clark Pt.2 Read More »
Zach Clark talks about his 10-year professional career as a pitcher, in which he made it to the Major Leagues as a … EP21 – Zach Clark: Converting Into A Knuckleballer Read More »
In this episode of Dear Baseball Gods, I discuss long toss, tracking bullpen strike percentages, string lines, luck and other misconceptions in … EP20 – Misconceptions in Pitching Read More »
Dan explains the five key things everyone needs to be truly great at sports, baseball, or, well…anything.
Dr. Alan Nathan, a world expert on the physics of baseball, joins me to talk Red Sox, Sabermetrics, and Saberseminar 2017. Follow … EP18 – Dr. Alan Nathan Talks Saberseminar Read More »
Getting cut, or released, as they call it, is never easy. Dan tells the story of the few times he was released, … EP16 – Getting Cut. Read More »
Is superstition in baseball worth even a second thought? How much does bad luck play into a slump? And, how much does … EP15 – Slumps, Superstition in Baseball, and Variance Read More »
Nothing is ever sure. I started the season, in 2011, with a new team that was getting a new ballpark in a … EP14 – The Collapse of the Lake County Fielders Read More »
I blew the game for the third time in a row. In the clubhouse after the game, the manager walked through to … EP13 – Meditation, and The Worst Day of My Life Read More »
Dan discusses the parent-athlete relationship and how parents can best support a happy, healthy career in sports.
Host families, hotels, training room floors, dorm rooms, crowded one-bedroom apartments shared by five teammates? Yep, that’s life on the road. I … EP11 – Places I Slept Read More »
Kevin Vance returns to the show to talk spin rate and how it affects a pitcher’s arsenal, approach, and ability to get … EP10 – Spin Rate and Advanced Pitching With Kevin Vance Read More »
Mike Reinold, one of the world’s experts on pitching injuries and performance, joins us to share some stories from his time as … EP09 – Mike Reinold Shares Big League Stories and Weighted Ball Research Read More »
Mitch Osnowitz, current minor league pitcher with the Boston Red Sox, joins us to discuss his big arm and how it has transformed … EP08 – When You Throw 99mph, They Make You a Pitcher Read More »
Matt Zielinski has played in the Frontier League, Atlantic League, Italian Baseball League, and the winter leagues of Puerto Rico, Mexico, Venezuela … EP07 – Matt Zielinski: Pennsylvania To The Dominican, and Back: Read More »
Former Division-I baseball player, Tom Meaney, comes on the show to discuss the parallel between sports and business. We talk about why motivational … EP06 – Sports and Business: How They Relate Read More »
Dan has had Tommy John surgery twice, and he takes 10 popular questions in this Q&A episode of the Dear Baseball Gods Podcast. … EP05 – Tommy John Surgery: Your Questions, Answered. Read More »
It took me a long time, but doing things the right way, over time, eventually made me into a respected athlete who … EP04 – Developing Leadership Qualities As You Grow Up Read More »
In this episode, we are joined by current University of Rhode Island pitching coach, and former minor league pitcher, Kevin Vance. Listen … EP03 – With Kevin Vance – Baseball Isn’t Fair, and If You Don’t Like It, Play Better Read More »
In this episode, Dan tells the story of how he broke into professional baseball. After finishing his college career undrafted and recovering … EP02 – How I Forced My Way Into Pro Baseball Read More »
This story starts on the day of a major crossroads in my career: Undergo a second Tommy John surgery, or hang up my … EP01 – The Day I Blew Out My Elbow Read More »
In this introduction, I discuss who the “Baseball Gods” are, and why they’re a theme of this show. Dear Baseball Gods is show that … INTRO – What is Dear Baseball Gods? Read More »