| Team Fastball USA 14U & 15U 2012 Players |
Team Fastball 14U
* Roster is Not Complete
* Congrats on being selected!
Quinn Andrews
Corry Biesty
John Buttita
Joey Hanley
Vito Iovino
Keith Kerrigan
Matt O'Donnell
Kosta Plevritis
Ethan Routzahn
Jimmy Ryan
Neil Freeman
Justin Celeski
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Team Fastball 15U
* Roster is not complete
* Congrats on being selected
Gino Corona
Alex Ewell
Scott Fuchs
Jack Giardot
Eddy Maciejewski
Ryan Miller
Brendan Rosseau
Cameron Smart
Tyler Strezo
Joey Thomas
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14U National Tournament Schedule:
June 2 & 3 O'Fallon,IL
June 18-22nd WWBA Championship Marietta, Georgia East Cobb
** More details on local schedules coming Soon
15U National Tournament Schedule
June 2 & 3 O'Fallon,IL
June 22nd - 29th WWBA Championship, Marietta Georgia
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Team Fastball USA "White"
BCS Championship July 14th - July 20th Ft. Myers, Florida
University of Notre Dame Super Select July 26th - July 29th
O'Fallon,IL June 2 & 3
Team Fastball USA "Gold"
National Championships July 18 - 22nd, Indianapolis,Indiana
University of Notre Dame Wood Bat June 28 - July 1
O'Fallon, IL .... June 2 & 3
Team Fastball USA "Black"
WWBA Championship, July 13 - 20th
University of Notre Dame - Irish Elite June 21-24
O'Fallon, IL June 2 & 3
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| 2012 National Rosters/Local Rosters |
Those with an (*) next to their name will be playing for two different teams. Make sure you know and understand which team you will be playing on for any traveling purposes in the National Tournaments.
Those without an (*) may also be asked from time to time to play on another roster based on what our organizations needs are. We will try to give you plenty of notice but it is possible you will not find out until the week of the tournament. We will try to give you a notice ahead of that time but undestand that things happen.
Why? Several reasons may dictate a change in rosters.
1. A player missing or injured
2. A pitcher Not getting enough action or not scheduled to pitch for one team may be asked to go pitch for another team to stay sharp.
3. Overuse in pitching. To avoid overuse, we will always do what's best for the indivduals and Team Fastball as an organization.
4. At Bats ( If we think you can get more at bats in another situation on another team)
We are all on one team!! Black/White/Gold
It just so happens that we need to divide players up on a weekly basis.
The national tournaments are scheduled so you can make plans for vacations and taking time off of work. If you are confused on which team you will be on for the "Traveling out of town" tournaments simply contact me via email.
IT IS VERY, VERY, IMPORTANT THAT ALL OF OUR PLAYERS ARE PULLING ON THE SAME ROPE. IF WE SENSE THAT WE HAVE A PLAYER THAT IS A DISTRACTION, A NEGATIVE INFLUENCE OR CANCER IN OUR DUGOUT, WE WILL SIMPLY ASK YOU TO LEAVE WITH NO QUESTIONS ASKED. WE DON'T HAVE TIME FOR NEGATIVE PLAYERS AND PARENTS.
PLAYING TIME? An issue in regards to playing time or finding your role with Team Fastball should never be ignored. This does not mean we will agree however it is NOT encouraged that the player not discuss his situation. The "Player" not the parent is in charge of communicating with coaches. No communication is bad communication if there is an issue. Sometimes players are "afraid" to hear the answers that the coach gives. We will always leave the communications lines open if even we know the player might not like the answer.
It is our goal that each player know and understand their role going into the season and know and understand their role throughout the season. Nothing is guaranteed. If you understand where you stand "whether you like it or not" then it's far easier to move forward without distractions.
Summer Training/Practices:
We will be designating one day per week for Team Fastball Outdoor/Indoor Practices During the Season in the Evenings.
Players with "Un-limited" training will also have the opportunity to train on weekday mornings with our summer program.
We will be using as much "Pre-Game" time working on "team stuff". Please plan on arriving to many games very early and some times staying later. We have to take advantage of all of our time together.
Kotowski Sessions:
We have 2 Kotowski sessions left (February 12th and February 26th) 4-5pm
Fastball Practice:
We will be adding a few team practices prior to March 1. Watch your emails.
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Fastball "White"
Brandt
Demicco
Dimaso
Zak
Jianette
Grzelak
Bloom
Diviesti
Viverito
Woods
Foote
Orisek
* Thomas
* Bellinger
* Hjellming
* Chaidez
* Hurtado
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Fastball "Gold"
Teel
Urban
Comstock
Eliades
Eliades
Gianni
Bianchi
Gomez
Samata
Hall
Myers
Polaski
* Cowan
* Svetic
* Thomas
* Bellinger
* Hjellming
* Chaidez
* Hurtado
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Fastball "Black"
Andrews
Brown
Dvorak
Ernest
Gale
Gallina
Jarrett
Matej
Romano
Ryan
Santos
Serrano
* Svetic
Zerfas
* Cowan
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If you have been selected to play for Team Fastball USA or are considering trying out make sure you read the information below. It details philosopy, expectations, tuition, and much more.
Team Fastball USA 2012 Information Packet
Team Fastball USA 2012
" Leading the baseball world in "real" development of young athletes"
Opportunity Available With Team Fastball USA
Parents,
IF YOU CAME HERE TODAY LOOKING FOR A TEAM FOR YOUR KID TO PLAY ON AND NOTHING MORE THAN YOU’RE IN THE WRONG PLACE.
YOU ALREADY DID THAT IN THE PAST. OUR TEAM, OUR ACADEMY, IS ON A MISSION TO HELP ASSIST EACH ATHLETE TO ACHIEVE HIS GOALS AND DREAMS OF PLAYING COLLEGIATE OR PROFESSIONAL, OR EVEN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL.
If your son does not have any of these dreams, or goals, then we are not the program for him.
SOME WILL ACHIEVE THE DREAM, SOME WON’T.
Our job is to give you the best chance of achieving your dream by guiding you in the right direction. Your job is to take ownership of your lessons learned, along with successes and failures, and work harder than everyone else. This is the special combination that has lead to our student’s success stories that you will read about in this packet.
DREAM THE DREAM, FUEL THE FIRE,
Coach Ryan
Team Fastball USA Emphasizes Improvement
How Do you know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’re at ?
Anything you measure, you can improve!
You will hear un-believable stories about our players success in this packet.
Why? Because the stories are so incredible. So if you have doubt remember that is natural. Also remember, these players made this happen because they did not have doubt in themselves or our program!
Ideal Team Fastball USA Student and Family:
1. Works Hard/Smart (Understands that working hard is necessary for greatness)
2. No Excuses (Takes Accountability for success and failures)
3. Passionate About Baseball
4. Passionate About Improving
5. Positive Individual (Positive and Supportive Family)
WARNING! We don’t need or want Negative People Around Us. We will eliminate you from our family.
If for some reason we have a great kid but a negative parent that is a distraction or creates negative energy around other parents or the team than we have no choice. As much as we don’t want to take bad parenting out on a kid, we can’t allow negative energy into our program. Therefore a player will be dismissed due to parents. We don’t want to do this. We will avoid it by addressing any issue early. We will not however tolerate someone who thinks they are going to second guess our organization and poison other families. DEVELOPMENT FIRST, WINNING SECOND.
SOME PLACES TALK ABOUT IT, WE DO IT
WHAT IS Development ?
Our Version of development is really, really simple. Development is un-disputed improvement. Improvement is development.
Fundamentals
If you’re improving fundamentals, then you should be improving your results. So many talk about improving fundamentals but then the results don’t show the improvement.
Here are 12 AREAS THAT GREATLY IMPACT or Reduce PERFORMANCE/RESULTS. We will test/measure/and improve these areas
1. Intent of your Work "The Body will organize itself based on goal"
2. Baseball Specific Strength.
3. Baseball Specific Speed/quickness.
4. Baseball Specific Explosiveness
5. Efficiency of movements or mechanics
6. Mobility,flexibility,Stability, and athleticism
7. Nutrition,hydration,rest for recovery, training gains and performance
8. Deliberate Practice…Not just getting reps
9. Balance of Strength for power and to avoid injury
10. OVERCOME THE Negative Influence of Others or those goal killers
11. Constantly challenge each individual beyond his current capability
12. MINDSET IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF EVERYTHING WE DO
We also remind and reinforce our students the following:
Do what everyone else does and get what everyone else gets….which isn’t much!
DRAFTED ATHLETES THAT HAVE WORKED WITH FASTBALL USA
3 Times in The Last 3 Years Fastball USA has had a player drafted
Mike Giovenco…Pitcher, KC Royals 14th round 2010 draft and 2009 24th round
Joe Perricone…..Pitcher, Tampa Bay Rays, 2011 Draft from Hersey HS
Pete Tountas…SS, Boston Red Sox in 2006 Draft, 2005 NY Mets
Adam Rosales…SS, Current Short Stop with Oakland A’s Major League
7 Players Have Recently Committed to D1 Programs and more are ready the coming months:
Carl Sugihara University of Illinois at Chicago
Jack Czeszewski Illinois State University
Ryan Hinchely University of Illinois at Chicago
Joe Perricone Coastal Carolina University
Devin Pickel Valpairaso University
Jake Turner Northern Illinois University
Matt Johnsen Ball State University
Mike Schoolcraft University of Illinois at Chicago
Joel Matheny Butler University
Players Playing Professional Baseball That Train or trained at Fastball
Mike Giovenco KC Royals now with kane County
Adam Rosales Major League Player Oakland A’s
Jeremy Gould New York Mets Organization
Eric Binder St. Louis Cardinals Organization
PLUS SEVERAL OTHERS PLAYING ALL LEVELS OF COLLEGIATE BASEBALL
Introduction to Our Coaching Staff:
Mike Ryan – Owner and Director of Baseball Training
Scout-Seattle Mariners Since 1999. Professional Baseball Trainer since 1997.
Steve Vandenbranden - Head Pitching Instructor
Head Baseball Coach at North Park University For 10 Years, pitched college baseball for Oakton College, and North Park University. Coach Steve is one of the best pitching coaches in the country and is an expert in developing pitchers as a whole (strength,arm care, flexibility, mechanics, skill, and power).
Bill Rosencrans - Defensive Coordinator and Head Coach
Coach Rosencrans most recently was the head baseball coach at Lakes Community High School in Lake Villa, IL. Coach Rosencrans joined our staff in 2010 as our 13U head coach and worked with all levels on defensive skills and fundamentals, and quickness. Coach Rosencrans heads defensive classes at Fastball USA.
Ben Albury - Coach Alburys first season with Team Fastball in 2011. Coach Albury is the assistant baseball coach at Rockford College in Rockford,IL. His demeanor and qualities as a coach serve as a great teacher of the game combined with his college baseball playing background.
Eric Pinter - Coach Pinter is the head baseball coach at Illinois Valley College and the assistant coach with the Rockford Forestors independent minor league team. Coach Pinter was the head coach for Team Fastball 15U team in 2011 and we look forward to having him back again with our teams in 2012.
Adam Kotowski "Master The Mindset" Specialist
Lewis University and University of Maine
In 2010/2011 Fastball USA began a program to help players with the mental side of the game and the mental side of training and life. Adam Kotowski is the best in the world at combining these concepts onto the baseball field. In 2011/2012 all Team Fastball members will work with Coach Kotowski in the classroom and during workouts to improve their performance by improving their mindset.
The results from the players who participated last season were so strong that we have decided Coach Kotowski will work with everyone at Fastball going forward.
A FEW OF Our Advisors/Consultants:
Ron Wolforth (CEO of Pitching Central & Texas Baseball Ranch)
Coach Wolforth has had over 60 drafted athletes out of his facility since 2001.
Twice per year coach Wolforth does at clinic at Fastball which is optional to all Team Fastball members. Coach Wolforth is an expert in improving arm strength, velocity, and overall pitching performance. Pitchers and position players participate in his clinics.
Perry Husband (Owner and Creator of "Hitting is A Guess" and "Effective Velocity" Author with Phil Garner and Tom House. Perry has made a tremendous impact on our strategy segment with pitchers along with some key concepts in our hitting program. Players will learn all about how to make each pitch more effective by understanding how the EV chart works on keeping hitters off balance.
John Huizinga
John is an inspirational story from a average college pitcher to a professional baseball player. John broke his arm in a way in which doctors told him he would never throw again. John has been an inspiration to us all, and has provided a new emphasis on nutrition, and becoming skill specific stronger.
Paul Reddick is known around the baseball world as one of top baseball coaches in the game. He is the author of several baseball books and has co-Authored the popular "Picture Perfect Pitching" with Tom House and is the director of the Yogi Berra Baseball Camps in New York. His 90MPH Club and baseball education for coaches and players respected by the games best coaches and players including Yogi Berra and Tom House. Paul also works as scout with the Pittsburg Pirates.
Here is what Paul had to say about Fastball USA Owner Mike Ryan:
"Mike Ryan is hands down one of the top five hitting instructors in the country, period. Mike is very innovative when it comes to improving a hitters consistency and power. Nobody and I mean nobody breaks down the Albert Pujols methods like Coach Ryan. His systems allow each hitter to be themselves, yet bring out the similar power sources that Albert Pujols uses in his swing. We are so honored to have Mike Ryan’s concepts added to our Load to Explode DVD Series".
Paul Reddick Pirates Scout 90MPH Club
Un-Limited Training Option:
AS APART OF TEAM FASTBALL USA YOU WILL HAVE THE OPTION TO BE APART OF OUR UN-LIMITED TRAINING PROGRAM. THIS PROGRAM IS WELL KNOWN FOR DOCUMENTED IMPROVEMENT AND OBJECTIVE MEASUREMENTS.
HERE ARE SOME OF OUR RECORDS:
Fastball USA Record Holders ** Total Throwing Speed
Mike Giovenco 102mph
Jeremy Gould 98mph
Joe Perricone 97mph
John Hoeksema 93mph
Dom Demicco 92mph
Ryan Hinchely 92mph
Merrick Mcgrady 92mph
Scott Swiderek 91mph
Eric Binder 93mph
Thomas Mcgurn 91mph
Dave Johnson 90mph
Carl Sugihara 91mph
Kyle Pfister 91mph
Sean Thomas 90mph
* All – Time Record Holders Hitting
Exit Speed (Results since 2008)
Matt Williams 99mph
Bat Speed Champions
Matt Williams 106mph Mike Giovenco 102mph Elliott Greenhill 102mph
Pre-2006 Fastball USA had ONE player throw a baseball 90mph
12 More Hitters have reached 90mph in ball exit speed in 2011
In the past 2 Years Fastball USA has had 15 athletes reach and surpass 90mph of throwing speed. *** 1 Player increase from 94-102mph.
Over one dozen hitter reach and exceeded 90mph of bat speed and exit speed in 2010.
Why is this important ?
What scouts look for and why?
To play at the highest levels of baseball you should be able to impress college or pro scouts with at least 2 out of the following 3 areas.
1. Throwing Speed – Arm
90mph plus from the infield, outfield, and the mound. LHP can throwing speeds of 84-88mph and receive a DI scholarship, and right handers between 86mph – 90mph. Note- If you’re a pitcher that throws 88-92 a scout is more likely to take a chance on you even if your wild. A pro scout is not looking for an 84mph glove hitter.
2. Hitting the Ball Harder than 90% of the rest that play the game. Hit the ball hard and do it often. A 90mph plus hitter can and will create distances of 400 feet. An increase in bat speed of 7mph can add 50 feet of distance to the ball.
3. Run Faster Than Everyone Else
Make sure your in the top 10% in the country when it comes to running speed.
X Factors:
Defense: If you can’t play defense then you have just made your chances at the next level smaller
Attitude: Scouts will watch how you act and react to events very closely. How do you interact with team mates? How good of a team mate are you? How do you interact with coaches?
Hustle: Hustle on and off the field. Hustle when nobody is watching. Train yourself to be different and outhustle everyone around you. This alone can get you noticed. Are you a 10 million dollar attitude before you have ever even signed a contract?
Mental: The true individual comes out when something goes wrong. How do you handle it ? Do you come back at make the next play, the next pitch, or do you bring your last at bat on the field?
Pre-Game:
Scouts will show up early and watch your pre-game. They want to know everything they can about you.
What Scouts Look For ?
GRADES: Your grades say a lot about the balance in your life. Grades may suggest type of work habit. Colleges will not talk with you un-less you have the grades to attend the school.
* COLLEGE RECRUITING EDUCATION: AS A TEAM FASTBALL USA MEMBER WE WILL HELP ASSIST YOU ON YOUR PROFILE CREATION AND HOW TO POSITION YOURSELF TO RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIP $$$ FOR COLLEGE BASEBALL.
WE BEGIN ASSISTING ATHLETES AT THE END OF THE BEGINNING OF SOPHOMORE AND JUNIOR YEAR. This includes a video creation, profile, awards and referral.
FASTBALL USA PLAYERS PROGRESS WILL BE CLOSELY MEASURED:
# 1 All Players will Measure and Record a great Majority of everything we do. Anything you measure you can improve.
# 2 Game Log- Game Log’s will be expected to kept. Hitters will track the percentage of Hard hit balls during the season as part of this log.
# 3 Workout Notebook
Each athlete will keep a detailed notebook with all of their records and daily activity.
# 4 Each Player will go through initial testing in the fall and then we will set short term and long term goals for each individual.
NOTHING WILL WORK UN-LESS YOU DO!
Our results are sometimes un-believable because of our students dedication to working hard. It’s our job as instructors to guide each athlete, it’s the athletes job to work hard, and take 100% ownership of everything he does. Success and failures.
EXPECTATIONS: PLAYERS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR COMMUNICATING WITH COACHES…NOT THE PARENTS. AS PART OF BECOMING MORE RESPONSIBLE IN ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE, OUR PLAYERS ARE ASKED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWING WHEN PRACTICE IS AND COMMUNICATING BEING LATE OR ABSENT.
Team Fastball USA
15U,16U,17U, Levels
Will Compete in weekend tournaments both locally and nationally playing against some of the best competition across the country. 15U will begin Memorial Day Weekend and 16U,17U will begin shortly after.
13U/14U
Will begin competition in April going through July. Playing on average about 3 tournaments each month.
Development Will Be First and Foremost
Winning and Competing will be important but secondary
Pitchers will NOT be expected to pitch multiple innings in a tournament in one game, then asked to come back again in the same weekend.
Pitchers will be kept to a very strict pitch per inning count.
> 30 Max Pitches Per Inning (no more)
Back to Back 25 Plus Pitches Per Inning (No more pitching)
Under 20 Pitches Per Inning a pitcher will generally have the green light to continue if the coach/player thinks it’s ok.
Training Continues During the season and during the games
Players will participate in on-going arm care throughout the season. Pitchers will be expected to immediately begin a recovery routine as he exits the game. The outline will continue with a series of arm care and conditioning exercises.
Players will participate in a explosive pre-game warm up before each and every game and sometimes during the game. Our warm up is nothing like you normally see and we feel has a direct impact on the mental and physical side of the game.
Rosters/Teams
I. Team Fastball will be built to have players who can inter-change easily with players not playing in a game. In other words the 3 bench players need to be as good as 3 or 4 others also playing. We will not take players to be on the team, just to sit. If we can’t field a competitive team, we will not form a team for 2012.
II. Pitchers will often not play after pitching. If they do play it often be a position that requires less or very little throwing. Our coaches base this on a number of "stressful innings".
III. All players will be required to learn the fundamentals of the game. Bunting, baserunning, will be a part of everyone’s game. For example, even if you’re a slow runner, you will be required to be work a lot on the fundamentals of base running. If you’re a power hitter, you may be asked to bunt a specific moment in a game.
IV. Parents are to be seen and not heard. We don’t invite parents into our training area. It’s our dojo. It’s not for outside interference. Parents should be supportive but not intrusive. Allow your coaches and trainers to do their jobs.
REMEMBER "HAVE FUN" THIS SHOULD BE A FUN EXPERIENCE
V. TEAM FASTBALL SHOULD BE THE CLASS OF EVERY TOURNAMENT. THE ACTIONS OF THE PLAYERS AND PARENTS SHOULD KEEP IN MIND WE ARE REPRESENING FASTBALL USA AND OUR FAMILIES.
I. Making The Team "READY TO COMMIT"
If you are offered a spot on Team Fastball USA the following requirements must be met within 7 days of your notification:
$500.00 Deposit make by check,cash,Visa,or Mastercard securing your spot on the team
Choose your package for Playing for Team Fastball
IF YOUR NOT COMMITTED TO OUR TEAM WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO MOVE ON SO
II. WHAT YOUR GETTING
> "Un-Limited Training" With Fastball USA
Classes begin after Labor Day Weekend an continue through next summer. EVEN DURING THE SEASON. All Team Fastball Members will get un-limited access to classes that are offered anywhere from 3 to 6 days per week depending on the time of year. Normally $2500.00
Fastball USA IS A MEMBERS ONLY TRAINING CENTER. THE FEE FOR MEMBERSHIP IS $129.00 PER YEAR. YOUR MEMBERSHIP IS INCLUDED FOR MAKING TEAM FASTBALL.
Members Receive access to Free Clinic "special events/guest speakers" throughout the year and attend our
testing events free
Members also receive "Membership Prices" on Fastball USA special Camps. This includes the Ron Wolforth Pitching Camp usually done in October and also February.
MEMBERS ALSO RECEIVE THE WEEKLY MEMBERS ONLY E-NEWS LETTER WHICH HELPS PLAYERS, PARENTS, ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS NOT NORMALLY COVERED IN LESSONS. THIS NEWSLETTER IS ALSO A GREAT REINFORCEMENT TO WHAT IS BEING COVERED IN CLASSES AND WHAT STUDENTS SHOULD BE DOING AT HOME.
IF YOU WERE TO PURCHASE OUR ELITE MEMBERSHIP WITHOUT BEING
A TEAM FASTBALL MEMBER IT WOULD COST….$2500.00 PER YEAR. THIS IS A SUBSTANTIAL DISCOUNT.
2 Tuition Choices IF YOU MAKE THE TEAM
A. Team Fastball Elite
Includes all of the above plus.....
* A National Competitive Tournament Schedule to include other elite local teams and team across the country.
* Number of tournaments will slightly different for each age group but will be somewhere between 6-10 tournaments. The 15’s generally will not begin until Memorial Day Weekend, and the 16U,17U will start shortly thereafter.
The 13U,14U teams will begin competition in April.
Team Cost which includes a paid coach, uniforms, tournaments, coaches travel expenses, insurance, field rentals, and equipment.
Elite Training Membership: $2500.00
* Broken into Five Payments of $500.00
1. Due Within 7 Days
Oct 1, Dec 1, Feb 1, April 1
* Pre-Paid $2250
B. Team Fastball USA "Team Only" Option
The Team Only option allows you to attend practices, and team events but does not include our training program as noted in the option A. Includes a paid coach, uniform, and does not include additional fee’s such as a coaches Hotel, and travel expenses.
Team Only Fee: $1500.00….
* Three Payments of $500.00 (DUE BY JAN 15)
INDIVIDUAL SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
Each family will be given a sponsorship letter from Fastball USA for interested businesses, or friends an family supporters.
The individual sponsorship letter will have your athletes name and will come directly from Mike Ryan, Fastball USA explaining the opportunity and costs involved.
Other Fundraising Opportunities are available and will be discussed in September as part of our kick off meeting.
Fall Season Included but Optional:
The fall program will include weekly on field practice sessions usually late Sunday afternoons. We will begin the Sunday after Labor Day and it will continue to late October. The fall will finish with the following:
* Scout Day For College Coaches to See Fastball Players
* Fastball vs. Fastball Game(s)
* 1 tournament in the month of October
Dates and Details will Follow Shortly
Most importantly:
Fall Training Program
The emphasis in the fall is building strength along with quickness.
3 or 4 days will be offered each week to train with us during the fall.
Each day will have an emphasis either on Strength or Quickness.
Arm Care will be done for all position players and pitchers.
Fall Continued:
Very little throwing will be done in the fall. We will do a light long toss program in order to help build a stronger, healthier arm. Other than that strength and conditioning and hitting will be emphasized, not throwing until around November 15th.
Now Hear From Team Fastball Players and Parents!
Team FASTBALL Players say
At first I was a little skeptical about how other people were getting such great results, but then as I kept going in the winter i was able to see that my arm was getting stronger.
I also had noticed I was becoming faster and more athletic I conditioned with Fastball throughout the winter. The arm care that we do is a big part of that. For example, in previous seasons, I would be able to throw only 2-3 innnings before losing velocity. Now i am able to go 4-5 innings with very little decreased speed.
In the tournaments Coach Ryan would not over work the pitchers. If he sees you are struggling he wouldn’t keep you on the mound just to win. He would get you out of the game and immediately have the pitchers start on arm care to get you ready and more prepared for the next outing.
I also really like that if you make an error he won't yell like some other coaches. Coach Ryan challenged us to shake it off and mentally get ready the next play . Overall my experience with team fastball has been a positive one. I have made a lot of progress with my arm strength and my hitting.
Dan Behof
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Can you say RESULTS?
A Parents View After 20 Months With Team Fastball
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Getting Results!! 72MPH to 97MPH
Exit Speed increases 25MPH in 20 Months!
Coach,
I did not know what to call this but I think "Getting Results" is appropriate where my son Dominic is concerned.
Dommo has a mathematics and science background so the marriage between our family and Fastball USA could not be have worked out better.
As a matter of fact, I think most of the kids that frequent the Fastball workouts and measurement nights must have the same love for math and science that Dommo has...
As somebody who records the hitting and throwing metrics of the boys, I have never seen so many kids compete as hard as these boys do and take the number I yell out to them as seriously as the kids at Fastball!
All the kids at the measurement nights are looking for that extra 2 or 3 MPH difference from the last metric night and I have seen every kid there not only raise their number from the time before, they raise their expectations for the next measurment night 30 days down the road!
One fateful August evening in 2009, my son and I went to Fastball USA on a referral from Steve Brandt as a place that serious kids should check out if they want to pursue a baseball career in earnest.
That was 20 months ago and Dommo loves fastball more today than he did the first time he stepped into the "Dojo"!
Dommo would like the opportunity to play baseball at the next level and he thinks Fastball USA is the only academy that feeds his hunger to progress in the manner he has and will continue to do so.
Here is his dramatic progression purely from a hitting perspective.
In August 2009 Dommo was 5'10" and weighed 150 pounds.
His bat speed was 73 MPH and his exit speed was 72 MPH.
In 20 months of intense training at Fastball he has gone from a skinny 14 year old boy to a very strong 16 year old man.
He is now 5'11.5" and weighs 168 pounds (all muscle) and I can honestly say the strength is all a bi-product of the black belt workouts at Fastball.
I am not talking bench and curl strength, Dommo quit lifting weights a year ago.
I am talking about functional core strength specific to that of major league baseball players.
His bat speed is now 97 MPH which matches his exit speed!
To put this in its proper perspective, these numbers are the same as most major league ball players outweighing Dommo by 20 - 50 pounds.
Because I am not a scientist, I do not know how these metrics can be achieved, I just know when he goes to Fastball good things happen!
Mike - he likes the no nonsense personality of you and coach Steve.
In this world of establishments patronizing their clientele and sugar coating things where their kids are concerned, Fastball USA takes the exact opposite approach.
While this might not be for every family seeking a baseball academy, the families that frequent Fastball USA will have the best chance of their son or daughter playing at the next level no matter what that level is.
The DeMicco's will be there until you kick us out!
Thanks for all the hard work with my son.
Sincerely,
Dominic Demicco
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A PLAYERS VIEW
From the moment I stepped on the field for our first practice until the last inning of the last game, I realized that this was no ordinary baseball team. It was part of something bigger, a long term approach instead of winning every ballgame. While we didn't win every tournament, I felt that we always ranked high in both potential and attitude. The out of town tournaments were the best part, since it gave us the feel of what professional players go through every week.
With that being said, I would recommend only the most dedicated players on Fastball USA team; because much like the academy, you have to be 100% committed to improving each and every day.
Thanks for a great season,
Rahul
Coach Mike,
Thank you so much for the opportunity to play on your 15U team this past year. As the new kid for a while I had to make friends quickly before the start of the season which I did. The whole team was great and the atmosphere during warm-ups and in the academy was even better.
You’ve taught me so much on the game of baseball including how to better myself at blocking pitches and taught me a whole new mental approach to the hitting side of the game along with some mechanical adjustments. The tournaments were great too. You showed us to never play down to any competition but play at the level we are capable of. All in all the Team Fastball experience for me was an outstanding one and I hope to continue with the team as long as my talents permit me.
Thank you,
Mike Viverito
A PARENTS VIEW
When Rahul joined Fastball, after the initial assessment, we were told Rahul could reach 70 miles per hour by the time he tries out at his high school. By the time Rahul tried out at his high school, he was 80! This wouldn't have been possible without Mike's support, training and encouragement. Rahul enjoyed every session whether it be a one on one or being part of a team!
The games we played in the summer, were full of fun and great experience for all.
I also want to highlight that Mike was very supportive and took great care of the kids without ever being partial or show favoritism to anyone.
I would strongly recommend to any serious student of baseball to join Fastball to reach their full potential!
Thanks
Raju Nallappa
Mike:
Team Fastball USA has been far more than just the typical "travel team" experience. I’ve been most impressed with the way your program focuses primarily on the training, conditioning, mental, and professional aspects to playing baseball at an advanced level. Games are played to reinforce that primary focus. My son’s development has been obvious and measurable…and with the improved results comes greater confidence, performance, and passion. I only wish we had joined this program sooner.
Keep up the great work,
Vince Viverito
The View Point of Mike Giovenco Drafted in 2009 and 2010 Now playing with the KC Royals at Kane County as of July 2011.
Hey Mike,
Just wanted to let you know that we do nearly all the same arm care here as we did at fastball. We do numerous variations of all of the arm care on an everyday basis, and also we do ALOT of the flexibiltiy and pre workout warmups that we did at fastball. Fastball USA pretty much prepared me for pro ball, and currently I have over 100 innings on my arm this year, and I have to thank you for teaching me the importance of arm care. In the past, my arm would usually be in pain around this time of year, and I would be experiencing "dead arm". But currently my velocity is still sitting in the 90-93 range and topping around 95mph. Once again, I just wanted to thank you for everything, and please continue to stress the importance of arm care, flexibiltiy, and good old fashioned hard work to the rest of the guys.
Thanks,
Mike Giovenco
14TH Drafted 2010
Kansas City Royals
Battle Creek, Michigan "Battle of The Bats Champs"
Development is Great and winning is Fun too!
15U Battle of Bats Champions 2010 Battle Creek,MI
17U Battle of Bats Champions 2011 Battle Creek,MI
15U USSSA Rockford Tourney Champions 2011
17U USSSA Rockford Tourney Champsions 2011
17U Kenosha Varsity Tournament Runners UP 2011
Mike Giovenco Improved 91mph to 96mph
Drafted by the KC Royals
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