| Transforming the Lives of Young Athletes |
TRANSFORMING LIVES -
Mike first came to you at age 8 in 2002 when he completed a Winter program at your first facility. After those sessions, that Spring Mike made the Park Ridge traveling team where he batted .755. Mike is now a Freshman at Maine South High School as a starter on the A team.
Mike's the #1 pitcher and bats 2nd in the lineup (at a class 8A school with over 2,600 students) and when he's not pitching, he's at short. This is largely the result of your work and dedication. You have documented Mike's improvement in pitching from throwing 74mph to 81mph, and don't forget, he's 14 yrs old and does not turn 15 yrs old until the end of the Summer. You also have an equally impressive improvement record in his batting...bat speed, ball exit speed, etc.
Privileged in playing travel baseball for 7 years, Mike has seen many different professional instructors both hired by his team at the time and on his own - including high school coaches from Prospect, Maine South, and Notre Dame among others. Everyone helped, but none compare to your ability to produce results. Your knowledge and techniques work, period. Combine that with your great attitude and the way you relate to the kids, and you'd wind up with a ton of us customers making it very difficult for you to "...call it quits."
You have earned the respect of not only your players and families, but also your peers in the industry. I couldn't imagine Mike not continuing instruction with you. As he once said to me, "There hasn't ever been a lesson with coach Ryan I have not looked forward to."
BRIAN LAPELUSA - PARK RIDGE,IL
|
Coach Ryan,
I just wanted to say THANK YOU on behalf of my son, Dan, for a great camp! Dan came home the first night and said, " That man Coach Ryan is a genius! He changed one thing and increased my velocity by 4 MPH". When the camp was over he immediately went to the mound and threw. He looks like a completely different pitcher...both mechanically and his confidence.
Thanks for a job well done. I will recommend you and your program to any dedicated ball players out there.
Sincerely,
Dale Schlitter
|
My son began working with Mike Ryan and the Fastball USA staff at age 11. The program that he has benefited most from is the Black Belt Pitching program. This program is designed to not only improve throwing velocity, but more importantly teaches the student proper mechanics, emphasizing strength, conditioning, and arm care to prepare the body for a season of throwing.
The staff at Fastball USA takes the time to connect individually with each student, understanding the desire and drive they possess to further maximize their training potential. The consistent measuring of the student’s progress provides them with immediate feedback on their performance – they can see that they are improving - as well as motivating them to “beat their high score”.
My son has drastically improved his velocity and is now throwing in the low 80’s as a 14 year old, but more importantly, he looks forward to every session, and understands that if he continues to put in the effort with Coach Ryan, the results will speak for themselves.
Joe Zak – Elk Grove,IL
|
"Charlie's velocity has improved about 9 M.P.H. over the past 12 months. I was amazed over the last 2 weeks in November with the turn and burn drill, Charlie recorded 83 M.P.H. three times and the next week he exploded to another high of 87 M.P.H.
Strengthening and conditioning the core has impressed us with the amount of progress Charlie has made in the Black Belt program over the past 4 years.
His body can handle the stress which gives him the confidence & command he needs to be a successful pitcher. Coaches Mike & Steve have proven to be effective in teaching the correct mechanics and strengthening the body through muscle memory which we had seen in Charlie's video analysis. I am convinced by Charlie's performance that this program is the key to his success.”
Chuck Jerger..........Chicago,IL
|
"Fastball USA has provided Ed with a solid foundation of pitching motion. The velocity of his fastball was about 62 mph when he started in October 2003. By April 2004 his velocity was 70 mph with better command of the strike zone AND INCREASED TO 78 MPH BY OCTOBER OF 2005. (Recently this same student hit 84mph in December of 2006 as a high school sophomore). I’m confident that Fastball USA can help Ed make more improvements in his pitching this year.
Before coming to Fastball USA, Ed frequently had to be pulled out of a game before the maximum innings allowed because of a tired or sore arm. Needless to say, the last inning would be a struggle with confidence while losing command of the strike zone. Now he has more velocity, hardly walks anyone and can last five innings (league limit) without being tired. Sometimes he would simply move from pitching to catching and still gun down a runner attempting to steal second. Most of the time his strike out to walk ratio was at least 2:1.
Before training at Fastball USA he would frequently tell me he didn’t look forward to pitching because his performance would fall off about the third inning. Now, he smiles when he shows up for a game and his team coach tells him it is his turn to pitch. Most of the time he has a good outing and remains confident. When things don’t go his way on the mound, he still remains confident that he can get the next batter out, or will be successful in the next game he pitches. He knows that his training is top notch and has great performances inside."
Steve Ballaron ( Lake Villa, IL )
|
“While Fastball USA 's facilities and instruction are outstanding, it is the personal attention to each players progress provided by instructors that elevates this organization above others. A video analysis is standard for all instructions. Players are able to see and analyze their mechanical strengths and shortcomings with direct guidance by the instructors.
It is without hesitation that I recommend Fastball USA to any individual who desires to improve his/her existing baseball skills under expert directions by highly qualified professional baseball instructors."
Respectfully,
Dr. Reinhard Nickisch, Principal ( Itasca , IL )
|
|
"My time training in the Fastball USA Black Belt Program has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. It has also been one of the most challenging things I have ever had the opportunity to be a part of. My throwing speed went from topping off at 69mph to topping off at 76mph in about 10 weeks. My arm strength has drastically changed and my level of conditioning is twice as good as it was when I started. I had never done anything that was quite like the routines and exercises in the Black Belt program. Coach Steve and Coach Mike couldn’t have been more helpful and continue to push me to levels I never thought possible. I absolutely love going to Black Belt and by far has been one of the most fun, challenging and amazing experiences in my life. "
Nick Larson
|
"The program has improved my velocity tremendously. I gained 10mph over in 1 off season! I think a lot of it is med balls, weighted baseballs, and arm care. They all really make a difference. I really enjoy when we get radar timed on med ball throws and step behinds with baseballs.
Overall this program has made a remarkable impact on my pitching ability. My velocity has increased drastically and I know when I step out on the mound I’ll be more prepared than the batter standing 60 feet away. The program is a velocity and confidence booster. I would recommend this program to anyone who’s serious about improving as a pitcher.
Brian Pflederer
Palatine, IL
|
"Since I have started the program I have gained 9mph on my fastball. Most importantly I am finding I can last longer during games and I have gained knowledge on how to keep my arm healthy with proper preparation and off-season/in-season training. I went from topping off at 70mph on the pitchers mound to topping off at 79mph in about 12 months. The Black Belt Program with Coach Steve and Coach Ryan has ultimately pushed me to work harder and fix problems that I had initially in my delivery. Thanks a bunch! "
Gabe Jimenez
Oak Park, IL
|
Will Your Story Be Next?
|
|