#29 — Should You Play Summer Ball?

Baseball development goes far beyond mechanics and talent. The best coaches understand how to teach, communicate, and help players grow both on and off the field.In this episode, host Matt Rossignol is joined by Tarrik Brock, Pittsburgh Pirates 1st Base Coach and Baserunning Coach, to discuss his journey through professional baseball and what he has learned from years of playing and coaching at the highest level.The conversation covers player development, baserunning, leadership, and the importance of building relationships with athletes. Tarrik shares insights from training under Reggie Smith, working with players like Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich, and why great coaching is about more than just giving information.They also dive into mindset, routines, youth development, and what separates players who continue to grow from those who stay stuck. This episode is packed with insight for players, parents, and coaches looking to better understand development at every level of the game.📍 Find us here:🌐 Website: www.rossystraining.com📸 Instagram: @rossystraining

There’s a lot of noise in player development, and knowing what actually matters can make all the difference.In this episode, host Matt Rossignol is joined by RT’s Director of Performance Grady Greenwood for a Q&A covering topics like when kids should start lifting, how to gain size the right way, and what actually drives long term development. They also break down training philosophy, why doing more isn’t always better, and the mental traits that separate high level athletes from the rest. This episode emphasizes staying consistent, being honest about what you need, and focusing on what actually moves the needle.If you are a player, parent, or coach looking for clear, practical insight, this episode delivers.📍 Find us here:🌐 Website: www.rossystraining.com📸 Instagram: @rossystraining

Catching is one of the most demanding and misunderstood positions in baseball, and proper development starts with mastering the fundamentals.In this episode, host Matt Rossignol is joined by Brett Thomas, owner of The Catching Academy, to break down how catchers should be developed. Brett shares insights from working with athletes at all levels and explains why many players are unprepared for the position at higher levels.The conversation covers key areas like setup, controlling the ball, and the foundational skills that matter most, along with common misconceptions around receiving, blocking, and throwing.If you are a catcher, coach, or parent looking to better understand how the position should be trained, this episode provides a clear and practical framework.📍 Find us here:🌐 Website: www.rossystraining.com📸 Instagram: @rossystraining

Summer is one of the most important times of the year for player development, but many athletes struggle to use it the right way.In this episode, host Matt Rossignol breaks down how players should approach summer and whether summer ball is the right fit based on their goals and current development. He discusses how to evaluate where you are, what is holding you back, and how to make decisions that move you closer to your next level. The conversation dives into the tradeoffs between playing games and focusing on development, including the impact of travel, inconsistent training, and nutrition. Matt explains why some athletes need to prioritize strength, size, and skill work instead of simply chasing innings or at bats. This episode emphasizes being honest with yourself, identifying your limiting factors, and committing fully to the path that best supports your goals.If you are a player or parent trying to decide what this summer should look like, this episode provides a clear framework to help you make the right choice.📍 Find us here:🌐 Website: www.rossystraining.com📸 Instagram: @rossystraining

Pitching development is often overcomplicated, but the most effective programs focus on clear principles, consistent structure, and the right use of information.In this episode, host Matt Rossignol is joined by Nathaniel Bresner Mendoza to break down how pitching development is approached at Rossy’s Training. They discuss how to build pitchers over time, what actually drives improvement, and how to create an environment that supports long term growth.The conversation dives into how tools like TrackMan and data are used during bullpens, not as a crutch, but as a way to guide development and provide feedback. They also cover how to structure training within a program setting, how to balance workload and intent, and what players should be focusing on throughout their development.This episode highlights the importance of combining structure, intent, and communication to help pitchers improve without overcomplicating the process.If you are a pitcher, coach, or parent looking to better understand how development should be approached, this episode provides a clear look into what actually works.📍 Find us here:🌐 Website: www.rossystraining.com📸 Instagram: @rossystraining

Nutrition is one of the most overlooked parts of player development, yet it plays a major role in performance, recovery, and long term success.In this episode, host Matt Rossignol breaks down the fundamentals of nutrition for athletes and how to build habits that support consistent performance. He discusses why nutrition matters more than most players realize, how to properly prepare food ahead of time, and what athletes should be focusing on throughout the day to fuel their bodies.The conversation also dives into understanding and tracking calories, why it is important for athletes to know what they are putting into their bodies, and how proper protein intake supports strength, recovery, and overall development. This episode focuses on simple, practical strategies that players can apply immediately without overcomplicating the process.If you are an athlete looking to improve performance through better nutrition, this episode provides a clear and actionable approach to fueling your body the right way.📍 Find us here:🌐 Website: www.rossystraining.com📸 Instagram: @rossystraining

Hitting is often overcomplicated in today’s game, but the best players and coaches understand that elite performance is built on strong fundamentals and the right mindset.In this episode, host Matt Rossignol sits down with Ryan Lehr, former professional baseball player and Revive Performance official, to break down the core principles behind effective hitting and player development. Drawing from his 12 year professional career and his time training under mentor Reggie Smith, Ryan shares insights on posture, vision, and rotation, and why these foundational elements still matter at every level of the game.They also discuss how technology can sometimes pull players away from what actually drives performance, and why mindset plays a critical role in long term success. Ryan shares practical coaching strategies, including how to guide athletes toward becoming unconsciously competent through proper progression, along with drills and approaches that translate directly to on field results.This episode also highlights the importance of mental development, with Ryan recommending key books that have shaped his perspective on confidence, self talk, and performance.If you are a player or coach looking to simplify hitting and focus on what truly matters, this episode offers a clear and practical approach to building better hitters.📍 Find us here:🌐 Website: www.rossystraining.com📸 Instagram: @rossystraining

Training during the season can be challenging for players balancing games, practices, travel, and recovery. Understanding how to train efficiently while maintaining performance is critical for long term development.In this episode, host Matt Rossignol breaks down how athletes should approach training during the season. He discusses how Division I players manage their training schedules, why consistency matters over the course of a full college career, and how athletes can maximize their limited time in the weight room.The conversation covers practical strategies for in-season lifting, including reducing unnecessary volume, focusing on high quality work, and keeping training efficient. Matt also dives into med ball routines, the importance of maintaining balanced rotational work, and how nutrition supports performance throughout the season.This episode emphasizes simple principles that help players stay strong and healthy during competition, including making training a priority and focusing on intensity over excessive volume.If you are a player trying to maintain strength and performance during the season, this episode offers practical guidance on how to train effectively without overcomplicating the process.📍 Find us here:🌐 Website: www.rossystraining.com📸 Instagram: @rossystraining

What truly separates elite players from everyone else is not just talent, but the habits, mindset, and daily behaviors that compound over time.In this episode, host Matt Rossignol sits down with Pete Dupuis, Co-Founder of Cressey Sports Performance, to discuss what he has learned from working with some of the best professional players in baseball. Pete shares the traits he consistently sees in top performers, what young athletes do differently when they train alongside pros, and the biggest misunderstandings players have about long term development.They also dive into the daily habits of the top one percent, how elite players respond to failure, and the qualities that sustain success over the course of a career. This conversation highlights the importance of consistency, environment, and intentional habits in building players who can perform at the highest level for years.If you are a player, parent, or coach looking to understand what real high level development looks like behind the scenes, this episode offers valuable insight into the behaviors that drive lasting success.📍 Find us here:🌐 Website: www.rossystraining.com📸 Instagram: @rossystraining

Scouting and the draft process can feel mysterious to players and families, but understanding what evaluators actually look for can change everything.In this episode, host Matt Rossignol sits down with Oakland Athletics NorCal Area Scout Troy Stewart to break down how scouting really works and what it takes to become a draftable player. Troy shares his perspective on evaluating talent, the differences between high school and college prospects, and what truly makes a player stand out in showcase settings.They also discuss real world examples from the field, common misconceptions parents and players have about the recruiting and draft process, and the qualities that separate good players from those who ultimately get selected. This episode provides valuable insight for anyone serious about playing at the next level.If you are a player or parent trying to navigate the path to college baseball or professional opportunities, this conversation offers a clear look at what scouts value and how athletes can put themselves in the best position to succeed.📍 Find us here:🌐 Website: www.rossystraining.com📸 Instagram: @rossystraining