The Backpick Podcast

Ever wondered what a Major League catcher really thinks about when the ball is flying at 100 mph? Join Toronto Blue Jays catcher Tyler Heinemann as he breaks down the elite art of receiving, blocking, and managing a big league pitching staff from the perspective of a true technician. In this episode of the Back Pick Podcast, host Brett Thomas sits down with Tyler to nerd out on the technical side of the catching craft. Tyler shares his unique insights on why he views the game from an over the shoulder umpire perspective and how he adjusts his setup for different pitchers like Max Scherzer, Kevin Gausman, and Chris Bassitt. We dive deep into the upcoming ABS challenge system, the mechanics of the one knee down stance, and the selfless mentality required to be an elite backup catcher in the MLB. Whether you are a young player looking to improve your blocking or a fan who wants to understand the nuances of the strike zone, this conversation covers everything you need to know about the most demanding position on the field. Chapters 0:00 Intro and Blue Jays Season Recap 4:20 The Mentality and Role of a Backup Catcher 8:45 Defensive Goals and Offseason Improvements 11:55 Catering Setups to Elite Pitchers 15:40 Communication with Pitchers and Coaches 19:30 Receiving Mechanics and the Umpires View 24:10 Understanding the Umpire Buffer Zone and Hawkeye 28:50 How the ABS Challenge System Works 33:40 Game Strategy for Successful Challenges 38:15 Blocking Techniques and One Knee Down Benefits 42:45 Lateral Blocking and Pitch Movement Calculations 47:10 The Mental Approach to Blocking and Relaxation 49:30 Toronto Food Recommendations and Closing If you enjoyed this deep dive into the craft of catching, make sure to like the video and subscribe to the channel. We bring you expert insights from the best in the game every other week. Don't forget to follow us on social media for more tips and drills. #baseball #catching #bluejays #mlb #catcher

Send us a textJoin us on this week's episode of The Backpack Podcast as host Brett Thomas sits down with Jordan Comadena, the Pittsburgh Pirates' catching coach. Dive into Jordan's journey, his insights on catching techniques, and his experiences coaching at the highest level. Discover how one-knee-down stances are transforming the way you play and why mental fortitude is key to mastering the catcher position. Learn from Jordan's experiences working with MLB catchers like Joey Bart and Yasmani Grandal. This episode is packed with valuable tips and stories from the field. Don't miss it!

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to mastering the catcher position with insights from Nick Dini, a former major league catcher for the Kansas City Royals. Join us on the Backpick Podcast as Nick shares his journey from a multi-sport athlete to a professional baseball player, all while overcoming significant challenges like Tommy John surgery. Discover his unique path from playing various positions to eventually finding his passion for catching, and learn how his experiences now shape his coaching philosophy for young athletes in New Jersey.Nick opens up about his transformation in understanding the technical aspects of catching, discussing the pivotal moments that led him to prioritize receiving over blocking and throwing. With a deep dive into the modern metrics of receiving pitches, Nick provides invaluable tips for catchers looking to refine their skills. He reflects on the importance of adaptability and continuous learning, sharing personal stories of struggle and triumph that will resonate with players and coaches alike.We also explore the fundamental mechanics and mental aspects of catching, from the benefits of the knee-down stance to improving overall performance. Nick advocates for a flexible coaching approach that allows young catchers to experiment with different techniques, stressing the importance of results over tradition. We wrap up with a heartfelt shoutout to Ian Miller and the Nine Hole Podcast, highlighting the incredible journey of a fellow baseball enthusiast. This episode is packed with practical advice, inspiring stories, and the latest in catching techniques—perfect for anyone passionate about baseball.

Send us a textStep up to the plate with us as we welcome the remarkable 2022 gold and platinum award winner, Jose Trevino, to the Back Pick podcast. Trevino opens up about the seldom-discussed psychological hurdles athletes face during injury recovery. He shares how his family's support was his cornerstone and reveals the influence his infield background has on his catching prowess. This episode isn't just a play-by-play of a catcher's life; it's an intimate passage through the heart of baseball resilience and the strategic dance between positions.Imagine transforming the way you play the game, and that's precisely what we unpack with Trevino. He recounts adopting the one-knee-down stance and the transformative catching techniques and strength training regimens that propelled his flexibility and performance. We navigate through the technicalities of exchange and transfer mechanics, the meticulous art of receiving, and the indispensable skill of blocking. For those who see baseball as a blend of strategy and art, these stories are like watching a master at work, honing his craft behind the plate.Our in-depth exchange rounds the bases with discussions on the profound impact of coaching, the strategic evolution of the game, and the camaraderie between players and umpires. Trevino tips his cap to the mentors who've shaped his journey, and we look to the horizon where his aspirations of management cast a long shadow on the diamond. Join us as we celebrate the team effort, the precision of the game, and the shared pursuit of growth that defines the soul of baseball. The Back Pick podcast is where the love for the game meets the love of the story, and this episode with Jose Trevino perfectly captures that spirit.

Send us a textEver wondered what skills are needed to guide a baseball from being just a ball and glove game to an art of catching? From the Field General Catching Academy, renowned coach Tyler Goodro and I explore the finer points of the great game of baseball, focusing on the mind and skills behind catching. We share our experiences transitioning from player to coach, emphasizing on the importance of active listening, continuous learning, and the art of failing in order to learn.Our conversation gets into the nitty-gritty of catching techniques, the training strategies employed, and the critical skill of blocking. Hear us dissect this skill - from getting comfortable getting hit by the ball, reading and reacting, to the use of different balls and the power of repetitions. We also discuss why it's more straightforward to catch and receive standing up and the need to let players experience failure as part of their growth process.As we move further into our enlightening dialogue, we delve into our experiences with baseball blocking and recovery, stressing on the crucial aspect of teaching youth catchers how best to block and recover. We also explore the benefits of one-knee catching and how it can enhance a player’s performance on the field. Wrapping up our chat on a fun note, Tyler shares his best food recommendation in Omaha, Nebraska for all you foodies out there. Join us for an enriching session that uncovers the art and science of baseball catching!

Send us a textCrack open the world of baseball wisdom with me and my guest, Bobby Wilson, a seasoned big-league player and now the catching coordinator for the Texas Rangers. From deep in the dugout to behind the plate, Bobby has played every role in the game, and in our conversation, he shares the nuggets of knowledge he's gathered over his decade-long career. We take a swing at understanding the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the pivotal pitcher-catcher relationship - the cornerstone of the Rangers program.Navigating the evolving landscape of baseball, we explore the potential future of the catcher position, with Bobby offering his predictions on how recent rule changes and the new pitch clock might change the game. We shed light on Bobby's unique approach to bringing out the best in individual catchers, highlighting the work with Trevino and Jonah Heim. Bobby shares his belief in curating a personalized training plan, exploiting strengths, and addressing the needs of each catcher uniquely.In the third inning of our chat, we discuss the fascinating impact of social media on the catcher community. Bobby reveals how it's not just about teaching young players the traditional skills but also about introducing them to advanced techniques that have gained traction in the digital world. We also take a deep dive into the progression of stances, the significance of upper body posture, and Bobby's run-ins with the great Mike Trout. So step up to the plate and join us for an intriguing conversation filled with anecdotes, insights, and the love of the game. Be sure to subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday!

Send us a textWorld Series Champion and 10 year major leaguer, Daniel Descalso, discusses playing in the games biggest moments, he talks Yadier Molina, and hit approach to hitting that lead to his long career.