Six Tool Baseball News and Updates

While most parents are trying to do what's best for their child, there are a few things we'd like you to consider.  Playing for multiple teams can be a good idea unless your son is a Pitcher that pitches for more than one team.  If a player is pitching for multiple summer baseball teams the chances for over-pitching and potential arm issues increases greatly.  Parents are also encouraged to place their child in a program that will provide a lot of practice and playing time at multiple positions.  While a season of 18-0 with constant blowout victories is a fun experience, is your child really being challenged enough to develop their skill base.  Constantly losing usually results in a decrease in passion for the game of baseball among participants.  The goal should be to find the highest level of competition that your child will get a lot of playing time to participate in.  A 3-2 loss develops an athletes skill base more than a 15-0 victory.  Also, keep in mind what is more important to your childs baseball journey, to win a little league championship or win a sectional title or go to the college world series.  This is a development verse performance scenario.  In regard to academics, they are even more important for the student-athlete baseball player.  Keep in mind while Division 3 baseball programs cannot offer baseball scholarships, they can offer ACADEMIC scholarships that assist in paying the tuition of a college baseball player.  We require a 3.0 GPA or B average to participate in our programs.  The most important thing to do is ENJOY the journey towards your childs baseball goals.  Have fun along the way, don't simply focus on a final baseball goal.

Western New York (Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, and Livingston Counties) has seen an increase in talented Student-Athlete baseball players over the past few years.  We will list the areas "Top Ten" College prospects and players about to be noticed in the next few weeks.  NEVER let another baseball player outwork you!!!

1. Ethan Robinson, 2023, Donelson Christian, 6-5, 193, RHP
2. Chase Burns, 2021, Beech Senior, 6-4, 215,  RHP (20th round, attending College)
3. James Peyton Smith, 2021, East Robertson, 6-4, 230, RHP (College)
4. Ryan Ginther, 2021, Station Camp, 5-11, 205, LHP (College)
5. Kavares Tears, 2021, Columbia Academy, 5-11, 188,  OF (College)
6. Camden Hayslip, 2021, Friendship Christian, 6-3, 205,  OF/LHP (College)
7. Joseph King, 2022, Ezell Harding, 6-2, 190,  LHP
8. Miller Green, 2023, Lipscomb Academy, 6-5, 207,  LHP
9. Cade Granzow, 2021, Brentwood, 6-3, 202, RHP/3B (College)
10. Luke Ellis, 2021, St. Benedict, 6-1, 188,  LHP (College)
11. Colton Regen, 2021,  Mt. Juliet, 6-4, 168, RHP (College)
12. Drew Beam, 2021, Blackman, 6-4, 202,  RHP (College)
13. Micheal Dallas, 2021, Briarcrest Christian, 6-1, 184,  SS (College) 
14. Tayler Montiel, 2021, Brentwood, 6-2, 192,  LHP  (College)
15. Christian Lim, 2023, Montgomery Bell, 5-10, 178,  LHP
16. Elijah Galyon, 2021, Seymour, 5-11, 193,  3B  (College)
17. Jay Dill, 2021, Baylor, 6-5, 230,  3B/1B  (College)
18. Jaxon Walker, 2024, Loudon, 5-11, 175, LHP
19. Dylan Loy, 2023, Pigeon Forge, 6-1, 158, LHP
20. Tanner Langley, 2021, Overton, 6-2, 220,  3B  (College)
21. Luke Payne, 2023, Goodpasture, 6-2, 183,  LHP
22. Nick Correll, 2021, Knights Academy, 6-3, 190,  RHP  (College)
23. Will Dugan, 2022, Lipscomb Academy, 6-4, 233,  RHP
24. Andrew Behnke, 2022, Donelson Christian, 5-9, 175, LHP
25. Austin Hunley, 2022, Mt. Juliet, 6-3, 178, RHP

1. Brady House, 2021,  Windor-Barrow, 6-3, 210,  3B/RHP (1st Round)
2. Andruw Jones, 2022, Wesleyan, 6-3, 180,  OF
3. Harry Ford, 2021, North Cobb, 5-10, 202,  C  (1st Round)
4. Ryan Spikes, 2021, Parkview, 5-8, 182,  SS  (3rd Round)
5. Jared Jones, 2022, Marietta, 6-4, 230,  C
6. Rob Gordon, 2021, Grady, 6-2, 177, SS  (College) 
7. James Tibbs III, 2021, Pope, 6-0, 181,  OF   (College) 
8. Khristian Campbell, 2021, Walton, 6-3, 188,  SS   (College) 
9. Carter Holton, Benedictine Military, 5-11, 197,  LHP
10. Hagen Banks, 2021, Calhoun, 6-4, 185 , RHP   (College) 
11. Thaddeus Ector, 2021, Starrs Mill, 6-1, 183,  OF  (College)  
12. RJ Austin, 2022, Pace Academy, 5-11, 183,  SS
13. Dylan Lesko, 2022, Buford, 6-3, 192,  RHP
14. Antonio Anderson, 2023, Tri-Cities, 6-3, 190  SS/RHP
15. Termarr Johnson, 2022, Mays, 5-10, 175,  SS
16. Nathan Smith, 2021, Buford,  6-2, 207,  C   (College) 
17. Christian Smith, 2021, Grady, 6-2, 195,  OF   (College) 
18. Coleman Willis, 2021, Houston County, 6-6, 192,  RHP   (College) 
19. Jonathan Braswell, 2021, Loganville, 6-3, 205,  OF   (College) 
20. Josh Tate, 2022, Starrs Mill, 5-11, 165,  SS
21. Cam Collier, 2023, Mt. Paran Christian, 6-2, 208,  3B
22. Saamy Leis, 2022, Denmark, 6-2, 175,  C
23. Jax Phillips, 2024, East Cobb, 6-3, 182,  3B/RHP
24. Jake Lanke, 2023, Blessed Trinity, 6-1, 182,  RHP
25. Mike Mullinax, 2024, North Cobb Christian, 6-2, 180,  OF

Adults may remember the "special basketball shoes" that were designed to improve the vertical jump of basketball players.  While they looked like some kind of space shoes elevated in the front and supposed to increase calf strength, they eventually found out that they may have led to numerous knee injuries.  I was once told that "They wouldn't sell them if they hurt people".  This individual must of never heard of cigarettes or beer.  Businesses will sell anything that they can legally make money from.  Weighted baseballs have been made popular lately.  If utilized correctly, by an adult, they have some benefit if you follow and complete the active recovery duties that come with it.  I have seen numerous arm injuries when they are utilized by high school Pitchers and student-athletes as young as ten years old.  I have also seen, on several occasions, someone gains 1 or 2 MPH, but then has a reduction in velocity.  84 MPH as a sophomore and then 79 as a senior is not the results anyone is looking for.  Long term arm issues after your baseball career need to be also considered.  Another recent "fad" is the concept of the launch angle which usually results in an upper-cut type swing.  Pitchers are learning to utilize high fastballs is zone 7, 8, and 9 to counter these results.  Also, think for a moment about a student-athletes size.  If you are 6-4, 225 pounds, launch angle may result in an increase homeruns.  However, what about the majority of baseball players that are 5-8, 140 pounds or even smaller?  Are you teaching yourself to fly out consistently?  When something new is introduced to baseball players and coaches common sense and understanding the "fad" is crucial.  What does the science say?  What studies have been completed, if any?  The bottom line question each individual baseball player should be asking themselves is, WILL THIS WORK FOR ME when I become a Varsity level or Collegiate student-athlete?

Recovery Workouts will be offered to all high school and college Pitchers throughout the week based on availability.  If you pitch today, then you should consider and are eligible for a recovery workout the following day.  If there is not a Recovery Workout available, please contact us via e-mail (aaron@sixtoolbaseball.com) to see if one can be scheduled.  Remember to complete your active recovery duties after you leave the game you pitched.  

The High School Baseball Season has started.  Make sure that you are completing your program with a specific focus on pre-game, post-game, and active recovery duties.  If the temperature dips below 70 degrees make sure you have a hoodie or jacket available between innings.  Hydrate, eat high protein foods and get the sleep you need before all games and practices.  Baseball Specific Training is now providing "in-season" workouts with a focus on recovery.   Pitchers should be referring to their individualized plans and in the weight room three times a week.  It is important that you talk to your Coaches to determine when you are scheduled to Start or have bullpen duties a week in advance of your games to prepare properly.