Ben Joyce on Truth About 105 MPH Fastball, JUCO to Tennessee, & How He Gained Velocity

Interviews - DSARM

19 Mar 202329:03

EducationalLearning

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TLDRIn this insightful interview, a professional baseball player from Knoxville, Tennessee, shares his journey from a junior college to the major leagues. He discusses his growth spurt in college, which led to a significant increase in pitching velocity, and his experience playing for the University of Tennessee. The player emphasizes the importance of daily hard work, proper nutrition, and a strong mindset in achieving success. He also provides advice for young athletes, encouraging them to enjoy the game and focus on continuous improvement rather than just the results.

Takeaways

🏠 Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, the player and his identical twin brother both played baseball and experienced a significant growth spurt in their teens.
🌱 Despite being undersized in their early years, the player's dedication to training and gradual physical development led to an increase in his pitching velocity.
🔝 After high school, the player attended Walters State Community College where he grew eight inches in a year, significantly boosting his pitching speed.
🎓 Committed to the University of Tennessee after his time at junior college, the player fulfilled a lifelong dream of playing for his home state's team.
🚀 Drafted by the Angels in the third round, the player's journey from middle school to professional baseball was marked by continuous improvement and a strong work ethic.
🤝 The player credits his athletic family background and the competitive environment with his brother for fueling his development.
💪 Emphasizes the importance of nutrition, sleep, and consistent training for building strength and velocity in pitching.
🧠 Discusses the mental aspect of the game, highlighting the need for a growth mindset and the ability to learn from every pitch, whether successful or not.
🏋️‍♂️ Shares his off-season routine, which includes a focus on mobility, developing off-speed pitches, and maintaining a disciplined workout regimen.
🌐 Mentions the use of technology and social media to share his workout program and connect with others interested in improving their baseball skills.
🏆 The player's advice for young athletes is to enjoy the game, focus on the process of daily improvement, and trust that results will follow.

Q & A

What was the significance of the growth spurt for the interviewee and his twin brother?
-The growth spurt was significant for the interviewee and his twin brother as it led to an increase in their physical strength and athletic performance, including an increase in pitching velocity in baseball.
How did the interviewee's velocity improve from middle school to high school?
-The interviewee's velocity improved from topping at 65 mph as a freshman to hitting 95 mph in the summer after his senior year, attributed to a growth spurt and consistent training.
What was the interviewee's initial college choice before committing to Tennessee?
-The interviewee initially attended Walters State Community College before committing to the University of Tennessee after two years.
How did the interviewee's brother's Tommy John surgery impact their competitive dynamic?
-The brother's Tommy John surgery created a temporary difference in their pitching velocities, as the interviewee experienced an extra jump up to 101 mph while his brother was recovering.
What was the interviewee's advice for young athletes looking to increase their pitching velocity?
-The interviewee advises young athletes to focus on daily work, both on and off the field, emphasizing the importance of nutrition, sleep, and consistent throwing practice.
How did the interviewee's experience at Tennessee compare to his time at a junior college?
-The interviewee found the experience at Tennessee to be more resource-rich, with better facilities and support, compared to the more independent and self-driven approach required at the junior college.
What was the interviewee's reaction when he first threw a 105 mph pitch?
-The interviewee was initially surprised and thought his coach was joking. The realization that he had thrown 105 mph was a surreal and memorable moment for him.
How did the interviewee's social media following change after his performance in a game?
-After throwing a 105 mph pitch, the interviewee's social media following increased dramatically, gaining around 20,000 followers in just a few days.
What is the philosophy behind the workout program the interviewee and his brother created?
-The philosophy behind their workout program is to combine heavy lifting with speed and agility training to enhance overall athletic performance.
How does the interviewee approach his daily routine during the off-season and in-season?
-During the off-season, the interviewee focuses on a routine that includes a big breakfast, mobility training, working on his off-speed pitches, and weight training. In-season, he maintains a similar routine with adjustments to accommodate game schedules.
What was the interviewee's perspective on the importance of playing in the SEC?
-The interviewee believes that playing in the SEC is special due to the high level of competition, the depth of talent in the lineups, and the atmosphere of the games.

Outlines

00:00

😎 Early Baseball Experiences and Growth

The speaker reflects on his early baseball experiences, highlighting his and his twin brother's journey from middle school to college. Initially undersized and not very hard throwers, they grew significantly during their time at Walter State Community College, experiencing an impressive growth spurt that elevated their pitching velocity. The speaker emphasizes the importance of day-to-day improvement and the role of competition with his brother in their development as athletes.

05:01

💪 Commitment to Fitness and Nutrition

The paragraph discusses the speaker's dedication to working out and nutrition, which he believes contributed to his physical development and increase in pitching velocity. He mentions starting to work out seriously from a young age and credits his growth into his body for the strength gains that eventually led to a velocity increase. The speaker also talks about the importance of having a mentor and the self-directed approach he and his brother took to improve their pitching.

10:03

🚀 Velocity Transformation and Pitching Advice

The speaker shares his experience with a significant increase in pitching velocity, from the low 80s in high school to hitting 100 mph during his sophomore year at Walter State. He also provides advice for young pitchers, emphasizing the importance of daily practice, focusing on nutrition, sleep, and recovery, and the need for persistence and gradual improvement rather than seeking a quick fix.

15:04

🌟 Dream Come True at Tennessee and MLB Aspirations

The speaker describes his time at the University of Tennessee as a dream come true, given his lifelong fandom and the opportunity to play for a top program. He talks about the growth he experienced both mentally and physically during his time there, especially after recovering from a torn ACL and Tommy John surgery. The speaker also shares how his velocity continued to increase, leading to his draft by the Angels in the third round.

20:05

🏋️‍♂️ Off-Season Training and Velocity Progression

The speaker outlines his off-season routine, which includes a focus on mobility, developing off-speed pitches, and maintaining a rigorous workout regimen. He discusses the importance of recovery and how he has been working on his pitch mix, including a harder slider. The speaker also shares his experience of hitting 105 mph for the first time during a game and the adjustments he made to his pitch mix in response to facing higher-level competition.

25:05

🤔 Insights on Pitching, Velocity, and Personal Development

The speaker provides insights into his mindset and approach to pitching, discussing the importance of sequencing and body mechanics in achieving high velocity. He also talks about his arm care routine and the philosophy behind his workout program, which emphasizes both strength and speed. The speaker shares his thoughts on what it takes to reach the highest levels of velocity and the importance of continuing to work on one's craft.

Best Moments at Tennessee and the SEC Experience

The speaker recounts his best moments at Tennessee, including winning the SEC Championship and the atmosphere of the regional and super regional tournaments. He discusses the differences in playing in the SEC compared to other levels, noting the depth and talent throughout the lineups. The speaker also reflects on the progression of the Tennessee baseball program and the impact of the new athletic director on the culture of the sports programs.

🛠️ The Juco Route and Its Impact on Development

The speaker shares his decision to attend a junior college (JUCO) and how it was instrumental in his development as a player. He talks about the grind of JUCO baseball and how it instilled a strong work ethic in him. The speaker also discusses the differences between JUCO and D1 athletics, particularly in terms of resources and support, and how his JUCO experience prepared him for the higher level of competition in the SEC.

💪 Overcoming Tommy John Surgery and Its Mental Challenges

The speaker discusses his experience with Tommy John surgery and the mental challenges it presented. He talks about the initial disappointment and the feeling of isolation during the recovery process. However, he emphasizes the importance of staying positive and using the time to learn and grow as a player. The speaker shares how the experience made him appreciate being on the field even more and the value of perseverance.

🎯 Long-Term Goals and Advice for Young Players

The speaker outlines his long-term goals, which include sticking in the major leagues and making an impact both on and off the field. He also provides advice for young players, encouraging them to love the game, enjoy the process, and focus on daily improvement rather than solely on results. The speaker emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and the overall experience of playing baseball.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Velo

Velo is short for velocity, particularly referring to the speed of a baseball as thrown by a pitcher. In the context of the video, it is a core concept as the discussion revolves around the pitcher's journey to increase his pitching speed. The term is used frequently, such as when the transcript mentions 'game velocity' and when discussing the 'Velo jump' after a growth spurt.

💡Growth Spurt

A growth spurt refers to a period of rapid increase in physical growth, often associated with puberty. In the video, the concept is central to the narrative as the athlete describes how a significant growth spurt during his time at a junior college led to an increase in his pitching velocity and overall athletic performance.

💡Junior College (Juco)

Junior colleges, or Juco, are two-year colleges that provide lower-cost education and are often used by athletes to develop their skills before transferring to a four-year university. In the script, the athlete mentions attending a junior college, Walter State Community College, where he experienced significant growth and development in his baseball career.

💡Tommy John Surgery

Tommy John Surgery is a procedure used to repair ulnar collateral ligament injuries in the elbow, common in baseball pitchers. The video discusses the athlete's experience with the surgery during his sophomore year, which impacted his playing time and required a period of intense rehabilitation.

💡Draft

In the context of sports, a draft refers to the process by which teams select new players from a pool of eligible candidates. The athlete in the video discusses being drafted by the Angels in the third round, marking a significant milestone in his professional baseball career.

💡Mobility

Mobility in sports refers to the range of motion and flexibility of an athlete's joints and muscles. The video emphasizes the importance of mobility in the athlete's training routine, highlighting how it contributes to his performance and recovery.

💡ACL Injury

An ACL injury refers to damage to the anterior cruciate ligament, which is one of the key ligaments in the knee. The script mentions the athlete tearing his ACL, which is a serious injury that can sideline athletes for extended periods and requires significant rehabilitation.

💡Pitching Coach

A pitching coach is a specialist who trains baseball pitchers to improve their form, technique, and performance. The video mentions the athlete's experience with a pitching coach, Lou Avery, who helped him develop his pitching skills during his youth.

💡Nutrition

Nutrition is the study of the food and nutrients that are necessary for the body to function properly. In the video, the athlete talks about the importance of nutrition in his training regimen and how it contributed to his growth and strength gains.

💡Work Ethic

Work ethic refers to an individual's attitude and approach towards work, including aspects like diligence, responsibility, and perseverance. The video's theme of personal development and improvement is closely tied to the athlete's strong work ethic, which he attributes to his success on the field.

💡Slider

A slider is a type of pitch in baseball that has a sharp, sliding motion, making it difficult for batters to hit. The video discusses the athlete's work on developing a harder slider, which is part of his pitch mix and a key aspect of his strategy on the mound.

💡Cutter

A cutter, short for cut fastball, is a type of pitch in baseball that moves laterally, often used to deceive the batter. The script mentions the athlete's focus on developing a cutter, which is part of his pitch arsenal and contributes to his effectiveness as a pitcher.

💡Splitter

A splitter, also known as a split-finger fastball, is a pitch that drops sharply as it approaches the plate. The video mentions the splitter as part of the athlete's pitch mix, though he notes that he throws it less frequently than his other pitches.

Highlights

The interviewee discusses his experience as a baseball player, focusing on his growth, training, and mindset.

Mentions a significant growth spurt during his time at Walter State Community College, which contributed to a jump in his pitching velocity.

Talks about the importance of daily practice and gradual improvement, emphasizing the journey over the destination.

Shares his background, including being an undersized athlete in middle and high school who eventually grew and gained velocity.

Recalls his experience of throwing a 105 mph pitch during a game, which was a significant personal achievement.

Discusses the role of nutrition and working out in his development as an athlete.

Highlights the importance of having a mentor or coach, even if it's just for guidance in the early stages of one's athletic career.

Explains his approach to increasing pitching velocity, which includes daily practice and focusing on body mechanics.

Shares his experience with social media attention after his pitching performance gained traction.

Talks about his decision to attend a junior college before committing to a university, and how it contributed to his growth.

Mentions the difference in resources and support between junior college and a Division I university.

Discusses the importance of mobility and flexibility in his training routine, especially after experiencing injuries.

Provides advice for young athletes on focusing on the process of improvement rather than just the results.

Shares insights on the recruiting process and the importance of development over the prestige of the school.

Talks about his long-term goals in baseball, including making an impact on and off the field.

Concludes with a message to young athletes about the importance of enjoying the game and trusting the process of development.

Transcripts

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Related Tags

Baseball Player Growth Spurt MLB Draft Junior College Tennessee Fan Tommy John Work Ethic Pitching Velocity Recruiting Process Career Advice