Over the past year, Jake, now in peak health, has dedicated himself to making a strong comeback from the Tommy John surgery he underwent at the end of his college career in 2022. This period has been marked by a complete overhaul of his throwing mechanics and pitch arsenal, aimed at securing a pro job this year.
During this transformative journey, Jake has made significant advancements in two key areas: enhancing his understanding and execution of throwing mechanics and boosting his capability to consistently deliver high intent throws. A major focus has been on leveraging his body mechanics more effectively—starting from peak leg lift, he has worked on creating forward momentum down the mound, allowing gravity to play a role in his throw.
Historically, Jake faced challenges with efficiently transferring energy through his body and achieving a seamless rotation into front foot strike (FFS) to establish a stable blocking position. To address this, we concentrated on developing a genuine blocking action with his lead leg and pelvis.
Furthermore, we've made strides in delaying his rotation by maintaining internal rotation on his glove side and synchronizing the unwinding of his shoulders and arm as he releases the ball. This adjustment has corrected a previously pushy arm action, resulting in more efficient rotation, reduced elbow stress (as monitored by Nextiles), and a more consistent maximum velocity.
Adopting a simple yet effective strategy, we encouraged Jake to throw the ball with greater intensity. Despite its simplicity, this advice proved transformative, particularly as Jake previously believed he was already throwing with maximum effort without having a concrete benchmark for his throw's intensity.
To remedy this, Jake began using a pocket radar and Nextiles sleeve to monitor every throw, which led to a paradigm shift in our approach. We started prioritizing throws with maximum or near-maximum effort, regardless of whether it was a designated "hard throw" day. This approach not only elevated his baseline performance but also pushed his peak capabilities, aiding him in consistently hitting speeds over 90 mph.
Reflecting on this experience, Jake notes, "This rehab has been an enlightening multifaceted journey. Similar to anyone who has navigated through injury and rehabilitation, I've gained invaluable insights into maintaining optimal health. It's been incredibly inspiring to connect with others who've traversed similar paths and to hear their success stories. My journey began with a UCL tear during my fifth year at ECU in 2022, leading to surgery in August of that year. As I was wrapping up my master's program, it provided a meaningful distraction through the initial rehab phase. Completing my master's in spring 2023 seamlessly transitioned me into full-time training and a focused return to play. The subsequent summer and fall were periods of gradual, sometimes frustrating, progress, during which I leaned heavily on Connected Performance. It's during these challenging times that perseverance becomes key. The past winter marked a turning point, showcasing tangible improvements that propelled me through the final stages of preparation for the season. Today, I believe I'm throwing better than ever and am immensely grateful for everyone involved in my rehabilitation and return to the game."
View Jake's transformation video here.
Currently, Jake's bullpen sessions feature fastballs ranging from 89-91 mph, launched from a low 5'3" release point, achieving a consistent 19+ inches of induced vertical break (IVB). He has also preserved his exceptional low 80s changeup and slider from his college days. (Video and Trackman data are available upon request)
Jake's standout quality is his exceptional command, as evidenced by his collegiate performance of 229.2 innings pitched, 188 strikeouts, and only 63 walks for ECU. His competitive spirit and proven track record—boasting a 3.92 ERA, a 21-7 record in 47 games, leading ECU to four NCAA regional and three super regional appearances—make him an ideal candidate as a starter or reliever for any team in 2024. Notably, he pitched the 31st perfect game in D1 NCAA history against Maryland in 2019, shortly after taking a no-hitter into the 9th inning against Ole Miss.
Jake's unwavering commitment to his personal and professional development over the last two years has positioned him as a no brainer at the professional level. Embracing these challenges not only fortifies one's resolve but also equips one with the essential tools for continuous growth and success in their career. For guidance on transforming your career contact training@connected-performance.com today.