Behind the Seams Baseball Podcast

Top 5 Hottest Topics of 2025

28 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Happy New Year Everyone!Today, I’m going to review some of the hottest topics of 2025 coming in to RPP this year. Topics Include:Increasing Speed an...

Behind the Seams - Best of 2025 (Top 5)

21 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Holidays!It’s that time of year again when we present the Top 5 listened to podcasts of 2025. Top 5 Titles: Using VALD Force Plate Metrics to...

Using Active Recovery to Boost Your Training Programs

07 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Using active recovery or Fillers in training programs can be the un-sung hero to an athlete’s progress through the off-season. Today, I’ll explain...

Utilizing VALD Force Plate Data to Improve Lead Leg Performance

23 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today’s podcast, I’m answering several questions that have come in from coaches on how we use force plate testing to improve performance. Today...

5 Topics Young Hitters Struggle With w/ Coach Andrew Pezzuto

02 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're with Andrew Pezzutto, RPP Director of Hitting and Director of Player Development at RPP Revolution Travel Baseball. Today's topi...

The Road to Throwing Harder

26 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nothing happens in isolation and throwing hgarder is no different. In today’s podcast, I’ll discuss the various methods we use to get our guys to ...

How We Integrate Strength Training into RPP Revolution, our Baseball Travel Program

11 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’m answering quite a few questions as to how we incorporate strength training into RPP Revolution, our travel baseball program Topics Include...

The Power of Assessments in the Recruiting Process

05 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re with RPP Director of Recruiting Sam Sharf to talk about how powerful metrics from our assessment has helped raise the bar and given him...

Podcast #156: Lower Half Pitching Mechanics… The Drive, Rotation and Lead Leg Block

21 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re going to finish this 2-part series on lower half pitching mechanics by reviewing  the Drive, Rotation and the Lead Leg Block phases i...

Lower Half Pitching Mechanics - The Drift and The Load

14 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re going to talk about the “Drift” and the "Load”, when coming down the mound. This is Part 1 of a two-part podcast on lower hal...

Getting More Volume Out of Your Programming

07 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mobility is something many athletes try to skip when training. So today, I’m going to discuss how to incorporate this work into your programming and...

Zone 2 Training for Baseball Players

31 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’ll be discussing a topic that I feel gets a bit of a bad rap from a population that may not fully understand it. I’m talking about aerobic...

Improving Baseball Metrics through Rate of Force Development (RFD)

10 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nothing could be more important to throwing or hitting the ball harder than power production. Today we’re talking how to produce more power, but mor...

The Importance of Lean Muscle Mass and Playing College Baseball

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’m sitting down with Nutritionist and Dietician Nick Valenti. We refer all of our athletes looking to help increase their performance to Nick...

Key Takeaways from Operating and Running a Travel Baseball Program

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today my partner, Bahram Shirazi, and I are discussing some of the key takeaways we’ve gathered since putting together our travel baseball program u...

Coastal's Matt Williams on the road to Omaha and the RPP College Assessment

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with Coastal Carolina Pitching Coach Matt Williams, just recently back from Coastal’s run to the CWS in Omaha. In this ep...

Building a Mid Major Powerhouse with Murray State's Pitching Coach Steve Adkins

12 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are sitting down with Murray State’s Assistant Coach and Pitching Coach Steve Adkins, fresh off a run to the CWS in Omaha. Topics Include:C...

Programming for Pitchers to Optimize Performance and Health

06 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s podcast, I’ll be discussing important protocol that should be in every pitcher’s training program in order to throw harder and do it ...

Maximizing Power

28 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’m going to talk about how to increase power on the mound, behind the plate and on the bases. Topics include:Strength and Velocity are NOT in...

Getting Ready to Do It Again… RPP College Assessments

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every year in August, we’re hired to provide select D1 programs our assessment and evaluation summaries on individualized programming for their athl...

5 Elements to a Great S&C Program

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’m flying solo and talking about what you should be looking for when shopping around for, or writing, your own Strength and Conditioning prog...

Ins and Outs of Coaching and Recruiting with Salve Regina's Coach Andrew McKeon

07 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with Salve Regina’s Coach Andrew McKeon. As the Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, Coach McKeon wears a lot...

Putting on the Brakes… Training Deceleration

24 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I am going to cover the importance of deceleration, whether it be the lead leg block or change-of-direction speed. Topics Include:How decelerat...

Fueling Up for Success with Sports Nutritionist Nick Valenti

18 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with sports nutritionist / dietician Nick Valenti to discuss optimizing performance by making better nutritional choices in...

How to Navigate the College Transfer Portal w/ Sam Sharf, RPP Director of Recruiting

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I am having my partner Bahram Shirazi sit in for me as the Guest Host with Sam Sharf, RPP's Director of Recruiting. The topic is the Colle...

Elite College Summer Programs... How Do We Get Those Big Gains?

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re taking a deeper look into our Elite College Summer Programs. This will be our 8th year and we've have seen incredible results over ...

Mobility... What it is, What it isn't and Why It's Important

27 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mobility can sometimes be treated as the un-wanted stepchild to an athlete. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. So, today we’re ...

Importance of Athletic and Mental Maturity with Wofford Head Coach J.J. Edwards

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’m sitting down with Division I Wofford Head Coach J.J. Edwards. This is his 2nd year as The Terrier’s Head Coach. Topics Include:The impo...

Training Explosive Power Through Plyometrics

12 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I’m flying solo today, discussing plyometric training and some of the “Pros” of training it correctly… and” Cons” of training it poorly. T...

Philosophies for Success on the Mound with Monmouth Pitching Coach Mike Russo

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with Monmouth University Pitching Coach Mike Russo. This conversation covers a lot of bases. Topics Include:Body, Ball, Per...

Training the Missing Link... Ankle Strength and Stability

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I’m flying solo today and discussing a topic that doesn’t get addressed nearly enough. I’m talking about the importance of ankle strength and st...

An In-depth Conversation with Winthrop University's Assistant Coach Mike Napolitano

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I am having Sam Sharf, RPP’s Director of Recruiting, sit in for me as the Guest Host with Winthrop Baseball’s Assistant Coach Mike Napolita...

Overcoming the Challenges of Coaching High School Athletes with Johnston Hobbs

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're with Coach Johnston Hobbs, Head Coach at Ft. Lauderdale High School, the Flying L’s.  He has coached and played at every level of...

Building a Division III Powerhouse with Misericordia's Garrett deMarrais

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with Garrett deMarrais, Assistant Coach / Recruiting Coordinator of Division III powerhouse Misericordia Baseball. The Coug...

Talking Shop with RPP Strength and Conditioning Coach Bill Walsh

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with RPP Strength and Conditioning Coach Bill Walsh. Bill brings with him 20 years of experience in both the S&C and AT...

College Baseball Recruiting with Sam Sharf, RPP Director of Recruiting

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’m sitting down with Sam Sharf, RPP's new Director of Recruiting and Sales. Sam brings with him over 12 years of baseball coaching and ...

Training Strength in an Elite College Setting with Jamie Burleson at FSU

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're sitting down with Florida State Strength and Conditioning Coach Jamie Burleson to talk about training strength with the elite col...

Turning on the Lower Half for Better Lead Leg Stability

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about creating a more efficient lead leg block through lower half activation with PT Greg LaMendola. Topics Include:Removing bl...

Training for Scapular Stability

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’m flying solo addressing how to identify and train Scapular Stability. This is such an important topic with many athletes ramping up into ha...

ABCA Highlights and Human Performance with Dr. Jimmy Onate

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After speaking at last week’s ABCA, today I’m sitting down with Dr. Jimmy Onate, Director of Human Performance at the Ohio State University to dis...

A Day in the Life of an S&C Coach in Pro Ball with Zach Kollar

05 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re sitting down with S&C Coach Zach Kollar with the Toronto Blue Jays, who was also formerly the Director of S&C at RPP Baseball. ...

The Best of 2024 Podcasts

27 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Happy New Year! This week we’ve got a special episode featuring the Top 5 downloaded podcasts of 2024. Topics will include:Training Rotation (Eugene...

Maximizing Nutrition to Gain Lean Muscle Mass with Sam and Alex French

15 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with Sam French, Freshman Pitcher / Corner Infielder at Red Bank Catholic High School (NJ), and his father Alex French. Sam...

Maximizing the Recruiting Process with Andy Kiriakedes

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with EMD Recruiting’s Andy Kiriakedes. Being both a former player and a coach, Andy brings a wealth of knowledge to the t...

Off-Season To Do List with Texas Christian University's Zach Dechant

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with Zach Dechant Strength and Conditioning and Performance Coach at Texas Christian University (TCU). Today’s topic is g...

Testing and Training the Shoulder for Optimum Health and Performance

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’ll be discussing testing and training the shoulder to help both optimize performance, as well as help reduce the risk of injury. Topics inc...

Getting Faster... Training Speed for Baseball Players

03 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’ll cover a number of methods and information on training linear and change-of-direction speed. Topics Include:Efficient Running MechanicsAn...

Adjusting the Power Curve to Create More Explosive Athletes

27 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re discussing adjusting the power curve in order to better improve performance when training high performance athletes. Topics Include:Forc...

Newest Advancements in Tommy John Repair and Recovery with Dr. Casey Pierce

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Casey Pierce to discuss the Triple Tommy John Procedure, the newest advancements in Tommy John ...

RPP Pitching Lab... What to Look for in an Off-season Training Protocol for Pitchers

13 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the off-season upon us, today, we’re going to sit down and answer a few questions that we get asked often regarding what to look for in a great...

Talkin' Baseball with Terry Cashman

28 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In 1981 the song “Talkin’ Baseball” took the country by storm. The song describes the history of American major league baseball from the 1950s t...

What It Takes to Be Elite with HS Sophomore Graham Keen

22 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with RPP Remote Athlete Graham Keen (Class 2027). Graham is ranked #1 in PA and #2 Nationally by PBR and #1 in PA and #34 N...

Finding the Right Fit, the Recruiting Side of Things with Coastal's Tyler Shewmaker

13 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with Coastal Carolina Recruiting / Player Development Coordinator Tyler Shewmaker. Topics Include:The importance for athlet...

Strength & Conditioning in D1 Baseball with Coastal Carolina's Mike Thomson

07 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s podcast is with Coastal Carolina S&C Coach Mike Thomson. We spent a few days with Mike assessing Coastal Carolina’s pitchers a few...

The RPP Road Show... Pitching Analysis with Niko Leontarakis

31 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we cap off our remote college assessments with the pitching side of things with RPP Director of Pitching Niko Leontarakis. Topics include:Av...

The RPP Road Show... Profiling Pitchers Down South

25 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This past week we flew down South to assess Division 1 Pitchers at a couple High-Level Universities. Here are the results and commentary.  Topics Inc...

Starting New at Coastal Carolina and the RPP Assessment with Pitching Coach Matt Williams

10 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're with Coastal Carolina pitching coach Matt Williams to discuss what goes into starting with a new organization, as well as his experi...

Total Body Reactivation Therapy with PT Greg LaMendola

28 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’m sitting down with physical therapist Greg LaMendola who specializes in a technique known as “Total Body Re-activation Therapy”. Topics...

Life in the Transfer Portal with Ohio State Pitcher Ryan Butler

21 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’m sitting down with former Liberty University and now Ohio State pitcher Ryan Butler to discuss his experiences and lessons learned once yo...

Global Movement Patterns... Why Are They Important

14 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s podcast, we’re talking about global movement patterns, why they’re so important, their influence on performance and some great co...

Improving Movement on the Mound through Anterior Core Training

05 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’ll be taking a look at five reasons to train the anterior core in order to improve efficiency on the mound. Topics Include:Improving extens...

Reducing the Risk of Injury through Training Force

23 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’ll be talking about Force Production. While being strong will definitely help produce higher ground force, training the tendons and ligamen...

Discussing Hard Gainers, Lean Muscle Mass and Protein with Nick Valenti

16 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re sitting down with sports nutritionist Nick Valenti to discuss the widely misunderstood topic of sports nutrition. Topics include:Calori...

Status of Travel Ball and What to Look for in a Great Program

07 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’m sitting down with my partner here at RPP, Bahram Shirazi,  to discuss the current status of travel baseball as well as what to look for i...

My 100th Podcast and 9 "Ah-Ha" Moments Along the Way!

01 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week marks my 100th episode of the “Behind The Seams Podcast”.  It’s been, not only an incredible journey but also, an incredible learning...

Pitch Design with Rapsodo's Matt Fowles and John Garrett

25 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Matt Hartshorn Pitching Coordinator with RPP is guest hosting, and we’re sitting down with Rapsodo’s Director of Marketing Matt Fowles and ...

Summer Training Considerations for College Athletes

10 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’m flying solo, answering questions regarding playing summer ball (or not). And if so, how to train properly during the hot summer months in ...

Building the Total Athlete, LTAD in Travel Baseball

03 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with Pitching Coordinator Matt Hartshorn and Director of Hitting Andrew Pezzuto, both coaches on the new RPP Revolution 14U...

Working with Youth and Training Athleticism into Rotation with Eugene Bleecker

27 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're sitting down with 108 Performance owner and operator Eugene Bleecker to discuss some issues when training young athletes as well ...

Understanding Efficient Sequencing

20 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about the importance of efficient sequencing in the delivery and how to view it without the use of technology. Topics include:Se...

Successfully Managing Your Kid's Career and Staying Out of the Way

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking with Trish Keen, parent of one of our remote high school athletes, Graham Keen.  Graham (Class 2027) is ranked #1 in PA and #30...

The Jaeger / Sullivan Return to Throwing Manual & Schedule

30 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with Alan Jaeger and Randy Sullivan to discuss their new “Jaeger-Sullivan Return to Throw Manual and Schedule”.  I had...

Training Latin Players in the DR, Similarities and Differences with Brewers Blake Nation

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re sitting down with the Brewers Pitching and Development Coach Blake Nation. Blake was recently at the Brewers Dominican Academy working ...

Maximizing Your Season with In-Season Training

15 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the baseball season kicking in, I thought it was a great time for my yearly sit down-talking about the importance of staying in shape in-season. ...

MLB Pre-season Preparation with the Padres Eric Junge

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with the San Diego Padres throwing coach Eric Junge, founder of Pitch IQ. Topics include:The difference between coaching me...

Changing Body Composition in High Level Athletes

25 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In most situations, athletes are generally trying to gain weight to become more explosive. But when dealing with higher level athletes that already po...

Creating Better Global Movement Patterns with Dr. Ismael Gallo

16 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with Dr. Ismael Gallo, founder of Baseball Flows. Dr. Gallo and I spoke last year (episode #33) and the response was so gre...

Why Isn’t My Pitching Velocity Up Yet?

10 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, with high intensity throwing starting to ramp up here in the northeast, I’m going to try and answer the annual question coming into our facil...

Analyzing Mental Performance on the Mound with Mike Huber

04 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re sitting down with mental performance coach Mike Huber. Mike came to RPP the other day to watch an athlete who has been struggling a ...

Assessing and Profiling Pitchers

28 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’m going to break down a presentation that I gave recently on profiling pitchers at this year’s Bridge Seminar at Wake Forest University. T...

Managing Pitchers in the ACC with Notre Dame Assistant Head Coach Seth Voltz

19 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with Notre Dame Assistant Head Coach Seth Voltz. Coach Voltz brings with him a plethora of knowledge and information, from ...

Discussing Early / Mid Off-Season Training: Progress and Lessons learned

12 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're sitting down with RPP Director of Strength and Conditioning Zach Kollar to take a look at our athlete results thus far as well as th...

Teasing Out Movement Patterns and Strategies in the Delivery with DPT Emily Ferree

06 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with PT, DPT, Emily Ferree. This sit-down was long overdue.  So today, we’re going to discuss Emily’s take on various ...

Behind the Seams Podcast - Best of 2023

23 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Happy New Year!This week we’ve got a special episode featuring the "Top 5" Behind the Seams Podcasts of 2023. Here you’ll find gems from...

Life Lessons Learned from Vandy Pitching Coach Scott Brown

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with Vandy Associate Head Coach and Pitching Coach Scott Brown. This is a must listen… Topics Include:Maintaining elite s...

Highlights from the Bridge Seminar at Wake Forest University (2023)

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This past week I was down at Wake Forest University presenting at the Bridge Seminar which is an annual event assembled by the Wake Forest Pitching La...

What is Strong Enough and When to Switch the Curve to Training Power

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’m flying solo today talking about a much needed topic. When to train strength in the weight room and when is an athlete strong enough? Discussion...

Training Super Heroes with Brandon McDaniel, LA Dodgers VP of Player Development

24 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're sitting down with Brandon McDaniel, VP of Player Development with the Los Angeles Dodgers, to discuss the many considerations when t...

Key Considerations for Training Pitchers with RPP Pitching Coordinator Matt Hartshorn

18 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with new Pitching Coordinator Matt Hartshorn. This guy shows up with a plethora of knowledge on pitching, assessing and mov...

Designing Winners with Wake Forest's Head of Player Development Mike McFerran

11 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're sitting down once again with Mike McFerran, Head of Player Development at Wake Forest University, to discuss his process for creatin...

Early Off-season Throwing Protocol with Alan Jaeger

04 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With the fall upon us and the never ending questions about “Shut-Down” vs. ”No Shut-Down”, I thought it would be a great time to get my buddy ...

Best of... Coaches Brian Bannister and Will Franco, and Dr. Casey Pierce

29 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’ll finish up our "Best of 2022" podcast series with past discussions featuring:SF Giants Pitching Coach Brian Bannister on pi...

Talking Grip Strength and UCL Protection with the Flex Pro Grip

21 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're sitting down with Adam Moreau.  Adam and his father Darryl are creators of the Flex Pro Grip, a device being well-received in the ba...

Correcting Motion Capture Data Points in the Weight Room

14 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’m flying solo and talking a bit about how we use the weight room to help address data from our motion capture reports. I’ll be reviewing ...

Carrying Success from One Program to Another w/ Liberty Pitching Coach Tyler Robinson

06 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're sitting down with Liberty baseball Assistant Coach Tyler Robinson. Topics Include:3 game changers for producing big armsOvercoming me...

Best of... Coaches Jerry Weinstein, Corey Muscara and Jeremy Sheetinger

23 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’ve got another one in the "Best of 2022" series, featuring :Corey Muscara (Wake Forest)Jerry Weinstein (Colorado Rockies)Jeremy S...

Creating Systems with Texas Baseball Ranch CEO Ron Wolforth

15 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we sit down with Ron Wolforth, founder of the Texas Baseball Ranch and consultant to many collegiate and MLB Organizations. Topics include:Origi...

Assessing and Profiling Pitchers in the SEC with South Carolina's Bill Anderson

09 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We recently had the pleasure of taking a trip down to the University of South Carolina to assess and evaluate their entire pitching staff. Today we’...

Staying Authentic and True to Yourself with Maryland Head Coach Matt Swope

01 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sitting down with Matt Swope who was recently appointed Head Coach for Maryland Baseball. Coach Swope is no stranger to the “Terps cul...

Best of… Randy Sullivan, Nate Yeskie and Zach Dechant

26 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’m going to start pulling apart a few gems from some of the best received podcasts to-date. The first of this series includes gems from some...