Baseball???

[Ben Duff]

I'm not sure that this is relavent to the board, but I have a question somewhat directed toward Travis Mueller and Scott Threinen.
Being on the Regional Pro-Staff is definitely a top priority for me, but another passion for me my entire life has been baseball. Playing two years of DII ball was awesome and I could have played this year at Western Michigan, money became the issue and so I am just working now, but I will finish school and now want to play ball at Grand Valley St (DII). I know I'm out of shape and everything, but what would be your advise to starting back up after not having played since July? I should be able to play on a couple teams up here this summer, but I need to be throwing mid to upper 80's again by August.

Thanks fellas,
Ben Duff
hope this post isn't a problem

[Scott Threinen]

Ben,
My advice would be to start playing softball...hahah No really, just get back in the mind set of the game, start playing catch, running, hitting, just something to get the feel back for it. There are some players that have to go through all kinds of stuff to get ready for games, and then there are players that can wake up in the morning and get a hit....If you are a pitcher do a lot of running and cross training to get your legs back....and when the game starts to wear you down, pick up a goose call and start to wear your teammates down...hahah

[Travis Mueller]

Ben, run baby run. It's all about stamina. I really think you should try and get with a college team there and throw CORRECT bp. There is a difference. A lot of teams will have a live bp, but don't want to wear their pitchers down, so see what ya have around. If they don't have live, you can still use GOOD mechanics when throwing regualr BP. I play for a town wood bat league here in Iowa still and I have already started running and throwing whenever I can. Do not be in a hurry to throw on a mound, because it is just faster wear and tear. Hope this helps and by the way; lefty or righty?

[Ben Duff]

I'd give my right arm to be a lefty, but unfortunately righty. I miss basbeball a lot and with spring training starting up and watching that on Sportscenter its killing me. I was afraid ya'll would mention running.lol I don't know if I'll be able to get back to where I was, but you never know maybe something freak will happen and I'll top out at 90 or something. I just gotta do what I love to do.

Ben

[Bryan Pate]

Ben i play ball in a thirty and over league if their are any highschool teams around go throw with them they should have workouts in a gym so that is a good starting point take it from me baseball is fun but it is as much work as hunting so have fun and run but take it slow throwing the ball cause if you dont it will hurt like heck.

[Bryan Pate]

Travis what once bat do you use my brother makes bats for mizuno let me know what once and length and i will take one to memphis on friday.

[Travis Mueller]

I won't be there, but I use a 34" 31 ounce bat in this league. Ben if your a righty, you'd better start working my friend, or have Maddux type movement!!!!! 90 will just get you in the front door, but if you want to sit down and eat dinner you'd better be able to paint them corners and have a wicked breaking ball. Good luck though it only takes one scout to like you.

[Bryan Pate]

Travis your bat will be in Memphis on friday i will give it to Brent.

[phoneman]

hey travis, ben, and scott,
our 16" softball league is missing three major components, talent, talent and talent! Let me know if you guys wamt to move to chi-town and play some ball! HAHAHAHA
phoneman

[John Mattos]

Must agree with above run get in shape start throwing to get the arm in shape before you pitch. Limit mound work to fine tuneing. I would work on mechanics (sp?). When I played college ball I would spend some practices 2+ (hrs) on Mechanics never throwing the ball. Also work on your mind. THe book the mental game of baseball comes to mind. To me the mind is one of the under utilized parts of mosts pplayers. Really work on setting up hitters not only does Maddoxs hit his spots but he sets hitters up. Work on pitching inside. If you don't have the speed work in off the plate. Pitching is like chess strategies plays a big part. Well I'm sure I've made some sp? errors and grammer errors it's 1:30 Am and I just got in of a structure fire and I still have 2 days on my shift so I'm off to bed. If you truely love it bust your ass getting in shape lots of sit-ups for strong abs. That will help prevent back injuries. Nocalhonker AKA
John MAttos

[Ryan Graves]

Threinen is a Poser :D

You can come play ball for me in Southern Illinois. Im starting up a bad news bears kinda team and as long as you can cuss, drink beer and fight then you are qualified!

[imported_Derek Rambo]

Trav,

Maybe you could get on some juice to help speed up the process...I have a couple of friends that could hook you up, you might know them, Sammy Sosa and Barry Bonds?

He He

Go Cubbies!!!

[Travis Mueller]

DAMN>>>><<<<<<