Playing baseball demands a high degree of skill, however the true test of the athlete comes from the dedication to the sport. Apart from needing a combination of speed, strength, hand-eye coordination, and athleticism, the player must be equipped with the intangibles; love of the sport, mental focus, baseball “savvy” and natural instincts for the game. The better that these skills are perfected, the greater level of success the athlete will achieve.

Being a former professional baseball player, Andrew Lesnak shared some basic thoughts on what it takes to achieve this unique level of success. Surely, you need to have a look -

Hitting

Hitting a baseball is one of the hardest skills in all of sports. Mastering it requires the proper mechanics and “in game” adjustments. As the pitcher attempts to expose your weaknesses as a hitter at the plate, you must be able to counter his strategies, and try to always be 1 step ahead of his pitching patterns. This requires intense studying of the pitcher, as well as practicing to hit fastballs, curve-balls, change ups…. Daily.

Fielding

Fielding a baseball and being in the best position to throw a runner out, requires 2 important skills sets. Having the proper balance in catching the ball is essential, however an overlooked factor to be a great fielder, is being in the right area on the field at your position. A lot of practice is required here, because this skill is based on understanding what your pitcher is going to throw, and quickly anticipating where the ball may be hit. This instinct of being properly positioned, allows for an easier fielding opportunity, which normally means a more accurate and stronger throwing motion.

Throwing

To effectively throw a baseball, it requires repetition of the same finger grips on the baseball seams, along with the proper techniques of the throwing motion. I always felt that anyone can increase the speed and accuracy of their throw, if they focused on 3 areas of this part of the game. First, the more you throw, the stronger your throws will become. “Long Tossing” is a great drill to accomplish this. Second, as with fielding, being balanced and always having your feet in the proper throwing position, allow you to maximize the speed and accuracy when the ball is released from your hand. Lastly, to be able to throw a baseball faster and with more accuracy is dependent on how you grip the baseball. How you hold your fingers on the seams, as well as the
Finger pressures placed on the ball, will have a dramatic impact on the throw. If the grip and pressure is “off”, the baseball tends to sail away from the target that you are aiming for.

Next Release Upcoming

In the next release, Andrew will touch on the topics of base running, “on field” practice drills, game strategies and Advanced Skills training.

NOTE: Being a student of the game of baseball, Andrew Lesnak always challenges the athletes to strive to become the best players of their abilities. He has been very successful, with his hands-on approach, and that is why he has committed himself to coaching. He prides himself to those baseball players that want to go from “good to great”, to follow his proven formulas of “playing the game”. Lastly, Andrew has always been humbled by his achievements, and being a product of an inner-city child from The Bronx, in New York City, he has continuously volunteered his time to teaching baseball to those children of limited financial means.