Urbani Baseball

01/06/2020

Some days more than others, I show up at work with such an appreciation for what I do. Working with young ballplayers gives me such gratitude, especially after what we have all gone through recently. Better Baseball Training working out at Power Alley, starting the day off with a little yoga.

14/03/2020

Keep you arm in shape and gather some helpful tools for when the season resumes.

1 hour pitching lessons for $50. Emphasis is on both the physical and mental.

14/10/2019

Check out this video from a good friend, Troy Buckley, concerning flat ground work for pitchers. Majority of my lessons are given on flat ground to promote mechanics, stability, and function.

https://youtu.be/ET6nJozBjOQ

The photo below is where I do my flat ground work with pitchers.

30 minute "tune up"- $30

1 hour-$50
Focus is both on physical and mental work. Both go hand in hand, and both are a must in my book.

18/08/2019

I love everything about the game of baseball. I am at a period in my mental approach of the game that simply inspires me, because I know that I can help inspire young ballplayers through the mental approach.

"Players. Do not let the fear of not achieving your dreams override your pursuit of it. If this occurs, the thrill of the chase is over! You can do or be anything you want in this world. Please believe that! We live in a pessimistic world, filled with negative information. Some from those closest to us, trying to keep us safe and realistic. What we feed our minds and what we believe internally flows outwardly through our actions. Dream big! Imagine you at your very best, and pursue it with all you have to give. Pursue it from your heart and soul. One thing I have learned in my 51 years is this. If your dream happens to hit a wall that you can't seem to get through, most certainly another door will open for you, and you will be amazed as to what is on the other side of that door if you don't quit on yourself. It all begins with a dream, and pursue it as if nothing can stand in your way!!"

16/08/2019

FALL BALL IS HERE FOR HIGH SCHOOL. REACH OUT TO JON PETERS OR MYSELF FOR MORE INFORMATION.
JP'S # ON FLIER
TU'S #- 831-706-5515

**5 SPOTS REMAINING FOR "ADVANCED" TEAM

**ROSTER SPOTS FOR INCOMING FRESHMAN TEAM
NOW OPEN

07/08/2019

MENTAL SKILLS CLASSES

*Begin September 1st

*Folsom location

*1.5hr classes/$10

*Ages 12 and up
(I will create another class time to
accommodate age groups)

*We pound the physical side of the game into players. Reps, reps, and more reps. But we forget and do nothing about the one thing that gives us the ability to perform consistently on the field, our brain.
Fear and nerves ripple through our insides, and come out in negative ways on the field. We lose confidence in ourselves. And at some point we lose the enjoyment of the game we once had.
Our physical abilities will only take us so far, trust me. At some point we must recognize and train the most powerful part of our body. We must learn that our success, our consistency, and our enjoyment level, all has to begin internally and flows outwardly on the field and in life.
I can go on and on, and the more I have learned, the more I am aware of the power of the mind and how learning to control our thoughts, our breathing, and our beliefs in who we are will not only bring us success on the diamond, but in life as well. This is why I love the game and love coaching. The values that it teaches young men.

*Topics to cover:
-Power of the mind
-Breathe
-Positive Affirmations
-Don't listen to the world
-Self Respect through thought
-Recognizing our thoughts
-See it, then do it!
*And plenty more!!

22/07/2019

RESPECT THE GAME

In order to have the capability, as a player, to respect the game and all that that encompasses, you must first learn to respect yourself.
In order to respect yourself, you must first have knowledge of who you are, what drives you, where your strengths and weakenesses lie. That giving your best is good enough. That being "normal" or "fitting in" does not inspire you or anyone else. That failing does not make you a failure. My Godmother once told me, "Even Christ fell 7 times on his way to the cross." That so often the smallest things in the game of baseball, and life, tend to matter the most. Through self-respect comes self-worth and selflessness.
by acquiring self respect, you will be able to know what it means and what it takes to respect the game. And in return, the game will respect you.

22/07/2019

MENTAL TOUGHNESS CLASSES COMING IN THE FALL!!

Lectures, videos, guest speakers. If you do not acquire this all important part of the game, your ceiling will be extremely limited.
More info to follow in 1 week.

14/07/2019

Our Summer Program has been fantastic thus far. We are excited to move into the Fall soon and offer something that we have accomplished through the Summer and that might be a bit of fresh air to parents and ballplayers. Coaches that care about the person, not just the ballplayer, that joins us. Coaches that have knowledge of what it takes to get to the next level, whatever level that may be, because they have been there and done that. And a program that is made available to give the best opportunity to build strength, learn the importance of the mental aspects of the game that are so important and commonly overlooked, and plenty of reps to put it all together.
Come out and see for yourself, that Better Baseball is just that. A bit Better!

05/07/2019

So true in the game of baseball, as well as the game of Life!
Coaching is not just teaching players the physical side of the game, a proper swing and good pitching mechanics. It has so much to do with relating to a players mindset of why we want to do certain things, explaining the benefits, getting them to realize that change is not only beneficial, but necessary. Change is uncomfortable at times, but being uncomfortable presents the opportunity to grow and be great!

I try and allow my Coach to change me on a daily basis🙏

03/07/2019

Even talented high school seniors like to have a bit of fun in the dugout. Shortstop/Pitcher Zach Adamson thinking he may actually be a good catcher! Not quit sure what is happening with the leg look however😄⚾

01/07/2019

28/06/2019

Most view a dugout as a place to put their gear. A place to sit while not on the field. I see it as a classroom. A place to both learn and teach, not just baseball, but life lessons. I love getting to the field early and sit in a dugout and reflect on the game as a whole. Just what it has meant and done for me as an individual, and to prepare myself to try and be at my best for the players that enter it that day.
As much as I love coaching and all that it brings to the table, I still to this day am learning how to conduct myself better as a teacher of the game and am continually learning new lessons.
Ah, the sanctuary of the dugout. A place of comfort, humility, and honor for this old timer.

10/06/2019

What an incredible first week of Summer Ball for BBT, Better Baseball Training. Jon Peters has put together an incredible venue for the kids, and I am proud to be a big part of it. From games, practices, hitting sessions (Next Level), workouts (KIME Performance and VAST Athletics), these guys are getting a full dose of baseball and what it takes to improve their game. Not to mention, they are getting all their field time out at Folsom Lake Colleges beautiful field.
UB will be with BBT for some time to come, and it is going to be a pleasure to watch it grow, along with watching the players benefit and improve their skills.

03/06/2019

TIP FROM TOM

DAY 2- POWER POSITION

Alright! Let's pick up where we left off. We established that our power position is when we engage the ground with both feet coming out of our power position. We have established that we create power by creating separation with our hips and upper half, therefore creating torque that is supplied to the arm.

So let's move on. I want to take a second again to explain that my ways may be a tad unorthodox, but it has all been put together over years of playing, coaching, teaching, listening, gathering information, and being open to change.
After years of this I have been able to break it down, unorthodox or not, to something that players can "get", and get it easily. My ultimate goal is for a player to be their own best coach. To understand, both mentally and physically, what they are trying to do. A question I ask every player I work with, no matter the age. "What tell's your body what to do?" If you understand it, you can do it. If you think it, you WILL do it. And maybe most importantly, if you feel it, you can keep it!!

"Stick it position". I use this in every lesson, every practice. It allows the pitcher to feel what they should be doing as they come out of balance and the position they are trying to achieve. This may be a good time to watch the video below with the player in white. Note that in this drill the pitcher wants to land with the landing foot closed so that the hips can remain closed. This is different than when we are actually pitching, because as we flow down the mound, our hips begin to open and our landing foot engages the ground pointed toward the catcher. But for this drill, we need to learn how to use our hips, to "feel" them working. We use our hips in almost every aspect of sports, but not often do we give them enough attention. All the focus is put on the arm in pitching, and we leave our power source, the part of the body that needs to go first, and we can't screw it up!! Our hips will only do one thing. With all that being said, why is our focus not on our hips? Why isn't our focus on our hips while in the midst of competition?
So once the stick it position is achieved, the player looks and checks that his upper half is good. Primarily, is his arm in a position to except the torque that the hips want to give? By checking, we are confirming with our brain that we are good to go. This confirmation is huge!! We need to have our brain confirm it. We need to mentally know and feel that we are good so that we can establish in a very short time, muscle memory. And if we notice we are not correct, as you can see in the video, we move ourselves accordingly and confirm that we are now correct. Now our focus goes to our hips. As you can see in the video with Aidan in the blue(wonderful student), he likes to really get a feel for using his hips prior to activating them into the throw. Again, this is not how we functionally throw a ball off the mound, but we have to learn to use our hips, to feel them, to put them in the drivers seat, so to say, that they are the key.
So after a solid stick is achieved, I have the pitcher go back to the set position and then throw through the power position. I want them to recognize that they do hit the power position, but they power through it. I want them to try and FEEL when they hit it, and how they flow out of it. This feel will be so incredibly important and productive, as they will begin to have a solid understanding for how their body works, and they will FEEL how it works. We have now achieved the mental and physical side of teaching the player how to create power, and even more importantly, how we functionally want to throw a ball from any position. Putting our upper half in a position to accept the power that the hips want to give! Simple! I really like simple. Remember? It's coach-able, it understandable, thus it is doable!
Our job as coaches is to pass along information to better the players we come into contact with, mentally and physically. Let's not complicate it. I don't want a player to need me. I want a player to appreciate me.

Tomorrow we are going to specifically talk about the throwing arm. This will be good!!

02/06/2019

TIP FROM TOM

Power Position in Pitching

Folks, this is going to be a subject that is going to take a few weeks to work through, so please stay tuned, ask questions, and I will try to keep my verbiage as simple as possible. I like simple anyways. Simple is coach-able and simple is understandable in an age of technology and programs that can be quit the contrary. Not that technology is bad mind you, nor are programs out there not productive. But here is where I completely differ with my philosophy and instruction. You have to be able to crawl before you walk! You have to have a core, a base to work with before trying to impose or try some of the philosophies and programs that are available these days. How can we go to the extreme to create power, whether it be as a pitcher or a hitter, if we have no functionality?

With that being said, what exactly is our power position when it comes to pitching, or throwing from any position for that matter? Ask most players and they will tell you that it is their balance position, or coming out of the balance position. I don't fault the at all, and I let them know that, as it was taught to almost all of us. Now this is not entirely false, but my question to them is this. Can you share with me something we do where we create power on one foot? How much power can we realistically create and have any sort of functionality with our body while on one foot? Fact is, not much. Power position is when our balance foot engages the ground, giving us some leverage to create power. Think of throwing a punch. yes, there is a stride toward the object we are punching, but impact comes with both feet on the ground. Can you see how this relates to hitting? Pitching, hitting, and boxing are all about supplying power!

It is my belief through experience that teaching a player, especially a young player, to "push" or "drive" off the mound creates one thing. Them flying open with their top half which completely goes against creating power(velocity). I know right now many of you are questioning this. And why wouldn't you? It has been taught in one way shape or form for many many years. Fact is if a player, or a coach, doesn't truly realize how the power is created to throw with velocity, the top half will automatically engage. It's where the ball is, so why shouldn't it??
Pitchers need that base, the ability to be functional off the mound into the power position, and therefore into their finish. We are creating "momentum" off the mound, but it is CONTROLLED momentum so that when we engage the ground with our front foot, we have created "separation". Separation is our hips and upper body separating to create torque. Our hips have opened upon hitting our power position and our shoulders are still square to the plate, therefore the arm is back (see photos).
With this position being achieved we can create power(torque) correctly.
This is extremely important and a great tool for you coaches to recognize whether or not your pitchers are creating torque. Video them and see what their back foot, the foot that is engaged with the rubber, does. If it travels along the ground, there is no torque being created. If it shoots up with the sole of the shoe towards the sky, they are creating torque(see photo). That same torque that is created through separation that goes to the arm, goes to the leg/foot as well.
I am going to leave it at that today so that there can be some thought and questions in the head of those interested in this tip. I am going to follow up tomorrow, and I will be writing close to daily until this topic is covered, as it is complex. Complex in the fact that there is a lot of information to get out to realize just how simple we can make this approach of creating power and velocity to the players. It is not rocket science, and it doesn't have to be complicated. It just needs to be understood, and then a simple approach of transferring that understanding to the player. Take a look at the photos and reread the above so we can start to have a "base" on where we are headed

26/05/2019

TIP FROM TOM

NATURAL ARM CARE

For about 2 months now I have been experimenting with essential oils. I was looking for some natural relief from pain due to inflammation in my ankles and knees, along with soreness and "cracking" in my arm from throwing a ton still to this day. Cracking in the joints is due directly to inflammation.
I have noticed a HUGE difference in my joints and I can only attribute it to the essential oils I am using. I would highly recommend players to give it a shot for sore arms and to relieve joint inflammation. I primarily use eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree oils. I have found that the manufacturer, Plant Therapy, is a solid and natural way to go. I order them on Amazon Prime. I also purchased some spray bottles that are dark as sunlight deteriorates the oils.
I have been combining the oils together with a good carrier oil like olive oil or avocado oil. I don't follow any certain mixture, but plenty of info online. I spray the oil directly onto the area and rub in with a small rag or make up remover pads (see photo). You can also rub in with your hand, but may leave hand a bit greasy. I do this once a day, sometimes twice. They sit on my night stand and has become part of my daily routine. Simple, inexpensive, and another way to keep the arm healthy.
A side benefit. Your kid might smell a bit better😂

Want to take it a step further? I mix turmeric powder in with an avocado and some pepper. The oil in the avocado, along with the pepper, helps bring out the curcumin in the turmeric, which helps promote healthy joints and a natural anti inflammatory.

24/05/2019

TIP FROM TOM

PROPER WARM UP FOR PITCHERS

So one of the things I have seen for years go unnoticed or not paid attention to is how a starting pitcher warms-up prior to a game, and a relief pitcher for that matter.
From focusing on mechanics, number of pitches thrown, off-speed pitches, and overall mental focus, they all seem to be ignored. We are getting ready to enter a game and compete for goodness sake! Let's be ready! Stretching the arm and body put aside, throwing up a few fastballs into the strike zone, hopefully, and a couple breaking balls and change-ups just isn't getting prepared, or getting it done in my opinion.
Below is a good routine to get in the habit with pregame as a starting pitcher, mid-game as a reliever(if given enough time), or even a bullpen at practice. It would consist of approximately 30 pitches.
To explain what 4-1-2 means when it comes to off-speed pitches. Let's choose the changeup in this instance. When going away from your fastball in the bullpen, give yourself a chance to find the feel for the change, a chance to find your release point, and a chance to prepare yourself mentally for the pitch as well. 4 changeups in a row gives you the opportunity to find it, then we go away from it with your fastball for 1 pitch, and then back to the change for 2. 4 to find it, go away from it like you would in a game, and then back to it to finish up with the pitch. Then move on and repeat with the curveball. after completing your off-speed, take 8 pitches out of the stretch now (assuming you threw up until now out of the windup) to mix it up and work on what you feel you need to to be ready for the game.
A lot of pitchers scuffle in the 1st inning and then settle down. The main reason is not being mentally prepared and not having warmed up properly.
HERE YOU GO:

After playing catch with about 10 long tosses mixed in(90-120'), you should be ready to take the mound.

2 fastballs middle of the plate
3 away
3 in
4-1-2 with changeup
4-1-2 with curveball
8 free pitches(this may be less if ready to roll. More if not ready)

Better to throw more in the pen, assuring you are ready, then to enter a game unprepared or not with your "stuff" working. Many will say, "that is to many pitches wasted in the bullpen." Wasted is certainly not a term I would use, and what does it really matter if you can't get out of the 1st or find your team in a large hole right out the gate?

Let me know if you have questions! Would love to create a bit of a forum off of these tips if constructive.

BE READY TO COMPETE FROM THE 1ST PITCH ON!!!

21/05/2019

A quick lesson in goal setting and understanding benefits.

I knew from a young age what I wanted to do. I remember having career day in middle school. Dad's who were doctors, contractors, fire fighters, etc. came to school to share their stories. At the end of the day our home room teacher gave us a paper to fill out. on it was a section that I was to fill in my top 3 career choices. Well, I only had one, so I filled in "professional baseball player, professional baseball player, professional baseball player." I remember being asked on the ride home, in regards to my comments, "don't you think you ought to have a back up plan, just in case baseball doesn't pan out? Only one in a million make it son." My reply, direct and without apprehension was, "I will just have to be that one!"
My goal was set and nothing was going to stand in my way. I knew what the benefits were as well to my dream. Playing in big league ball parks. Being one of the best in the world. Getting paid to play a game. The list goes on and on.
Here in lies why I write this. Once I made it to the big's, which was my goal, I never set another one. I did it!! I made it!! Now what? I played to hang on to what I dreamt of. I played looking over my shoulder constantly, not wanting what I had to be taken away. I played with anxiety and fear so often, worrying about things that were completely out of my control. How much longer could I have played if I had a better mind set? How much more would I have enjoyed my time if I was focused on things within my control? Don't get me wrong. I miss every part of playing in the big's, but just how much more could I have enjoyed it? I often wonder.
Players need to set goals. What they want to achieve based on what they are passionate about. Long term goals with short term markers. There needs to be something somewhat tangible, a dangling carrot so to say for us to be at our best. Players need to see the benefits in their goals and dreams. To understand what they get if they do this, whatever that "this" is.
When I teach, I give kid's something to try and then explain the benefits to it. It is simply not good enough to say do this or do that, especially in a day and age of instance gratification.
Set goals, see the benefits, and go to work. No matter where the passion lies, this is the process!

Oh, and focusing and worrying about things out of our control, which causes anxiety and fear? Another topic for another day, and a very big one I work on with my students. A big game changer!!

See pics below. I knew early:-)

20/05/2019

Good morning folks. This is going to be a winded post. One with a lot of information around my personal goals, information and tips that will be forthcoming around this great game, and one with a leap of faith on my part.
I spent this past weekend at a men's christian retreat, high atop a mountain in Sonora. I spent it as an introvert, wanting to hear from God as to his calling for me at this juncture in my life. Patience is not an attribute I have always had. I see something, I go and get it! It has been a blessing and a curse in my life and has added to many of my successes, and to some of my pitfalls also. Well, in learning to be patient these last months, and this past weekend, I know the path that I am to follow, and I am trusting in God to pave the way, not removing all obstacles or push backs, but enough that I can overcome those obstacles and be of service to those around me and to those I come into contact with.
So, I am believing, in a short period of time, that I will be moving into an indoor facility here in Folsom to further promote Urbani Baseball and this incredible game. This is a leap of faith, as I mentioned. However, one that is being lead by Him, who can do all things.
I believe the baseball youth of Folsom need a home to hone their skills, to have a place to come and interact with others about this great game, and to have fun! It may not start out big, but we will just see how this all plays out.
I have learned many lessons through my years, some through wisdom and some through consequences(I share this concept often with players). Two of those lessons is that I cannot do everything on my own and that there is strength in numbers. I am hoping that there will be some folks that may feel convicted to help in such a venture. I know this game! I know how to relate to kid's and build strong relationships with them. I know how to simplify and to get kid's to feel what it is we are trying to achieve, which is a very important concept. I know how to get them to understand, to be willing to change both physically and mentally to not only become better ballplayers, but a better human being in the process. But I am not a sound business man, nor do I know all the steps that need to be taken. Maybe someone has a space that might be suitable, nothing fancy, just a space. Maybe someone has knowledge and skills when it comes to creating the space into a baseball facility. Maybe someone is looking for a new business venture. Maybe someone just wants to be a part of something that potentially can change lives, and that is what this great game can do folks, if gone about the right way.
Lastly, I am a man of faith. I will not be preaching the Gospel anytime soon, but I will not be turning my back on God when it comes to how I teach this game or how I trust in him to pave the path for this. What I have achieved in this game is due to Him, both as a player and as a coach/instructor, and that is how I will walk out this venture, with faith, hope, and a caring heart for those that want to be involved in one capacity or another. If this sounds like something that inspires you, share it. If it sounds like something you may want to be involved in, please reach out. If not, I understand and wish you the very best!
Tomorrow I will be sharing a story from my past, along with some helpful baseball tips, which will be a weekly/bi weekly topic in hopes of helping out where I can.

Thank you for reading! God Bless!

05/05/2019

Per my last post regarding Better Baseball and our Summer program. I am stepping up my time and now will also be working with the 18U team, along with the 16U. Practices, workouts, and games will be staggered to allow for this.
So, anyone interested in an awesome program, with practices and home games held at Folsom Lake College, shoot me a TEXT for more information. A couple slots still available for the 16U team, and more for the 18U that has been added. Excited to work again with some players I have coached in the past.
You will not be dissapointed when you hear what is being offered, with an incredibly low price tag!! It is the reason I have joined with Jon Peters and Better Baseball. Incredible Summer venue!!
TEXT to 831-706-5515

22/04/2019

I have decided to combine my baseball efforts this Summer with Jon Peters and Better Baseball Training. I will be running one of the 16U teams. I love what Jon has put together developmentally, the number of games and reps the players will get, and the freedom he is giving me to interject my knowledge of the game. Our home field for games, practices, and strength training will be at Folsom Lake College, where we will also be holding a big Showcase tournament the latter part of the Summer. If you are looking for a place to hang your hat for the Summer, please feel free to text or message me and I will send you out an email with all the information needed to make a knowledgeable decision. Half of our roster is filled at this time, and now having come aboard, I want to promote this opportunity through Urbani Baseball. I am excited to be a part of the venture!!

11/12/2018

I thought it was something "cool" back then. Now I see it as one heck of an honor!!

26/11/2018

HOLIDAY SPECIAL!!!! OFFER IS ENDING THIS FRIDAY!!

Now through the end of November, you can purchase Gift Certificates good for a 1 hour private lesson at a discounted rate!
My normal lesson cost is $75 for 1 hour.

One Gift CertifIcate-$60
Pack of 4 Gift Certificates-$200($100 savings)
Each certificate beyond 4 remains @ the $50 value.

Use them however you wish. For yourself or as a gift. Offer ends November 30th. Call, text, or message me.

19/11/2018

Was going through some of my keep sakes. One ball is my first Major league win against the Giants at Candlestick. The other is a ball signed by all my family and friends that attended the same game. Guess which one made me tear up?⚾

16/11/2018

HOLIDAY SPECIAL!!!! OFFER IS ENDING THIS FRIDAY!!

Now through the end of November, you can purchase Gift Certificates good for a 1 hour private lesson at a discounted rate!
My normal lesson cost is $75 for 1 hour.

One Gift Certifcate-$60
Pack of 4 Gift Certificates-$200($100 savings)
Each certificate beyond 4 remains @ the $50 value.

Use them however you wish. For yourself or as a gift. Offer ends November 30th. Call, text, or message me for pickup.

16/11/2018

11/11/2018

I have heard from more than a few that there are many families effected by the Butte fire and are here locally in Folsom and surrounding area's receiving help from family and friends. If anyone knows of any youth that might be here with their families and might benefit by getting out and working with me, please let me know. I will donate my time at Folsom Batting Cages in an effort to bring some sort of mental relief for any kid's so inclined to come out. I will find the means to supply a glove or bat to those interested. Please reach out to me here or email/text. Please visit my Major League Pasta Sauce page if food might be of help to any families.
[email protected] 831-706-5515