Episode 32:
Sean Fisher, Wake Forest Pitching Lab Coordinator & Director of PD (Ep. 32)
Wake Forest’s Pitching Lab Coordinator and Director of Player Development, Sean Fisher, lays back with us this week to primarily run through the plans for the 2024 Wake Forest Player Development Seminar. This event was previously known as the Bridge Seminar, headed up by Sean’s predecessor, Mike McFerran (now with the Oakland A’s). Sean details changes to this year’s format and teases the renowned roster of presenters. Also in the midst of conversation, Adam and Sean discuss Fisher’s journey into the player development sector and his own evolution as a pitcher and coach, leading him to where he is now. Fisher previously worked at Tread Athletics and played collegiately both at Maryland and Virginia Tech. Registration for the Wake Forest Player Development Seminar is open now (https://wfplayerdevelopmentseminar.totalcamps.com/shop/EVENT). Dates and location are December 13 – December 15 at Wake Forest University. You can email Wakeforestplayerdevelopment@gmail.com for more info.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vH_bqO92Uqo
Episode 31:
Daryl Moreau, FlexPro Grip CEO, Discusses 3 Studies Involving FPG (Ep. 31)
Daryl Moreau, FlexPro Grip CEO / Co-founder, makes his Layback debut to discuss three different studies the FPG team has coming down the line. Daryl and Adam explore the current progress and findings of what they call the Longitudinal Virginia Tech study, the Flexor Muscle Imbalance study, and the Breaking Ball study. The various studies showcase FlexPro Grip’s push to provide actionable information that can better the baseball world. These findings can open the door for an entirely new realm of baseball research that the industry can build upon. Also included on these works is Dylan Newcomer, Physical Therapist at Driveline Baseball / Athletic Potential Performance, Dr. Matt Fury, Dr. Gunnar Brolinson, and VCOM students Tobias Addis and Andrew Hagen, among other members of FlexPro Grip’s network.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9AS48fNoMe4
Episode 30:
Cam Lanzilli, Lead Throwing Strategist at KineticPro Performance (Ep. 30)
Fellow Eckerd College Triton alum, Cam Lanzilli steps in for episode 30 of The Layback Podcast. Lanzilli is currently the Lead Throwing Strategist at KineticPro Performance in Tampa, FL (working with previous guest Casey Mulholland, https://youtu.be/xpTFZyrkXNI?si=jg2XPihOYwc7U-dt). Cam and Adam spend a hefty portion of the episode discussing pitch design, or possibly the more fitting name for the topic, arsenal design. The two tackle what goes into design, where to begin, how to individualize, what to look for, and how to prevent steps backwards. Additionally, rehab is of course discussed, especially when pitch/arsenal design gets reintroduced in the process. Lanzilli offers insights from specific athlete cases that hopefully can help listeners make decisions on how to tweak their own repertoires.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RwqnhKNxyn0
Episode 29:
Terry Phillips, DPT and Owner/Operator of Phillips Rehab and Performance (Ep. 29)
Episode 29 of The Layback Podcast features Doctor of Physical Therapy, Terry Phillips. The New York native and Washington state transplant joins the show to discuss exercise and program design, rehab progressions, industry debates, and athlete engagement and education. The former Driveline Baseball physical therapist recently started his own practice in the greater Seattle area, Phillips Rehab and Performance. Early on in the episode, Terry talks through his own personal evolutions in arm and elbow care, setting the stage for an honest back and forth about the baseball rehab world’s progress over the years. Adam and Terry also debate the role and importance of time considerations in the rehab process. Terry’s website is https://www.phillipsrehab.com/.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GHy7y4v2Fz8
Episode 28:
Matt Tometz, Performance Coach and Sport Scientist (Ep. 28)
Matt Tometz joins The Layback Podcast for Episode 28. Tometz was a LHP at Truman State before heading on to a Sports Science Grad Assistantship at TCU. On top of his work in the private sector, Coach Big Toe (as he is known on social media) most recently served as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Northwestern Baseball program, giving him a great perspective on performance training in the team setting. Tometz has a passion for sprinting and athletic development, and he even claims that PITCHERS ARE ATHLETES. Adam and Matt discuss program design, individualization, athlete ceilings/floors, and the communication loop in college sports, among a handful of other topics. Big Toe has quite the presence online himself, so be sure to checkout what he has going on with this link: https://linktr.ee/CoachBigToe.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LLKajPzvehY
Episode 27:
Dr. Matt Fury, Orthopaedic Surgeon (Ep. 27)
Dr. Matt Fury, a leading orthopaedic surgeon in baseball, joins The Layback Podcast to discuss all things UCL care and surgery. Matt is well versed in the world of UCL’s, experiencing a tear and Tommy John of his very own while playing collegiate baseball at LSU. Fury lays displays the map for possible UCL injury treatments, as well as which injuries may present candidates for which procedure. The New Orleans native also nobly states where sports medicine, and specifically doctors and surgeons, have dropped the ball when outlining risk factors and suggestions to reduce injury risk. Adam and Matt also take some time to dive into the hot topic of off-season throwing shutdowns, in addition to sport specialization. Fury represents a new wave for the medical field and baseball. This conversation should depict a sign of good things to come.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/haHnJ4FOLZw
Episode 26:
Bob Keller, Motor Preferences with Baseball Performance Specialist (EP. 26)
Bob Keller joins The Layback Podcast to discuss the hot topic of Motor Preferences. After an extremely successful 27 year college coaching career and a few more as a scout for the Mariners, Bob has taken on a new venture as part of the BPS group (Hattiesburg, MS) in performing Motor Preference assessments to help athletes find their natural tendencies and methods for movement and body control in sport. According to Bob, these assessments are designed to help athletes understand the way their bodies want to move. From there, the assessment team will offer the athlete movements, tools, drills, and positions that will be most advantageous for on-field health and success.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UOokKGF0xtk
Episode 25:
Josh Hejka, New York Mets MiLB Pitcher (Ep. 25)
The submarine slinging, Rec Spec wearing, number crunching, RHP, Josh Hejka, joins The Layback Podcast for episode 25. The Mets Minor Leaguer takes us on a journey through his baseball career beginning outside of Detroit with stops at Johns Hopkins University, the USPBL, and a few minor league teams on the way to 2A Binghamton. The righty reliever has been a workhorse on the mound, and it seems like nothing can stop him. He holds the appearance record for the Brooklyn Cyclones. He also pitched both the 2021 and 2022 seasons on a torn UCL. Hejka spent 2023 rehabbing from Tommy John (UCL Reconstruction), but he has not missed a beat since returning, putting up some of the best stats/metrics of his career. When he is not on the bump, Hedgertronic, as Hejka is known on social media, serves in a data/analytics role with Driveline Baseball and routinely pushes his work across multiple social platforms.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sAXk9kBPCBA
Episode 24:
Sam Abbott, Ottawa Hills High School (OH) Pitching Coach (Ep. 24)
Sam Abbott, Pitching Coach and English Teacher at Toledo, Ohio’s Ottawa Hills High School, joins The Layback Podcast to discuss pitching/player development, staff management, dynamic programming, coaching/tech trickle down, and navigating the life of a high school, especially small school, athlete. Abbott stresses the importances of identifying the needs of individuals and how they can differ drastically from person to person. According to Abbott, coaching at the high school level, lends itself to a greater emphasis on overall personal development as opposed to athletic development at times. Abbott also highlights how identity statements assist pitchers in goal setting and as a checks and balances system throughout a season or career.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2HT88ZSgWdo
Episode 23:
Adam Katz, Founder of Data Driven and Free Agent LHP (Ep. 23)
A couple of Adam’s team up on episode 23 of The Layback Podcast, as Adam Katz, founder of Data Driven and free agent LHP, join the show. Katz is a data scientist from MIT, in addition to his pitching career, who has worked for multiple MLB orgs and 4App prior to launching Data Driven early in 2024. The Adam’s cover sleep hygiene, health optimization, and the pursuit of professional baseball, as Moreau works hard not to turn the episode into a personal health consultation. Katz offers insights into how players of all levels can benefit from paying attention to and tracking sleep, energy, and fatigue whether it be from wearables or subjective measures.
Katz can be reached on instagram at @adam.datadriven and by email at adam@datadriven.biz.
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/wBbERb2uzDY
Episode 22:
Rick Weaver, Defiance High School (OH) Head Baseball Coach (Ep. 22)
Ohio baseball powerhouse Defiance High School Head Baseball Coach Rick Weaver joins Adam Moreau on episode 22 of The Layback Podcast. Rick’s passion for youth development is evident. Beyond his role with the baseball program, he is also the Head Golf Coach at the school. With a good bit of modesty, Rick has been a part of some massive innovations in the high school baseball world. From intent-based throwing programs, to competition-centric training and practice design, his mission is to help his players become the most athletic, physical, and knowledgable group to take the field. Rick also is the founder of Krato Sports (kratosports.com). Krato started as a revolutionary bat weight that can be used in live at bats but now also includes plyo balls, weighted balls, tees, grips, nets, and machine balls. You can reach Rick by email at rweaver@kratosports.com.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/R-NQqGTpxuw
Episode 21:
Trey Martin, Physical Therapist @athletedocrehab (Ep. 21)
Trey Martin, DPT joins host Adam Moreau on The Layback Podcast to discuss Trey’s journey into the PT world, the development of his app and the MPH system, and his observations of baseball development. Adam and Trey have some quality back and forth on topics such as social media, training trends, and why injuries occur. If you are interested in working with Trey or learning more about his services, he can be reached on social media at @athletedocrehab or by email at trey@athletedocrehab.com.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/flo7cnuBqbc
Episode 20:
Luke Krouse, Bowling Green State University LHP (Ep. 20)
Luke Krouse hops on The Layback Podcast to discuss his career thus far. From the small town of Antwerp, OH to being a key member of the BGSU pitching staff, Luke sheds some light on his recruiting process, training, and daily life as a student-athlete. Luke and Layback host Adam Moreau discuss Luke’s leadership goals for the coming years, as well as his experiences as Education major and Intervention Specialist. Luke also got his first taste of summer ball as a first half guy in the Northwoods. This leads to some conversation about the importance of personal advocacy, trust, and coach-player relationships.
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/zoIYRuCZniI
Episode 19:
Eric Junge, Padres Special Assistant and Pitch IQ Founder (Ep. 19)
Eric Junge, Pitch IQ founder and Padres Special Assistant, joins Adam Moreau for an in depth discussion on catch play, maximizing reps, and goal setting among many other topics. Junge’s work in the baseball world uniquely positions him to have interactions with players ranging from middle school up through and into the big leagues. Thus, he provides a powerful perspective on what players need developmentally at various levels, as well as how they manage both successes and failures. PitchIQ.org is a remote training platform that combines throwing and pitching education alongside performance training all from coaches among the MLB and MiLB ranks.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xs1nL8G0P7s
Episode 18:
Dr. Nick Serio, Velo University (Ep. 18)
Dr. Nick Serio of Velo University hops on The Layback Podcast with host Adam Moreau to talk about education, identity, and return to throw programs among a handful of other topics. Nick’s lifelong commitment to learning is evident (and necessary according to him) as he cites his growth as a coach and leader. The two discuss the importance of dynamic systems and continue the theme of stacking victories in the rehab process. Nick references the necessity of taking personal accountability in any sort of rehab, especially as it pertains to knowledge and application of certain modalities or prescriptions.
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/RTmAmRQgP-E
Episode 17:
The FlexPro Grip Origin Story with Adam Moreau (Ep. 17)
Layback host Adam Moreau is riding solo going into the holiday. He walks listeners through the origin of FlexPro Grip. As Adam stepped away from his playing career and entered the world of performance training, he picked up on the prevalence and correlations of grip strength to various performance metrics. It seemed all too important to just be a coincidence. From there, Adam and Daryl (co-founder and CEO of FlexPro Grip), began their winding road of discovery as the paths eventually crossed between grip strength, elbow injury, and a training device.
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/i7QgzNv6wQ4
Episode 16:
Jack Barry, Founder of JB Performance (Ep. 16)
Jack Barry, founder of JB Performance, joins Adam Moreau in a discussion that spans the gamut of baseball and pitching development. From his time as a 2 way dude in college, to working as a coach at Tread Athletics during their grand expansion, Jack shares a look into his own growth as a baseball mind. Jack and Adam spend a great deal of time discussing mental health and identity, covering the softer side of the sports rehab world. Jack highlights how he categorizes various approaches to training and throwing, offering a look into how he assists each type of athlete along the way. Also, the two take a dive into how Jack makes his viral content to keep the laughs coming in the landscape of baseball social media.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GczFdEwMAmg
Episode 15:
Erik Wagle, Kinetic Performance Institute (KPI) President (Ep. 15)
Erik Wagle, President of Kinetic Performance Institute (KPI) located in Morgan Hill, CA, went all in on his “unicorn” approach to baseball performance training and opened the facility in October 2020, looking Covid dead in the mouth. He and his team’s data driven approach to development has lead to innovative findings and a unique training atmosphere. His group never settles and takes the theory that “if it can be measured, it can be trained” to heart. Layback Host Adam Moreau and Erik share a few laughs along the way regarding a mutual friend and renowned Orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Mike Freehill. From athlete culture to business, and coaching pasts to pipeline dreams, Wagle and Moreau cover a wide range of topics on this week’s episode.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kMvhtWLhruQ
Episode 14:
Denton McNamee, Lindenwood University Pitching Coach (Ep. 14)
D1 Pitching Coach, Denton McNamee, joins Layback host Adam Moreau to discuss Denton’s coaching journey and baseball’s beloved arm care world. Denton has experience both in the private sector as a co-founder of Elite Baseball Academy in St. Louis, MO, and in pro ball in a player development role with the Houston Astros. Prior to Lindenwood, Denton also coached at D2 Maryville University. With the use of force plates, Driveline Pulse, dynamometers, and FlexPro Grip, McNamee has pieced together an all encompassing arm health and performance plan for his staff. There is no question objective measurement and tracking form the backbone of his systems. He even shares some plans of how Lindenwood might look to further innovate with an off the field venture to improve data analytics.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tFeGtHZPMyU
Episode 13:
JJ Almeda, RHP at Colorado Mesa University (Ep. 13)
JJ Almeda, a right handed pitcher at DII powerhouse Colorado Mesa, joins Adam Moreau to discuss his winding road through college baseball and a LONG rehab from Tommy John in 2019. JJ talks about his transition from the outfield to the bump, his identity on the mound, and shares some words of wisdom he picked up from fellow Mesa man and 3x World Series champion, Sergio Romo. JJ’s journey is a testament to his no-quit, never give up attitude as he refused to let setbacks and obstacles stand in his way.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4NXiYSpV82E
Episode 12:
Brendan Lawry, LHP at Lewis University (Ep. 12)
Brendan Lawry joins host Adam Moreau to discuss his return to the mound from an Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Repair. In about 9 months, Lawry toed the rubber in Lewis University’s conference tournament with a stellar debut, marking a successful return to competition. Lawry hits on his experiences with Waubonsee CC and NPA (National Pitching Association / Tom House). Adam and Brendan recount the winding road of the rehab process, getting a diagnosis, and tweaking the throwing program along the way. The theme of small victories and mini-milestones is highlighted once again, as well as the importance of having a support team. The two also reminisce on Brendan’s recruitment to Eckerd College and share some laughs about their recent Instagram virality.
Instagram Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C68mMaRume8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JHLx3oIT00o
Episode 11:
Nolan Rappé, Physical Therapist with Select Medical and Founder of Fortify Performance (Ep. 11)
Episode 11 of The Layback Podcast features Nolan Rappé, PT, DPT, CSCS, FRCms (yeah, he’s pretty smart AND accomplished). Host Adam Moreau and Nolan discuss Nolan’s journey into PT, the differences between private pay and insurance-based PT models, elbow rehab timelines, and KPI’s to hit before returning to play. Nolan sheds light on the importance of looking at athlete rehabilitation as more than just a “by the book” science. The art or human-side of physical therapy plays a major role in athlete progression and ultimate success of a program. Rappé also offers a first look into his new venture with Fortify Performance. Fortify was born out of the necessity to provide schools and clubs with limited financial and personnel resources with individualized physical development tools to aid in short and long term player development.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nolan.rappe/?hl=en
X (Twitter): https://x.com/nolan_rappe15?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
email: nolan@fortifyperformancesystems.com
YouTube Episode Link: https://youtu.be/qQXChy72lmY
Episode 10:
Tim Campos, Director of Player Development for Albuquerque Baseball Academy (Ep. 10)
Episode 10 features Tim Campos of the Albuquerque Baseball Academy. Campos has occupied the role of Director of Player Development for ABA since joining the staff after previous stops as both a high school head coach and collegiate pitching coach. Campos could be defined as a life-long learner and a true opportunist when it comes to advancing in the baseball world. From coaching an 11U Little League team to growing alongside some the great minds of the baseball world, Campos sheds light on his journey to educate and serve within the game he loves.
Watch on YouTube with the link here: https://youtu.be/2AzkgAxajnA
Episode 9:
Travis MacGregor, Pitcher in the Los Angeles Angels Organization (Ep. 9)
Episode 9 of The Layback Podcast features right handed reliever, Travis MacGregor, of the Triple A Salt Lake Bees in the Los Angeles Angels organization. MacGregor, a 2016 2nd round pick of the Pittsburg Pirates, highlights his journey through the Pirates org, rehabbing from Tommy John, and playing for a contract. Travis and Adam share some laughs regarding their work together during the season that never happened in 2020, as well as some of the crazy rumors about TJ that muddy the waters of the baseball world. You can also bet on a few sneak peaks into the life of a minor leaguer.
This episode can be viewed on YouTube with this link: https://youtu.be/ogoS4anzQCs
Episode 8:
Taylor Black, Physical Therapist at Monarch Athletic Club (Ep. 8)
Episode 8 features Taylor Black, a Physical Therapist with Monarch Athletic Club located in Los Angeles. Taylor’s previous stops include time with San Diego Padres working mostly on the Minor League side as well as a stint working with military veterans within the VA. Black possesses a unique knack for the human side of physical therapy. Alongside host Adam Moreau, the two discuss how PT’s and clinicians can provide for their patients beyond just the physical care. From culture to communication, Black highlights the importance of treating the individual, not just the injury. Taylor also highlights the use of tech in the rehab space. To cap things off, listeners are granted a look into Black’s passion for food and his never-ending quest for the perfect burger.
You can watch on YouTube with the link here: https://youtu.be/QrLNTdxm74Y
Episode 7:
Nick Fanti, Professional Pitcher + Team Italy (Ep. 7)
Nick Fanti, a professional pitcher rehabbing from forearm flexor and UCL surgery, joins The Layback Podcast with host Adam Moreau. After being drafted by the Phillies out of high school in 2015, Nick has had a career of ups and downs. Nick shares insights into the importance of finding your identity beyond the game to escape the struggles that can come from being sidelined, while offering a look into the winding road of his baseball career as he makes the push back to affiliated baseball. With a couple of Team Italy nods under his belt to go along with two pet birds, Jake and Bugsy, there is no question Nick is none other than a “typical lefty.” If you’d like to hear more about Nick’s story, reach out, and we’d be happy to put you in touch.
You can watch this episode on Youtube with the following link: https://youtu.be/QcBlsDSoihA
Episode 6:
Casey Mulholland of KineticPro Performance (Ep. 6)
Casey Mulholland of KineticPro Performance in Tampa, FL joins the conversations with host, Adam Moreau, to discuss everything under the sun when it comes to workload management. Workload is a hot topic in all of sports these days, and Casey takes us to school with the concept, explaining both its proper and misapplications in throwing programs and beyond. While discussing everything from building up throwing fitness in the off-season to structuring programs for a major league staff, Casey and Adam have some fun banter in the process and are already planning Casey’s return.
If you’d like to learn more about Casey and KineticPro, please check them out at https://www.kineticprobaseball.com.
If you’d like, you can watch this episode on youtube with this link: https://youtu.be/xpTFZyrkXNI.
Episode 5:
Miller Hogan, Professional Pitcher (Ep. 5)
Miller Hogan, former St. Louis Billiken and 6th round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018, joins The Layback Podcast for episode 5. Hogan discusses his hybrid elbow reconstruction, what seems like the largest pitching arsenal known to man, his own development and rehab plans, being a Swiss army knife in the Rays system, and his goals to get back on the field. For the video game crew, he also casually drops his MLB The Show prowess. With our discussion on pitch grips, we highly suggest viewing that portion of the podcast at https://youtu.be/yk6yoBUFiFM. If you want to get in touch with Miller, shoot us an email to info@flexprogrip.com. Also, if you’d like to check out the Keith Baar podcasts Miller mentions near the end of this episode, we recommend listening to episodes 156 and 392 of the Just Fly Performance Podcast.
Episode 4:
Ian McMahon (Ep. 4)
Ian McMahon, founder of The Return and throwing trainer with Mach 1 Baseball in St. Louis, MO, joins Layback host Adam Moreau to discuss his winding road through his own UCL rehab and the fruitful decision to create a group chat community for Tommy John rehabbers. The Return, accessible by request only on GroupMe, provides an open forum for what is currently roughly 300 athletes to discuss their journeys back to the ball field. Video is available for the first time with this episode.
Episode 3:
Dylan Newcomer, Physical Therapist at Driveline Baseball (Ep. 3)
Host Adam Moreau is joined by Dylan Newcomer, Physical Therapist at Driveline Baseball in Kent, WA. Dylan also owns and operates Athletic Potential Performance Physical Therapy. Newcomer is afforded the opportunity to work with some of the best baseball players in today’s game in addition to treating other athletes and even the general population. Newcomer, initially trained and educated as a strength coach, discusses his path into physical therapy, his implementation of objective data into Tommy John / elbow rehab, and the ins and outs of baseball Return to Throw Programs. Dylan can be reached at Dylan.Newcomer@drivelinebaseball.com. If you are interested in working with Dylan, click the link here.
Episode 2:
Joshua Paulina (Ep. 2)
Joshua Paulina, former professional pitcher and current college pitcher, joins Layback host Adam Moreau to discuss his unique path through the baseball world. The two time Tommy John survivor discusses the similarities and differences between both his elbow surgery experiences. As he fights to get back to the field later this spring, he takes things a day at a time in his rehab with the intention of helping the West Chester University Rams compete for a national title.
Episode 1:
Intro (Ep. 1)
Layback host, Adam Moreau, quickly covers the plans for the show. UCL tears may be a specific injury, but the support network is vast. The FlexPro Grip crew aims to further add to the Tommy John community by creating a platform for players, parents, clinicians, coaches, and researchers to share their stories. If you have a topic for us to discuss or a guest you would like to hear from, let us know!
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