COACH SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: COACH SIMON B.

simonbMeet baseball coach Simon B! Simon is a former minor league player who is committed to putting the work in to help athlete’s achieve their goals. He creates a fun, laid back atmosphere all while providing players with proper technique and instruction to help them succeed.

Provide a brief summary of your participation playing and/or coaching your sport.

I played 3 years in the minor leagues with the Milwaukee Brewers. I threw my fastball up to 93 MPH and participated in a combined no hitter in rookie ball. I am a student of correct mechanics to improve velocity and control while minimizing the risk of injury. I have coached kids for 7+ years ranging from 5 year olds to 17 year olds.

Why did you decide to become a private coach?

I had to learn my mechanics the hard way through trial and error and it took me years to improve. With some simple coaching from someone that knew the correct way to throw I may still be pitching today. I want to share this information with kids / parents to improve their game and make sure they are maximizing their potential. Most kids are being taught incorrectly, and that will reduce velocity and increase the chance of injury.

What do you enjoy most about coaching?

My favorite part of coaching is watching a kid’s face that has been struggling throwing strikes when he improves to throwing hard with good control striking people out. With the right work ethic any athlete can improve drastically if they have the right attitude, are willing to listen, and put in the required practice.

What can a client expect from private lessons with you?

A client can expect a game plan to get better. I can explain my methodology and I also do video analysis that I will send to the client afterwards to increase their results. Without videotaping pitchers, coaches are guessing in the dark as to what the problem is. We typically do a warm up, throwing, bullpen session and depending on the skill level, work on things like increasing velocity, improving control and different pitches.

Who is your favorite coach and why?

Dick Mills is my favorite coach. He is the most experienced pitching coach probably in the world.

What is your favorite moment in your athletic career?

Pitching in a college game where my fastball was consistently between 90-93 MPH topping out at 95. Signing a professional baseball contract to get paid to play was pretty good too.

Do you have any success stories from coaching an athlete?

I have helped a high school prospect go from mid seventies to mid 80’s with potential to hit 90 and get a college scholarship. He had terrible mechanics and still has some work to do but has greatly improved and has a Major League slider.

Did you participate in your sport in high school and college (if so, where)?

There isn’t ‘much high school baseball in Australia so it was all club level. I was in many Australian National Teams from 12U through 18 years old. I pitched in an Olympic qualifying game. I was a starting pitcher at D1 TJC and Texarkana Junior Colleges before being drafted.

What other sports or activities do you enjoy playing or practicing?

I love all sports especially Australian Rules Football (not soccer), all baseball and my favorite hobby is to play cards.

What is your favorite sports related movie?

Major League

Do you have a favorite saying?

If you work hard enough you can achieve anything you want.

Do you have any special talents or a surprising thing someone might not know about you?

I have twin 3 year olds that take up most of my ‘free time’.

Coach Simon is booking baseball sessions now! Click here to check out his profile.  

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