| Fastball USA Student Success Stories |
If you are considering the best training for your son I encourage you to read these stories below. These young men had simliar frustrations that your having today. Make no mistake these players all worked for their results. It did not come through magic wands,short cuts, and just tweaking a thing or two. These players of all ages worked for their results. We simply guided them in the the right direction! Share your story and click the link to the left.
Coach Ryan
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| Drafted By the KC Royals. Fastball USA Prepared Him For Pro Ball |
Drafted By the KC Royals. Fastball USA Prepared Him For Pro Ball
Hey Mike,
Just wanted to let you know that we do nearly all the same arm care here as we did at fastball. We do numerous variations of all of the arm care on an everyday basis, and also we do ALOT of the flexibiltiy and pre workout warmups that we did at fastball. Fastball USA pretty much prepared me for pro ball, and currently I have over 100 innings on my arm this year, and I have to thank you for teaching me the importance of arm care.
In the past, my arm would usually be in pain around this time of year, and I would be experiencing "dead arm". But currently my velocity is still sitting in the 90-93 range and topping around 95mph.
Once again, I just wanted to thank you for everything, and please continue to stress the importance of arm care, flexibiltiy, and good old fashioned hard work to the rest of the guys.
Thanks,
Mike Giovenco
KC Royals
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| I was weak and Slow But Not Anymore! |
When I Started I was Weak and Slow ............
I began with Fastball USA the summer entering my 8th-grade year. I was weak, slow, my hitting was less than poor and my command and velocity was nothing to brag about. Then, within months of training and extremely hard work, I say major improvements in my velocity, stamina, speed, command, batting and over-all art of pitching.
I started with a fastball that was 64-67 mph, and now a year later into my freshman year I have a 73-76 mph fastball, 84 mph step behind and a bat exit-speed of 82.
Fastball USA knows how to train a baseball player to go from standard skill to being an extremely hard working, exceptional pitcher or hitter.
Joey Hanley
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| From Not Making The Varsity Team To Throwing 90MPH in 14 Months!! |
From Not Making The Varsity Team To Throwing 90MPH in 14 Months!!
Finding Focus...
Mitch Baker, a tall lanky kid with a dream. Plays Little League, Travel Ball and moves onto his High School freshman and sophomore teams. He has an above average fastball, smooth delivery and told lots of potential... then fails to make his varsity team his junior year. New coach, politics, lack of focus might have sunk him, but he took it upon himself to get better. He had to find his focus.
2010 Mitch goes in 100% to the teachings at Fastball. While missing Spring ball he attends FB 2-3 times a week. Summertime he attends 2 large Midwest showcases posting the 1st and 3rd highest MPH times out of hundreds of 2011 prospects. Offers from colleges start to come in. Contacts through your organization start to develop. Coaches come out to Fastball to see Mitch work out.
2010 -2011 Mitch continues to work out posting 94 mph turn and burn and 86-88 off the mound. Senior Year he goes undefeated. 2011 Mitchell signs a Scholarship to a local school with strong baseball program. He hits 90 mph off the mound.
Mitch had a strong fall and is slated to play varsity ball his freshman season. We are indebted to your program and look forward to seeing you during holiday breaks...to keep the focus.
Most recently Mitch hit 94mph on the mound in September 2012. Stay Tuned!
The Baker Family
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| Began At Age 8 To the # 1 HS Pitcher |
Began At Age 8 To the # 1 HS Pitcher
Mike first came to you at age 8 in 2002 when he completed a Winter program at your first facility. After those sessions, that Spring Mike made the Park Ridge traveling team where he batted .755. Mike is now a Freshman at Maine South High School as a starter on the A team.
Mike's the #1 pitcher and bats 2nd in the lineup (at a class 8A school with over 2,600 students) and when he's not pitching, he's at short. This is largely the result of your work and dedication. You have documented Mike's improvement in pitching from throwing 74mph to 81mph, and don't forget, he's 14 yrs old and does not turn 15 yrs old until the end of the Summer. You also have an equally impressive improvement record in his batting...bat speed, ball exit speed, etc.
Privileged in playing travel baseball for 7 years, Mike has seen many different professional instructors both hired by his team at the time and on his own - including high school coaches from Prospect, Maine South, and Notre Dame among others.
Everyone helped, but none compare to your ability to produce results. Your knowledge and techniques work, period. Combine that with your great attitude and the way you relate to the kids, and you'd wind up with a ton of us customers making it very difficult for you to "...call it quits."
You have earned the respect of not only your players and families, but also your peers in the industry. I couldn't imagine Mike not continuing instruction with you. As he once said to me, "There hasn't ever been a lesson with coach Ryan I have not looked forward to."
BRIAN LAPELUSA - PARK RIDGE,IL
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| Freshman Gains 14MPH in 2 Years. Commits To Indiana University |
Freshman Gains 14MPH in 2 Years. Commits To Indiana University
Before coming to Fastball USA, I was a freshman throwing 72mph. As a kid I was taught to throw with good mechanics and never to just let it fly. But when I came to Fastball it was completely the opposite. Everything is focused on going as fast as you can, even if It means being out of control at first. I started training at the facility and I have seen major improvements in my game.
Freshman year I wasn't even in the starting rotation as a pitcher and when I did pitch I walked a lot of people. But after I trained for just one offseason I was the starting pitcher for our first conference game.
I had improved my velocity to 80 mph off the mound in just one offseason. Then over this summer I continued to train with Fastball USA and I improved my velocity to 86 mph off a turn and burn and 82-83 off the mound. In about 2 years, I have gained 14 mph on my fastball because of the great training.
I would definitely recommend Fastball USA to anyone who wants to work hard and has goals of playing at the next level. It is a great way to specifically train for baseball and improve your game in the right way.
Austin Foote
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| Improved 4MPH Immediately |
Improved 4MPH Immediately
Coach Ryan,
I just wanted to say THANK YOU on behalf of my son, Dan, for a great camp! Dan came home the first night and said, " That man Coach Ryan is a genius! He changed one thing and increased my velocity by 4 MPH". When the camp was over he immediately went to the mound and threw. He looks like a completely different pitcher...both mechanically and his confidence.
Thanks for a job well done. I will recommend you and your program to any dedicated ball players out there.
Sincerely,
Dale Schlitter
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| Ball Exit Speed Improves 25MPH in 20 Months |
Fastball USA Student improves Ball Exit Speed from 72mph to 97mph
Improves 25MPH in 20 Months!
Coach,
I did not know what to call this but I think "Getting Results" is appropriate where my son Dominic is concerned. Dommo has a mathematics and science background so the marriage between our family and Fastball USA could not be have worked out better.
As a matter of fact, I think most of the kids that frequent the Fastball workouts and measurement nights must have the same love for math and science that Dommo has...
As somebody who records the hitting and throwing metrics of the boys, I have never seen so many kids compete as hard as these boys do and take the number I yell out to them as seriously as the kids at Fastball!
All the kids at the measurement nights are looking for that extra 2 or 3 MPH difference from the last metric night and I have seen every kid there not only raise their number from the time before, they raise their expectations for the next measurment night 30 days down the road!
One fateful August evening in 2009, my son and I went to Fastball USA on a referral from Steve Brandt as a place that serious kids should check out if they want to pursue a baseball career in earnest.
That was 20 months ago and Dommo loves fastball more today than he did the first time he stepped into the "Dojo"!
Dommo would like the opportunity to play baseball at the next level and he thinks Fastball USA is the only academy that feeds his hunger to progress in the manner he has and will continue to do so.
Here is his dramatic progression purely from a hitting perspective. In August 2009 Dommo was 5'10" and weighed 150 pounds. His bat speed was 73 MPH and his exit speed was 72 MPH.
In 20 months of intense training at Fastball he has gone from a skinny 14 year old boy to a very strong 16 year old man.
He is now 5'11.5" and weighs 168 pounds (all muscle) and I can honestly say the strength is all a bi-product of the black belt workouts at Fastball.
I am not talking bench and curl strength, Dommo quit lifting weights a year ago.
I am talking about functional core strength specific to that of major league baseball players.
His bat speed is now 97 MPH which matches his exit speed! To put this in its proper perspective, these numbers are the same as most major league ball players outweighing Dommo by 20 - 50 pounds.
Because I am not a scientist, I do not know how these metrics can be achieved, I just know when he goes to Fastball good things happen!
Mike - he likes the no nonsense personality of you and coach Steve.
In this world of establishments patronizing their clientele and sugar coating things where their kids are concerned, Fastball USA takes the exact opposite approach.
While this might not be for every family seeking a baseball academy, the families that frequent Fastball USA will have the best chance of their son or daughter playing at the next level no matter what that level is.
The DeMicco's will be there until you kick us out!
Thanks for all the hard work with my son.
Sincerely,
Dominic Demicco
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| Fastball USA Is Hands Down Better Than Any Other Place |
Improvement At Fastball USA Is Hands Down Better Than Any Other Place!
Let me start by saying "Playing for Fastball is like no other Training Academy". I have 2 sons and have played baseball for a lot of different travel teams and other training facilities over the past 13 years.
Playing and training for Fastball USA is like playing for someone who really cares about the player, it’s like a family atmosphere both on and off the field. Mike Ryan takes pride in his craft and works to improve each and every player that comes through his facility.
We have trained and played for him 2 years now and the improvement At Fastball USA is "hands down" better than any other place. My son has always had power, but things are much more refined (exit speed 96 mph) and he has more understanding behind the science of hitting a baseball.
The videos he uses as a teaching tool break down every part of some of the best hitters in baseball, this is where the science comes in.
Mike also took the time to find flaws in his throwing mechanics (infielder), this was always a source of chronic pain. His throwing velocity has improved (80 mph) and along with that, the pain has been reduced.
The Explosive Hitting and Black Belt Classes keep my son in good shape all winter long, and get him prepared for high school tryouts in the spring. The Black Belt workout also keeps him healthy all season long, which means more innings on the field, and less on the bench. I see other players with all sorts of muscle injuries during the high school season, because! they aren't prepared physically.
Last year, Mike brought in a nutritionist and a "mindset coach", to help all the players during the season. This was very informative for play on the field and going forward in everyone’s personal life, as well. You’re not going to find this anywhere else. These are just some of the things that set Fastball USA apart from other training and academy facilities.
Thanks, Mike and the “Fastball Team”
Scott Svetic
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| Began At Age 11 And Nows Throws 90MPH |
Began At Age 11 To throwing 83mph by freshman year.
Now Throws 90mph From The Outfield.
My son began working with Mike Ryan and the Fastball USA staff at age 11. The program that he has benefited most from is the Black Belt Pitching program. This program is designed to not only improve throwing velocity, but more importantly teaches the student proper mechanics, emphasizing strength, conditioning, and arm care to prepare the body for a season of throwing.
The staff at Fastball USA takes the time to connect individually with each student, understanding the desire and drive they possess to further maximize their training potential. The consistent measuring of the student’s progress provides them with immediate feedback on their performance – they can see that they are improving - as well as motivating them to “beat their high score”.
My son has drastically improved his velocity and is now throwing in the low 80’s as a 14 year old, but more importantly, he looks forward to every session, and understands that if he continues to put in the effort with Coach Ryan, the results will speak for themselves.
In 2012 Nick Zak Threw 90 and 91mph from the outfield at a College showcase Camp. Congrats Nick!
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| 12 Year Olds Ball Exit Speed Readings Jump From 56MPH To 79mph |
RESULTS COME FOR ALL AGES!!!
12 YEAR OLD HITS 12 HOME RUNS AND IMPROVES BALL EXIT SPEED READINGS FROM 56MPH TO 79MPH
Coach Ryan,
Neil was 11 yrs. old when he first visited Fastball for an analysis with Coach Ryan. After only one video analysis, coach suggested Neil make a minor adjustment to his arm movement.
That minor adjustment resulted in immediate increased pitching velocity. With increased velocity and a new found confidence, Neil had an explosive 2010 season in which he pitched the championship game of the 11U CABA World Series finishing just south of a tight 3 - 2 game against the Ohio Glaciers.
Neil has been with Fastball now for over a year and has seen his exit speed increase from 56 mph to his personal best of 79 mph. This exit speed increase was immediately visible in his perfomance this past season. Neil lead his team with 12 homeruns including 2 grand slams at very crucial times during two of the biggest tournament games of the year.
His stick helped to propel the team to the AABC Pee Wee Reese World Series in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico where he also hit a 3 run homer against the top ranked 12U pitcher in Puerto Rico.
Fastball has increased his bat exit speed and taught him how to protect his arm health and for that we have been extremely pleased. However, what we are most encouraged about is Fastball's attention to developing the whole child on and off the field.
Neil has been mentored by his coaches and by older Fastball members like TJ, who unselfishly give their time when he tries to compete against them past 9:00 pm. They advise him about what he might expect in high school and they push him beyond his conceived limits. Fastball trains Neil to be a stronger and more healthy athlete physically but also mentally.
Being a part of Fastball and being around others, who are as passionate about baseball as he is, has brought about an even deeper commitment than he previously held and has been a major catalyst for his personal passion toward the game and for his own personal success in life.
Thank you Coach(es)!
-The Freemans
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| Lack Of Arm Strength Leads Him To Fastball USA |
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Improves Ball Exit Speed and throwing speed 10MPH
I chose Fastball USA because I was in need of something different that works. The old pitching and hitting mechanics are no where near the velocity and performance you can get with these guys.
My biggest frustration before fastball was not having the strongest arm. I used to not like playing long toss because my arm would hurt but now I have fun doing it without no pain and I can watch my ball just keep carrying like never before.
When I first started Fastball Training, my fastball averaged in the mid to high 70s and now I average in the low to mid 80s. My exit speed before fastball was 80 and now its 90+!! These numbers have all been measured in this past year. Fastball USA is the way to go if you want to take your game to the next level!!
Thanks coach Mike and all others!
John Thomas
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| High School Student Improves 9MPH Of Throwing Speed |
Improved 9MPH in 12 Months Using The Black Belt Program
"Charlie's velocity has improved about 9 M.P.H. over the past 12 months. I was amazed over the last 2 weeks in November with the turn and burn drill, Charlie recorded 83 M.P.H. three times and the next week he exploded to another high of 87 M.P.H.
Strengthening and conditioning the core has impressed us with the amount of progress Charlie has made in the Black Belt program over the past 4 years.
His body can handle the stress which gives him the confidence & command he needs to be a successful pitcher. Coaches Mike & Steve have proven to be effective in teaching the correct mechanics and strengthening the body through muscle memory which we had seen in Charlie's video analysis. I am convinced by Charlie's performance that this program is the key to his success.”
Chuck Jerger..........Chicago,IL
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| Used To Be Pulled Out of Games Due To a Tired Arm - Not Any More! |
62mph To 84mph. Improved Arm health!
Fastball USA has provided Ed with a solid foundation of pitching motion. The velocity of his fastball was about 62 mph when he started in October 2003. By April 2004 his velocity was 70 mph with better command of the strike zone AND INCREASED TO 78 MPH BY OCTOBER OF 2005. (Recently this same student hit 84mph in December of 2006 as a high school sophomore). I’m confident that Fastball USA can help Ed make more improvements in his pitching this year.
Before coming to Fastball USA, Ed frequently had to be pulled out of a game before the maximum innings allowed because of a tired or sore arm. Needless to say, the last inning would be a struggle with confidence while losing command of the strike zone. Now he has more velocity, hardly walks anyone and can last five innings (league limit) without being tired. Sometimes he would simply move from pitching to catching and still gun down a runner attempting to steal second. Most of the time his strike out to walk ratio was at least 2:1.
Before training at Fastball USA he would frequently tell me he didn’t look forward to pitching because his performance would fall off about the third inning. Now, he smiles when he shows up for a game and his team coach tells him it is his turn to pitch. Most of the
time he has a good outing and remains confident. When things don’t go his way on the mound, he still remains confident that he can get the next batter out, or will be successful in the next game he pitches. He knows that his training is top notch and has great performances inside."
Steve Ballaron ( Lake Villa, IL )
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| HS Sophomore Improves Throwing Speed |
Improves Throwing Speed from 84mph to 92mph! Only a sophomore
Since joining the program, my turn and burn has increased from 84 mph to 92 mph in less than one year and my mound speed has improved from 83 to 87mph. The workouts greatly improve strength, speed, and explosiveness, more so than any other baseball program I have ever been in.
I recommend that anyone who wants to improve any part of their baseball skills, whether it be pitching velocity, bat speed, etc, should join this program.
Robert Zerfas
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| Built His Confidence As An Athlete |
Ball Exit Speed Jumps From 50mph To 82mph in 1 Year!!!
Throwing Speed Also Jumps From 48MPH To 66MPH in 1 Year!!!
The way Mike and Steve bring the most out of the kids is amazing. . Jimmy was throwing around 48 mph. His bat speed and exit speed was around 50.
On Nov. 7, 2011, Jimmy reached an exit speed of 82 mph. and a bat speed of 78. On Nov. 21, 2011, Jimmy reached an all time high of 66 mph throwing. These amazing increases could not have happened without the outstanding coaching staff at Fastball, especially Mike and Steve.
Not only did they help build these increases, but they built his confidence as an athlete and as a person. As a parent and a coach, I could not be happier for my son.
Thanks to Mike and Steve, and the rest of the staff at Fastball, jimmy not only has chance to succeed at baseball, but in life as well!
Thank you!
Jimmys Dad
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| A Lot Of Personal Attention |
Outstanding Instruction with Personal Attention and Video Analysis
“While Fastball
USA 's facilities and instruction are outstanding, it is the personal attention to each players progress provided by instructors that elevates this organization above others. A video analysis is standard for all instructions. Players are able to see and analyze their mechanical strengths and shortcomings with direct guidance by the instructors.
It is without hesitation that I recommend Fastball USA to any individual who desires to improve his/her existing baseball skills under expert directions by highly qualified professional baseball instructors."
Respectfully,
Dr. Reinhard Nickisch, Principal ( Itasca , IL )
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| Most Amazing Experiences Of My Life |
One Of The Most Amazing Experiences Of My Life!
"My time training in the Fastball USA Black Belt Program has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. It has also been one of the most challenging things I have ever had the opportunity to be a part of. My throwing speed went from topping off at 69mph to topping off at 76mph in about 10 weeks.
My arm strength has drastically changed and my level of conditioning is twice as good as it was when I started. I had never done anything that was quite like the routines and exercises in the Black Belt program.
Coach Steve and Coach Mike couldn’t have been more helpful and continue to push me to levels I never thought possible. I absolutely love going to Black Belt and by far has been one of the most fun, challenging and amazing experiences in my life. "
Nick Larson
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| Improved 10mph in One Off Season |
10MPH Gained in 1 Off Season!
"The program has improved my velocity tremendously. I gained 10mph over in 1 off season! I think a lot of it is med balls, weighted baseballs, and arm care. They all really make a difference. I really enjoy when we get radar timed on med ball throws and step behinds with baseballs.
Overall this program has made a remarkable impact on my pitching ability. My velocity has increased drastically and I know when I step out on the mound I’ll be more prepared than the batter standing 60 feet away. The program is a velocity and confidence booster. I would recommend this program to anyone who’s serious about improving as a pitcher.
Brian Pflederer Palatine, IL
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Improved 9mph and Improved Arm Health Thanks To Black Belt Pitching
"Since I have started the program I have gained 9mph on my fastball. Most importantly I am finding I can last longer during games and I have gained knowledge on how to keep my arm healthy with proper preparation and off-season/in-season training. I went from topping off at 70mph on the pitchers mound to topping off at 79mph in about 12 months.
The Black Belt Program with Coach Steve and Coach Ryan has ultimately pushed me to work harder and fix problems that I had initially in my delivery. Thanks a bunch! "
Gabe Jimenez Oak Park, IL
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