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Former MLB player moving to DFW area and offering advanced baseball instruction

B BaseballInstructor50100+ posts
Dear baseball players and parents,

My name is Jimmy Serrano, I am a former Major League baseball player moving to the DFW area and joining the winning staff at Pro Source. I am extremely excited to share my experience and knowledge with players looking to develop and elevate their skills (pitching, hitting, fielding). I will be available for individual and group lessons starting August 27th. My schedule will fill quickly so please do not hesitate to email or call to book a time.

Thank you,
Jimmy Serrano
410-212-0120
Jimmy@prosourceathletics.com

Experience

Major League Pitcher
10 Year Baseball Instructor/Coach
10 Year Professional Baseball


Testimonials
I hope you know how much James has appreciated your pitching lessons and recruiting services. He has grown as a player this past year and you have been a positive role model for him. Thank you.
- Michele Nadeau

You have been an inspiration to both Adam and Cameron and your work with them has made them much better baseball players and people. I cannot thank you enough for all of your efforts with my children and your friendship.
- Terry Witte
Original Post

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B BaseballInstructor50100+ posts
Thanks for the question Pick.

Sounds like your son is already doing great with contact and putting up numbers. The first thing I will say about power is that your son will naturally get stronger and if he is a good contact hitter, then the ball will start to travel further the more he develops.
Some things he can work on mechanically are making sure he maintains balance throughout his swing, check his feet and make sure his upper body is staying balanced between his feet. Also, make sure his front side (foot, hip, shoulder, ear facing pitcher) are staying on contact and not opening up too early. When it comes to contact, try to get him to make contact with a good, firm bat angle. If he is right handed then he wants his bat facing second base at contact. If lefty, then bat facing shortstop at contact. As opposed to angled toward the pitcher. That contact angle will help him to stay inside the baseball as well as make contact at the point where he is the most resistant to the ball. Try to think of playing pinball. If you push the button too early on the pinball machine and hit the ball with a flat arm it doesnt go as far as when you wait and hit it at an angle. And last but not least..make sure he is hitting through the baseball. Contact is not the end point of the swing but the beginning of power in the swing. The previously mentioned angle will help him to stay through the ball.

I hope this helps...

One thing I see that is lacking from kids ages 12 to 18 is a good game plan or mental approach to hitting and pitching. A simple game plan will slow the game down tremendously.
Old School79Old School791,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by BaseballInstructor50:
Thanks for the question Pick.

Sounds like your son is already doing great with contact and putting up numbers. The first thing I will say about power is that your son will naturally get stronger and if he is a good contact hitter, then the ball will start to travel further the more he develops.
Some things he can work on mechanically are making sure he maintains balance throughout his swing, check his feet and make sure his upper body is staying balanced between his feet. Also, make sure his front side (foot, hip, shoulder, ear facing pitcher) are staying on contact and not opening up too early. When it comes to contact, try to get him to make contact with a good, firm bat angle. If he is right handed then he wants his bat facing second base at contact. If lefty, then bat facing shortstop at contact. As opposed to angled toward the pitcher. That contact angle will help him to stay inside the baseball as well as make contact at the point where he is the most resistant to the ball. Try to think of playing pinball. If you push the button too early on the pinball machine and hit the ball with a flat arm it doesnt go as far as when you wait and hit it at an angle. And last but not least..make sure he is hitting through the baseball. Contact is not the end point of the swing but the beginning of power in the swing. The previously mentioned angle will help him to stay through the ball.

I hope this helps...

One thing I see that is lacking from kids ages 12 to 18 is a good game plan or mental approach to hitting and pitching. A simple game plan will slow the game down tremendously.



Nice

H HPtx100+ posts
Good reply...now I have a question about power as a pitcher. I have a 10 year old who is a solid all around player, but lacks power pitching. Most will say that the strength will come with age; however, I've seen some tiny kids at 7, 8 or 9 that can't weigh more than 50 lbs., but seem to be able to throw the ball 50 MPH+. We've been doing long toss 3x to 4x per week and it seems to help, but I am leery of starting weight lifting with him because of his age. Any thoughts?
B BaseballInstructor50100+ posts
Great question...a popular question too.

At 10 years old, he definitely is going to gain arm strength as he grows.

I would make sure he has solid throwing mechanics before trying to gain the velocity. Pitching movements are very similar to hitting movements. Some people think that in order to gain velocity, a pitcher should push off or drive forward. Since pitching and hitting are so similar, it wouldn't make sense for a hitter to drive forward towards the pitcher. Its more important to maintain balance will transferring weight to the appropriate areas.
When you do long toss, make sure you are maintaining good throwing mechanics and throwing the ball on a line. Distance is not really the goal with long toss. Its more about getting extension (distance between throwing fingertips and back foot). You can also work on spinning the ball during long toss, shoot for good back spin rotation and create carry.
Here is a velocity analogy...when you first start bench pressing, you may lift 150lbs at first but the more you do it, the better your technique gets, the more repeatable your technique is and the more your bench press weight increases. Its the same concept with pitching. The more sound and repeatable your delivery and through repetition, the velocity will increase.
I would stay away from the weight room for now at 10 years old. If anything, have him work on stretching, and learn the importance of a preparing to pitch and a throwing routine

If you have video of his throwing mechanics, I can take a look and advise on what to work on.

I hope this helps,

Thank you,
Jimmy
RD Rock Dad100+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by HPtx:
Good reply...now I have a question about power as a pitcher. I have a 10 year old who is a solid all around player, but lacks power pitching. Most will say that the strength will come with age; however, I've seen some tiny kids at 7, 8 or 9 that can't weigh more than 50 lbs., but seem to be able to throw the ball 50 MPH+. We've been doing long toss 3x to 4x per week and it seems to help, but I am leery of starting weight lifting with him because of his age. Any thoughts?


This is a joke right?
You should have started him lifting at 9yr. Alternate between long toss days.
L lsball10+ posts
Here's a question.

I often hear coaches tellings kids to have a plan at the plate or have an approach but I never hear them explain what they mean by those terms. Makes me think the coach doesn't know he's just heard other coaches say it. What are the coaches expectations of the coach when they say it to the batter right before their at bat?
B BaseballInstructor50100+ posts
Good question..

I agree that several coaches throw out phrases that they have heard other coaches say without truly understanding the meaning behind it.

I try to get my guys to step into the box with one simple game plan. For most of my right handed hitters its "drive the ball into right center". With this simple approach, it allows the players to have more control over the at bat. Rather than digging in the box and worrying about their swings, pitch types, location, velocity, the count, etc..They can dig in and have that simple approach regardless of the variables. Plus, trying to drive the ball in the opposite gap allows the swing mechanics to line up without having to think about swing mechanics.

As an infielder gets ready between pitches, he thinks about the situation and what he has to do if the ball is hit to him...example, a shortstop sees a runner on first with nobody out..he formulates his game plan (groundball to me, roll it up). Its as simple as that...so once the ball is hit, he is not thinking about the mechanics of fielding a ball but just executing his simple game plan.

If we can focus on simple game plans, the game will slow down. Its not important if he actually hits the ball into right center but the intention behind it will give him the best opportunity to succeed. The pitch location and speed will determine where the ball ends up. As a pitcher, a great game plan is to "throw strike one". Whether or not they do it is not important but knowing the significance and benefits of strike one and trying to execute that game plan is what matters most.

Thanks,
Jimmy
L lsball10+ posts
Kids can lift weights starting around age 8. Problem is the moron dad that thinks he needs to bulk his kid up before he hits puberty and jacks his kid up. If done correctly with supervised traning it should not be a problem for a kid to lift in order to improve strength but NOT to bulk up to hit homers at age 10 because his dad thinks he's the next big thing!
L lsball10+ posts
"luvtxball -
Posted August 05, 2012 01:04 AM Hide Post
Really! Lifting weights at 8, you are nuts and so would any dad be if he did that to his kid. Thats second grade! How about seventh grade when they are thirteen."

From Nuts - yes I'm nuts along with all the experts in the medical research community that have done studies on weight training for kids and have found it safe starting as early as age 7. Not talking about pumping iron dude just safe, supervised training. Typically before I post and call someone a name I like to make sure I know what I'm talking about! Due to the numerous studies online I will not give examples. I assume and this could be a mistake but if you go to google (on the internet), and I'm writing this slow for you to understand, type in "what age is safe for kids to lift weights" and you'll find numerous studies backing my post you knucklehead!!
B bostonbulldogbaseball100+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by BaseballInstructor50:
Dear baseball players and parents,

My name is Jimmy Serrano, I am a former Major League baseball player moving to the DFW area and joining the winning staff at Pro Source. I am extremely excited to share my experience and knowledge with players looking to develop and elevate their skills (pitching, hitting, fielding). I will be available for individual and group lessons starting August 27th. My schedule will fill quickly so please do not hesitate to email or call to book a time.

Thank you,
Jimmy Serrano
410-212-0120
Jimmy@prosourceathletics.com

Experience

Major League Pitcher
10 Year Baseball Instructor/Coach
10 Year Professional Baseball


Is the wikepedia site accurate?

It states you were with the Kansas City Royals from August to October of 2004 (3 months).
BackstopDad32BackstopDad325,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by bostonbulldogbaseball:
quote:
Originally posted by BaseballInstructor50:
Dear baseball players and parents,

My name is Jimmy Serrano, I am a former Major League baseball player moving to the DFW area and joining the winning staff at Pro Source. I am extremely excited to share my experience and knowledge with players looking to develop and elevate their skills (pitching, hitting, fielding). I will be available for individual and group lessons starting August 27th. My schedule will fill quickly so please do not hesitate to email or call to book a time.

Thank you,
Jimmy Serrano
410-212-0120
Jimmy@prosourceathletics.com

Experience

Major League Pitcher
10 Year Baseball Instructor/Coach
10 Year Professional Baseball


Is the wikepedia site accurate?

It states you were with the Kansas City Royals from August to October of 2004 (3 months).


Boy BBB you sure aren't into making friends much are you. This is at least the thirdpost of this type (including racial and insensitive remarks) that I have noticed you make in just the last few days.

Your kid is 13 right. Well I am guessing you don't know everything there is to know about baseball, baseball instruction, recruiting, travel baseball and I could keep going, so maybe take it all in and try not be one of those guys unless you are truly a forum troll who serves no purpose and then just go away.

You gain nothing by trying to discredit someone who indeed played in the Major Leagues unless you just wish to act like an ***. Sorry if his time service did not meet up to some arbitrary standard you have set but in my book one day in the Major Leagues is more than practically any of us or our kids are ever going to see so give him a break.
B BaseballInstructor50100+ posts
The high point of my 10 year professional career was indeed the Major Leagues. However, I was lucky enough to play for the length of time I did. I was also able to play in 3 Arizona Fall League seasons, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Korea. Was also an All Star at the single A, Double A, and Triple A levels (not sure if Wiki mentions that). With the time I spent in professional baseball and the several teams I played for, it has allowed me to draw from those experience and pass that along to young players and misinformed parents.

Thanks, keep those questions coming.
Out in LFOut in LF500+ posts
Hey BBI50,
I understand that Ortmeier is leaving ProSource. Will you be taking over his team? If so you will be getting a great bunch of boys, parents. Dan was a great teacher about life, the great game of baseball and was a great example for them to follow.

Best of luck to you, and welcome to the Metroplex. I guess we can call you "Coach" now.
B bostonbulldogbaseball100+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by BackstopDad32:
quote:
Originally posted by bostonbulldogbaseball:
quote:
Originally posted by BaseballInstructor50:
Dear baseball players and parents,

My name is Jimmy Serrano, I am a former Major League baseball player moving to the DFW area and joining the winning staff at Pro Source. I am extremely excited to share my experience and knowledge with players looking to develop and elevate their skills (pitching, hitting, fielding). I will be available for individual and group lessons starting August 27th. My schedule will fill quickly so please do not hesitate to email or call to book a time.

Thank you,
Jimmy Serrano
410-212-0120
Jimmy@prosourceathletics.com

Experience

Major League Pitcher
10 Year Baseball Instructor/Coach
10 Year Professional Baseball


Is the wikepedia site accurate?

It states you were with the Kansas City Royals from August to October of 2004 (3 months).


Boy BBB you sure aren't into making friends much are you. This is at least the thirdpost of this type (including racial and insensitive remarks) that I have noticed you make in just the last few days.

Your kid is 13 right. Well I am guessing you don't know everything there is to know about baseball, baseball instruction, recruiting, travel baseball and I could keep going, so maybe take it all in and try not be one of those guys unless you are truly a forum troll who serves no purpose and then just go away.

You gain nothing by trying to discredit someone who indeed played in the Major Leagues unless you just wish to act like an ***. Sorry if his time service did not meet up to some arbitrary standard you have set but in my book one day in the Major Leagues is more than practically any of us or our kids are ever going to see so give him a break.


You sure do read a lot into a post. I asked a simple question that was baseball related.

I'm more interested in when do you know to hang up the cleats. If my son is fortunate enough to make it with a pro team but struggles in the AA, AAA organization at what point would I tell him to find another job so he can support a family?

Relax and have a Guiness on me.
Last edited by bostonbulldogbaseball
B BaseballInstructor50100+ posts
I am excited to get going with Pro Source again. I lived in the DFW area about 5 years ago and helped with Pro Source in it's infancy. It's great to see how much it had grown. I will be coaching a 12u and 15u team along with college recruiting services and lessons. I will be available starting the 22nd now, so please let your friends and family know...

As far as knowing when to hang it up....I think it starts to become obvious when the time has come to move on.

Thanks
Jimmy

More questions please...
MT My Three Sons100+ posts
BBI50, not necessarily a question but rather a solicitation of your opinion. I have a friend who has a 2013 son who is a RHP. He is a large framed kid that is about 6'4" and weighs approximately 225#. He currently tops out at 90/91 on his fastball and can work 87/88. He has a really good 12/6 curveball that he throws in the low 70's as well as a change up that he throws in the mid to upper 70's. The young man has what I believe is termed advanced "pitchability". He plays at the highest level of summer ball and piles up wins and K's against upper level hitters. He is verbally committed to one of the top baseball programs in the country. That is the good stuff. Now the question, my friend claims he has had multiple MLB scouts tell him that the boy will some day throw in the mid 90's because of the looseness (sp?) of his arm, size, current lack of strength and maturity level. At 17 years old, is it realistic to think that a gain of five or so miles per hour is even possible? Thanks in advance for your reply.
B BaseballInstructor50100+ posts
Thanks for the question...

Wow, it sounds like the young man is going to have a bright future in baseball. It is very possible that he can gain the projected 5+ mph. A pitcher reaches their peak maturity around 26 to 27 yrs old. As long as he stays healthy and continues to work hard in a college or professional pitching program, he will defintely reach those goals. The more repetition and consistency he has with his mechanics the stronger pitcher he will become and able to find velocity he didn't know he had..

Keep me posted on him and let me know if he needs an agent!!


Jimmy
B bostonbulldogbaseball100+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Pick Johnson:
quote:
If my son is fortunate enough to make it with a pro team but struggles in the AA, AAA organization at what point would I tell him to find another job so he can support a family?



If your son is that fortunate, try letting him make those decisions. From your posts, he's better off.


Well you might be considered irrelevant as the father in your family but in my family the father's advice is the most important, bar none!
PJ Pick Johnson10+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by bostonbulldogbaseball:
quote:
Originally posted by Pick Johnson:
quote:
If my son is fortunate enough to make it with a pro team but struggles in the AA, AAA organization at what point would I tell him to find another job so he can support a family?



If your son is that fortunate, try letting him make those decisions. From your posts, he's better off.


Well you might be considered irrelevant as the father in your family but in my family the father's advice is the most important, bar none!


Fathers raise men to make their own decisions once they are on their own.
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