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Jr. plays high school ball (Soph) for a division IV small school and plays on a statewide elite travel team in summer against the best possible competition. Jr. plays all positions proficiently except first base.

Jr. is a "smaller" player at 5'8 1/2" and 152 lbs. As a pitcher cruises high 70's and has hit mid 80's at times. As a hitter, he has hit for extra bases on many occasions, but is more adept for speed. Hits to the left side and beats out the throw regularly. Had a .577 BA last year.

High school coach told him that if he wanted to see play time next year, he must gain at least 15 pounds and preferably 30. He said this will add more "pop" to his bat. How do you do this and not just add fat? Is this a common piece of advice? Wouldn't this slow him down speed wise, both baserunning and pitching? Could someone please explain this? Jr. wants to play.
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So your son is a sophomore in HS? With his stature I would hope to develop him into a middle infielder and hitter and away from the mound.

Is he doing a weight training program on his own? Is he supplementing his protein intake with shakes?

These are two things that he has control over. My oldest worked out daily rotating upper and lower body. Some discourage it, but my son supplemented with creatine also. It helps the muscle tissue heal quicker resulting in less down time between workouts.

My guy is not very big, nor was he while in HS. He was about 5'10" and 160 as a sophomore. As a Junior his goal was to hit 180, he was 5'11" then.

Currently a a college sophomore he is 6' and 194.

If he builds muscle in his glutes and quads, hamstrings, etc. he will have a larger engine to propel his body. As mine gained weight (in the aforementioned areas) he also got quicker. Going from a 6.9 entering his senior year to a 6.7-8 currently.

It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to build your body, but it is worth it. Just be carefull not to spend time on lifts that will work against your goal. Don't build a "Beach Body", build a "Baseball Body". Light on the pec's and biceps. Triceps, forearms, core and lower body.
Last edited by floridafan
Yes, soph in hs. What about catcher? Are these guys generally shorter? He plays MI very well and this is his favorite. I really doubt he will get any taller. He is not at all thin, is muscular and has an athletic build. Isn't 152 pretty solid for a 5'8" frame? 182 just sounds too large for 5'8". What is more important, hitting homeruns or hitting for average? Suppose if he puts on a lot of muscle weight he will hit for more power? Mechanics are excellent. He has worked with a rotational hitting coach since he was 10. Thanks for the tips. We will look into this further.
Soph in HS...still might have another inch or so to grow and with the weight training I could see him adding another 15 lbs.

2B may be a natural position with his speed and all. Catcher is a possibility but all the squatting,etc. takes its toll on the legs; would want the weight increase also for endurance/strength behind the plate. My son is about 5'10" and about 180-185 lbs. as a catcher; more of a bull type than a gazelle. Has a good glove at 2B but can't cover trhe ground like your son can.

Jr. should worry about power and strength increase versus just adding on weight. The "pop" will come with time and work.

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