Eric Valent

Monster, beast, gauntlet, and no joke are some words MLB players describe playing in the show. And those are from guys who had a lot of sustained success!! Never slouch off on your mental game-it's the foundation to keep u grounded in success and positive during your challenges.

Remember, they're called hitter and pitcher counts for a reason. Feel free to adjust as needed, giving yourself the best chance of success with each pitch. It's very easy to throw at bats away over the course of a season, so be dialed in every pitch and understand the situation.

Best of luck to all the ballplayers out there beginning their seasons! Stay focused in the moment, control your breathing and be a student of the game. Before you know it, all your "firsts" will be on the board and a great season with your teammates will be underway.

Hitting w/ a Serene mind, a Sound approach, a Strong foundation and incorporating a Subtle load will help you become a Savvy hitter. Strive for: Serene/Sound/Strong/Subtle=Savvy.

If u chase more than you'd like as a hitter, experiment moving up in the box and in towards the plate. W/ this move, think driving THRU the ball to pull side gap when ur 2 strikes or less, battle when behind in count as always. *Tip of the cap to the P when spots inner half.

Hitters, learn to predict what's coming. Hitting is harder than ever and isn't getting easier. Pick up tendencies, watch a pitcher's release point intently and sync up with the timing of a pitcher's delivery can all help you. See it, know it, swing it in 150 milliseconds.

Becoming a successful MLB player is a daunting task. Players are always looking to improve their athleticism, strength, skills and mental game to become the best player possible. If I was a young player in today's game, the mental side would be on the same level as the other 3.

"A" swings are great and what we all seek, but if you're not feeling it in the box, are behind in the count, the situation doesn't really dictate it or the pitcher just has your number, make the adjustment you need to have the most competitive at bat for the team. Keep it moving.

The game of golf and hitting a baseball can be very similar in mindset. Bomb driver off the tee=Ready to take an A swing at the start of an AB. After that, u better have touch for a short game in golf, while one has to make the necessary adjustments to grind an AB at the plate.

Dude can hit/Grinds AB's/Can pitch/Can flat out play/Fills up the zone/Catches everything/An out if it's hit his way/Always in the right place/Knows the game/Pitchers love throwing to him/Loves to compete. These r the terms u want said about u as a player. All the best in '25!

To understand the mental grind of baseball, watch the Mike Schmidt special on MLB Network. Mike, a Hall of Famer, arguably the best 3rd baseman in baseball history, and he still struggled with the day/day grind many times in his illustrious career. One's mind is a powerful tool.

Really enjoyed listening and spending some time with Phillies manager, Rob Thomson. Easy to see why players enjoy playing for him- even keel all the time, humble, confident and truly cares about his players and staff.

Most ML hitters cycle thru feeling great, good, fair and awful in the box. When one has 100 milliseconds to process the pitch, and then add in the type of stuff one sees in the major leagues, it's truly a unique art when hitters are doing damage in the box. Ride it and enjoy!

I love what Jimmy Rollins just said on Pre Game ALCS show about finding your swing at the plate. He said, " it doesn't even have to be a hit, could be a ball you foul straight back, and all of a sudden your like, there it is, I'm back." So true!

All accomplished hitters achieve their success differently. The tee, soft toss, Velo machine, BB machine, BP arm, live BP and VR training are just some examples of training accomplished hitters may prefer. There's no magic formula, as they will tell you. Train what's best for you

Advanced amateur athletes in today's landscape can't escape the distraction of rankings at times, and it's hard for them to not get caught up in the hype and attention. In reality, it's a grain of salt towards your end goals, so always keep your focus on what you can control.

Lost Dad last Monday. One of a kind and a friend to all. Words can't describe how great of a father he was to me. So thankful for 75 years of love and how to live life to the fullest! Love you forever and u will be with me always. RIP Pops.

I met Terry Francona when I signed with the Phillies in 1998. He made me feel so welcome in the clubhouse when I signed. Never had the chance to play for him, but I just saw him in Tucson, and he greeted me the same way he did back in 1998. Hall of Fame guy all the way around!

Many kids dream of playing professional sports, but so few reach that dream. With that said, what should be constant reminders to amateurs? I'd say-Ur sport doesn't define who u r, Enjoy the journey, Embrace your highs/lows, Work hard/smart, B a great teammate and Pay it forward!

You've worked hard all off season in the weight room/cage/bullpen. Now, as you're close to the start of practices and games around the corner, it's about competing every pitch. Remember, strive for minimal walks on the bump and competitive at bats at the plate. Simple as that!