Episode #54 Importance of Strength and Conditioning in Athletic Development with Tampa Bay Rays Catcher Erik Ostberg

Link:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/238054/2434403-episode-54-importance-of-strength-and-conditioning-in-athletic-development-with-tampa-bay-rays-catcher-erik-ostberg

*SHOW TIMESTAMPS FEATURED AT THE END*

In this episode Gerry welcomes on Erik Ostberg, catcher in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.

To start, Erik and Gerry discuss baseball in the North-East and how Erik feels the cold weather in the Fall and Winter can impact training, development and progress. Erik discusses some of his early training experiences in high school and how they shaped his philosophies regarding strength training.

From there, the two discuss the importance of sprinting (short sprints specifically), plyometric/jump training and the immense importance of getting stronger (especially for youth athletes or new trainees in general). Additionally, the conversation turns to the benefits strength and speed training can provide for athletes in terms of gaining an edge in their sport and on the field of play.

To finish, Erik talks about his college training and playing experience at the University of Hartford and what his training currently involves while with a professional organization. He gives full insight on what is involved both in the in-season AND off-season as a big leaguer and sheds some light on how he uses what he has learned in strength training to help/trains athletes while at home during the off-season.

All that and more on this episode of Muscles and Management!

Timestamps:

12:00- Growing up In The Northeast and Northeast Baseball
15:45- The Culture and Evolution of Training
19:20- Success of Players from Your Area Can Increase Overall Exposure
21:00- Is the Northeast Have a Disadvantage?
25:50- Having an Offseason is a Good Thing
29:30- Erik’s Training Experiences Growing Up
32:50- Over Complicating Strength Programs 
39:30- Is the 60-Yard Dash Effective for Baseball?
42:30- Erik’s College Training Experiences
45:15- Is Static Stretching Useful?
49:25- College Recruiting
54:15- Erik’s Playing Career at the University of Hartford
1:02:48- Erik’s Training Influences
1:07:00- Erik’s Current Core Training Philosophy
1:20:30- Closing Thoughts