Kevin Graber

@Coach_KGraber • 6,305 subscribers

Admissions + Baseball - @MastersAcadIntl // Manager - @LowellSpinners // Former MiLB Manager/Coordinator - Chicago @Cubs // New York State Baseball HOF Inductee

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Kevin Graber

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1/5: Which foot should hit the inside corner of the bag? Three schools of thought.

Managing the Lowell Spinners this summer. Here's a sample of the momentum steals we've racked up thus far. Every kid on the roster is in on it. When the whole org. buys in -- from GM to staff to players -- it's a weapon.

Managing the Lowell Spinners this summer. We're running delay steals at a crazy clip — and not getting thrown out. It's not luck. We know the technique that works and we're systematic about when to use it. Shout outs Ryan Caulfield and Anthony Sanchez for great work with our runners.

Head-first or feet-first — which is faster? The research says it's a wash. Two studies found no significant difference. But here's the kicker: 68% of players perceived head-first as faster. The stopwatch disagreed.

Best baserunning play you've never heard of. Top 9, Gm. 7, 1960 World Series. Bases loaded, 1 out. Berra grounds to Nelson, who steps on bag at 1B. Most runners advance. Mantle dives back. Once Nelson touched 1B the force was off — he had to tag Mantle. Tying run scores.

(1/5) What's the perfect path around first base? Nobody has the answer. Math models give us a theoretical ideal. A new GPS study gives us segment-by-segment speed data. But no one's mapped it with real runners on real dirt — cleat traction, body types, bag placement. Still open.

Perfecting primary leads in Spring Training. Attention to detail matters.

Technique first, then timing, distance, and anticipation.

"Hit the button" for effective timing on secondary leads.

There's a reason why we got bags while I was roving. South Bend. Coaches who belive and teach, it'll happen. Coaches who hate, it won't.

Sneak peak at teaching momentum steals. Like, quote, bookmark, re-tweet, and/or forward if you’re a player or coach who loves to let it rip!

My quick (&lt; 2 minutes) explanation of momentum steal technique at first base. Not for every runner, but for those who understand it and have the athleticism and confidence to pull it off, it's a game-changer. Isolate technique first, then teach timing, distance, and anticipation.

My quick (two minutes) explanation of momentum steals of third base.

Sample of Cubs AA steals of 3B from last season. Near 90% success rate. Players in the org. bought in. AA coaching staff did as well. Success with this requires buy in from all. Skepticism is the enemy. Teach technique first, then timing, distance, and anticipation.

With mixed emotions, I share news that I’ve accepted an offer to return to Phillips Academy Andover. We’ve received so much support and encouragement from Chicago Cubs front office, staff, and players. Cubs players, I'll miss y'all terribly. Keep going! You're all legends!

My brief (2 minutes) explanation of how timing is critical to success with momentum steals at both first AND second base. Remember, teach technique first, then focus on timing, distance, and anticipation.

One-minute tutorial, one-way lead vs. LHP’s.

My quick (< 2 minutes) explanation of momentum steal technique at first base. Not for every runner, but for those who understand it and have the athleticism and confidence to pull it off, it's a game-changer. Isolate technique first, then teach timing, distance, and anticipation.