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Jerry Weinstein

@JWonCATCHING • 99,437 subscribers

Professional Baseball Coach - Chicago Cubs

Shorts

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM SAC BUNT IN LAST NIGHT’S PLAYOFF GAME 1) Runner on 1B no outs bunt directed to 1B to force first baseman to vacate early which gives the runner at 1B time to extend his lead. If the first baseman does not leave early, it takes him longer to get to the ball. ( Carefully with early break & back pick at 1B with the second baseman) 2) If first baseman leaves real early, you have the option to steal 2B & take the pitch. 3) Ball is bunted softly to 1B to force the first baseman to travel further to get the ball. The looser you hold the bat & the closer to the end of the bat you bunt the ball,the softer the bunt. 4) BIG ONE- RH bunter drop steps with his right foot to point his bellybutton & square his hips up to 1B & create backspin. This is key. If his hips are square to the pitcher & he directs the bunt to 1B, he will likely contact the inside of the ball leading to side spin. If the ball is bunted towards the line, it will probably roll foul. The drop step also puts you in position to go down to the low strike by merely lowering your knee to the ground & chest to knee if necessary. 5) The bunter bunts with a flat bat & the elbows are pointed down. Elbows pointed down keeps the barrel from dropping below the hands leading to a pop up. It also give you more plate coverage. 6) The pitch is elevated in the zone close to the hitter’s eyes. No adjustment is required. The thought being that high balls get popped up. IMO this is only true when bunters go up out of the zone to bunt the ball. Usually pitches above the bat get taken for a ball. It is also my opinion that it is tougher to go down to bunt a low pitch with velocity (Even a hard down breaking breaking ball which bunters rarely practice bunting) because they drop their hands & lose the eye bat connection.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM SAC BUNT IN LAST NIGHT’S PLAYOFF GAME 1) Runner on 1B no outs bunt directed to 1B to force first baseman to vacate early which gives the runner at 1B time to extend his lead. If the first baseman does not leave early, it takes him longer to get to the ball. ( Carefully with early break & back pick at 1B with the second baseman) 2) If first baseman leaves real early, you have the option to steal 2B & take the pitch. 3) Ball is bunted softly to 1B to force the first baseman to travel further to get the ball. The looser you hold the bat & the closer to the end of the bat you bunt the ball,the softer the bunt. 4) BIG ONE- RH bunter drop steps with his right foot to point his bellybutton & square his hips up to 1B & create backspin. This is key. If his hips are square to the pitcher & he directs the bunt to 1B, he will likely contact the inside of the ball leading to side spin. If the ball is bunted towards the line, it will probably roll foul. The drop step also puts you in position to go down to the low strike by merely lowering your knee to the ground & chest to knee if necessary. 5) The bunter bunts with a flat bat & the elbows are pointed down. Elbows pointed down keeps the barrel from dropping below the hands leading to a pop up. It also give you more plate coverage. 6) The pitch is elevated in the zone close to the hitter’s eyes. No adjustment is required. The thought being that high balls get popped up. IMO this is only true when bunters go up out of the zone to bunt the ball. Usually pitches above the bat get taken for a ball. It is also my opinion that it is tougher to go down to bunt a low pitch with velocity (Even a hard down breaking breaking ball which bunters rarely practice bunting) because they drop their hands & lose the eye bat connection.

72,312 görüntüleme

Mariners creative pick at 1B.

Mariners creative pick at 1B.

930,849 görüntüleme

One of baseball’s best base hit bunters Garrett Hampson. 1) Simple early turn. 2) Great bat angle out in front with barrel pointed to 1B coach. 3) Elbows point DOWN. 4) Sees the ball down off the bat before running.

One of baseball’s best base hit bunters Garrett Hampson. 1) Simple early turn. 2) Great bat angle out in front with barrel pointed to 1B coach. 3) Elbows point DOWN. 4) Sees the ball down off the bat before running.

49,068 görüntüleme

Challenging two ball receiving drill. Big time distraction & focus exercise. Use your lite-flight balls & not baseballs.

Challenging two ball receiving drill. Big time distraction & focus exercise. Use your lite-flight balls & not baseballs.

1,366,700 görüntüleme

Pretty much every MLB team is using a dropped glove pick at 1B to combat the “movement before action” steal. In this case it works to perfection in this early break scenario.

Pretty much every MLB team is using a dropped glove pick at 1B to combat the “movement before action” steal. In this case it works to perfection in this early break scenario.

1,699,080 görüntüleme

Rafael Furcal with a deliberate BHB to SS. When the third baseman cheats way up to take the BHB to 3B away,it widens the lane to bunt towards the SS.

Rafael Furcal with a deliberate BHB to SS. When the third baseman cheats way up to take the BHB to 3B away,it widens the lane to bunt towards the SS.

55,488 görüntüleme

SPEED KILLS Rockies Jake McCarthy lays down a bunt in an untraditional situation. Ninth inning two run lead with one out 3-1 count. Usually a damage count. He sees the 3B back off & pretty much give him a free hit. He looks at it as a double because he is confident in his ability to steal 2B which he does. He then bounces around at 2B & distracts the pitcher enough that he balks. He goes to 3B & scores on a sac fly. Not the kind of disruptive one man band stuff you see in professional baseball very often.

SPEED KILLS Rockies Jake McCarthy lays down a bunt in an untraditional situation. Ninth inning two run lead with one out 3-1 count. Usually a damage count. He sees the 3B back off & pretty much give him a free hit. He looks at it as a double because he is confident in his ability to steal 2B which he does. He then bounces around at 2B & distracts the pitcher enough that he balks. He goes to 3B & scores on a sac fly. Not the kind of disruptive one man band stuff you see in professional baseball very often.

162,564 görüntüleme

From the Arkansas-Florida game today. With a runner on 3B tagging the Arkansas CF dekes an early catch before he really catches the ball. It triggers the Florida runner to leave early & then return to 3B to retag the base. That gives Arkansas time to throw him out at HP.

From the Arkansas-Florida game today. With a runner on 3B tagging the Arkansas CF dekes an early catch before he really catches the ball. It triggers the Florida runner to leave early & then return to 3B to retag the base. That gives Arkansas time to throw him out at HP.

1,823,048 görüntüleme

PROFESSIONAL CATCHERS GET READY FOR THIS AA game between Rockies & Angels yesterday. Catcher sets up in front of HP w/o the ball. Additionally the catcher doesn’t have to move to that position to catch the ball. This new rule that is directed at infielders who prematurely

PROFESSIONAL CATCHERS GET READY FOR THIS AA game between Rockies & Angels yesterday. Catcher sets up in front of HP w/o the ball. Additionally the catcher doesn’t have to move to that position to catch the ball. This new rule that is directed at infielders who prematurely

1,851,347 görüntüleme

TWO BALL MACHINE DRILL Focus & vision drill for your catchers. Catch the second ball & occasionally only release one ball. It’s a problem solving exercise. Use foam balls & offset in or out so they do not get hit by the 1st ball. Increase the volume as they become more adept.

TWO BALL MACHINE DRILL Focus & vision drill for your catchers. Catch the second ball & occasionally only release one ball. It’s a problem solving exercise. Use foam balls & offset in or out so they do not get hit by the 1st ball. Increase the volume as they become more adept.

1,024,862 görüntüleme

Catcher as a “meeter” verses a “receiver.”

Catcher as a “meeter” verses a “receiver.”

213,634 görüntüleme

Cubs Miguel Amaya prepping for yesterday’s Cubs game. Working on longer holds,blocking in non running situations & picking short hops when the runner is running.

Cubs Miguel Amaya prepping for yesterday’s Cubs game. Working on longer holds,blocking in non running situations & picking short hops when the runner is running.

149,836 görüntüleme

HOW SIMPLE IS THIS HR BY WILLIAM CONTRERAS? Two strike 406’opposite field HR off of a 99.4 mph up & out fastball. Widish base with his bat on his shoulder. Starts with controlled toe tap & lifts his bat off his shoulder. Balanced “effortless effort” swing.

HOW SIMPLE IS THIS HR BY WILLIAM CONTRERAS? Two strike 406’opposite field HR off of a 99.4 mph up & out fastball. Widish base with his bat on his shoulder. Starts with controlled toe tap & lifts his bat off his shoulder. Balanced “effortless effort” swing.

25,488 görüntüleme

This quick .60 transfer happens out in front. Catching ball deep sounds good but it really doesn’t happen.

This quick .60 transfer happens out in front. Catching ball deep sounds good but it really doesn’t happen.

141,287 görüntüleme

A historic swing from the past. Glenallen Hill hits one of the longest home runs ever at Wrigley. Notice the low finish & how quickly he puts the breaks on & stops his swing.

A historic swing from the past. Glenallen Hill hits one of the longest home runs ever at Wrigley. Notice the low finish & how quickly he puts the breaks on & stops his swing.

198,989 görüntüleme

Another value of the hockey mask. You don’t have to take it over to see & catch pop ups. Same deal on bunted balls.

Another value of the hockey mask. You don’t have to take it over to see & catch pop ups. Same deal on bunted balls.

195,551 görüntüleme

Yankee’s Max Fried has a number of ways to control the running game at 1B. This is his slow leg lift read move.

Yankee’s Max Fried has a number of ways to control the running game at 1B. This is his slow leg lift read move.

169,738 görüntüleme

Right side base hit bunts TOUGH to defend.

Right side base hit bunts TOUGH to defend.

92,764 görüntüleme

How to win awareness(HWA) play by Manny Machado. On this potential 3-6 force play Manny runs into Rojas glove & takes Freeman’s throwing lane away.Totally legal until rules committee changes the rule. Runner establishes his own running lane & is only out

How to win awareness(HWA) play by Manny Machado. On this potential 3-6 force play Manny runs into Rojas glove & takes Freeman’s throwing lane away.Totally legal until rules committee changes the rule. Runner establishes his own running lane & is only out

574,489 görüntüleme

Mets Francisco Alvarez creating angles on either edge & moving the ball fast.

Mets Francisco Alvarez creating angles on either edge & moving the ball fast.

493,117 görüntüleme

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Two ball distraction drill. FOCUS!!! Use lite flight balls.

Two ball distraction drill. FOCUS!!! Use lite flight balls.

Jerry Weinstein

306,057 görüntüleme • 8 ay önce

This play with 2 K’s on Crawford should have been caught for strike three. It probably cost them a run. Kirk made a cursory effort to catch it. It looks as if it goes off the glove & into the mask. I’m not 100% sure under current rules that it even has to touch the glove 1st as long as it doesn’t get lodged in the catcher’s gear. Umpires weigh in.

This play with 2 K’s on Crawford should have been caught for strike three. It probably cost them a run. Kirk made a cursory effort to catch it. It looks as if it goes off the glove & into the mask. I’m not 100% sure under current rules that it even has to touch the glove 1st as long as it doesn’t get lodged in the catcher’s gear. Umpires weigh in.

Jerry Weinstein

420,025 görüntüleme • 1 yıl önce

Immense baseball IQ play here from three of the best HWA(How to win awareness) guys in baseball) Very subtle play. 1) With 2 outs & a runner on 1B Hoerner keeps the ball in the infield & makes 180 spin throw to 3B. 2) Bregman realizes that there is no play at 3B & comes out to get the ball & redirects it to 2B. 3) Swanson fake cuts the throw to 3B & slows the runner(Wiemer) down enough to have a play at 2B. 4) After the fake cut Swanson retreats to 2B in time to get Bregman’s redirected throw for the 3rd out of the inning. BE SURE TO EXPAND & SLOW THIS VID TO EXPERIENCE THE FULL AFFECT OF THIS PLAY

Immense baseball IQ play here from three of the best HWA(How to win awareness) guys in baseball) Very subtle play. 1) With 2 outs & a runner on 1B Hoerner keeps the ball in the infield & makes 180 spin throw to 3B. 2) Bregman realizes that there is no play at 3B & comes out to get the ball & redirects it to 2B. 3) Swanson fake cuts the throw to 3B & slows the runner(Wiemer) down enough to have a play at 2B. 4) After the fake cut Swanson retreats to 2B in time to get Bregman’s redirected throw for the 3rd out of the inning. BE SURE TO EXPAND & SLOW THIS VID TO EXPERIENCE THE FULL AFFECT OF THIS PLAY

Jerry Weinstein

238,292 görüntüleme • 6 ay önce

Austin Hedges is one of baseball’s best receivers. The night before last he converted 20 pitches into called strikes. Alex Tosi was the umpire & he rarely expands the zone. Notice how aggressive his moves are.(Especially on pitches up in the zone)

Austin Hedges is one of baseball’s best receivers. The night before last he converted 20 pitches into called strikes. Alex Tosi was the umpire & he rarely expands the zone. Notice how aggressive his moves are.(Especially on pitches up in the zone)

Jerry Weinstein

561,069 görüntüleme • 1 yıl önce

FUNDAMENTAL BASEBALL AT IT’S BEST From the 9th inning of last night’s Dodger-Phillies game. 4-3 game with no outs & a runner on 2B. LHP vs. LHH & Phillies choose to sac bunt the runner over to 3B. Bunter executes a sac bunt to 3B with great direction & speed to force the third

FUNDAMENTAL BASEBALL AT IT’S BEST From the 9th inning of last night’s Dodger-Phillies game. 4-3 game with no outs & a runner on 2B. LHP vs. LHH & Phillies choose to sac bunt the runner over to 3B. Bunter executes a sac bunt to 3B with great direction & speed to force the third

Jerry Weinstein

375,184 görüntüleme • 1 yıl önce

When you have a 6-12 spin axis the ball has greater in line carry. Distance magnifies bad rotation.

When you have a 6-12 spin axis the ball has greater in line carry. Distance magnifies bad rotation.

Jerry Weinstein

289,981 görüntüleme • 1 yıl önce

Juan Soto stole 38-42 bases in 2025. He averaged 7 a season the previous 7 years. His raw sprint speed is well below average (25.9 f/s-13th percentile). His average HP to 1B time is 4.58. He credits 1st base coach Antoan Richardson for freeing him up to run. Certainly he had good info, but more importantly IMO Richardson created a “no fear” environment. He coached caution out of Soto & not caution in to him. He unlocked Soto’s great feel for timing which he utilized to the max with his “momentum steal” approach. Too often we place barriers in front of our base runners in the form of base running rules & restrictions which takes away their aggressiveness.

Juan Soto stole 38-42 bases in 2025. He averaged 7 a season the previous 7 years. His raw sprint speed is well below average (25.9 f/s-13th percentile). His average HP to 1B time is 4.58. He credits 1st base coach Antoan Richardson for freeing him up to run. Certainly he had good info, but more importantly IMO Richardson created a “no fear” environment. He coached caution out of Soto & not caution in to him. He unlocked Soto’s great feel for timing which he utilized to the max with his “momentum steal” approach. Too often we place barriers in front of our base runners in the form of base running rules & restrictions which takes away their aggressiveness.

Jerry Weinstein

192,783 görüntüleme • 9 ay önce

TAG PLAY FROM LAST NIGHTS TEXAS & GEORGIA CWS GAME. 1) Texas catcher initial set up is inside the 3B line & in fair territory. 2) When he reads the SS’s throw from down the LF line, he takes a big drop step to get a more favorable hop. Unfortunately the drop step takes him behind HP which allows the runner to score before being tagged. 3) In today’s game with replay review as part of the process, it is best to make the tag before the runner gets to HP. Most successful tag outs are made up the 3B line on the slider’s midline before he gets to HP. 4) In this situation the catcher was probably not far enough up the line & took too big a drop step. ( Most likely a combination of the two) IMO the ideal initial set up on throws from LF/CF is 17” up the line & 17” inside the line. From that position a good throw legally takes you into the line & keeps you from getting behind the plate. It also allows the catcher to work back towards the plate on a wide throw on the 1st base side. 5) Ideally on a close play like this one you are making a quick one handed sweep tag while pivoting through the runner while sliding & pivoting on both knees.

TAG PLAY FROM LAST NIGHTS TEXAS & GEORGIA CWS GAME. 1) Texas catcher initial set up is inside the 3B line & in fair territory. 2) When he reads the SS’s throw from down the LF line, he takes a big drop step to get a more favorable hop. Unfortunately the drop step takes him behind HP which allows the runner to score before being tagged. 3) In today’s game with replay review as part of the process, it is best to make the tag before the runner gets to HP. Most successful tag outs are made up the 3B line on the slider’s midline before he gets to HP. 4) In this situation the catcher was probably not far enough up the line & took too big a drop step. ( Most likely a combination of the two) IMO the ideal initial set up on throws from LF/CF is 17” up the line & 17” inside the line. From that position a good throw legally takes you into the line & keeps you from getting behind the plate. It also allows the catcher to work back towards the plate on a wide throw on the 1st base side. 5) Ideally on a close play like this one you are making a quick one handed sweep tag while pivoting through the runner while sliding & pivoting on both knees.

Jerry Weinstein

90,620 görüntüleme • 4 ay önce

On a steal of HP & a pitch is thrown, if the catcher steps up & catches the ball in front of HP the pitcher is charged with a balk & runners advance. The batter is also awarded 1st base on catcher’s interference.

On a steal of HP & a pitch is thrown, if the catcher steps up & catches the ball in front of HP the pitcher is charged with a balk & runners advance. The batter is also awarded 1st base on catcher’s interference.

Jerry Weinstein

273,804 görüntüleme • 1 yıl önce

The unending saga of low line drives in the infield that turn into double plays. Why does this happen? 1) The cue is incorrect. Freeze on line drives vs. go back on line drives. 2) Overly aggressive secondary leads. 3) Failure to rep it live on the field at game speed.

The unending saga of low line drives in the infield that turn into double plays. Why does this happen? 1) The cue is incorrect. Freeze on line drives vs. go back on line drives. 2) Overly aggressive secondary leads. 3) Failure to rep it live on the field at game speed.

Jerry Weinstein

16,634 görüntüleme • 20 gün önce

This video from Xan Barksdale is an example of a low bridge pick at 3B. Throw the ball right at the base runner. He will duck or fall down & he will be out.

This video from Xan Barksdale is an example of a low bridge pick at 3B. Throw the ball right at the base runner. He will duck or fall down & he will be out.

Jerry Weinstein

80,612 görüntüleme • 4 ay önce

POP UP DAY IN MESA Last catch is a must see.

POP UP DAY IN MESA Last catch is a must see.

Jerry Weinstein

257,150 görüntüleme • 1 yıl önce

No play,arm fake. Costs you nothing & can produce a big return.

No play,arm fake. Costs you nothing & can produce a big return.

Jerry Weinstein

131,262 görüntüleme • 1 yıl önce

Extremely high HWA(How to win awareness) by Yadi on this 4-2-4 DP.

Extremely high HWA(How to win awareness) by Yadi on this 4-2-4 DP.

Jerry Weinstein

89,491 görüntüleme • 10 ay önce

Interesting how,in this BP session, Bonds is initiating his swing before/as he is planting his foot. He was known to have said ”if you are early,you are on time.”

Interesting how,in this BP session, Bonds is initiating his swing before/as he is planting his foot. He was known to have said ”if you are early,you are on time.”

Jerry Weinstein

102,085 görüntüleme • 1 yıl önce

LHP’S this is what your move to 1B should look like. A key on your move to 1B is that your head,glove & shoulder should be moving towards HP as it does on the pitch.

LHP’S this is what your move to 1B should look like. A key on your move to 1B is that your head,glove & shoulder should be moving towards HP as it does on the pitch.

Jerry Weinstein

239,332 görüntüleme • 3 yıl önce

This is how you run balls out. Cubs Ian Happ with two outs in the bottom of the 8th inning ahead 6-2.

This is how you run balls out. Cubs Ian Happ with two outs in the bottom of the 8th inning ahead 6-2.

Jerry Weinstein

52,191 görüntüleme • 6 ay önce

SACRIFICE BUNTS BIG FOUR 1) Elbows pointed down 2) Bat & and eyes connected. 3) Bellybutton pointed in direction of intended bunt. 4) Back heel up to allow for knee to go down on low pitch in order to maintain the eyes-bat connection.

SACRIFICE BUNTS BIG FOUR 1) Elbows pointed down 2) Bat & and eyes connected. 3) Bellybutton pointed in direction of intended bunt. 4) Back heel up to allow for knee to go down on low pitch in order to maintain the eyes-bat connection.

Jerry Weinstein

120,734 görüntüleme • 1 yıl önce