Since opening its doors in November 2004, Infiniti Performance has grown not only in size and volume, but in program development. Like any long-running, quality organization in the athlete-service industry, they have evolved with consideration to factors impacting amateur athletes. When that athlete is a pitcher, the task becomes greater. Factors such as arm health research, performance related data accumulation, technological usage, and the increased prevalence of showcase events are a few of the factors that shape their progressive approach to performance, and injury pre-habilitation.
Fueled by the desire to serve their clients individual needs, and not become complacent in terms of program development, ISP elects not to rest on their laurels.
Co-founder Ray Babinsky uses the phrase “you stop being good, when you stop getting better”.
While coaching the Long Island Titans first 16U team back in 2004, I was fortunate to have a number of high-level pitchers on that National Championship team. Most of them started training with us that fall after winning the AABC in Texas. If they were to observe us now they’d see so much that wasn’t available to them then. Besides some training protocol, our use of technology continues to play a role in our programs. Besides, Dartfish Video software, we are now starting to implement the Motus sleeve for bio-mechanic purposes in an effort to increase performance but also stem the tide of youth pitching-arm injuries.
Last year ISP added Pitcher Rx which is a full service pitcher recovery center. The objective is to facilitate and expedite full recovery after the difficulties associated with a pitching outing. Ray received great feedback from the pitchers who utilized the Pitcher Rx center.
“It was a big hit in our first spring. The guys felt great that next day, and it is especially critical for high school pitchers because so many of them are position players over the next day or two”.
What Infiniti Performance is excited to launch this year for pitchers is a hybrid weighted ball/full body strength program. There has been a recent surge in interest in weighted ball usage over last few years.
“We had used some weighted ball practices informally with our pro pitchers in their off-season training last year but are now excited to bring it in as yet another option for any pitcher looking to train with us. My partner, Russ Taveras is a Doctor of Physical Therapy in addition to a CSCS so you can imagine the due diligence he put in studying this program and applying it practically, to ensure its safety. Years ago, weighted ball programs were largely panned but most of the dismissive concerns have been debunked in large part by Driveline’s massive research over recent years. Russ has tweaked a few things basically making it more adaptable to a variety of pitchers in a controlled environment. Of course we added a strength component to support the program too”
Ray pointed out that although they train athletes in all sports, of all ages, and all abilities clearly they have become a facility of impact for pitchers looking to get to their respective “next level”. Evidence lies in their roster of current major leaguers Marcus Stroman, Nick Tropeano, Steven Matz, nearly 20 other professional pitchers, 7 pitchers taken in the 2016 MLB Draft, and 9 recipients of Suffolk’s Yasztremski & Gibson Awards.
Ray added, “It is incredibly exciting to see the quality level of Long Island baseball players on the rise and others are taking notice. Marcus, Nick and Matz have broken through as pitchers enjoying great success at the big league level and others are on the way. Trust me, we see it here”.
