168. How Great Pitchers Are Made: Inside the Mind of Pitching Ninja Rob Friedman

What does it really take to develop an elite pitcher—and are we getting it wrong with today’s youth athletes?

In this episode, we sit down with Rob Friedman—better known as the creator of Pitching Ninja—to break down the evolution of pitching, the science behind velocity, and the biggest mistakes parents and coaches make with young players.

From coaching his own son to a college career at Georgia Tech baseball to building one of the most trusted platforms in baseball, Rob shares insights that every parent, coach, and player needs to hear.

We dive into:

• Why velocity is dominating the game—and the risks that come with it
• The truth about early specialization and “pitcher-only” kids
• How to choose the right pitching coach (and red flags to avoid)
• When kids should start tracking velocity and throwing breaking pitches
• The mindset and habits that separate good pitchers from great ones

Rob also gives practical advice for parents navigating today’s high-pressure youth sports environment, including pitch counts, injury prevention, and how to keep the game fun while still pushing for growth.

Whether your child is just starting out or chasing the next level, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom to help you develop athletes the right way.

Resources Mentioned:

• Unhittable by Rob Friedman