Description

Welcome to Blueprint of an Athlete, where science meets sports. In this episode, host Dr. Robin West is joined by 15-season MLB veteran and 2019 World Series Champion Howie Kendrick. Now a special assistant to the GM for the Philadelphia Phillies, Howie shares his unique perspective on the evolution of hitting, the "middle ground" of analytics, and why the mental game is the ultimate differentiator in professional baseball.

From Diamond to Dugout: The Transition to Mentorship

Howie discusses his shift from the field to a front-office advisory role. He emphasizes that while his title is "Special Assistant," his passion lies in the clubhouse and on the bench, where he can provide real-time guidance to both Major and Minor League players.

Marrying Analytics with "Old School" Feel

Howie has played through three distinct eras of baseball: the tail end of the "old school" era, the technology transition, and the current analytics-heavy landscape.

• The Guideline, Not the God: Howie explains that analytics should be a pre-game map—understanding a pitcher’s "carry" or rotation—but once you step into the box, you must be a "dumb hitter" (reacting rather than thinking).
• Controlling Your Data: He challenges hitters to take ownership of their own analytical track record by being less predictable in their approach.

The Hitting Approach: Mechanics vs. Mindset

A recurring theme in this episode is that mechanics follow timing.

• The Vision Link: If a hitter's timing is off, their vision is rushed, leading to poor decision-making and mechanical breakdown.
• Analyzing Video: Howie shares his "mental training" technique: watching video of his successful swings in a relaxed state to impress the positive mechanics onto his subconscious.

Mentoring the Next Generation

Howie offers a candid look at the state of youth baseball, including the "club ball" circuit and his advice for his own sons.

• Instincts vs. Exit Velo: He warns that over-reliance on technology is creating individuals rather than team players.
• The Velocity Trap: Howie advocates for "command over velocity," noting a rise in injuries among young pitchers chasing radar gun numbers at the expense of mechanics and longevity.

The 2019 World Series: The "Vibe" that Won it All

Dr. West and Howie reminisce about the Washington Nationals' historic 2019 run. Howie identifies the "secret sauce" as a veteran-led culture where every player felt they had a voice and the team truly cheered for one another’s success.

Resilience and Recovery

Howie opens up about his 2018 Achilles rupture—an injury Dr. West treated. He credits his rapid recovery to a positive mindset and a radical trust in his medical team.

Advice for Young Athletes: "Don't ever look back and say 'what if.' Talent without work is just talent. Eventually, you run out of road."