New Elmont, Carey principals appointed North Shore native training baseball’s future

Continued from Page 3 old-school handlebar mustache that would give Rollie Fingers -– he last pitched 38 years ago -– a run for his money, said he believes the right approach to coaching and player development comes from an appropriate balance between old and new and teaching with a purpose.

“As coaches use data and technology to use collect information, their eyes should also be a part of it,” Bleecker said. “You can’t just blindly trust what the data says.”

Training can look like breaking down film or properly learning how to transfer force in pitching mechanics using water-based products that help emulate a whip-like motion, Bleecker said.

When asked if there are any stars he tells his players to emulate, Bleecker said development is not about looking strictly at the end re- sult but understanding the process it took to get there and solidifying a strong foundation with those tools.

“The reality is all the best players have certain movements and certain things that their body does which is what we focus on the most,” Bleecker said. “If what you’re teaching doesn’t allow a Hall of Famer to be himself, then what you’re teaching needs to change.”

During much of the summer,

Bleecker often travels throughout the country to help prepare his players before circuit showcases and conventions. Next week Bleecker will be in San Diego for the Area Code games, which includes over 200 high schoolers looking to get drafted in 2024 and 2025.

It’s a busy schedule, but one Bleecker feels is worth it as more players he’s trained with since middle school look to join both Skenes,

Troy and others who have gone through 108 Performance to the professional level.

“It’s about making the adjustments we need to help these guys rise in their class,” Bleecker said. “It’s definitely a lot of travel, but I also feel very blessed to be able to do it.”

More information on 108 Performance can be found on their website.