Jim Tarabocchia

The Lab - Epstein Hitting Podcast

Sports EN ↓ 141 episodes

Renowned Hitting Instructor Jake Epstein has been coaching amateur, collegiate, and professional hitters for the past 20 years. Epstein currently serves as a Hitting Consultant for the Milwaukee Brewers and owns his own facility in College Station, TX. Based off the hitting teachings passed down to his father Mike from the legendary Ted Williams, Jake combines old school principals with new-age data to help hitters reach their highest potentials. Join Host Jim Tarabocchia and Jake every Monday at 9am ET discuss a variety of topics on the hardest thing to do in all of sports-hitting a baseball.

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Author

Jim Tarabocchia

Episodes

Creating Opportunities 12.04.2021 1:12:59

It’s the first episode with a full visual element on YouTube, and in Episode 50, Jim and Jake discuss how players can create opportunities for themselves to push their careers forward. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a future episode! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with...

Mechanical Breakdown Series, Volume Nine: Peter Alonso Swing Analysis 05.04.2021 51:15

One episode away from number 50, and Jim and Jake break down the swing of Major League slugging First Baseman Peter Alonso. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a future episode! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their hitting knowledge! --- Subscri...

"Success is How High You Bounce After you Hit Bottom" 29.03.2021 1:06:45

With the 2021 major league season upon us, Jim and Jake discuss how players from high school to the majors can prepare and succeed in having a bounce back offensive year. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a future episode! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone lookin...

If it were easy, they'd call it Baseball 22.03.2021 1:07:58

The guys shift over to the softball side and discuss the makings and traits of how to become a great division softball player. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a future episode! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their hitting knowledge! --- Subs...

The Little HitTrax That Could 15.03.2021 1:16:26

In episode 46, Jim and Jake discuss the impact of HitTrax on player development communities throughout baseball. Will it stick around? How will technology continue to evolve. The guys discuss. Plus, Juan Soto – next Ted Williams?, and how hitters can find a stance that works for them. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions...

Hitting Malpractice 08.03.2021 1:10:21

Jim and Jake dissect hitting myths throughout the baseball and softball coaching industry. Plus, the guys discuss Manny Ramirez’s leg kick, Whataburger vs. Steak and Shake, and touch on some college softball. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a future episode! Don't forget to leave a review and...

Mechanical Breakdown Series, Volume Eight: Manny Ramirez Swing Analysis 01.03.2021 1:11:59

The guys circle back to their Mechanical Breakdown Series, and discuss the swing of one of the greats – Manny Ramirez…To follow along with the video breakdown, log on to the Epstein Hitting Facebook and YouTube page. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a future episode! Don't forget to leave a re...

The Makings of a Great College Hitter 22.02.2021 1:07:33

The College baseball is upon us, and Jim and Jake discuss what makes a successful college baseball hitter in 2021. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a future episode! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their hitting knowledge! --- Subscribe to the...

Spring Training Chit-Chat 15.02.2021 1:04:00

In episode 42 of The Lab, Jim and Jake chat about Spring Training for hitters; how ST has changed over the years, different approaches for different hitters in ST scenarios, and Jake shares a story of an experience when he was in ST with the Angels organization. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a...

Types of Hitters - Part Two: Power Hitters 09.02.2021 54:32

Jim and Jake continue with part two of their types of hitters series and discuss the makings of successful power hitters. Plus, the guys discuss Trevor Bauer’s new contract and reflect on the career of Dustin Pedroia. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a future episode! Don't forget to leave a r...

Types of Hitters - Part One: Gap-to-Gap 01.02.2021 1:15:06

Jim and Jake dive deep into the world of gap-to-gap hitters, exploring what makes these players so valuable to their teams. Whether it's baseball or softball, gap-to-gap hitters excel at driving the ball into the spaces between outfielders—maximizing both singles and extra-base hits. The guys break down the techniques that separate a good hitter from a great one, discuss the importance of situ...

Mechanical Breakdown Series, Volume Seven: DJ LeMahieu Swing Analysis 25.01.2021 1:11:05

Jim and Jake dissect the swing of one of the most underrated top gap-to-gap hitters in the league-DJ LeMahieu! Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a future episode! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their hitting knowledge! --- Subscribe to the sho...

Off-season Hitter Meetings 18.01.2021 1:08:34

Jim and Jake are back for a brand new episode of The Lab, and breakdown off-season hitter meetings at every level that lead to in-season success! Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a future episode! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their hitting...

Wood vs. Aluminum Bats 11.01.2021 58:57

Jim and Jake break into a discussion about wood and aluminum bats and how they’ve evolved to versions being used in the current landscape of the game. The guys also reflect on the impact that Tommy Lasorda had on the game, and much more! Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a future episode! Don't...

Player Development Series - Volume Seven: K-Vest Breakdown 04.01.2021 51:39

Jim and Jake discuss K-Vest and the impact it has on today’s generation of hitters as they train to reach peak performance. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a future episode! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their hitting knowledge! --- Subscri...

Mechanical Breakdown Series, Volume Six: Khris Davis Swing Analysis 21.12.2020 1:01:24

In the final episode of the year, Jim and Jake break down the swing of Oakland Athletics outfielder Khris Davis…to watch along with the swing breakdown, visit the Epstein Hitting Academy Facebook page. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a future episode! Don't forget to leave a review and share...

Fireside Holiday Hitting Chit-chat 14.12.2020 1:25:31

Jim and Jake share some fun stories of their experiences working/playing in professional baseball…the guys also discuss how players can study pitchers and their tough repertoires, as well as a deeper dive into the absolutes to be a successful hitter. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a future episo...

Player Development Series - Volume Six: Understanding Your Movement as a Hitter 07.12.2020 1:04:13

Jim picks the brain of Jake on how a player/hitter can begin to understand their swing movements to better increase the percentage of their success. Plus, the guys talk about the swing of Korean born players, a new trend developing in Major league Baseball, and the new MLB designated summer leagues. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and...

Player Development Series - Volume Five: Proper Winter Training 30.11.2020 59:04

Winter training is essential in a player’s preparation for the upcoming season. In this week’s episode, Jim and Jake discuss a variety of ways to be successful and “win the off-season” with your winter training. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a future episode! Don't forget to leave a review...

Mechanical Breakdown Series, Volume Five: Pete Rose Swing Analysis 23.11.2020 1:12:45

This week, Jim and Jake break down the swing of one of the best contact hitters of all time-Pete Rose. The guys also discuss how to improve amateur and advanced scouting, and whether or not Pete Rose belongs in the hall of fame…to watch along with the swing breakdown, visit the Epstein Hitting Academy Facebook page. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21...

Player Development Series - Volume Four: Contact Points 16.11.2020 1:03:32

This week, the guys circle back to the Player Development Series and discuss different contact points for successful hitters. Plus, Jim and Jake talk about a variety of baseball related topics from what skill set a baseball General Manager must have to be considered qualified for the job. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questi...

Hitting Approaches in Different Counts 09.11.2020 1:04:30

Jim and Jake discuss different approaches in different counts that could lead a hitter to a higher success rate. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a future episode! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their hitting knowledge! --- Subscribe to the s...

Turning Back the Clock 02.11.2020 1:03:05

The guys go back in time on the anniversary of the Cubs first World Series Championship since 1907…game seven of the 2016 World Series took place on November 2, and the Jim and Jake discuss key points and at-bats from the four-hour thriller. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a future episode! Don&#...

Shootin' the Breeze 26.10.2020 50:47

This week, Jim and Jake are back with more hitting goodness as the guys discuss a variety of topics around hitting and baseball. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a future episode! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their hitting knowledge! --- Su...

Strikeout Pandemic 19.10.2020 1:00:09

Jim and Jake discuss the rising number of strikeouts throughout baseball over the past couple of years and how this growing problem can be eradicated. Have hitting questions or topic ideas? Send Jim and Jake an email - jimbopodcast21@gmail.com - and your questions could be featured in a future episode! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their hit...