Huddle

After over 30 years, RoundTripper Sports Academy is still the place the “Pros Go To Practice.” This winter, here in Westfield, IN, multiple big leaguers were at the RoundTripper facility preparing for Spring Training with their MLB clubs. Specifically, three local professional pitchers trained with RoundTripper’s ACE Pitching Coordinator, Garrett Christman.

Christman is a former RoundTripper athlete and the starting pitcher for the 2014 Noblesville Millers HS team that won the IHSAA 4A State Championship. He was then an MLB draft pick of the San Francisco Giants after a collegiate career at Butler University. RoundTripper’s ACE program, a full season training program geared towards developing high level pitchers of all ages, is currently run by Coach Christman.

This winter, Coach Christman spent considerable time working with Nate Dohm (Zionsville HS grad & Mets 3rd round pick in the 2024 draft), Brock Moore (University HS grad & Mariners 7th round pick in the 2024 draft), and Reese Sharp (University HS grad & Orioles 20th round draft pick in 2022). “Having our professional arms back in the building is always the highlight of the offseason. Getting a chance to work and build relationships with not only talented athletes but also amazing humans is what has made coaching the best career,” said Christman. “I’ve been fortunate to work with and help in the development of pros like Reese Sharp, Brock Moore, and Nate Dohm for the past couple of years, and it has been amazing to see how far they’ve come in their transition to professional baseball. I am grateful they have entrusted me with aiding in their development and pursuit of their ultimate goal of making an MLB roster.”

Each pitcher utilized their time differently in the offseason with Dohm and Moore preparing for their first big league camp, while Sharp was rehabbing after Tommy John surgery. “My focus was trying to feel smooth and loose in my pre-throw routine, during plyo balls, and in my throwing program and not trying to overdo anything,” said Reese Sharp. “I spent a lot of time getting after it in the weight room and doing a lot of J-band exercises.” Christman spoke on Sharp and his routine saying “We worked on small adjustments in Reese’s throwing mechanics, and I helped monitor the rehab program the Orioles had given him during his time in the building.”

Nate Dohm spent time with Christman working on mechanics and utilizing bullpen and live AB’s sessions to work on command. “We made a few mechanical adjustments to make his delivery more efficient for velocity and arm health while also utilizing bullpen sessions for command training on his off speed pitches,” said Christman. “Data from Trackman helped drive results and changes needed to build his pitch arsenal.” Coach Christman was also able to set up live AB sessions with players at his alma mater, Butler University, for Dohm to get looks against live hitters as well.

Brock Moore’s time at RoundTripper was spent understanding the analytics behind his pitches, using state of the art TrackMan technology. “Garrett was with me every day, helping me read the analytics behind my throwing. We would spend time each day picking each other’s brains to help me become a better player,” said Moore. Coach Christman monitored Moore’s throwing from the Mariners as well as helping increase velocity and develop pitches. “We spent a lot of time on the TrackMan redefining pitches through pitch design sessions as well as developing velocity,” said Christman.

“Roundtripper has been a go to place for me for years. This offseason it’s been fantastic to be able to do all my throwing and mound drill work there. They also have all the necessary technology for me to throw my bullpens and get all the data I need on my pitches. The people there are top notch all the way through,” said Dohm. Moore also spoke highly of the RoundTripper facility and their staff saying “RoundTripper has shaped me as a player, and I will continue to use it throughout my playing career.”

Keep up with these local athletes as they report for Spring Training. The Seattle Mariners hold Spring Training at Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, AZ, a complex they share with the San Diego Padres. The Orioles and Mets both hold Spring Training in Florida with the Orioles utilizing Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota and the Mets utilizing Clover Park in Port St. Lucie.