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Duncan Davitt’s VeloU Training and Belief Led to the Majors

Author
Sullivan Towe

After years of development in professional baseball, Duncan Davitt earned his MLB call-up with the Chicago White Sox and made his debut on April 10. Throughout that climb, he trained remotely with VeloU to improve his velocity, pitch characteristics, and overall performance.

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Remote Athlete Dylan Vigue Unlocks Velocity: From 88-91 to 95-96 as a Freshman Phenom

Remote Athlete Dylan Vigue Unlocks Velocity: From 88-91 to 95-96 as a Freshman Phenom

Remote athlete Dylan Vigue went from 88-91 mph as a high school senior to 95-96 as a Michigan freshman. Update: Dylan was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 7th round of the 2026 MLB Draft.

Aidan Curry’s Climb Through the Minor Leagues

Aidan Curry’s Climb Through the Minor Leagues

Aidan Curry has climbed through the Texas Rangers organization since signing as an 18-year-old free agent in 2020, earning Carolina League Pitcher of the Year honors in 2023 and a promotion to Double-A Frisco in 2026. A five-year VeloU athlete, Curry has developed into a consistent strikeout arm with 515 strikeouts across 408 career minor league innings as he continues working toward the Major Leagues.

Dylan Vigue's Journey to the 2026 MLB Draft

Dylan Vigue's Journey to the 2026 MLB Draft

After helping lead Georgia to the College World Series with a standout performance in an elimination game, Dylan Vigue's lifelong dream became reality when the Kansas City Royals selected him with the 209th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Armed with a fastball that reaches 98 mph and a relentless competitive mindset, Vigue now begins his professional career after one of the biggest seasons of his life.

Adam Agresti Drives St. John’s Turnaround From 1-10 to NCAA Super Regional

Adam Agresti Drives St. John’s Turnaround From 1-10 to NCAA Super Regional

After a 1-10 start, Adam Agresti has helped lead St. John’s to the NCAA Super Regional, highlighted by a game-changing grand slam against Florida State. The Yorktown native leads the team in home runs and RBIs while crediting VeloU for helping him return from injury and develop into one of the Red Storm’s top players.

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In-Game Heart Rate Responses of Professional Pitchers: What 85% Really Means

Velocity Training

Pitching isn’t just about mechanics — it’s a full-body, high-intensity effort that consistently drives heart rates to around 85% of maximum. A new study shows how both the physical and psychological pressures of competition, especially in early innings, amplify this demand. At VeloU, we use these insights to design training that prepares athletes for the true physiological and mental load of the game.

Caffeine + Rhodiola Rosea: A Synergistic Boost for Explosive Power

Velocity Training

A new study suggests that combining caffeine with Rhodiola rosea may unlock performance benefits neither supplement provides alone. Athletes taking the stack improved explosive power, resisted fatigue better, and recovered faster than groups using caffeine or Rhodiola individually. At VeloU, we see this as a promising area to explore for baseball athletes where repeatable lower-body power is everything.

Wide vs. Narrow: How Cuff Width Changes the Impact of BFR Training

Velocity Training

A new study shows that cuff width may be the hidden key to blood flow restriction training. Wide cuffs boosted bench press power and bar speed by more than 20%, likely due to a spring-like mechanical effect rather than purely physiological changes. At VeloU, we see this as a promising concept worth testing, especially for athletes looking to add explosive variety into their training.

Curveballs Are Safer Than Fastballs?

Velocity Training

For years, curveballs have been blamed as the most dangerous pitch for young arms—but new motion capture research tells a different story. The study found fastballs actually create the highest elbow stress, while curveballs produced the lowest cumulative load among pro pitchers. At VeloU, this reinforces our philosophy: it’s not just about what pitch you throw, but how efficiently you move when you throw it.

100 Pitches and You Need Just 24-Hours For The Elbow To Recover?

Velocity Training

A new study tracked high school pitchers after 100 pitches and found that while UCL strain and joint width return to normal within 24 hours, the forearm flexor-pronator muscles show increased strain a full day later. At VeloU, we see this as proof that recovery is more than just joint integrity—muscular fatigue can quietly alter mechanics and increase injury risk.

Perceived Effort Doesn’t Equal Actual Arm Stress — And That’s a Problem

Velocity Training

Think you can throw at 50% effort? Science says otherwise. A new study shows pitchers still generate nearly full joint stress when “taking it easy,” proving why rehab and recovery can’t rely on feel alone. At VeloU, we use radar, wearables, and constraints to make sure half effort is actually safe effort.

Neck Mobility Predicts Arm Injuries in Pro Pitchers

Velocity Training

Forget the shoulder and elbow — the neck might be the hidden key to pitching health. A new study found that even a small asymmetry in cervical rotation dramatically increased injury risk, making neck screening an essential step for pitchers looking to stay healthy and maximize performance.

Accurate Pitchers Move Better — And Stay Healthier

Velocity Training

A new motion-capture study of 121 pro pitchers found that high-accuracy throwers not only hit the strike zone more consistently, but did so with more efficient movement and lower arm stress — without losing velocity. Low-accuracy pitchers generated higher shoulder and elbow torques, suggesting elevated injury risk. At VeloU, these findings reinforce our focus on efficient sequencing, strong lead-leg mechanics, and energy transfer to improve both command and arm health simultaneously.

Throwing Harder Doesn’t Mean More Arm Stress — Until You Throw Harder

Velocity Training

Throwing harder doesn’t always mean more arm stress — unless you’re throwing harder than you normally do. This study on 91 pro pitchers found that while velocity only weakly predicted arm stress across pitchers, it strongly correlated with stress within the same pitcher. At VeloU, we use this insight to tailor throwing programs based on each athlete’s unique stress response, tracking torque, recovery, and force output to keep velocity gains from crossing into injury risk.

Science Based Anxiety Reducing Tactic For Baseball Players

Velocity Training

A 10-day heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) intervention significantly improved batting performance and reduced anxiety in collegiate baseball players, with notable gains in bat speed, hand speed, and contact quality. Unlike many sport psychology tools, HRVB showed measurable on-field impact in just days, reinforcing the importance of autonomic regulation in high-level performance. At VeloU, this research supports our integration of HRV tracking and breathwork to enhance both readiness and recovery — especially for athletes under high stress.

Shoulder Strength, Not Flexibility, Drives Pitch Velocity in College Arms

Velocity Training

New research confirms what high-level coaches have long suspected: shoulder rotational strength—not passive mobility—is the key driver of throwing velocity. The study found strong correlations between external rotation strength and both pitch velocity and joint force output, while range of motion showed no meaningful link. At VeloU, this reinforces our approach of prioritizing targeted strength development over chasing excess flexibility to help pitchers throw harder and stay durable.

It’s Not Just the Elbow — The Mental Toll of UCL Injuries in Baseball

Velocity Training

Tommy John surgery is often seen as a physical hurdle, but new research shows the psychological impact can be even more severe. A recent study found that 68% of athletes recovering from UCL injuries experience PTSD-like symptoms, with pitchers and college players at the highest risk. At VeloU, we address not only the physical rehab but also the mental health challenges to ensure athletes return stronger — both physically and mentally.

Lower Arm Slots, Lower Stress — Without Sacrificing Velocity

Velocity Training

New research challenges the idea that only low-velo or “funky” relievers benefit from dropping their arm slot. A study on elite collegiate pitchers found that sidearm throwers generated the same velocity as overhand pitchers while experiencing lower elbow and shoulder stress with greater torque efficiency. At VeloU, we use these insights to match arm slot to an athlete’s movement patterns — optimizing performance while reducing long-term joint load.

The Fingerprint of Velocity: Why Fastball Spin Starts in the Hand

Velocity Training

New research confirms what many overlook: finger strength and speed play a crucial role in fastball velocity and spin. Using a sensor-embedded ball, the study found that middle and index finger force output — especially rate of force development — strongly correlates with performance. At VeloU, we’re already applying this science with targeted hand and finger training to unlock overlooked gains.

Towel Drills Aren’t as “Low Stress” as You Think

Velocity Training

Towel drills are often considered a low-risk bridge from rehab to throwing, but new research shows they may not be as stress-free as once believed. A 2024 study found that drills using a simple face towel can generate up to 80% of the elbow torque seen in full-effort throws — challenging long-held assumptions about their safety and utility. At VeloU, we avoid towel drills in favor of progressions that promote authentic mechanics and better control stress.

No Weights, No Velo: What Happens When Pitchers Only Throw

Velocity Training

A new study tracked Division I pitchers over an 8-week throwing-only program and found their fastball velocity dropped by 6.3 mph—despite consistent mound work and no changes in mechanics. At VeloU, this reinforces a clear truth: without strength training, pitchers can’t maintain power, even when everything else stays the same.

Warm-Weather Arms Break-Down Earlier — And That May Be a Bigger Problem Than You Think

Velocity Training

Pitchers from warm-weather states are nearly twice as likely to undergo Tommy John surgery in their freshman and sophomore years compared to their cold-weather peers, according to new research from the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. At VeloU, we use this insight to carefully tailor training based on an athlete’s load history—not just their current metrics—to prioritize long-term health and performance.

Michael Lombardi Drafted 61st Overall by the Kansas City Royals

Michael Lombardi, a VeloU athlete since age 11, has been drafted 61st overall by the Kansas City Royals in the 2025 MLB Draft. Known for his relentless work ethic, high-level pitchability, and leadership both on and off the field, Lombardi’s development has been years in the making.

Adonys Guzman Drafted by The Pittsburgh Pirates After Standout Season at Arizona

Adonys Guzman, current VeloU athlete and standout catcher at the University of Arizona, has been selected 144th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 5th round of the 2025 MLB Draft. Known for his elite arm, advanced receiving skills, and consistent production, Adonys continues to raise the standard for what it looks like to train the right way.

How to Help Picky Eaters: A Parent’s Guide to Nutritious Mealtimes

Nutrition

Struggling with picky eaters? Discover 9 expert-backed strategies to encourage healthy eating habits in kids and teens. Make mealtimes easier today.

Your Fastball in the "Deadzone"? Here's Why It Might Not Matter

Velocity Training

Wondering why your 4-seam fastball is stuck in the "deadzone"? Discover how elite remote pitching coaches at VeloU use advanced metrics like Vertical Approach Angle (VAA) to help athletes outperform expectations—even with average spin.

Biofeedback Isn’t Just Mental — It’s Measurable

Velocity Training

A 10-day heart rate variability biofeedback intervention significantly reduced anxiety and improved measurable batting performance in college baseball players, pointing to real value in integrating mental training into skill development.

Workload Management in Remote Pitching Training

Velocity Training

Learn how to monitor throwing workload using objective scoring systems for safe, effective remote pitching development. Discover how VeloU implements this process.

Pulldown Velocity vs Mound Velocity: What’s the Real Relationship?

Velocity Training

How much does pulldown velocity translate to mound velocity? Discover real data from VeloU athletes and the training phases needed to make velo gains stick.

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