The HighHeat Mentality

When I launched HighHeat Consulting, the name came easy. Not because of the radar gun—though velocity certainly played a role—but because for me, there was nothing better than striking a hitter out with a high fastball. That was always my favorite way to send someone back to the bench. It wasn’t just about throwing hard—it stood for something bigger.

HighHeat is about about owning the moment, challenging hitters, and trusting your stuff when the game is on the line. Whether I was throwing 88–92 mph early in my career or touching 100 later on, the mentality never changed. HighHeat wasn’t just a pitch—it was a mindset.

It was the belief that I could beat you. That I could get you to swing through my best. That when the dust settled, you’d know you lost—and I’d know I won that battle.

But here’s the truth: I wasn’t a top draft pick. I wasn’t handed anything. I was a 41st-rounder, fighting for a shot every single time I took the mound. I wasn’t just trying to prove myself to the league—I was trying to earn the respect of my own teammates. That chip on my shoulder became my edge. It shaped how I trained, how I competed, and how I carried myself throughout my career.

I wasn’t afraid of anyone. And no, I didn’t win every battle. I failed in big moments—moments I’d love another shot at. But I was put in those situations for a reason: because I could handle them, win or lose. My response to failure was always the same: Make the adjustment and see if they can do it again.

That kind of confidence doesn’t just show up—it comes from knowing who you are. I knew my strengths. I knew what made me tough to hit. And whether I was in high school or pitching in the World Series, I trusted that mindset.