A baseball player’s diet is a very important part of his training program. Poor nutritional habits can prevent a pitcher from reaching his full potential on the mound. There are three parts to a complete baseball pitcher’s training program: workouts, nutrition, and rest. Each of these components has equal importance. A pitcher cannot train at maximum intensity if he is not properly fueled or properly rested.
For the most complete and up-to-date program for conditioning the pitcher available today, check out The TUFFCUFF Strength and Conditioning Manual for Baseball Pitchers. It contains training calendars, nutrition charts and food recommendations to help you eat well, so that you play to the best of your ability.
Proper nutrition is essential for competing at the highest level and performing at the highest level. Sure you’ve heard stories of great baseball players like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle who paid little attention to their health and wellness while playing. The fact is, had they maintained a proper diet and trained correctly they would have been even better.
In today’s competative atmosphere an athlete needs to maintain a healthy edge which means eating right. Baseball is a combination of balance, agility, and concentration with bursts of physical activity. For power, speed, and good reaction time, what and when one eats can improve or worsen performance. If we add in the length of games, weather conditions, and long season, the player who is best nourished will be the one who finishes strong, and healthy!
The nutrition goals for baseball are designed to optimize performance. Food choices, adequate fluid intake, frequency of meals, and timing of meals to activity can provide the edge in practice, games, and recovery. Many athletes are interested in losing body fat, or adding mass, but every player can benefit from a boost in energy, being optimally hydrated, and having the fuel for mental concentration and physical activity.
Every baseball player should make it a point to do the following daily:
Consume plenty of fluids
Determine fluid loss during practices and games by weighing before exercise begins and again after exercise has finished. This gives a good estimate of how much fluid is lost during physical activity, and lets you know how much fluid you need to replace! Monitor urine output. See your pee. The goal is light in color and a large volume, especially in the first void of the day. Drink enough fluid. The guidelines are as follows: Weight ( pounds) x 0.67 = number of ounces of fluid required daily
Recommended fluid intake
Drink 2 cups of fluid 2 hours before a game or practice.
Drink 6-8 ounces of fluid every 15-20 minutes during games or practices.
Drink 24 ounces of fluid for every pound lost during practices or games.
Best fluids for pitchers?
BEFORE: Water or sports drink.
DURING: Water, sports drink.
AFTER: Sports drink, water. READ MORE
