Episode Details

In this episode, we sit down with Knoxville Smokies player development coach Joe Curci to break down modern hitting development in Minor League Baseball. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in data science, Curci blends traditional baseball knowledge with cutting-edge technology to develop hitters in the Chicago Cubs minor league system.

We dive deep into hitting mechanics, approach, timing, swing decisions, pitch recognition, and in-game adjustments. Coach Curci explains how today’s minor league players use advanced baseball technology like TrackMan and HitTrax to analyze swing data, pitch metrics, and performance trends. From understanding attack angle and bat speed to building a consistent pre-pitch process, this episode covers how data-driven player development is shaping the future of hitting.

Whether you’re a baseball player, hitting coach, recruiter, or fan interested in baseball analytics, this conversation delivers actionable insights on improving swing decisions, being on time, making adjustments, and leveraging technology to maximize offensive performance.

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Chapters

• (00:00:02) - Keith Glasser on The Dugout Dish Podcast
• (00:07:39) - Cubs assistant coach gets the chance to lead
• (00:12:59) - Batting Lessons Learned From High School, College and Pro
• (00:22:14) - Joe Glass on Brandon Bourne's Maturation
• (00:31:37) - Pitchers and Catchers: On-field metrics
• (00:36:28) - How Much of a Learning Curve is There for Baseball Prospects?
• (00:46:35) - Joey Munoz on His Approach
• (00:51:04) - Joe McDonald on Dominating His Own Talent
• (00:54:43) - How to Salvage the Minor League Season
• (01:03:45) - Joe DiMaggio on Swing Adjustments
• (01:12:53) - Understanding Your Swing
• (01:19:27) - Joe DiMaggio on the Recruiting Process