This webpage provides material
introducing Coach Bagonzi's Act of
Pitching Book Series. His initial
work, The Act of Pitching, is
considered by many to be one of the most
complete instructional guides to pitching
ever published. Building on this
foundation, his second volume,The Inner Sanctum -
Mastering the Act of Pitching,
provides developing pitchers, coaches,
technicians, and
aficionados additional insights,
techniques, and approaches to advancing
one's pitching aptitude, expanding the
toolbox to help
players improve their performance. These
manuals are available both in hardcopy at
your local bookstore, on the web through
providers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble,
and now in E-book format for direct
download.
Book II - advanced studies, solidify
your foundation and gain knowledge & proficiency
to perform
at higher levels.
Coach Bagonzi's The Inner
Sanctum - Mastering the Act of
Pitching, is the follow-up
to his well-received work, The
Act of Pitching. The book
serves as an expansive adjunct to
The Act and offers a preparatory series of
ideas, reminders, suggestions and
tips to help aspiring pitchers
perform at higher levels, and enlightens those desiring to improve
their coaching expanse, particularly their awareness of
pitching knowledge. The manual
conveys advanced "how to" pitching
techniques for the Little League
through aspiring professional
levels. The book is extraordinary in
its depth on the subjects of the
fastball, mechanics, breaking
pitches, the mental aspects of the
game, developing the pitcher through
resistance training, nutrition and
drills, along with physics and
anatomy of pitching and how to
create effective pitches through the
science and art of pitching. In
addition, there are 400-plus photos
demonstrating pitching sequences and
grips to enhance activity on
pitches.
"Dr.
John Bagonzi is one of the foremost
authorities on the subject of
pitching in the world. He has made
pitching his life’s work and
constantly searches for techniques
that will allow pitchers to reach
and exceed their potential.
With
The Inner Sanctum - Mastering
The Act of Pitching, Dr.
Bagonzi has penned an exceptional
book that will help every pitcher
and pitching coach in the game. The book is extraordinary in its
depth on the subjects of the
fastball, mechanics, breaking
pitches, the mental aspects of the
game, developing the pitcher through
resistance training, nutrition and
drills, along with physics and
anatomy of pitching and how to
create effective pitches through the
science and art of pitching.
The Inner Sanctum -
Mastering The Act of
Pitching is
unquestionably one of the
best pitching books ever
written on the subject of
pitching. It will be a
work that is referred to by
coaches and players from
this point forward."
Except from
The
Inner Sanctum -
Mastering the Act of
Pitching - Foreword
Book I - arm yourself to get good, the ultimate pitcher's bible!
.
. . all the right information, fully explained and illustrated. sets a new standard in athletic instruction. step by step instruction from little league to the pros.
this manual will teach you more about pitching than all the rest combined.
Getting good demands not only commitment and
effort, but knowledge. Doing the right
thing at the right time requires knowing
what to do - mastery follows with practice
and experience. In the 5th printing of
The Act of Pitching, Dr. John
Bagonzi illuminates the path
to proficiency and excellence for those
seeking to enhance their own act of pitching -
providing an exceptional resource in the
quest to get
good. The book distills a
knowledge-base acquired throughout a 40+ year
avocation to baseball, as a student &
researcher of the game, talented collegiate
and professional player, highly-acclaimed
coach, and professional scout. Coaches of youth
players and big
leaguers as well as
individuals seeking to improve their game
will learn what it takes to become an
accomplished pitcher using this manual.
Following a step-by-step approach, this
handbook provides precise pitching
instruction, state-of-the-art conditioning
and training programs utilized by today’s
pitching technicians, and techniques for
mastering the mental aspects of the game.
The lessons
cover basic to advanced skills -
including an expansive section on
the finer details of pitching grips
to more advanced aspects - the
mechanics of pitching a fastball,
changing speeds to win, the use of
relievers, how to pitch from the
stretch and stop a homerun barrage -
and advice on finding the right
strategy for each pitcher. Dr.
John Bagonzi is an accomplished college
pitcher who developed his playing and
teaching skills while associated with the
Boston Red Sox organization.
Ultimately this book is about
allowing yourself to get good, about
getting enough right information,
about dedicating yourself in your
thought as well as your action.
Learning how to do that in one
aspect of ones life allows one to
take that skill with him no matter
where the life path leads.
Dr. Bagonzi is considered by many as
the best pitching coach in the east
- a pro's pro. Coach Bagonzi has the
knowledge and track record as pro
player, coach, and technician to put
him not only at the top of his game,
but help you to the top of yours.
His dedication to helping pitchers
get good keeps him working with all
levels, from little leaguers, to
high school, college, and
professional athletes. He has
helped aspirants throughout the U.S.
get the best from themselves,
helping send several pitchers to the
pros - now let him help you.
See what Coach
Bagonzi's players, teammates,
readers, and the press are saying:
I have known Dr. John Bagonzi for over 30 years and have consulted with him countless times -- working with him during the summers while in high school and college, through my professional pitching career and while a professional pitching coach myself, Coach Bagonzi
has been an invaluable resource for
me. His tremendous knowledge of the
science of kinesiology, and how it
is applied to proper pitching
mechanics, combined with a lifetime
of playing and coaching baseball
puts him in an elite group as far as
I am concerned. His passion for
learning and teaching coupled with a
great sense of humor results in a
truly unique person. John is someone
I feel most fortunate to have been
able to call coach as well as my
good friend. He is a genius in
pitching.
Rich Gale -- Major League pitcher KC Royals,
1978 The Sporting News AL Rookie of
the Year
Pitching coach, Boston Red Sox. Nineteen years in pro-ball.
Mechanics are essential in becoming a good pitcher. Although mine have been refined throughout the years, it all started with Coach Bagonzi.
Chad Paronto, Major League Pitcher,
Atlanta Braves
He made me ready for pro ball when I was 17 and everything he taught me I used, I won 4 of my first 6 games at the Class A level. He is an incredible motivator.
Steve Blood – Minnesota Twins (won 50 games in pitching Woodsville High School to three state championships)
Coach Bagonzi is a perfectionist. He made me understand spins so well that I had two quality pitches when I went to Class A ball and won six of my first seven games. As a coach, John Bagonzi always pushed us beyond what we thought were our limits. As athletes, we would do anything he asked of us, out of respect for him. The lessons he taught me on the court and on the field are still with me now - in how I deal with work and the problems that come up. He shaped players' characters to believe they could do anything they wanted, as long as they were willing to work hard. My opportunity to play professional baseball was largely due to John teaching me how to throw a curveball.
Jim MacDonald ,Major League Pitcher, Houston Astros
John and I played together years ago
with the Corning Red Sox - he had a great curve. I agree with him totally on the drive-off the back leg concept. I also share his thoughts on throwing inside and using a two-seamer and four-seamer in the north/south style of pitching. He's a great pitching technician.
Bill Monboquette, Major League pitcher and pitching coach, Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame. Currently coaching in Detroit Tiger's system.
The Act of Pitching
offers concise pictures and
diagrams, and very readable
instructions on how to become a
better pitcher. Any player can
enhance his skills at pitching by
reading this book. Many years
of research and hard work has
produced a great book for the sport
of baseball.
Richard Seko, 20 year
professional scout, Texas Rangers
I have know John Bagonzi since we
entered the first grade together.
It didn't take too long to realize
that John was special and I feel
very fortunate for the friendship
that we have maintained throughout
our lives. John's special
abilities have been demonstrated as
an athlete, coach, writer, husband,
father, and friend to name a few.
Now he has delivered big time with
what I feel without a doubt is the
best and most complete tutorial ever
published - The Act of
Pitching. Cover to
cover this is a masterpiece in it's
field that will appeal to anyone
even slightly interested in the
pitching aspect of baseball. A
must for the libraries of those who
teach pitching. Thanks for
sharing this marvelous teaching tool
with others.
Bob Smith, former pitcher -
Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and
Pittsburg Pirates, Lifetime member,
Association of Professional
Ballplayers of America
Best Pitching Book - Period - I have
read/watched dozens of books and
DVDs and attended several clinics in
my quest to help my sons become
better pitchers. This is far and
away the most comprehensive pitching
instruction I have ever seen. I was
amazed at how thick this book was
when it arrived - almost 400 pages,
with hundreds of pictures. Dr. Bagonzi explains everthing in great
detail. I have never seen
anyone spend as much time on the
finer details of pitching grips, for
example. But all the
information in usable - the author
does a very good job of explaining
things clearly and concisely.
I never felt as if I was lost in
minutia, as I have with other
instructional materials.....Bottom
line recommendation: if you only buy
one pitching program, make it this
book. - Alan
Extraordinary!!! -
If you are or want to be a pitcher,
buy this book. Period. It contains
everything you could possibly need
to know about pitching, from how to
throw a fastball to how to field a
bunt. Gonzi explains
everything technically, but is very
readable. He spends almost
three chapters talking about
mechanics, but every word is worth
it. He also shows multiple
grips and techniques for every pitch
in existence, even the screwball!
Buy this book! A+++!
Reviewer: K. Corcoran "dusterino"
(New York City, NY United States)
Complete And Easy To Comprehend
- To learn to throw the
knuckleball, you have to be a smart
pitcher to begin with. Tom
Candiotti puts it better: To be a
good knuckleball pitcher, you have
to be a good pitcher to begin with.
Whether you care to learn the
butterfly or not, you couldn't find
a more easy-to-understand and
to-the-point book on pitching as
this book. I've looked at
many, and this one is as
well-organized and detailed as I'd
like a pitching instruction book to
be . Other books may give you the
viewpoints that will be the most
help to you, but I'm betting this
book is the most likely one to bring
your game to the highest level you
can achieve. Without getting
too wordy, I'll just say that this
book will give you about as clear an
explanation of every aspect of
pitching as you'll find on any
shelf, so make it your number one
go-to pitching guide. - Dave Clark
Pitching cannot get better than
this - I am a pitcher for
a high school varsity team and this
book has helped me tremendously.
Not only does it go over pitching
grips, but it gets into indepth
information like where to apply
pressure on the ball and much more.
I recommend this book to those who
truly love pitching. -
Pedro, a high-school varsity
pitcher, 07/31/2005
Best Pitching book I
have read - This is by far the
most informative and best all around
pitching book I have seen. I have
read it twice and it still makes a
lot of sense. - Alex
This book is a great technical guide
to pitching. With in-depth
breakdowns of the the pitching
motion from start to finish,
complete with many helpful diagrams,
this book is a very in depth look at
pitching. Add in training drills and
in depth looks at the mental side of
pitching in game situations, and you
have a great guide to improving your
time spent on the mound.
"I
just wanted to drop you a note to let you know, this is best
pitching book I have ever seen and I've seen quite a few. imho,
the coach has produced the definitive bible for
pitchers, regardless of what level one is at. I will be spending
many hours reading and re-reading it."
Dear Coach Bagonzi, I read your
book with great interest a few years
back. I learned quite a bit
from it and still do...to this day I
still use it as a guide in helping
my 13 year old son, who loves to
pitch....
Mr. Bagonzi....First let me say,
"Great book!" I have read it twice
myself and have started my 12 year
old to reading it. Some words are a
little tricky for him but he'll be
fine and I honestly believe more
will be retained than most would
believe.
Dr. Bagonzi - Thank you for
writing such an excellent book.
I am a Little League coach with an
11 year old son that showed an
ability to throw consistently at a
target. I found your book
online and was able to purchase it
at a local bookstore, since then I
have read through at least 10
times and continue to re-read
chapters as I need to....
Dr. Bagonzi -
Firstly, I want to thank you very
much for the outstanding work you
have done. Your book has been a
great help to me. I never
pitched myself as a child and only
played until I was 13 years old.
Needless to say I was never really
coached very well. I ... have
been coaching now for 11 years. I
think it is because I felt that had
I had better coaching I would have
stayed in the game longer that I
have tried to learn as much as I can
to pass on to my players. That is
why I appreciate your book so much.
Things are so well laid out and
easily interpreted.
Your book is
great! I love it. There is
sooooo much information, and it's a
lot bigger than I thought!
Thanks again for all your help!
Dr. Bagonzi - I purchased your Act
of Pitching book 2 years ago and
have recommended every time some
asks me about pitching....
Not only does this book contain 350
pages of information and over 400
photos, it is also written and laid
out in a way that makes it
completely accessible to the visual
as well as the verbal learner. Every
photo is placed on the same page as
the text to which it refers. By way
of the large print pullouts and
photos, one can learn more than is
typically found in any two books on
pitching. Read the entire text and
you will be whisked away to
baseballs inner sanctum. The text is
written with intelligence and humor
so that it entertains as it teaches. Fans of the game will find much
insight and baseball wisdom between
the covers.
"One
of the greatest books ever
written on pitching called The
Act of Pitching has just been
released.
Written by a coaches' coach, Dr.
John Bagonzi, he synthesizes
over 40 years of coaching
experience in creating a master
textbook on pitching. The book
features over 400 photos in 15
chapters that show in minute
detail how to become an
accomplished pitcher. Dr. Bagonzi's writing style is
brilliant as he offers a new
dimension to pitching
instruction from youth players
to pitchers in the Big Leagues.
If you choose to purchase only one
book on pitching this year, this
is the one to look at. I had a
difficult time putting it down
until all 350 pages were
devoured."
--Collegiate
Baseball, Lou
Pavlovich, editor
"after
just five minutes with him, it
became quite evident to me that
he knew more about pitching than
anyone I'd ever encountered or
read....Coach Bagonzi
is considered the best baseball
and basketball coach in the
history of New Hampshire high
school sports. He also holds
every pitching record at the
University of New Hampshire. The
fact that he has sent a handful
of pitchers from tiny Woodsville
High (some years his bench went
no deeper than the water boy) to
the pros, speaks volumes about
his capacity to motivate and get
the most out of a kid's talent.
While coaching at Woodsville,
his pitchers threw twenty-five
no hitters while winning several
state championships. ......While
this book is primarily concerned
with helping one become the best
pitcher and the best coach
possible, it is also about
helping people with a passion
for the game and those involved
with players and coaches to
become the best and most
knowledgeable fans possible. I
guarantee that reading this book
will change the way that one
watches the game."
To read more
from "A Letter from the Editor -
Why this is the Best Pitching
Book Ever", click
HERE.
"All I can say is wow ! the book is everything (and more) than
I
expected. it is the most definitive source on making the baseball
do something that I know of. Dr. Bagonzi and his editor/publisher
really did their homework in putting graphics and text together,
and Dr. Bagonzi has one of the best writing styles for explanation
while keeping your interest. "
-- paul nyman, senior
editor setpro.com
John Bagonzi has been a frequent contributor to Coaching Management Magazine, a publication for high school and college coaches. His articles always provide insight into the game and hands-on advice for old and new. He always appears in our yearly baseball edition.
Eleanor Frankel, editor-in-chief, Momentum Media Sports
Throughout the history of the game the battle for diamond dominance
between pitchers and hitters has continued without cessation.
Sure, it seems to be the age of the hitter. With smaller parks,
better bats, and new training methods, the hitters have risen
to dominate. But as we will see in the Major League playoffs and
World Series, good pitching can still dominate. Old pros like Tom Glavine, Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens and relative newcomers such as Matt Morris and Tim Hudson are exceptions that show us the dominance of hitters doesn't have to be a permanent condition.
But for this phenomenon to become more widespread those who are teaching the Act of Pitching are going to have to get smarter, more systematic and more creative.
Pitchers of today need to restock their arsenals with pitches that will keep the ball in the park, but even more importantly, pitchers today at all levels need a systematic way to develop optimum mechanics. They need to develop better training methods, they need to develop an intelligent approach to throwing more, not less. In addition they also need tools that will allow them to fine-tune their mechanics and methods for troubleshooting both over the long haul, as well as in the midst of battle.
Those in the game who say that the rules have to change, the ball has to change, the strike zone has to change, the mound has to change are looking for easy answers. They are ignoring the real challenge presented to the pitching profession today. It's up to us who love the game and who pride ourselves on the development of pitchers to do the work and give pitchers new tools rather than new excuses.
THE ACT OF PITCHING is a new kind of book providing pitchers
and coaches with a definitive approach to the development of their
craft. It is a book that illuminates the path, and
provides the minute instruction even for the
tough stuff, for those willing to answer the
challenge and take responsibility for the
development of strong pitchers willing to
place their fate in their own
hands.
and while a professional pitching coach myself, Coach Bagonzi
has been an invaluable resource for
me. His tremendous knowledge of the
science of kinesiology, and how it
is applied to proper pitching
mechanics, combined with a lifetime
of playing and coaching baseball
puts him in an elite group as far as
I am concerned. His passion for
learning and teaching coupled with a
great sense of humor results in a
truly unique person. John is someone
I feel most fortunate to have been
able to call coach as well as my
good friend. He is a genius in
pitching.
Chad Paronto, Major League Pitcher,
Atlanta Braves
As athletes, we would do anything he asked of us, out of respect for him. The lessons he taught me on the court and on the field are still with me now - in how I deal with work and the problems that come up. He shaped players' characters to believe they could do anything they wanted, as long as they were willing to work hard. My opportunity to play professional baseball was largely due to John teaching me how to throw a curveball.
Best Pitching Book - Period - I have
read/watched dozens of books and
DVDs and attended several clinics in
my quest to help my sons become
better pitchers. This is far and
away the most
comprehensive pitching
instruction I have ever seen. I was
amazed at how thick this book was
when it arrived - almost 400 pages,
with hundreds of pictures. Dr. Bagonzi explains everthing in great
detail. I have never seen
anyone spend as much time on the
finer details of pitching grips, for
example. But all the
information in usable - the author
does a very good job of explaining
things clearly and concisely.
I never felt as if I was lost in
minutia, as I have with other
instructional materials.....Bottom
line recommendation: if you only buy
one pitching program, make it this
book. - Alan 
Complete And Easy To Comprehend
- To learn to throw the
knuckleball, you have to be a smart
pitcher to begin with. Tom
Candiotti puts it better: To be a
good knuckleball pitcher, you have
to be a good pitcher to begin with.
Whether you care to learn the
butterfly or not, you couldn't find
a more easy-to-understand and
to-the-point book on pitching as
this book. I've looked at
many, and this one is as
well-organized and detailed as I'd
like a pitching instruction book to
be . Other books may give you the
viewpoints that will be the most
help to you, but I'm betting this
book is the most likely one to bring
your game to the highest level you
can achieve. Without getting
too wordy, I'll just say that this
book will give you about as clear an
explanation of every aspect of
pitching as you'll find on any
shelf, so make it your number one
go-to pitching guide. - Dave Clark
