Out of the Park Sports

Toronto, ON. - “The goal is to build mentally and physically strong and athletic baseball players.”. These are the words of new Toronto Mets Strength and Conditioning coach Michael Rodriguez. “Pudge” as he is referred to, has made a positive impact in a very short time to the Mets athletes. Quinton McRae, a 17u catcher in the program credits “Pudge” on getting him back on track and focussed. “Pudge is a very knowledgeable and hard-working trainer. His workout programs are awesome, and he has helped to get my nutrition back on track.”
Hard working is a great way to describe Rodriguez who credits his work ethic to his 16u baseball coach. “When I look back, his program was the biggest influence on where I am today. I would like to thank my coach, Chris Buhagiar, for introducing me to strength training and its importance to baseball performance.” Pudge goes on to add, “We all received custom training programs and were expected to train on our own. I was one of the kids who took the training seriously and that’s when my relationship with health and fitness started.”
Mike has been in the personal training industry for the last 6 years. Like many, he started in the big box gym companies before starting his own business. “I named my company Only the Strong because I truly believe that in order to be successful in anything, you need to be strong, not just physically, but mentally as well.”
There seems to be an instant connection between Only the Strong and the Toronto Mets. Walking into Out of the Park Sports, the Toronto Mets indoor facility, you see a number of athletes supporting Rodriguez’s clothing line. 17u Coach, Darryl Reid notices a difference in the relationship the players have with Mike. “There is definitely a trust they have with Pudge. Probably the most important aspect of a strength coach and athlete relationship is trust.”
Not only has Pudge received praises from the players and Coaches. Toronto Mets President, Ryan McBride is quite happy with his most recent hire. “Mike has been a great addition to our staff. He has an outstanding knowledge of what it takes to prepare elite athletes. His personality, professionalism, and demeanour are second to none.”
Mike has turned his passion of fitness into a full-time job. “I’ve aligned my company name with the game of baseball. Baseball is the hardest sport in the world, both physically and mentally. Baseball is a game of failure. Only the strong can accept the failures, leave it in the past, move forward and work hard to keep getting better – no quitting. This applies to life as well.”
When Mike is not training baseball players, he is training people of all ages on becoming the best version of themselves through health and fitness. “I use the same principles when training the general population. It takes a strong mind to be successful in a fitness journey and I’m constantly preaching consistency, self-discipline and trusting the process.” Mike adds, “Whether it’s 1-on-1 personal training or boot camps, I’m always working with amazing, positive people who have a passion for life and looking to improve on their health and fitness. Dozens of people have seen great body and mind transformations while training with me. It’s the greatest feeling in the world to see people achieve what they once thought was impossible.”
As with all sports, injuries are a part of the game that are unavoidable in baseball. Mike is very careful to be mindful of what the Mets athletes are going through physically. “Pudge has been really great during our training. He has worked well with me and has done his very best to work his way around my injuries and has found a way to make me feel even stronger,” says 17u Toronto Mets player Robert Vavaroutsos.
Mike believes in the process and there are no short cuts to putting together an effective training program. “I put a lot of emphasis training the right way with a huge focus on having correct movement patterns, proper arm care, mobility, and flexibility. I’ve also put together a specific warmup for the players and stressed the importance to the players as to why we need to take our warmups seriously. The players have all bought in and I’m impressed with the work ethic from everyone.” Mike is quick to show his gratitude to the Toronto Mets and the support he has received from the program. “It’s worth mentioning that Ryan McBride has been extremely supportive in providing all the necessary equipment and tools needed for the athletes to be successful in the weight room. I’m really excited to see the positive improvements each player will see on the field.”
Leading a successful training program still does come with some challenges. After all, a program that has over a hundred athletes with different body types, and various levels of fitness experiences are going to have its challenges. “The biggest challenge I find is nutrition. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or gain weight, it takes an incredible amount of consistency and focus on the nutritional aspect of training. I can provide all the best coaching practices and sample meal plans but ultimately, it’s up to the athlete when it comes to how they go about their nutrition. As coaches, we can’t follow players around and force them to eat or not eat certain things. We can only provide the tips/tools and direction. A strategy I’ve implemented is to have the players record a daily food log and communicate with me directly what their biggest issues are so we can find the solutions together.”
Mike also discusses the challenges of preparing for 1-on-1 training vs training in a team setting. “Not all athletes are built the same so it’s important to create a program that fits all our athletes. I’ve found a way to effectively train the 14-15 year old athletes slightly different from the older athletes and I’m impressed with how much they’ve learned and developed over the past two months. The key is to “slow cook” the young guys and build a strong foundation by performing all the basic exercises correctly before moving to more advanced exercises. I’ve also taken players aside who are having issues with particular exercises in order to break down the movements so they have a better understanding of “why” and “what” they may be doing wrong and how we can correct it. It’s important for players to know why they are doing an exercise and what they should be feeling during the movement.”
It is evident to see that Mike understands what it takes to train an “Elite” Athlete. Mike leans on his experience of being a baseball player to help him understand what the current Toronto Mets Athletes are going through. “I have a great understanding of what baseball players need to focus on and what will keep them healthy for a long season. Going through a tough injury at 17 years old forced me to learn more about how the shoulder works and how to strengthen all the muscles important to overhead athletes. As a player, I can also relate to the guys and help them fight through all the ups and downs associated with being an elite student-athlete.”
It was Mike’s injury that he suffered a week before a showcase trip down south that altered his plans of pursuing his baseball dreams. “I tore ligaments in the rotator cuff of my throwing shoulder sliding head first into 3rd base on a stupid play. I was safe but my shoulder wasn’t. That off-season I went under the knife to repair the torn ligaments in my shoulder. My rehab didn’t go as well as I had hoped and I couldn’t play without pain, so I decided to stop my rehab, and go to school in Toronto where I studied Business Management at George Brown College.”
While studying at George Brown, Mike decided to give baseball another shot, and played with the Varsity baseball team. He joined the Markham Mariners Senior baseball team and has been playing ever since. “At 35 years old, my body feels great and I owe it all to staying in shape and living a healthy lifestyle.”
Not only is “Pudge” active on the baseball field, he continues to learn. “I’ve invested my time and money on published material from the best in the S&C industry. Most recently I’ve purchased and studied the Sturdy Shoulders Program by Eric Cressey. I also attended his Fall Seminar in Hudson, MA this past October where I was able to learn how they train their professional baseball players. I even spoke with Eric himself to get his advice on training young baseball players in a team setting.”
Mike understands that when dealing with young athletes, it is important to guide them in the right direction and give them advice to help them on and off the baseball field. “I constantly tell the players they need to focus on all aspects of their training program. 100% effort needs to be applied in all areas of their training if they want to get better. Nutrition, sleep, warmups, stretching, focus, concentration, and self-discipline are key.” Mike also includes his two favourite quotes as a message to the past, current and future Toronto Mets.
“There may be people who have more talent than you. But there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.” – Derek Jeter
“Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard” – Tim Notke
In an industry of providing motivation for hundreds of athletes of all ages, we wonder what motivates “Pudge” to continue to work through the grind and better himself on a daily basis. “I have amazing parents, Paul and Teresa, and three beautiful younger sisters, Kirsten, Jennifer and Kathlyn and also a silly niece, Milan. They are my world and I do everything I can to make them proud.”
It is very clear that family is important to Mike and his development as a person and fitness instructor. In an extremely competitive baseball market, the Toronto Mets have hit a homerun with adding Only the Strong and Mike “Pudge” Rodriguez to their baseball family.

TORONTO, ON. – As we say goodbye to 2018, you can’t help but sense the sounds and smells of another Toronto Mets baseball season. One of the major signs that the baseball season is not that far away is the sighting of Hall of Fame writer Bob Elliott’s Top 100 Most Influential Canadians in baseball.
Toronto Mets President, Ryan McBride has been a mainstay on the list for the last several years with 2018 being no different coming in at #87.
87. Ryan McBride, Toronto Mets (87).
Two ex-Mets were drafted in June: OF Tristan Pompey (Mississauga, Ont.) who went in the third round from Kentucky to the Marlins and signed for $645,000 and OF Denzel Clarke (Pickering, Ont.) the 36th round to the New York Mets. Clarke didn’t sign and headed west to play for the Cal State Northridge Matadors.
OF Zach Gardiner (Oakville, Ont.) and C-1B Ryan Leitch (Whitby, Ont.) are off the Marshall Thundering Herd, while OF Matt Turino (Toronto, Ont.) has transferred to Tennessee and OF-C Liam Hicks (Toronto, Ont.) to Arkansas State.
The 2018 season was a very successful one for the Toronto Mets on the field. The 14u Team led by Head coach Hugh Walters captured the Kent State Pastime Tournament Championship. Rich Leitch and his 17u Orange Team claimed the Platinum Bracket Championship at the Tournament of Champions Cincy Flames event. They were also able to capture the programs first CPBL Playoff Championship for the 17u Division. Less than 24 hours later Head Coach Darryl Reid and the 16u Orange team capped off an unbelievable season by winning the CPBL Championship with a remarkable 29-2 CPBL regular season and playoff record.
The Toronto Mets continue to grow into one of Canada’s Premier baseball programs. McBride is quick to share the secret to the success of the program. “We have reached the level we have because of our people. That means everyone, coaches, staff, and of course our families.”
The success of the Mets goes well beyond the wins and losses on the field. The development of the complete student athlete remains the top priority in the development plans. “We put together a complete program for our players, focusing on the development on and off the field,” says Darryl Reid, the programs Academic Coordinator. Reid goes on to add that, “We recognize that the importance of the athlete’s ability in the classroom is equally important to their success on the field.”
In over a decade of accomplishments, it is hard to pick one moment or achievement that stands out above the rest. McBride states, “the most satisfying and gratifying part of this is watching our players move on to the next level and have continued success both on and off the field.” Moving on to the next level is an area in which the Mets have been extremely successful. Since 2004, there have been more than 150 student athletes placed at various Colleges and Universities across the United States.
It is a tremendous honour for a Canadian baseball player to be named to the National Junior Team. Over the years there have been 41 players to get the call from Junior National Team Head Coach Greg Hamilton. Most recently, Daniel Carinci, Denzel Clarke, and Keegan Pulford-Thorpe helped Canada bring home a Bronze medal in the World Championship Qualifier in Panama.
The success for Toronto Met players does not stop at the Junior National Team. Every June, Major League Baseball holds their annual draft and the Mets Organization have been honoured to have 23 players selected in the MLB draft. In 2018, Tristan Pompey was selected by the Miami Marlins, and Denzel Clarke was taken by the New York Mets.
The dream for the next crop of Toronto Mets continue into the New Year. Baseball Activities ramp up starting in January. Rich Leitch, the programs Director of Baseball Operations, puts together the complete Development program for all the Mets Athletes. “Our Program Coordinators are outstanding,” says Leitch, “the amount of planning and organizing that goes into each practice is second to none.” This is evident by the successes that the Toronto Mets continue to have on the field. “We work on the things that happen in a baseball game the most,” adds Leitch. The plans seem to be working for the Toronto Mets players.
Like every successful organization, the planning never stops for McBride and his staff. Most notably, Out of the Parks Sports, the Mets Indoor Training Facility, has seen a significant progress to accommodate the growing program. Since their opening in 2012, OPS have grown to six batting cages, a 3600 sq ft pitching room, and a full-sized weight room. “I am really excited about the immediate changes we have made and for the ones to come in the months and years ahead,” says McBride. Most recently, OPS have seen construction of a new parent lounge, offices, and front entrance reception.
With the 2019 CPBL season just four months away, the Mets are excited to see what the new year will have in store for them. Four months of planning from our coaches, four months of dedication from our athletes, and four months of driving from our parents, the 2019 season is sure to be another successful year for the Toronto Mets.

Train like a pro with Mets Alum and Toronto Blue Jays farmhand on Dec 15th. We are proud to host his first clinic at . Learn with Connor and fellow pros (Reds), (BlueJays) & Brett Siddall (A's). Spots are limited so register early!

Train like a pro with Mets Alum and farmhand on Dec 15th. We are proud to host his first clinic at . Learn with Connor and fellow pros (Reds), (BlueJays) & (A's). Spots are limited so register early!

Train like a pro with Mets Alum and Toronto Blue Jays farmhand on Dec 15th. We are proud to host his first clinic at OPS. Learn with Connor and fellow pros (Reds), (BlueJays) & Brett Siddall (A's). Spots are limited so register early!

The Toronto Mets Elite Development Camp represents a great opportunity for rep level athletes, who are committed to playing at the next level, in a camp setting that provides an opportunity to improve and refine their talents. This camp is designed for the rep level player 12 years old – 15 years old, who has aspirations of playing baseball at the highest level (College or Pro).

Andy Stewart will be the Head Coach of the program. Stewart who played professional baseball for 11 seasons including a stop with the Kansas City Royals in 1997. Stewart has also participated on the International level playing in the Olympic Games for Team Canada in 2004. Currently, Andy is The hitting and catching coordinator for the Toronto Mets as well as coaching the 17u Team.

The intensive 8 week format will emphasize individual position play, hitting fundamentals, and base running. If you are a motivated athlete who wants to play baseball at the next level, this is the camp for you! Enrollment is limited to ensure personal attention in each and every aspect of the game, so sign up soon! Previous Camps have sold out in advance!

Schedule
January 13 ..... 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
January 20 ..... 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
January 27 ..... 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
February 3 ..... 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
February 10 ..... 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
February 17 ..... 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
February 24 ..... 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
March 3. ..... 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.


Equpiment
Each camper must bring his own baseball equipment. Players should bring a glove, bat, running shoes or turf shoes, hat, helmet and any other equipment they feel necessary to compete. Catchers must bring their own gear.

Cost
$400 plus HST

Register
email: [email protected]
@03.bulldogs

After School Program

March Break Camp

Toronto Mets Development Camp
August 18 - 19
Bond Park
12pm - 3pm
Birthdates - 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

Out of the Park Sports has teamed up with OPPOTACO to host an exciting Family Day Baseball Camp.

OPPOTACO FAMILY DAY CAMP

Monday February 16

8:30 am - 12:30 pm - Rookie Ball/Mosquito
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Peewee / Bantam

$40 plus HST per player

To Register, email - [email protected]

*Free OPPOTACO hat with registration

Join Out of the Park Sports and the Toronto Mets for a six week hitting Clinic with Toronto Mets coaches Glenn Jackson and Kyle Fillier. The clinic will take place every Monday night starting March 23 and running through April 27. To Register for the clinic, please email [email protected] to book your spot in the Clinic.

Mosquito (2004, 2005) 6pm - 7pm

Peewee (2002, 2003) 7pm - 8pm

Register early as there are limited spots in the clinic.

Just over a week away from our 2nd annual Catchers Clinic. There are still a few spots available.

Out of the Park Sports is happy to announce our second annual CATCHING CLINIC.

CATCHER CLINIC
Sunday November 30
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Out of the Park sports

Email - [email protected] to register.

Join the Toronto Mets Baseball Academy Wednesday July 30, 7:00 p.m. @ Out of the Park Sports (1510 Birchmount Rd. Unit 162 - Scarborough, ON) for an information session regarding the 2014 - 2015 Toronto Mets Development Program. Our Instructional Evalution camp will take place August 5, 6, 7 @ Bond Park - North York, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

To register for the Information night and the Evaluation Camp - Email: [email protected].

Check out the new Out of the Park Sports website.
www.otpsports.com add it to your favourites to keep up to date with all the news and events at OPS

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