I’m a Cubs fan and I gotta say he never ceases to amaze with his unbelievable control and way to win. Plus he’s on a cheap AF contract extension. Insanely underrated.
You prolly dont care but if you guys are stoned like me during the covid times you can stream all the latest movies and series on instaflixxer. Been watching with my girlfriend for the last couple of weeks =)
Quite literally I got giddy when I saw the title, I’m a die hard Cubs fan, and Hendricks is a joy to watch day in and day out. Additionally he’s a great guy, I’ve talked with him a couple times, and you’d never think this guy tricks giants with his off speed.
I'm a Cardinals fan, but I enjoy getting the opportunity to watch Hendricks pitch against us. I had him in my fantasy baseball rotation in '16, and I've been fond of him ever since.
ive always been the short skinny kid, and i was weird because i batted left handed but threw right handed. i rarely hit the ball hard and it’s tough when you grow up idolizing sammy sosa and josh hamilton cuz you can’t be like them. until my senior year we got a new coach talked me threw made me embrace who i was as a player had me bunting a whole lot getting infield hits with my crazy speed and it helped emotionally accept myself for who i am. thank you for sharing your story because i can relate to you as well.
I also struggled with hitting and unfortunately there were too many better hitters on my high school team for me to find a spot in the batting order. I was however a good shortstop and better pitcher. My velocity was average in my conference, sitting low 80's for my fastball, but I developed a nasty 2-seamer and changeup and focused on messing with the hitters' rhythm instead of power pitching them after it seemed like my skinny frame wasn't going to easily add any more velocity. Realizing I wasn't going be a Kerry Wood or Mark Prior or Jeff Samardzjia or Carlos Zambrano helped me embrace trying to be a Greg Maddux. Kyle Hendricks is going to be the Greg Maddux for a younger generation of kids who aren't going to hit 95+ on the gun.
same here bro. bat left throw right. i was always a fast, pure contact hitter with a little bit of pop so they always made me bunt til i quit baseball after my freshman year (coach played daddy ball).
Those last few minutes really hit home for me. I’ve always been that tall, lanky, soft throwing kid who didn’t light up the radar gun. Hendricks has been a huge inspiration to me, and seeing guys like him have success has helped with my own self image and confidence not only as a pitcher, but as a person.
And Greg even through the ball harder lol. But yes I do agree the way he paints the zone and keeps guys off balance with his changeup, it is a good comparison
Solid comparison. After running the stats, I think Dallas Keuchel is the best comparison in terms of style and success. Hyun-jin Ryu, Jake Arrieta, Felix Hernandez, Sonny Gray & Charlie Morton are all pretty close too, but those guys struck out batters at a higher rate. Although, you can adjust those strikeout rates vs league average and they are all pretty similar.
I remember when he first came up to the team and I was like..."man he doesn't throw hard enough." Then I watched the game...and thought...."He's watched a lot of Greg Maddux tape." Love him as a player.
I am a die-hard Cubs fan and Kyle Hendricks is my favorite athlete in the history of sports. I saw SRS holds him in similar esteem and I have never clicked on a video so fast. Kyle Hendricks games are noticeably more fun to watch than other Cubs games. When he's on the hill, we are pretty much guaranteed a fast-paced game in which the defense is actively involved because of how well he pitches to weak contact. His command is also just otherworldly. It's so satisfying to watch a pitcher who depends on craftiness over power, especially when he's at his best. He frustrates the hell out of opposing hitters by being who he is. He is inspiring to me in a way that is similar to Tom Brady. Both men are limited when it comes to physical ability, but they get the job done by prioritizing mechanics, command, precision, and a next-play mentality. They know their winning formula and they stick to it. I know we won Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, and I wouldn't trade that classic game for anything. But I will never understand why Joe Maddon pulled him from the game so early. He was in the zone. He could have easily gone 7 or 8 innings. That was the one time I've ever seen Hendricks visibly upset about being pulled from a game and I don't blame him in the slightest. Joe Buck called it an "extremely quick hook" and I have never agreed with him more. The knock on The Professor has always been his shortage of strikeouts but I've never understood why that matters so much. His job is to get outs, and he has done that consistently, even in big games, for years. And he does it all with arguably the best poker face in the history of sports. The Cubs are in a rebuilding phase and I hope they don't trade Hendricks. But if they do, I will root for him wherever he goes. This video absolutely nails the majesty of Kyle Hendricks. Well done as always, SRS.
This is my favorite type of pitcher and these are the guys that have true longevity. Knowing how to locate and control your pitches lasts longer and better than just pure movement or velocity. Cool stuff I didn’t realize how good he was at it. Also same man, I didn’t throw hard when I played until college but I located well. People didn’t like my pitching cause I was throwing slow.
He is also my favorite pitcher. I am a cubs fan so I could be biased but watching him pitch is pretty fun when he has got all his pitches working. He does not get the attension he deserves.
Don’t be ashamed of being tall and thin man! I say this in the most respectful way possible and I’m in no way trying to make your anxiety invalid but being thin and tall are two things a lot of people want to be! I’m glad to hear it sounds like you’re in a much better place now and much more comfortable in your own skin. It’s also very cool to me how you can relate so strongly with someone on an emotional and physical level. Great vid!
Tom Glavine. I'm a lefty and I grew up outside Atlanta in the 90's. Pitched just like him and I'm convinced if more pitchers in today's game cared more about location and movement like the 90's- early 2000's greats, there wouldn't be so many home runs.
Hendricks is the type of pitcher we should get little leaguers to be while their physical talent is still developing. Also, my favorite thing about Hendricks is the dude is a stone cold assassin. It has to be bothersome as an opponent for Hendricks to never get rattled. He’ll walk off the mound the same way after a 3 run inning and the 8th inning of a shutout masterpiece. He’s basically the Kahwi Leonard of the MLB.
Had a down year this previous season, but I'm going to be optimistic and hopes he bounces back, because man, I love watching him pitch, especially when he's locked in. It's a thing of beauty.
Kyle Hendricks is old school and it's awesome. He's not a thrower, he's a pitcher, and he understands the art of pitching as well as anyone. If you can paint corners, change speeds, and throw with movement you will always find success in the MLB.
great video man, beyond just the analytics and the breakdown i really appreciate you being vulnerable towards the end and opening up about your struggles. you’ve helped someone today.
Grew up in high school idolizing Jose Altuve. I was a short guy with not much strength to knock a ball into the outfield. He inspired me so much watching someone like me dominate pitchers, playing to his own strengths, not by nuking balls 450 dead center, but by being smart in the box, hitting liners, running the bases right, and playing steller defense. When the Astros cheating scandal broke I was devastated, not just because the baseball world was cheated, but because it seemed like one of my idols turned out to be lying to my face. I still have love for Altuve, and I’ll still support him and want him to be great like he was, but ever since the news broke, I haven’t been able to see the same guy I once looked up to as a hero
Derek Jeter was my inspiration. Flashy plays at short, great hitter, could go to right field just as easy as left, great work ethic. I lot of what i built into myself came from him, and im glad you can relate to kyle so much. Great video!
As a short, stocky, right-handed sidearm pitcher, I can relate to the experiences you outlined during part 2 of the video. In high school I had a 2.63 ERA as a relief pitcher, but I averaged only around 84-86 mph on my cutter (I didn't throw a 4-seamer) and I left my high school baseball team during my sophomore year after a nasty incident involving the team's ace (who got drafted in the 1st round of the MLB Draft), and I didn't play baseball at a high competitive level again until a friend of mine invited me (in 2019) to pitch at a scouting showcase where he was working at. Fast forward to this year, and I have a baseball scholarship to a D2 athletics powerhouse. Perseverance pays off. This is a wonderful video and it deserves 1 million likes. God bless you guys, great job Matt!
As a Cubs fan THANK YOU Kyle and Rizzo have always been my two favorites After this I want to complement my rizzo pinstripe jersey with a cubbie blue hendricks’
Beyond anything in the video, the point on how you related to KH and your own battle with self-image, and depression struck a particular chord with me. Love the videos as always! STS all day bud!
@@StarkRavingSports hey I just finished the video and damn it was a good one especially the final part. How you explained how you felt when you played and how you relate to Hendricks is honestly how I treat myself. I’m a 6,1 lanky kid just like you were with anxiety and all that. I truly felt your explanation. Amazing video!
Just wanted to say thank you for sharing some of your story. It made me feel better knowing others feel the same way I do. Hope your doing well, and keep that head up. No shame in talking to others
Thank you for sharing that personal stuff! There is something romantic, somewhat melancholic and ancient, about baseball. We all love stats, but it's the emotional connections we have to the sport and its players what makes us so excited about it. Loved this video because you explored that emotional connection in an honest, tender way.
I hear you. We can really relate to someone even if there's only one thing that we share with them. In case of pitching, I always questioned the need to value velocity more than "the ability to generate easy ground balls". Lower pitch counts almost exclusively occur during fly balls or ground outs. It gives pitchers longevity without straining their arm. It's sad to see so many good pitchers that go unnoticed especially in the modern era of baseball. Most won't even get drafted. Since you said to comment my favorite player, for me its Andrelton Simmons. I heard that the reason he opted out during the end of 2020 season was because of his depression, even thoughts of suicide. I've had depression for as long as I can remember, and I've always liked Simmons, but hearing the news made me connect to him even more. I really hope he gets into HOF. Thanks man I just subscribed.
There's just something so enjoyable watching a master "pitcher" at work. Watching Maddux, Buehrle, or Hendricks masterfully break down a lineup with purposed location, movement, speed change, pitch selection, quick pace, defensively set after release, etc. is the best of baseball! imo
I was also anxious about how I was perceived when I played baseball. I do not play anymore but very rarely was I able to fully enjoy any success on the field. Thank you for sharing
Found your channel totally by accident last week looking for good baseball vids. Loved your content and then I found out that you were a fellow Mets fan. The Wilpons doc was amazing and I really appreciated your personal story in this video. Keep up the good work!
Great video as usual, even better with your personal connection. Adrian Beltre, i had real crisis about my love for the game and he restored it for me.
Love the first half of the video but the second half is beyond amazing. Love how personal you got but love how you compared yourself to Kyle. Kyle sounds like a role model to you and im so happy about it. Love your videos but this by far my favorite because of the end. Keep your head up and keep blessing us with amazing baseball content.
As someone who had a shorter baseball carer (only little league, due to my family moving to Israel...), but I have dyslexia, which caused me to have low self-esteem... And struggled with anxiety and depression... I salute you for having the courage to talk about it. As being a Pirate fan... It's hard to talk about a certain player of my lifetime (35), probably Tim Wakefield, who was not even a pitcher until he was in the majors...
Hendo is also a great defender, is completely unflappable on the mound, and has one of the best pick-off moves in the game. He's a stud who deserves far more credit than he gets. Great video.
Polar opposite but my inspiration was/always has been Tim Lincecum. I’m a Seattle native and a lifelong giants fan, So it’s a no brainer. His career amazed me and depressed me at the same time.
Giants Fan here. 2010 Andres Torres for sure. He was barely a 4th outfielder his whole career but for one beautiful, indescribable season (that ended in a championship) he was one of the best leadoff men in the game. I still don't know how he did it and when he talks about it I get the feeling he doesn't really know either. He always talks about how grateful he was to get the opportunity with tears in his eyes, like he's aware of how miraculous it truly was. Probably always gonna be my favorite Giant. And Vogelsong.
I’m only 10, but I can’t doubt how big of an impact Mike Soroka has had on me so far. He made his debut when i started to get involved a lot more in baseball. There is one thing though that I really like. I’m callgarian(if that’s how you write it) and same with Mike Soroka. Seeing him pitch in an all star game in 2019 gave me a lot of hope in myself. before Soroka, I don’t think there was a calgarian baseball player who played for more than a year ever. Lastly he’s a pitcher and I’m a pitcher
I totally relate to you and Hendricks, I always pitched to weak contact and I was worried I didn’t throw super hard, but I had control and I was really glad to hear that story at the end. I love hearing stories like that that I can relate to and share similarities with. I’m 17 now, I love baseball, and I’ve made peace with my insecurity. Thank you for showing the anxiety and insecure side of players about their ability.
Yesterday was the first time I ever saw him play ever, and I said the same thing. One of my new favorite pitchers. I'm late to the game on it, but yea, he's great!
Im 15 and im the same way, except im short and skinny. I throw around high 60s, but I still get people put through weak contact, but no scouts will look at me because I dont "throw hard enough". Its videos like these that help change the narratives of baseball, and allowing for a much more diverse league of pitchers.
This is a great video, and honestly we need more pitchers like this. Marco Gonzales is another guy who simply dominates on control and command while his fastball only runs 89-90 mph. If one of these guys wins a Cy Young I really think it would be good for baseball.
I think I'd have to say that D-Backs outfielder David Peralta is the player that inspires me the most. He was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals as a pitcher back in 2004. He was released by the club in 2009 because he wasn't very good and he had a lot of injuries. He then bounced around with some indy league clubs, including for a league that doesn't even exist anymore, turning himself into an outfielder. Diamomdbacks picked him up in 2013, made his debut in 2014 and now he's going into his 8th major league season while having a silver slugger and gold glove in his trophy cabinet.
my favorite player growing up is arod because my tv cable broadcasted the yankees in the morning almost all days and I'd be watching those games seeing him batting, knowing that in this at bat he will or at least move closer towards hitting a homerun. I kinda do feel the same way about tall and lanky kid, it's kind of the same as me. thankyou for the words in this video, really gives me different perspective on how to look at myself
Hey man, I just found your channel and love the content. Your story abt your own self consciousness and weak arm really connected with me. I’m 15 and throw 78 so I rly understand where you are coming from. I also admire Hendricks and he actually is someone who I molded my game after. It took me some time to realize my weakness and how I could still be an effective pitcher despite them. I have some elbow problems so ultimately, I don’t think pitching is the way for me(prob 2B) but I really connected with this video. Nothing but the best man!
Hendricks has been my favorite pitcher for a few years now especially as a Cubs fan. But in the same sense as you, I related to him as a pitcher/ball player. I’m 5’8 and typically weighed around 145-150 thru high school. My travel ball and freshman/sophomore years I threw the ball hard for a kid my size. End of soph season I tore my rotator cuff and caused ligament damage in my shoulder sliding into 2nd. After that I couldn’t throw a ball with a lot of strength, essentially just using my forearm for velocity. I topped out at 72 mph my senior year where as my soph year I topped out at 79mph with control and could sniff 80 if I just hurled it. It was a blessing in disguise because after my injury I could finally locate pitches how I wanted. A slow throwing kid with a 70 mph fastball & changeup combo, I got a lot of weak contact and even a decent amount of K’s. I always viewed myself as Hendricks when I took the mound my senior year. Love this video man
He’s one of my favorites as well. And I also agree with your pick for favorite hitter...Juan Soto. Soto hits EVERYWHERE in the park and so entertaining to watch every at bat. I’m interested in your thoughts on Nick Madrigal for the White Sox. He’s an old school hitter, great at contact much like David Fletcher. If he’s healthy he could be the upcoming rookie of the year. But circling back to Hendricks, he is a joy to watch pitch and this video is a fine tribute to his talent. Nice job!
My dude was Knowshon Moreno from the NFL. Had a few lackluster seasons as a first round pick then bounced back really hard. Started working his ass off on every play, he'd get hit super hard and be the first guy on his feet. Never got himself the ring but he totally changed his career through hard work.
Good video. On BR, his 2021 projected ERA is 3.66, a number he's exceeded, in actuality, only once (2015 with 3.95). Also, only 8 BB in 81.1 IP in 2020, and despite only 64 SO, he led the NL in SO:BB ratio and the majors in BB per 9 IP
I always gravitated toward Craig Counsel because I was REALLY skinny. He helped me actually picture myself as a ball player. Never played beyond high school but I totally hear you about the self consciousness. When you’re preoccupied with your appearance you’re also hyper vigilant about those traits in others, and seeing someone who looks like you, or throws like you, whatever, can def make a big difference.
I know it might sound cliche but Kobe was an inspiration for me. Growing up in SoCal as a Laker fan was amazing but once Kobe retired I was still inspired by him as a human being. His drive and work ethic inspired me because no matter where you are in life, you can always follow your dreams and achieve your goals through hard work. Later on in life CC Sabathia became the “Kobe” of baseball for me and the reason why I love the sport. Of course great players like CC and Kobe will be remembered for their great sporting accomplishments, but for me, I will always remember them for the resilient people they were.
Pitchers like Hendricks gives my son some hope. At 16, he's a 6'6"/180lbs left hander with dreams of playing in college. He's started working on for about 5 months and he's made strides in his velocity but was always slower than other kids his age. He does, however, have a lot of control and movement. He has a great curve, a deadly forkball for his strikeout pitch. Thankfully he's not a kid with anxiety. His laid back nature helps him on the mound, getting everything chattered to him from the other dugout doesn't bother him. He laughs at it. But in this time, when velocity is king for recruiting, I keep reminding him to work on your mechanics, get stronger, the velocity will come and even if you don't throw 90, your movement is better than the guys he plays with.
I feel you on a certain level. I am in the best program in the province (I’m in canada) and I have a pretty average fastball. Coming out of injury rehab recently I was trying really hard to keep up with everyone and lost myself a little bit. I was thinking so much about my mechanics to throw harder that I forgot who I really was, what type of pitcher I am. After a painfully bad bullpen I had a conversation with my dad who lives 6 hours away and he reminded who I was, and what I want to become. Today I pitch one of my best bullpens in a long time, I guess small victories are worth enjoying. Thanks for the reminder that I’m not the only one thinking too much
Noah syndergaard inspired me and is inspiring me to this day. I’m 13 and am already 6’2 and am on track to be around the 6’6 6’7 range. I throw hard just like Noah and I like his personality. Great video by the way just like always
I loved how you talked about what pitcher you related to do I’ll do the same. I’m short and I don’t throw very hard, actually the complete opposite. But I had fantastic control and an amazing Changeup because I already threw so much slower then everyone else. Because of my change up, I related to King Felix, even tho I was never that good or consistent
Dustin Pedroia always proved that just because you're the smallest player on the field doesn't preclude you from also being the best. Baseball will miss him dearly
Marcus Stroman! Nasty stuff and heat at 5”7, I just love baseball because anyone of anybody type can be great at the game, at pretty much any position. If you can hit, catch, run, throw, fire you’ll be good at baseball. Love your videos man, keep it up :)
Definitely Zack Greinke. He has always been my favorite pitcher. He has always had these funny moments on the mound and never seems to take pitching too seriously. I also felt personally connected to him because we have both struggled with similar things. He had struggled with depression and had never really enjoyed pitching in his early years. I felt the same for awhile in my early teens and baseball saved my life. I find it strange how it did the same for him.
I’m a Cubs fan and I never miss a Hendricks start
August 22nd must’ve been rough
Same
Same here
I’m a Cubs fan and I gotta say he never ceases to amaze with his unbelievable control and way to win. Plus he’s on a cheap AF contract extension. Insanely underrated.
As a Dodgers fan I completely agree. After watching how he dominated the dodgers in 2016 I knew this guy was special.
same
You prolly dont care but if you guys are stoned like me during the covid times you can stream all the latest movies and series on instaflixxer. Been watching with my girlfriend for the last couple of weeks =)
@Willie Vihaan Yup, been watching on InstaFlixxer for years myself =)
FINALLY. Somebody made a video about Kyle Hendricks. Dude is amazing.
I was looking the other day, and there was literally like no videos about him out there. Glad someone did it!
He is 1 Of The Best Pitchers In Baseball, He Is The Second Coming Of Greg Maddux
Quite literally I got giddy when I saw the title, I’m a die hard Cubs fan, and Hendricks is a joy to watch day in and day out. Additionally he’s a great guy, I’ve talked with him a couple times, and you’d never think this guy tricks giants with his off speed.
I'm a Cardinals fan, but I enjoy getting the opportunity to watch Hendricks pitch against us. I had him in my fantasy baseball rotation in '16, and I've been fond of him ever since.
YES! A video about Kyle Hendricks! There's literally no videos out there that talk about him, so I'm glad you guys did it!
Yes Luke so much as a fellow Cubs fan he's awesome!
Dude I get so happy every time pitches. Whenever I go to a game, I’m looking weeks in advance to see if Kyle is starting
GO CUBBIES
ive always been the short skinny kid, and i was weird because i batted left handed but threw right handed. i rarely hit the ball hard and it’s tough when you grow up idolizing sammy sosa and josh hamilton cuz you can’t be like them. until my senior year we got a new coach talked me threw made me embrace who i was as a player had me bunting a whole lot getting infield hits with my crazy speed and it helped emotionally accept myself for who i am. thank you for sharing your story because i can relate to you as well.
Same here with the hitting part. I tried to model myself after someone like Ichiro or even Hanser Alberto instead.
F bunting, hit nukes
I also struggled with hitting and unfortunately there were too many better hitters on my high school team for me to find a spot in the batting order. I was however a good shortstop and better pitcher. My velocity was average in my conference, sitting low 80's for my fastball, but I developed a nasty 2-seamer and changeup and focused on messing with the hitters' rhythm instead of power pitching them after it seemed like my skinny frame wasn't going to easily add any more velocity. Realizing I wasn't going be a Kerry Wood or Mark Prior or Jeff Samardzjia or Carlos Zambrano helped me embrace trying to be a Greg Maddux. Kyle Hendricks is going to be the Greg Maddux for a younger generation of kids who aren't going to hit 95+ on the gun.
Same dude, I'm a slow throwing right hander with an arm slot like Kenley Jansen. Hendricks is my dude
same here bro. bat left throw right. i was always a fast, pure contact hitter with a little bit of pop so they always made me bunt til i quit baseball after my freshman year (coach played daddy ball).
Those last few minutes really hit home for me. I’ve always been that tall, lanky, soft throwing kid who didn’t light up the radar gun. Hendricks has been a huge inspiration to me, and seeing guys like him have success has helped with my own self image and confidence not only as a pitcher, but as a person.
Kyle Hendricks is the closest thing we’ve seen to Greg Maddux.
And Greg even through the ball harder lol. But yes I do agree the way he paints the zone and keeps guys off balance with his changeup, it is a good comparison
That was immediately who I thought of.
Cubs fan? Cause us Braves fans say Saroka is modern day Maddux. Lol
@@jameskm03 I mean the stuff and arm angles better match Hendricks, but I can see where you come from as well
Solid comparison. After running the stats, I think Dallas Keuchel is the best comparison in terms of style and success. Hyun-jin Ryu, Jake Arrieta, Felix Hernandez, Sonny Gray & Charlie Morton are all pretty close too, but those guys struck out batters at a higher rate. Although, you can adjust those strikeout rates vs league average and they are all pretty similar.
I hope Kyle sees this
That would be amazing
@@StarkRavingSports keep up the great work 💪
I remember when he first came up to the team and I was like..."man he doesn't throw hard enough." Then I watched the game...and thought...."He's watched a lot of Greg Maddux tape." Love him as a player.
I am a die-hard Cubs fan and Kyle Hendricks is my favorite athlete in the history of sports. I saw SRS holds him in similar esteem and I have never clicked on a video so fast.
Kyle Hendricks games are noticeably more fun to watch than other Cubs games. When he's on the hill, we are pretty much guaranteed a fast-paced game in which the defense is actively involved because of how well he pitches to weak contact. His command is also just otherworldly. It's so satisfying to watch a pitcher who depends on craftiness over power, especially when he's at his best. He frustrates the hell out of opposing hitters by being who he is.
He is inspiring to me in a way that is similar to Tom Brady. Both men are limited when it comes to physical ability, but they get the job done by prioritizing mechanics, command, precision, and a next-play mentality. They know their winning formula and they stick to it.
I know we won Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, and I wouldn't trade that classic game for anything. But I will never understand why Joe Maddon pulled him from the game so early. He was in the zone. He could have easily gone 7 or 8 innings. That was the one time I've ever seen Hendricks visibly upset about being pulled from a game and I don't blame him in the slightest. Joe Buck called it an "extremely quick hook" and I have never agreed with him more.
The knock on The Professor has always been his shortage of strikeouts but I've never understood why that matters so much. His job is to get outs, and he has done that consistently, even in big games, for years. And he does it all with arguably the best poker face in the history of sports.
The Cubs are in a rebuilding phase and I hope they don't trade Hendricks. But if they do, I will root for him wherever he goes.
This video absolutely nails the majesty of Kyle Hendricks. Well done as always, SRS.
Thanks a lot for this comment, honestly
This is my favorite type of pitcher and these are the guys that have true longevity. Knowing how to locate and control your pitches lasts longer and better than just pure movement or velocity. Cool stuff I didn’t realize how good he was at it. Also same man, I didn’t throw hard when I played until college but I located well. People didn’t like my pitching cause I was throwing slow.
He is also my favorite pitcher. I am a cubs fan so I could be biased but watching him pitch is pretty fun when he has got all his pitches working. He does not get the attension he deserves.
Don’t be ashamed of being tall and thin man! I say this in the most respectful way possible and I’m in no way trying to make your anxiety invalid but being thin and tall are two things a lot of people want to be! I’m glad to hear it sounds like you’re in a much better place now and much more comfortable in your own skin. It’s also very cool to me how you can relate so strongly with someone on an emotional and physical level. Great vid!
I have been waiting years for someone to make a video about him
Tom Glavine. I'm a lefty and I grew up outside Atlanta in the 90's. Pitched just like him and I'm convinced if more pitchers in today's game cared more about location and movement like the 90's- early 2000's greats, there wouldn't be so many home runs.
Hendricks is the type of pitcher we should get little leaguers to be while their physical talent is still developing. Also, my favorite thing about Hendricks is the dude is a stone cold assassin. It has to be bothersome as an opponent for Hendricks to never get rattled. He’ll walk off the mound the same way after a 3 run inning and the 8th inning of a shutout masterpiece. He’s basically the Kahwi Leonard of the MLB.
My dad taught Kyle Hendricks at Dartmouth, and I know the manager for Dartmouth baseball team, really nice guy always call him coach
Had a down year this previous season, but I'm going to be optimistic and hopes he bounces back, because man, I love watching him pitch, especially when he's locked in. It's a thing of beauty.
Kyle Hendricks is old school and it's awesome. He's not a thrower, he's a pitcher, and he understands the art of pitching as well as anyone. If you can paint corners, change speeds, and throw with movement you will always find success in the MLB.
Reminds me a lot of jered weaver for similar reasons. Really nice sweet part at the end love it
great video man, beyond just the analytics and the breakdown i really appreciate you being vulnerable towards the end and opening up about your struggles. you’ve helped someone today.
Grew up in high school idolizing Jose Altuve. I was a short guy with not much strength to knock a ball into the outfield. He inspired me so much watching someone like me dominate pitchers, playing to his own strengths, not by nuking balls 450 dead center, but by being smart in the box, hitting liners, running the bases right, and playing steller defense. When the Astros cheating scandal broke I was devastated, not just because the baseball world was cheated, but because it seemed like one of my idols turned out to be lying to my face. I still have love for Altuve, and I’ll still support him and want him to be great like he was, but ever since the news broke, I haven’t been able to see the same guy I once looked up to as a hero
Wish more people talked about him. One of the most underrated pitchers of all time
Derek Jeter was my inspiration. Flashy plays at short, great hitter, could go to right field just as easy as left, great work ethic. I lot of what i built into myself came from him, and im glad you can relate to kyle so much. Great video!
dude, that last part of the video was the best. u should make a podcast. thx 4 sharing!
As a short, stocky, right-handed sidearm pitcher, I can relate to the experiences you outlined during part 2 of the video. In high school I had a 2.63 ERA as a relief pitcher, but I averaged only around 84-86 mph on my cutter (I didn't throw a 4-seamer) and I left my high school baseball team during my sophomore year after a nasty incident involving the team's ace (who got drafted in the 1st round of the MLB Draft), and I didn't play baseball at a high competitive level again until a friend of mine invited me (in 2019) to pitch at a scouting showcase where he was working at. Fast forward to this year, and I have a baseball scholarship to a D2 athletics powerhouse. Perseverance pays off. This is a wonderful video and it deserves 1 million likes. God bless you guys, great job Matt!
I've been saying for a few years now that Hendricks is a potential HOFer. I wish there were more like him.
Watched this after handing out my resume to 10 different companies at a job fair. My resume had the wrong phone number on it. Need this video rn. Ty.
I'm a buccos fan so even though he's on a division rival that has torched us in the past, I still love this guys wizardry on the mound. Cool vid!
As a Cubs fan THANK YOU
Kyle and Rizzo have always been my two favorites
After this I want to complement my rizzo pinstripe jersey with a cubbie blue hendricks’
Beyond anything in the video, the point on how you related to KH and your own battle with self-image, and depression struck a particular chord with me. Love the videos as always! STS all day bud!
Kyle Hendricks is pretty good on MLB the Show
Ikr
What’s harder to do?
Deadlift 800 points?
Or complete a Diamond Dynasty challenge against Kyle Hendricks?
@@StarkRavingSports hey I just finished the video and damn it was a good one especially the final part. How you explained how you felt when you played and how you relate to Hendricks is honestly how I treat myself. I’m a 6,1 lanky kid just like you were with anxiety and all that. I truly felt your explanation. Amazing video!
Hendricks is hard to hit but when I pitch him he gets smacked
Kyle Hendricks. Unless I’m on beginner mode that guy can strike me out every time
Just wanted to say thank you for sharing some of your story. It made me feel better knowing others feel the same way I do. Hope your doing well, and keep that head up. No shame in talking to others
kyle is amazing, deserves a lot of credit
Thank you for sharing that personal stuff! There is something romantic, somewhat melancholic and ancient, about baseball. We all love stats, but it's the emotional connections we have to the sport and its players what makes us so excited about it. Loved this video because you explored that emotional connection in an honest, tender way.
I hear you. We can really relate to someone even if there's only one thing that we share with them. In case of pitching, I always questioned the need to value velocity more than "the ability to generate easy ground balls". Lower pitch counts almost exclusively occur during fly balls or ground outs. It gives pitchers longevity without straining their arm. It's sad to see so many good pitchers that go unnoticed especially in the modern era of baseball. Most won't even get drafted. Since you said to comment my favorite player, for me its Andrelton Simmons. I heard that the reason he opted out during the end of 2020 season was because of his depression, even thoughts of suicide. I've had depression for as long as I can remember, and I've always liked Simmons, but hearing the news made me connect to him even more. I really hope he gets into HOF. Thanks man I just subscribed.
That last bit of monologue really got to me. Well made video, sir 👏🥲
There's just something so enjoyable watching a master "pitcher" at work. Watching Maddux, Buehrle, or Hendricks masterfully break down a lineup with purposed location, movement, speed change, pitch selection, quick pace, defensively set after release, etc. is the best of baseball! imo
Great video dude. Thanks for taking us on the journey
I was also anxious about how I was perceived when I played baseball. I do not play anymore but very rarely was I able to fully enjoy any success on the field. Thank you for sharing
Found your channel totally by accident last week looking for good baseball vids. Loved your content and then I found out that you were a fellow Mets fan. The Wilpons doc was amazing and I really appreciated your personal story in this video. Keep up the good work!
Great video as usual, even better with your personal connection. Adrian Beltre, i had real crisis about my love for the game and he restored it for me.
Love the first half of the video but the second half is beyond amazing. Love how personal you got but love how you compared yourself to Kyle. Kyle sounds like a role model to you and im so happy about it. Love your videos but this by far my favorite because of the end. Keep your head up and keep blessing us with amazing baseball content.
❤️❤️
Hendricks is the nicest guy too man. Never gets in any trouble, always a good interview, just a flat out good dude.
Loved this video u should do more pitcher breakdowns like this
As someone who had a shorter baseball carer (only little league, due to my family moving to Israel...), but I have dyslexia, which caused me to have low self-esteem... And struggled with anxiety and depression... I salute you for having the courage to talk about it.
As being a Pirate fan... It's hard to talk about a certain player of my lifetime (35), probably Tim Wakefield, who was not even a pitcher until he was in the majors...
Hendo is also a great defender, is completely unflappable on the mound, and has one of the best pick-off moves in the game. He's a stud who deserves far more credit than he gets. Great video.
Hendricks is one of the more underrated pitchers in the league for sure
Great story at the end dude this made me feel a lot better about my situation in going through the same thing with being my own toughest critic
Growing up in Chicago, as a Cubs fan, and as a kid who values location more than speed. Kyle has been an icon to me for years.
Loved the video.
Polar opposite but my inspiration was/always has been Tim Lincecum.
I’m a Seattle native and a lifelong giants fan, So it’s a no brainer.
His career amazed me and depressed me at the same time.
Giants Fan here. 2010 Andres Torres for sure. He was barely a 4th outfielder his whole career but for one beautiful, indescribable season (that ended in a championship) he was one of the best leadoff men in the game. I still don't know how he did it and when he talks about it I get the feeling he doesn't really know either. He always talks about how grateful he was to get the opportunity with tears in his eyes, like he's aware of how miraculous it truly was. Probably always gonna be my favorite Giant. And Vogelsong.
I’m only 10, but I can’t doubt how big of an impact Mike Soroka has had on me so far. He made his debut when i started to get involved a lot more in baseball. There is one thing though that I really like. I’m callgarian(if that’s how you write it) and same with Mike Soroka. Seeing him pitch in an all star game in 2019 gave me a lot of hope in myself. before Soroka, I don’t think there was a calgarian baseball player who played for more than a year ever. Lastly he’s a pitcher and I’m a pitcher
I totally relate to you and Hendricks, I always pitched to weak contact and I was worried I didn’t throw super hard, but I had control and I was really glad to hear that story at the end. I love hearing stories like that that I can relate to and share similarities with. I’m 17 now, I love baseball, and I’ve made peace with my insecurity. Thank you for showing the anxiety and insecure side of players about their ability.
hey good shit man. really like the outlook of this video as someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression, i really like the perspective.
Yesterday was the first time I ever saw him play ever, and I said the same thing. One of my new favorite pitchers. I'm late to the game on it, but yea, he's great!
I’m glad someone agrees, I have a Hendricks jersey I got it in 2015 and always loved his pitching
Winning day
Im 15 and im the same way, except im short and skinny. I throw around high 60s, but I still get people put through weak contact, but no scouts will look at me because I dont "throw hard enough". Its videos like these that help change the narratives of baseball, and allowing for a much more diverse league of pitchers.
I’ve been waiting forever for a good Kyle Hendricks video and this did not disappoint.
This video is a great reason why I love baseball so much. You’re awesome and so are your videos. Mark Buehrle has always been one of my inspirations
That means a lot, thank you ❤️ Loved learning about Buehrle when I made the 2005 White Sox video last year
This is a great video, and honestly we need more pitchers like this. Marco Gonzales is another guy who simply dominates on control and command while his fastball only runs 89-90 mph. If one of these guys wins a Cy Young I really think it would be good for baseball.
I think I'd have to say that D-Backs outfielder David Peralta is the player that inspires me the most. He was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals as a pitcher back in 2004. He was released by the club in 2009 because he wasn't very good and he had a lot of injuries. He then bounced around with some indy league clubs, including for a league that doesn't even exist anymore, turning himself into an outfielder. Diamomdbacks picked him up in 2013, made his debut in 2014 and now he's going into his 8th major league season while having a silver slugger and gold glove in his trophy cabinet.
my favorite player growing up is arod because my tv cable broadcasted the yankees in the morning almost all days and I'd be watching those games seeing him batting, knowing that in this at bat he will or at least move closer towards hitting a homerun.
I kinda do feel the same way about tall and lanky kid, it's kind of the same as me. thankyou for the words in this video, really gives me different perspective on how to look at myself
Hey man, I just found your channel and love the content. Your story abt your own self consciousness and weak arm really connected with me. I’m 15 and throw 78 so I rly understand where you are coming from. I also admire Hendricks and he actually is someone who I molded my game after. It took me some time to realize my weakness and how I could still be an effective pitcher despite them. I have some elbow problems so ultimately, I don’t think pitching is the way for me(prob 2B) but I really connected with this video. Nothing but the best man!
Hendricks has been my favorite pitcher for a few years now especially as a Cubs fan. But in the same sense as you, I related to him as a pitcher/ball player. I’m 5’8 and typically weighed around 145-150 thru high school. My travel ball and freshman/sophomore years I threw the ball hard for a kid my size. End of soph season I tore my rotator cuff and caused ligament damage in my shoulder sliding into 2nd. After that I couldn’t throw a ball with a lot of strength, essentially just using my forearm for velocity. I topped out at 72 mph my senior year where as my soph year I topped out at 79mph with control and could sniff 80 if I just hurled it. It was a blessing in disguise because after my injury I could finally locate pitches how I wanted. A slow throwing kid with a 70 mph fastball & changeup combo, I got a lot of weak contact and even a decent amount of K’s. I always viewed myself as Hendricks when I took the mound my senior year. Love this video man
He’s one of my favorites as well. And I also agree with your pick for favorite hitter...Juan Soto. Soto hits EVERYWHERE in the park and so entertaining to watch every at bat. I’m interested in your thoughts on Nick Madrigal for the White Sox. He’s an old school hitter, great at contact much like David Fletcher. If he’s healthy he could be the upcoming rookie of the year. But circling back to Hendricks, he is a joy to watch pitch and this video is a fine tribute to his talent. Nice job!
Kyle Hendrick’s be underrated
My dude was Knowshon Moreno from the NFL. Had a few lackluster seasons as a first round pick then bounced back really hard. Started working his ass off on every play, he'd get hit super hard and be the first guy on his feet. Never got himself the ring but he totally changed his career through hard work.
I sat along the third base line at his 81-pitch shutout game. It was a masterpiece of a game.
Man I felt every thing u said I appreciate u opening up. Keep it up man love the content
The end of this video is art. Good job man, you’re a tough soul.
I'm glad he's someone else's favorite pitcher.
Good video.
On BR, his 2021 projected ERA is 3.66, a number he's exceeded, in actuality, only once (2015 with 3.95).
Also, only 8 BB in 81.1 IP in 2020, and despite only 64 SO, he led the NL in SO:BB ratio and the majors in BB per 9 IP
Kyle Hendricks is my favorite pitcher on the cubs and in baseball too. He's a beast
I always gravitated toward Craig Counsel because I was REALLY skinny. He helped me actually picture myself as a ball player. Never played beyond high school but I totally hear you about the self consciousness. When you’re preoccupied with your appearance you’re also hyper vigilant about those traits in others, and seeing someone who looks like you, or throws like you, whatever, can def make a big difference.
I know it might sound cliche but Kobe was an inspiration for me. Growing up in SoCal as a Laker fan was amazing but once Kobe retired I was still inspired by him as a human being. His drive and work ethic inspired me because no matter where you are in life, you can always follow your dreams and achieve your goals through hard work. Later on in life CC Sabathia became the “Kobe” of baseball for me and the reason why I love the sport. Of course great players like CC and Kobe will be remembered for their great sporting accomplishments, but for me, I will always remember them for the resilient people they were.
Amazing video, amazing pitcher, amazing introspection. Definitely subbing this channel
Very interesting video and thanks for your story at the end. Keep up the content.
Pitchers like Hendricks gives my son some hope. At 16, he's a 6'6"/180lbs left hander with dreams of playing in college. He's started working on for about 5 months and he's made strides in his velocity but was always slower than other kids his age. He does, however, have a lot of control and movement. He has a great curve, a deadly forkball for his strikeout pitch. Thankfully he's not a kid with anxiety. His laid back nature helps him on the mound, getting everything chattered to him from the other dugout doesn't bother him. He laughs at it. But in this time, when velocity is king for recruiting, I keep reminding him to work on your mechanics, get stronger, the velocity will come and even if you don't throw 90, your movement is better than the guys he plays with.
Kyle Hendricks is my favorite pitcher in baseball, and he’s finally getting a little bit of recognition
I feel you on a certain level. I am in the best program in the province (I’m in canada) and I have a pretty average fastball. Coming out of injury rehab recently I was trying really hard to keep up with everyone and lost myself a little bit. I was thinking so much about my mechanics to throw harder that I forgot who I really was, what type of pitcher I am. After a painfully bad bullpen I had a conversation with my dad who lives 6 hours away and he reminded who I was, and what I want to become. Today I pitch one of my best bullpens in a long time, I guess small victories are worth enjoying. Thanks for the reminder that I’m not the only one thinking too much
Incredibly underrated
Noah syndergaard inspired me and is inspiring me to this day. I’m 13 and am already 6’2 and am on track to be around the 6’6 6’7 range. I throw hard just like Noah and I like his personality. Great video by the way just like always
so glad he’s getting the love and appreciation he deserves
I loved how you talked about what pitcher you related to do I’ll do the same. I’m short and I don’t throw very hard, actually the complete opposite. But I had fantastic control and an amazing Changeup because I already threw so much slower then everyone else. Because of my change up, I related to King Felix, even tho I was never that good or consistent
Great work, starkravingsports. I can’t help but think about Marco Estrada when you talk about Kyle Hendricks. Does that make sense?
Dustin Pedroia always proved that just because you're the smallest player on the field doesn't preclude you from also being the best. Baseball will miss him dearly
Love the message at the end dude
He’s a master at inducing weak ass contact.
Always love watching Professor Hendricks go to work
He’s just a good ol’ fashioned pitcher. He doesn’t use strength, he uses intelligence and finesse like few I’ve ever seen.
Marcus Stroman! Nasty stuff and heat at 5”7, I just love baseball because anyone of anybody type can be great at the game, at pretty much any position. If you can hit, catch, run, throw, fire you’ll be good at baseball. Love your videos man, keep it up :)
Definitely Zack Greinke. He has always been my favorite pitcher. He has always had these funny moments on the mound and never seems to take pitching too seriously. I also felt personally connected to him because we have both struggled with similar things. He had struggled with depression and had never really enjoyed pitching in his early years. I felt the same for awhile in my early teens and baseball saved my life. I find it strange how it did the same for him.
Even as a sox fan I love this guy. He always makes it a tough game due to him not giving anything easy. He’s a really underrated pitcher imo
Can you do a Video on Ryan Mountcastle or Adley Rutschman?
I’ve needed this video for so long
Your content and references are breaking the system
Hendricks has a great arm motion, very maddux like. Love watching him pitch