Ben Zobrist on the Truth About Hitting | The Teacherman Controversy & Mental Game

Baseball players are and parents drowning in hitting advice — and some of the newest philosophies fly in the face of decades of respected teaching. So who’s right? Who’s wrong? And what are the absolute truths of hitting that never change?

In this 90-minute masterclass, World Series MVP Ben Zobrist and former AAA pro Jeremy Slayden cut through the noise. Together we break down the hottest controversy in baseball — the rise of “Teacherman” and his new-school swing philosophy praised by Aaron Judge —and cut through the confusion to get into the nuggets of truth found in both the old school and new school hitting approaches.

But this conversation is about more than mechanics. We dig into the mental and emotional side of hitting — how great players think, how they handle pressure, and why confidence matters as much as mechanics. And for the parents, we go deep on youth baseball, passion, pressure, and travel ball burnout — with real talk about how to support your kids without breaking them.

Finally, we take it into the cage — with live swings and practical adjustments that every player can learn from. If you’ve ever wondered who to trust when it comes to hitting, this conversation will help you cut through the confusion and focus on what really matters.

Follow Ben Zobrist's Work with Champion Forward Here: https://www.championforward.org

00:00 Introduction to the Science of Hitting

01:09 Welcome to the Machine Barn

01:58 Ben's Baseball Journey

02:46 Controversial Hitting Theories

03:40 The Teacher Man's Approach

07:12 Hitting Techniques and Adjustments

14:45 The Importance of Lower Half Control

25:55 Practical Drills for Young Players

41:55 Proper Stance and Knee Positioning

42:44 Addressing Swing Flaws

44:29 High Tee Drills and Adjustments

46:04 Hitting Strategies and Approaches

53:19 Mental and Emotional Aspects of Hitting

01:12:48 Balancing Passion and Burnout in Youth Sports

01:18:41 Batting Practice and Techniques