Atlanta Braves “Learning From Leo” Series Taps into Mazzone’s Mentality

Leo Mazzone as Communicator

At times during the premiere episode, a rightfully amped up Mazzone stressed the importance of trust between coach and pitcher, the stigma of leaning on velocity, and controlling effort while avoiding falling “into the trap of putting a stamp or fingerprint on a pitcher.”

Reshaping and revving past Atlanta Braves like John Burkett, Russ Ortiz, Jaret Wright and Marvin Freeman started by dissecting bullpen sessions, concentrating on control effort over velocity, and simply listening.

“I got a degree in psychology and I never went to college,” Mazzone said during the interview. “Your approach to the pitcher is based on their mentality and makeup, and that determines your presentation to the pitcher.”

One Mazzone story, in particular, stands out following the infamous John Smoltz for Doyle Alexander trade with the Detroit Tigers. At the time, Smoltz was a well-regarded power pitcher with control issues. Soon after the transaction, he met Mazzone in an Instructional League backfield for a throwing session.

While running through the motions, Mazzone urged Smoltz to forget about directives from past coaches and simply wind up and follow his comfort zone. From that point, Smoltz was suddenly hitting his targets. Coupled with “a throw, turn and pull breaking ball” in famous Sain fashion, Smoltz was a reinvented man.

Mazzone admitted, “It was one of the most beautiful deliveries I’ve ever seen.” Cox, wanting little fanfare for an Instructional League trip, flew down to witness the reformed Smoltz, and, as if on cue, the future Hall of Famer went five innings, striking out eight and walking one.

“I let (Smoltz) be himself,” Mazzone said.

Episodes two and three of “Learning From Leo” air May 20 and May 27 on Rudd’s YouTube channel. Prior to release, check back with Tomahawk Take for previews of each episode.