The Buttocks of Baseball: Unlocking Power and Performance
A player's posterior is more than just a punchline. It's a powerhouse of potential, shaping the game in ways that might surprise you.
When Cal Raleigh, a promising young baseball player, first met his strength coach Michael Sadler in 2019, he had a physique that caught attention. Sadler recalls a 'baby face' with a large, untoned body. But Raleigh had the raw materials of a future star: a towering 6-foot-2 frame, weighing over 200 pounds, and the ability to hit powerfully from both sides of the plate. His defensive skills were also impressive, as evidenced by his caught-stealing percentage in the California League.
However, there was one feature that stood out from the start: a substantial posterior. This asset, often overlooked, has been a secret weapon for many baseball players throughout history.
The Big Dumper
The term 'Big Dumper' wasn't yet attached to Raleigh, but his prominent posterior was hard to miss. This physical trait has been a recurring theme among baseball players, dating back to early 20th-century stars like Honus Wagner and Lou Gehrig, who was also known as 'Biscuit Pants'. These players understood the importance of core strength, especially in the gluteal muscles, for hitting and pitching prowess.
Buck Showalter, a renowned baseball manager, once emphasized the connection between powerful hitters and pitchers and their well-developed glutes. Modern baseball players, with their tailored workouts and nutrition, have taken this to a new level, with entire blogs dedicated to ranking the best backsides in the sport.
The Science Behind the Glutes
Bret Contreras, aka 'The Glute Guy', is a leading expert on the gluteal muscles. With his PhD in Sports Science and over 1.5 million Instagram followers, Contreras has dedicated his career to studying these muscles. He believes that baseball players' large glutes can be attributed to both genetics and rigorous resistance training. In Raleigh's case, genetics likely played a significant role, as confirmed by Sadler.
The benefits of strong glutes in baseball are undeniable. Bret Contreras explains that baseball is an anaerobic, power-focused sport. When sprinting to first base or swinging a bat, players rely on their glutes for explosive power. Former player Don Mattingly is a prime example of utilizing all three actions of the glutes simultaneously during his swing.
The Catcher's Advantage
Cal Raleigh, being a catcher, has an additional advantage. The squatting position he maintains for hours during each game is an isometric hold for the glutes, further developing this muscle group. This position is a significant contributor to his lower body strength.
A Controversial Conversation Starter
The topic of players' posterior size has sparked conversations and even dedicated online communities. Former MLB catcher Anthony Recker, known for his solid defense and clutch home runs, has also gained attention for his prominent glutes. Recker, like many players, understands the importance of overall muscle balance, ensuring that his glute strength is complemented by other muscle groups.
The discussion around players' physiques, particularly their backsides, is a testament to the sport's diverse physical requirements. While a larger posterior can be an asset, it's not the sole determinant of success. Players like Byron Buxton and Chris Sale have achieved greatness with slimmer builds, showcasing the various paths to power in baseball.
