Rick Peterson
Erick Harding "Rick" Peterson (born October 30, 1954) is an American former pitcher and pitching coach in Major League Baseball. He was most recently the director of pitching development for the Baltimore Orioles. He was a pitcher in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, but is most notable as the pitching coach for the Oakland Athletics, New York Mets, and the Milwaukee Brewers.
For the fictional character in EastEnders, see Minty Peterson.Peterson is known for his unique use of biomechanical research and psychological principles to help pitchers improve their pitching motions.[1] His nicknames include "The Jacket" because he always wears a jacket during games, and "The Professor." He is also known for placing his hand on the shoulder of the pitcher during mound visits.
Early life and education[edit]
Peterson was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School in the Pittsburgh suburb of Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. The Baltimore Orioles drafted him out of high school, but instead of signing with the Orioles, he chose to go to Gulf Coast Junior College in Panama City, Florida. He then attended Jacksonville University and graduated with a combined degree in psychology and art.[1]
Playing career[edit]
Peterson was drafted for the second time in the 21st round of the June 1976 free agent draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. At that time, his father, Pete Peterson, was Pittsburgh's farm system director and future general manager.[1] Rick Peterson played in class-A for the Pirates organization for four years, in 1976–79, and also made appearances at higher levels of the minors in 1982, 1983, and 1988.
Business[edit]
In January 2009, Peterson along with Jim Duquette and other business partners launched 3P Sports. 3P Sports combined Peterson's coaching philosophies for conditioning, pitching drills and sports psychology with biomechanical analysis data using the work done by Dr. James Andrew's American Sports Medicine Institute ASMI as the benchmark. The 3P Program claims to help pitchers of all ages achieve peak pitching performance while remaining healthy. 3P sells directly via its web site www.3PSports.com, or through a series of Channel Partners located throughout North America. Delivered over the web as a membership program with 24 × 7 availability, 3P pitchers get monthly updates designed for peak performance results.