Recently, Athletic Republic issued a press release about the fact that our training programs offer a drug-free alternative for baseball players — a drug-free alternative for all athletes, actually.

The impetus behind our taking a public, anti-drug stand was, of course, the Mitchell report. That, and a statement former major league pitcher Rick Helling made in response to a question about his reaction to the Mitchell report naming names:

It’s not surprising. I played in that era. The only person’s name I would be surprised to see on it (the Mitchell report) was mine because I know I didn’t do any of that stuff.

Actually, if anything, I feel better about my years in the league because I was one of the clean guys. I can look back on my career and know I did everything myself and didn’t use any outside agent. I’m proud of the career I had and how I did it.

So how did Helling do “it” — winning 20 games with the Texas Rangers in 1998 and two World Series Championships with the Florida Marlins in 1997 and 2003.

Simple, with perseverance and hard work, including dedication to an intensive off-season training regimen with Athletic Republic’s president and founder John Frappier.

The ThrowingCord is like nothing else I have seen for training pitchers. I loved how it helped me finish my delivery. It made me focus on balance and the proper mechanics throughout my throwing motion. There is nothing else that I know of that can strengthen your throwing muscles as safely and effectively while allowing you instant feedback from the execution of each throw. The treadmill program that John Frappier has developed is also tremendous. Every off-season that I was able to do the program I went in to spring training in great shape. It develops the power and explosiveness throughout your core and lower body that you need as a pitcher. To stand up to a 162 game season while making 35 starts is hard to do, and a physical grind. I was very healthy and strong throughout my career, I believe John’s Athletic Republic training programs were a vital part of the process.

The bottom line: if you’re interested in advancing your baseball career, Athletic Republic offers a viable, measurable way to add velocity to your fastball and bat speed to your swing.