John Penn

Wabash College '14 Bluffton University MBA '16

[John Penn @CatchingPenns]

The 2020 Hogs played guinea pig to a new type of training that spent a portion of each day focusing on the visual aspect of catching. While the season was cut short after 16 games, the data still has a few cool aspects to it that are worth the share!

[Xan Barksdale @xanbarksdale]

John Penn discusses one of his favorite drills, specifically working on pocketing the baseball.

Join the catching brotherhood this December at #CatcherCON25! 🎟️ and info here: https://t.co/C8C5FZG3sl

[John Penn @CatchingPenns]

What a great opportunity for a great human being! @CraigAlbernaz

[Baltimore Orioles @Orioles]

Introducing our new Manager, Craig Albernaz! Welcome to Birdland!

For 2026 ticket information, go to https://t.co/gkxLtTKbAf 🎟️

[Xan Barksdale @xanbarksdale]

John Penn shows us some keys to winning strikes, demonstrated by the best guys doing it.

Dive deep into the catching position at #CatcherCON25, Dec 12-14, 🎟️ and info here: https://t.co/C8C5FZG3sl

[Xan Barksdale @xanbarksdale]

John Penn discusses the "Red Phase" of training where we work in controlled environments to develop new skills. This is a good time to work on quickness and transfers as we are trying to push ourselves with limited variables.

Learn from the best catching coaches in the world at #CatcherCON25 Dec 12-14! 🎟️ here: https://t.co/hf8Lrn5N6H

[John Penn @CatchingPenns]

This is the secret sauce! When at the proper time, challenge your guys in a practice setting. Make them compete. If you do this, as a coach you win. Athletes GET better when you make the practice setting incredibly difficult because the game is difficult.

[Xan Barksdale @xanbarksdale]

John Penn tells us about the different phases of training and the benefit of training your eyes to make decisions earlier.

See you at #CatcherCON25 this Dec. 12-14 🎟️: https://t.co/C8C5FZG3sl

[Xan Barksdale @xanbarksdale]

John Penn tells us about the different phases of training and the benefit of training your eyes to make decisions earlier.

See you at #CatcherCON25 this Dec. 12-14 🎟️: https://t.co/C8C5FZG3sl

[Xan Barksdale @xanbarksdale]

John Penn shows us some of the drills he likes for training fast hands.

Get drills like this and more this December 12-14 at #CatcherCON25 in Nashville! Get your tickets here: https://t.co/C8C5FZG3sl

[Xan Barksdale @xanbarksdale]

John Penn shows us a couple of drills he likes for pocket awareness.

Learn from the best catching coaches in the world at #CatcherCON25, get on the mailing list here: https://t.co/YtdRgoyEZP

[John Penn @CatchingPenns]

If you are a local 757 catcher and interested in getting on a development plan to learn this and more, DM me and let's get to work!

[John Penn @CatchingPenns]

@xanbarksdale puts on the best event for Catching Heads in the country! Don't miss out on #CatcherCon25!

[John Penn @CatchingPenns]

@xanbarksdale puts on the best event for Catching Heads in the country! Don't miss out on #CatcherCon25!

[Xan Barksdale @xanbarksdale]

There are many ways to keep the ball in front. It's important to have all the tools in your toolbelt when you need them.

[John Penn @CatchingPenns]

Congrats to client Ryan Gocio and the rest of the @280Baseball on winning their first American Legion World Series title last night!

[John Penn @CatchingPenns]

As college season ends and HS season wraps up, if you're coming back to the 757 to play for the @PeninsulaPilots, @TidewaterSummer, or just coming home to train, DM me. Lets get you on development plan to make you better!

[John Penn @CatchingPenns]

Spots are already filling up! If you are a local 757 athlete or staying on campus this summer and want to make some improvements, don't miss out on your chance to get developed!!!

[Carson-Newman Athletics @CN_Eagles]

5⃣th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history
3⃣rd under head coach @catchblockthrow

Eagles get Conference Carolinas champion #2 Belmont Abbey Thursday at 6pm in the opening round

📰 https://t.co/zff8G07izR

@CNBaseball x #TalonsUp

[Brandon Oli @FuturesOli23]

@shegone03 You’re clueless @shegone03

[John Penn @CatchingPenns]

This is one of the coolest things I've seen on Twitter. Proof that just because you've made it doesn't mean you've made it. Always keep working to sharpen your craft, whatever that may be.

[Ivan Quackenbush @IQ_Baseball_]

On opening day 2025 every single starting catcher worked out of a knee down setup.

Here’s what they looked like when they made their big league debut.

[Tom Griffin @catchblockthrow]

10th year of CatcherCon! Another great weekend of information, connecting and networking! Xan and his family do an incredible job creating an environment where everyone feels like family and treated 1st class. Baseball and Softball catching community come together!!!

[John Penn @CatchingPenns]

Super grateful for the opportunity and to everyone that has helped me get on this stage. Massive thank you to @xanbarksdale for putting together an awesome event year after year #CatcherCON24

[Xan Barksdale @xanbarksdale]

In the 2 hole for #CatcherCON24 we have @CatchingPenns!

[John Penn @CatchingPenns]

Thought I would leave this here...see you soon 😶 #CATCHERCON24 @xanbarksdale