Tahj Cunningham shares how Soul Throwers helped him dramatically increase his pitching velocity and develop an adjustable, confident mindset on and off the field.
+7 - 9 MPH
Pitching Velocity Increase
+7 reps
Deadlift Reps (at 405 lbs)
+10-15 lbs
Body Weight Gain
"Soul Throwers has made me completely just forget about things like that and just go play baseball like it's the last game I'm ever gonna play each and every time I go out there and ultimately having fun."
Tahj Cunningham is a professional international right-handed pitcher, known for his dynamic presence on the mound. Standing at 5'8" and weighing between 160-165 lbs, Tahj has always been a quick-twitch athlete with a strong desire to excel in baseball.
The Challenge
Before joining Soul Throwers, Tahj faced significant hurdles in his career. His pitching velocity was inconsistent, typically ranging from 84 to 88 mph, with an occasional peak at 90 mph on a good day. He knew he had more in the tank but struggled to unlock it. Beyond the physical, Tahj was battling mental pressures. He found himself hyper-fixated on results, constantly trying to please coaches, front offices, teammates, and even his parents. This led to playing cautiously, trying not to get cut or to impress others, rather than focusing on his own performance and enjoyment. He also felt constrained by cookie-cutter training programs that didn't account for his unique body mechanics or pitching style.
"I'm not hyper fixated on the results anymore. I'm more so just worried about the process and I'm worried about putting my best foot forward of what I have for that day instead of, you know, playing to not get cut or playing to impress other people."
The Solution
Tahj discovered Soul Throwers through their engaging Instagram content, which showcased athletes training hard but also having fun and experimenting. This immediately resonated with him, as it was a stark contrast to the rigid, formulaic approaches he'd encountered before. Soul Throwers offered a truly tailor-made program, designed specifically for his body's movements and demands. Their dynamic training regimen incorporated everything from weightlifting and plyometrics to plyo balls, yoga, and Pilates-based exercises, ensuring every angle of athletic ability was addressed. The coaches, being players themselves, constantly experimented and passed on new insights, fostering an environment of continuous learning and adjustment.
"What I love about Soul Throwers is the fact that nothing here is cookie cutter. My program isn't the same as the next guy's program... Everything is tailor made towards you. The way your body moves and the demands of your body."
The Results
The transformation Tahj experienced with Soul Throwers was profound, both physically and mentally. Within just one and a half to two months of training, his velocity jumped to an easy 91-92 mph, and by the past summer, he was consistently hitting 95 mph – a significant increase for a 5'8" pitcher. His strength also saw remarkable gains; his deadlift went from 405 lbs for 3 reps to 405 lbs for 10 reps, and his body weight increased from 145-150 lbs to a solid 160-165 lbs. He became noticeably faster, with his movements on video sometimes appearing "sped up."
Mentally, Tahj underwent a complete shift. He no longer cares about external opinions, focusing instead on playing baseball for the sheer joy of it. He's learned to channel nerves into confidence and feels a profound sense of control over his destiny and training. Soul Throwers instilled in him the ability to be a highly adjustable athlete, ready to perform whether he has 15 pitches to warm up or just four. This adaptability has extended into his daily life, helping him navigate challenges with greater ease and less stress. Tahj is now having the most fun he's ever had playing baseball and plans to continue training with Soul Throwers throughout his entire career and beyond.
We've helped hundreds of players gain velocity, get rid of anxiety, create confidence they never thought they would have, look at baseball in a different lens, and much much more. We are trying to help people gain perspective on what they are trying to accomplish. We are just helping shape real humans that want to keep playing baseball.