Aaron Capista is a baseball fan and devoted follower of Kyle Schwarber. Whether he’s at home, by the pool, or even in a concert parking lot, he’s tuned in for every at-bat. Capista feels a strong connection with Schwarber—he believes he can almost sense what’s going through Schwaber’s mind during games.
Their relationship is more than that of fan and player; Capista is Schwarber’s personal hitting coach. While many top hitters have their own coaches, the bond between these two is particularly special. Recently, Schwarber signed a massive contract with the Phillies, worth $150 million over five years. This season, they’ll start their rigorous offseason training program, where they’ll focus intensely on improving Schwarber’s hitting skills.
Schwarber and Capista have worked closely for eight years. They communicate almost daily, sharing ideas and feedback. Their sessions can get heated, but that’s part of the process. Schwarber appreciates Capista’s honesty and directness, which helps both of them grow.
Statistically, their partnership has been effective. Nine years ago, Schwarber struggled, often finding himself out of sync with the game. Now, he’s one of the best hitters in the league. Last season, he significantly improved his swing rate and finished second in MVP voting. He may even reach 500 home runs—an impressive feat that often leads to Hall of Fame discussions.
Capista uses tough love in their training. Their sessions aren’t about feeling good; they’re designed to challenge Schwarber. Capista pushes him to confront his weaknesses, using high-speed machines and intense drills. “You need someone to rub you the wrong way,” Capista explains.
Their journey began in 2016 when Schwarber was dealing with substantial challenges in his career. After a rough stretch, a mutual friend introduced them, and Capista’s no-nonsense approach clicked with Schwarber. They quickly started analyzing and improving his swing.
Interestingly, Capista himself has a history in baseball. He was drafted by the Red Sox but faced his own struggles in professional play, eventually stepping away from the game. He later found success as a hitting coach, establishing Cappy’s Cage in Las Vegas, where he honed his skills and philosophy. Capista believes strongly in honesty—it’s how he connects with his players.
As Schwarber’s swing improved, so did his performance on the field. Since 2021, he ranks impressively among major league hitters, boasting top statistics in slugging percentage and home runs. Capista sees potential for even more growth, indicating that Schwarber is just starting to hit his stride.
“Success is about more than just numbers,” Capista says. It’s about pushing limits and not leaving anything on the table. With their annual training sessions fast approaching, Schwarber is ready to embrace the challenges ahead.
The bond between these two is one of trust, hard work, and mutual respect. It exemplifies not just the commitment required at the highest levels of sport but the personal connections that make such endeavors worthwhile.
Source link
Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, MLB
