Summary:
Caleb Thielbar went from being retired at age 33 to averaging 93.5 mph at 37 and becoming one of the most effective left-handed relievers in the American League. His transformation was unconventional, unlikely, and one of the most meaningful arcs I’ve ever been a part of.

Before Training:
By late 2019, Caleb had accepted a DII college coaching job and was preparing for the next chapter of his life. Despite pitching well in Triple-A, no MLB team had called. He was five years removed from his last big-league appearance. His career should have been over.

What We Worked On:

• Velocity Development: Focused on mound-specific intent and constraint work—not chasing mechanical perfection
  
  

• Slider Redesign: Added 14+ inches of sweep while retaining velocity
  
  

• Recovery and Progression: Tailored a high-frequency, high-trust system around his age, workload, and readiness
  
  

• Mindset: Worked through the challenge of returning as an older player with nothing guaranteed
  
  

Key Metrics:

• Fastball Velocity Gain: 89 → 93.5 mph (ages 33–37)
  
  

• K% (2021–23): 28.9%
  
  

• BB% (2021–23): 7.5%
  
  

• K-BB%: 21.4%
  
  

• WAR: 1.2 (led Twins bullpen)
  
  

• Estimated Free Agent Value (2021 season alone): ~$10 million
  
  

Reflection:
Caleb’s story changed my life. He was the first big leaguer to trust me when there was nothing to gain from doing so. Everything we worked on was personal, custom, and built off conversations—not assumptions. He didn’t just come back—he created a second career that few thought was possible.

Half the Twins pitching staff ended up training with us because of him. I owe more than I can explain to Caleb’s belief in the process—and in me.

Videos / Content:

• Thielbar’s Journey  

• Coaching DII Baseball to $10M Season

• Thielbar Throwback Reflection