Yankees Pitcher Clarke Schmidt Shares His Gripping Routine Before Each Start

NEW YORK — New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt revealed his rigorous preparation routine before each game, emphasizing the patience and mental focus necessary for a successful career in baseball. Schmidt, who is making his 10th start of the 2025 season in Kansas City, candidly described how perfectionism can weigh on him.

“Baseball is a game where stuff can go your way and stuff doesn’t go your way,” said the 29-year-old, acknowledging the luck that plays a role during games. Schmidt explained, “You have to take yourself out of it and be very self-aware that you can’t hang your hat on every single outing.”

When not at the stadium, Schmidt stays mentally engaged by envisioning opponents’ lineups and how he will tackle each hitter. “I want to get to a place where you’re just able to see things in your mind,” he said. This visualization technique is part of his daily routine leading up to a start.

Schmidt’s day after pitching is essential for recovery, beginning with a walk to reflect on his previous outing. “Day 1, I wake up early and I’m ready to get a good coffee and breakfast,” Schmidt explained, as he strives for a fresh start each time. He emphasizes the importance of proper sleep for recovery.

Once at the Yankee Stadium, Schmidt begins with low-intensity cardio to warm up and follows that with a deep stretching session to prep his body. Weightlifting, he notes, is focused on maintaining rather than building strength, opting for lighter exercises that aid recovery.

Following his workout, he often includes massage therapy or dry needling to address soreness from pitching. “I definitely have to incorporate one of those in my routine after a start,” Schmidt said, noting their significance in his recovery process.

Days leading up to his next outing include scouting the opponent. Schmidt meticulously studies potential batters, analyzing their tendencies and the pitches they struggle with. “I’m trying to observe small, nuanced things,” he noted.

Day before pitching mirrors his other days in terms of preparation, often involving additional throwing sessions off flat ground if he’s working on a particular pitch.

On game day, Schmidt feels a mix of calm and excitement as he reviews his game plan with coaches and catchers. “By the time I take the mound, I have already visualized every at-bat of the game,” he shared, emphasizing the mental aspect of the sport.

As he gears up to pitch against the Royals, Schmidt reflects back to the hard work that has led him to this moment, eager to put his preparation into action.