⚾ Fuel the Drive: Why Nutrition & Training Matter

Summer baseball in West Texas is no joke. Long tournament days under the blazing sun, back-to-back games, early morning cages and late-night travel — it’s a grind. But for growing athletes, the summer isn’t just a test of skill — it’s a test of recovery, nutrition, and preparation. That’s why at 806 Drive, we’re committed to teaching our players not just how to play the game, but how to fuel for it. Because no matter how talented you are, if you’re not properly fed, hydrated, and rested, you’re not performing at your best. Period.

We follow the science-backed guidance of programs like Driveline Youth Baseball, which emphasizes movement patterns, functional strength, and recovery as key ingredients to performance — not just mechanics. And when you pair that with nutrition knowledge from trusted professionals like Kelsey Poulter, a performance dietitian who advocates for real, balanced fueling, it becomes clear: young athletes don’t just need calories. They need the right kind of fuel at the right times to support both development and safety.

In her video “What to Eat During a Game,” Kelsey breaks down exactly how to approach fueling before competition — and the message applies to our youth players, too. She emphasizes that meals before games should include easy-to-digest carbs, moderate protein, and low fat/fiber to keep energy high and stomachs settled. That means things like toast with peanut butter, turkey sandwiches, bananas, or oatmeal — not greasy fast food or sugary snacks.

But it doesn’t stop there. In-game nutrition is just as important, especially during long tournament days. Players should be sipping water or electrolyte-rich drinks regularly — not chugging when it’s too late. And when there are long breaks between games or extended innings in the heat, having light, easily digestible fuel like orange slices, pretzels, applesauce packets, or protein bars can make a huge difference in maintaining focus, energy, and reaction time. Don’t wait for fatigue to hit — fuel proactively.

Here’s what every Drive family should understand: kids are still growing. Their bodies are building muscle, bone, and brain connections — all while trying to perform at a high level under heat and pressure. That takes serious energy. It starts with hydration — not Gatorade sips in the third inning, but real water intake starting 24 hours before a game. It continues with carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle repair, and healthy fats for joint and hormone support. And don’t forget sleep — the most overlooked recovery tool we have.

At 806 Drive, we build our training around sustainable routines. Our kids aren’t just doing speed ladders and BP — they’re learning about movement quality, strength development, and arm care. Driveline’s youth model teaches us that athletes who recover properly train better. And athletes who train smart, stay healthy. That’s how we avoid burnout, injuries, and the dreaded late-summer fatigue.

Let’s be clear — this isn’t about turning 12-year-olds into pros. It’s about laying the foundation. It’s about teaching them to listen to their bodies, to fuel with intention, and to take their role as athletes seriously. Because whether your kid plays high school varsity or hangs up their cleats at 14, they’ll walk away with something bigger: the knowledge of how to take care of themselves.

And that’s what the Drive Way is all about — not just building ballplayers, but building habits that will carry far beyond the diamond.