n this conversation, Curtis Pelletier and Bronson Balholm discuss the importance of mental performance in baseball. Curtis shares his journey as a mental performance coach and how he created the podcast to address the missing aspects in the game. They touch on topics such as recruiting, development, and mental performance, which are crucial for high school players and their parents to understand. Bronson shares his personal story, starting from his love for baseball as a child to his struggles and growth in high school. They also discuss the pressure and expectations that come with playing at a high level and the importance of self-talk and visualization in overcoming challenges. Bronson Balholm shares his journey from being a benchwarmer in junior year to becoming a valuable teammate and a catcher in his senior year. He emphasizes the importance of being a good teammate and finding ways to make oneself valuable to the team. Bronson also discusses his approach to hitting and how he focused on hard contact and doubles rather than home runs. He talks about the challenges he faced in getting college offers and how he eventually ended up at Beloit College. He also highlights the significance of academics and the 3-2 program that allowed him to pursue his passion for engineering while playing baseball. Bronson shares his experience of playing summer ball in Alaska and the impact of COVID-19 on his college career. He talks about the importance of taking care of his body, following a healthy diet, and incorporating recovery routines. Bronson concludes by discussing his plans for pursuing a master's degree in aerospace engineering at USC and his experience playing summer ball with the Solano Mudcats. Bronson Balholm reflects on his experience playing baseball at Arizona State University and the lessons he learned along the way. He discusses the importance of being a great teammate, taking accountability, and maintaining a positive mindset. Balholm also shares his challenges of balancing academics and athletics, as well as the pressure he put on himself to perform. Despite facing setbacks, he emphasizes the value of learning from mistakes and constantly striving to improve. Bronson Balholm shares his journey from playing baseball at a Division III college to joining the Savannah Bananas in the Banana Ball league. He talks about the challenges he faced, his determination to improve, and the importance of appreciating the game. He also shares a heartwarming story about a special interaction with a fan that reminded him of the impact he can have on others. Bronson Balholm shares his experience playing for the Savannah Bananas and the Party Animals in Banana Ball. He talks about the unique atmosphere and entertainment that the teams provide, including dancing, trick plays, and fan interactions. Balholm discusses the importance of practice and the dedication that players put into their craft. He also highlights the mentality of the organization, which focuses on bringing happiness to fans and creating unforgettable moments. Balholm emphasizes the need to separate the entertainer and baseball player roles and the challenges of staying focused amidst distractions. He concludes by encouraging young players to enjoy the game, be present, and appreciate the opportunities they have.

Keywords

baseball, mental performance, recruiting, development, high school, parents, pressure, self-talk, visualization, benchwarmer, valuable teammate, catcher, hitting approach, college offers, Beloit College, academics, 3-2 program, summer ball, Alaska, COVID-19, body care, healthy diet, recovery routines, master's degree, aerospace engineering, USC, Solano Mudcats, baseball, Arizona State University, teammate, accountability, positive mindset, academics, athletics, pressure, learning from mistakes, baseball, Division III, Savannah Bananas, Banana Ball, challenges, determination, appreciation, fan interaction, Banana Ball, Savannah

The conversation between Curtis Pelletier and Corey Eckstein covers various topics related to baseball development and the differences between baseball in British Columbia (BC) and Ontario. They discuss the motivation behind starting a podcast, the challenges and rewards of coaching, the importance of player development, and the competition between different baseball programs. They also touch on the role of parents, the emphasis on winning versus development, and the talent pool in different regions of Canada. In this conversation, Curtis Pelletier and Corey Eckstein discuss various topics related to player development and the baseball landscape in Canada. They touch on the challenges of reclassing, the importance of playing against quality competition, and the rise of post-grad programs. They also discuss the recruiting process and the pitfalls of relying on college advisors. The conversation covers the importance of mental performance and mindset training, as well as the differences in development between Canada and the US. They also touch on the recent MLB draft and the Canada Cup tournament.

Keywords

baseball, development, coaching, player, podcast, competition, parents, winning, talent pool, player development, reclassing, quality competition, post-grad programs, recruiting, mental performance, mindset training, development gap, MLB draft, Canada Cup

Takeaways

• Starting a podcast can be a fun and informative way to share knowledge and experiences in the baseball community.
• Coaching in baseball comes with its challenges, including dealing with parents and finding a balance between personal and professional life.
• Player development is a crucial aspect of baseball programs, and it often involves a combination of physical training, skill development, and mental preparation.
• Different regions in Canada have varying levels of baseball talent and opportunities, with Ontario being known for its strong baseball programs.
• There is a constant debate between prioritizing winning and focusing on player development, and finding the right balance is essential for long-term success. Reclassing can be a controversial topic, with some players benefiting from an extra year of development while others may struggle to find appropriate competition.
• Playing against quality competition is crucial for player development, and if a program cannot provide that, players should consider alternative options such as post-grad programs.
• The recruiting process can be complex, and players and parents should be cautious of promises made by college advisors and do their own research.
• Mental performance and mindset training are becoming increasingly important in baseball, and programs should prioritize incorporating these aspects into their training.
• There is a development gap between Canada and the US, with field time and exposure to high-level competition being key areas of difference.
• The recent MLB draft showcased the talent in Canada, but there are still challenges and limitations in the Canadian baseball landscape, such as the Canada Cup tournament.

Titles

• Balancing Coaching and Personal Life
• The Importance of Player Development in Baseball The Development Gap Between Canada and the US
• The Rise of Mental Performance and Mindset Training in Baseball

Sound Bites

• "I hit record and I didn't record it. It was just gold."
• "The kids out west compared to the kids out east, from a visibility standpoint, really lacking out west."
• "D1 or bust to me is kind of bogus."
• "I fucking hate reclassing."
• "If your program can't put together a schedule that makes sense with quality competition, get the hell out and go play here with in the CCBC or wherever it might be, like go be challenged."
• "You know, so

In this conversation, Curtis Pelletier and AJ Lewis catch up and discuss their experiences in baseball. Curtis shares his journey from being a bullpen coach to becoming a general manager and eventually transitioning to mental performance coaching. AJ talks about his path from high school to college to playing in the Cape Cod League and eventually signing with the Colorado Rockies. They also discuss the importance of family support, the challenges of the baseball industry, and the need for realistic expectations in player development. AJ Lewis discusses his experience playing professional baseball with the Colorado Rockies. He talks about the challenges and grind of playing in the minor leagues, including the language barrier and living conditions. Lewis emphasizes the importance of embracing the process and finding your role on the team, even when not playing every day. He also discusses the catching development with the Rockies, including the use of different arm slots and the benefits of the one-knee stance. Lewis shares his offensive approach, focusing on being on plane and not chasing pitches. He encourages players to fall in love with the work and embrace the journey.

Keywords

baseball, coaching, mental performance, college, Juco, Cape Cod League, signing, Colorado Rockies, family support, player development, professional baseball, minor leagues, grind, language barrier, living conditions, process, role, catching development, arm slots, one-knee stance, offensive approach, work ethic

Takeaways

• The baseball industry can be challenging, especially for coaches and players who have families and want a better work-life balance.
• Trying different roles and experiences in baseball can help individuals gain perspective and learn what they truly enjoy and excel at.
• Support from family, especially parents, can be crucial in maintaining a positive mindset and enjoying the game.
• Having realistic expectations and understanding the journey of player development is important for young athletes and their parents.
• Playing in the Cape Cod League can provide valuable experience and confidence for college players aspiring to play at higher levels.
• Transitioning from college to professional baseball can involve tough decisions and weighing the benefits of education and playing opportunities. Playing professional baseball in the minor leagues is a challenging and demanding experience.
• Embracing the process and finding your role on the team are crucial for success.
• Catching development in the Rockies involves using different arm slots and the one-knee stance.
• Having an offensive approach focused on being on plane and not chasing pitches is important.
• Falling in love with the work and embracing the journey are key to staying motivated and enjoying the game.

Titles

• The Importance of Family Support in Baseball
• The Impact of Playing in the Cape Cod League Catching Development with the Rockies
• Embracing the Process and Finding Your Role

Sound Bites

• "I've just been working on the mental performance side of everything now with baseball players, soccer players, golfers, all kinds of people."
• "The expectations are very unrealistic here. You know, I work with a lot of kids. First thing we do is we go over goals. And okay, what's your goal, 13-year-old little Johnny? The same answer is always, I want to go to Vandy."
• "You belong."
• "It's the grind you love."
• "When you can do your routine every single day, that's when you won."
• "I am a primary catcher, but literally the utility spot is what I got."