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."

In this conversation, Eric Rataczak discusses his baseball journey, including his experience with type 1 diabetes and his upcoming participation in the MLB draft. He talks about the importance of host families in summer ball and the challenges they can present. Eric also shares his story of playing baseball at the University of San Diego and his decision to take a gap year. He emphasizes the impact of good health habits and routines on his performance as a diabetic athlete. The conversation concludes with Eric's experience playing for Niagara University and his plans for the future. Eric Rataczak discusses his experience playing baseball at different levels, including junior college and summer ball. He emphasizes the value of playing junior college baseball and the unique opportunities it provides. He also talks about his transfer process and the challenges he faced in finding a new team. Rataczak shares his experience playing in the Western Canadian Baseball League and the travel involved in summer ball. In this conversation, Eric Rataczak discusses the challenges of playing summer ball and the impact it has on his health and routine. He talks about the difficulties of living with host families and the importance of having a comfortable living situation. Eric also shares his experience of transferring schools and the academic challenges he faced while playing a Division 1 schedule. He discusses the decision to enter the transfer portal and the process of choosing a new school. Finally, Eric talks about his prospects in the upcoming MLB draft and the advice he would give to high school players.

Keywords

baseball, MLB draft, type 1 diabetes, host families, summer ball, University of San Diego, gap year, health habits, routines, Niagara University, baseball, junior college, summer ball, transfer process, Western Canadian Baseball League, travel, summer ball, host families, transfer portal, academic challenges, MLB draft, advice for high school players

Takeaways

• Host families play a crucial role in summer ball and can greatly impact a player's experience.
• Good health habits and routines are essential for diabetic athletes to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
• Taking a gap year can provide an opportunity for personal growth and development outside of the traditional college experience.
• Playing baseball in a warm climate can offer advantages in terms of training and playing conditions.
• Success in baseball requires consistency, dedication, and a strong work ethic. Junior college baseball provides unique opportunities for players to develop and improve their skills.
• The transfer process can be challenging, but it's important to find the right fit academically and athletically.
• Playing summer ball can be a valuable experience for players looking to showcase their skills and continue playing during the offseason.
• Travel is a common aspect of summer ball, and players may face long trips to different locations.
• Despite the challenges, the experiences and memories made in baseball are worth it. Playing summer ball can be challenging due to the living arrangements and the impact on routine and health.
• Transferring schools as a student-athlete can come with academic challenges and the need to adjust to a new schedule.
• Entering the transfer portal allows players to explore new opportunities and find a better fit for their athletic and academic goals.
• The MLB draft presents unique challenges for older players, but there are still opportunities to be drafted and pursue a professional career.
• Advice for high school players: Don't let your current situation define your future. Work hard, stay committed, and prioritize your love for the game.

Titles

• Managing Type 1 Diabetes as an Athlete
• The Importance of Host Families in Summer Ball Navig

In this episode, Curtis has Coach Gary Van Tol on to talk about his experience managing a team in the Pioneer League. They discuss the challenges of keeping a roster intact, the opportunities for players to get signed by major league organizations, and the differences between independent ball and affiliated ball. They also touch on the changing landscape of college baseball and the impact of the transfer portal. Overall, the conversation highlights the grind and competitiveness of the game, as well as the importance of character and determination in players. In this conversation, Gary Van Tol, the manager of the Boise Hawks, discusses the challenges and opportunities in college and professional baseball. He emphasizes the importance of seeking the truth and having realistic goals in the recruiting process. Gary also highlights the significance of character, competitiveness, and being a good teammate. He shares his experiences in player development and the importance of resources for mental performance. Overall, Gary provides valuable insights for parents and high school players looking to navigate the world of baseball.

Keywords

baseball, Pioneer League, roster management, player opportunities, independent ball, affiliated ball, college baseball, transfer portal, grind, competitiveness, baseball, college baseball, professional baseball, recruiting, goals, character, competitiveness, teammate, mental performance

Takeaways

• Managing a roster in the Pioneer League is a challenging responsibility, as players come and go throughout the season.
• The Pioneer League provides a bridge for players who want to extend their careers and potentially get signed by major league organizations.
• The changing landscape of college baseball, including the transfer portal, has created more opportunities and challenges for players.
• Character, determination, and the ability to compete are important factors that coaches look for in players.
• The grind and competitiveness of baseball require players to keep grinding and stay mentally tough. Seek the truth and have realistic goals in the recruiting process
• Character, competitiveness, and being a good teammate are important qualities
• Utilize resources for mental performance
• Focus on continuous improvement and being a competitor
• Build trust and provide opportunities for players to succeed

Titles

• Managing Rosters in the Pioneer League
• Character and Determination in Players Utilizing Resources for Mental Performance in Baseball
• Continuous Improvement and the Mindset of a Competitor

Sound Bites

• "We control our own destiny and we've got an opportunity and another chance to go out there tonight and see what happens."
• "The goal is to give guys at least a bridge to keep grinding to see if an opportunity will open up."
• "I can usually get on the phone and call somebody to do some cross-checking very quickly to just confirm the skill set and of course that sixth tool, their character and how they're wired."
• "We've got tremendous fan support. Yeah, we play in an old stadium. That's why Boise lost their affiliation with all the cuts."
• "And I believe if it's done right, Major League Baseball, because they control all the minor league systems right now, will put a minor league franchise back in Boise because we've got all the bells and whistles, brand new stadium, and I think AAA is that next step in our market."
• "Yeah, for sure. And there's a lot of potential, you know, but I tell you what, you know, going back to the college level, it's definitely not the same. And talking with a lot of my fellow colleagues at that level, boy, there's a lot of uncertainty."

In episode 10, Curtis and Sheets discuss youth baseball camps in Cape Cod, the talent level in the Cape Cod League, the importance of the mental game, and the recruiting process for Georgia Gwinnett. They also touch on the use of data and scouting reports in player development.

Keywords

youth baseball camps, Cape Cod League, mental game, recruiting, data, scouting reports, player development

Takeaways

• Youth baseball camps in Cape Cod attract local kids, kids from other communities, and tourists visiting the area.
• The Cape Cod League features talented players from top college programs, providing a valuable experience for the youth camp participants.
• The mental game is crucial in baseball, and players need to focus on the 15 seconds between each pitch to evaluate and reset.
• Mindfulness and self-awareness are important tools for players to manage their thoughts and self-talk.
• Building better people leads to building better baseball players, and personal development is a key focus at Georgia Gwinnett.
• The recruiting process at Georgia Gwinnett involves targeting older players with experience and perspective.
• Process goals are emphasized over outcome goals, and players are encouraged to work on specific areas of improvement.
• Data and scouting reports are used to evaluate players and help them recognize their strengths and weaknesses.
• The Cape Cod League provides a challenging schedule with limited time for player development, requiring coaches to be organized and efficient.

Titles

• The Importance of the Mental Game in Baseball
• The Challenges of Player Development in the Cape Cod League

Sound Bites

• "The Cape is Cape is pretty special."
• "You've got to recognize that different kids, different players deal with that differently."
• "If you build better people, you're building better baseball players."

In this episode, Curtis Pelletier talks to Coach Eddie Smith, head coach at Utah Valley, about his coaching experiences and the world of college baseball. They discuss topics such as recruiting, coaching at different levels, the importance of intensity and preparation, and the growth of college baseball. Eddie shares his experiences coaching at Lower Columbia College, Tulane, LSU, and Notre Dame, highlighting the unique aspects of each program. They also touch on the passion for baseball in different regions, such as the Southeast and Louisiana. In this conversation, Eddie Smith discusses the importance of enjoying the game and not just focusing on the next level. He emphasizes the benefits of junior college and finding a level where players can make an impact. He also talks about the qualities he looks for in high school players, including talent, winning history, work ethic, and academic performance. Smith highlights the significance of strength and mental training in player development. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights for high school players and coaches.

Keywords

college baseball, coaching, recruiting, intensity, preparation, growth, regional differences, enjoying the game, junior college, finding the right level, high school players, talent, winning history, work ethic, academic performance, strength training, mental training, player development

Takeaways

• Coaching college baseball requires intense recruiting and preparation, regardless of the level or resources available.
• The passion for college baseball varies by region, with the Southeast and Louisiana being particularly enthusiastic.
• The growth of college baseball has elevated its status as a revenue-generating sport and increased its popularity.
• Building a successful program requires a commitment to excellence and a focus on daily habits and intensity.
• Coaches must balance their personal lives with the demands of the job, finding support from family and maintaining a high level of focus.
• Each coaching experience, from junior college to Division 1, offers unique challenges and opportunities for growth. Players should enjoy the game and not just focus on the next level.
• Junior college can be a great option for players to make an impact early on.
• Finding the right level that fits a player's abilities is important.
• High school players should have a winning history and make their team better.
• Strength training is a crucial aspect of player development.
• Mental training and having the right mindset are essential for success in baseball.

Titles

• Balancing Personal Life and Coaching Demands
• The Growth and Popularity of College Baseball The Benefits of Junior College
• The Importance of Enjoying the Game

Sound Bites

• "Friday nights are one in the middle of the summer on the recruiting trail."
• "Baseball doesn't give a shit about your life."
• "It was a cool thing to be able to put on that uniform, have Irish across your chest, and an amazing experience."
• "Go win that state championship. Go enjoy your graduation with your friends that you grew up with, your prom and all those things that come along with high school experience that you only get to experience one time."
• "Finding a level where you can go in and play early on, I think, is important."
• "There's no substitute for talent and a lot of times talent is decided by your size and strength."

In this conversation, Curtis Pelletier and Connor Gandossy discuss various topics related to college baseball recruiting and player development. They touch on the importance of recruiting local talent, the impact of the transfer portal, and the evaluation process for young players. They also discuss the role of showcase events and the balance between playing too much baseball at a young age. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the recruiting process and offers advice for young players and their families. The conversation covers various topics related to youth baseball, college recruiting, and the mental side of the game. The guest, Connor Gandossy, shares his insights and experiences as a hitting coach and discusses the importance of balance, boundaries, and intent in player development. He emphasizes the need for players to have a holistic approach, focusing not only on their physical skills but also on their mental well-being and daily habits. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the role of parents in supporting their children's athletic journey.

Keywords

college baseball, recruiting, player development, transfer portal, showcase events, young players, youth baseball, college recruiting, player development, balance, boundaries, intent, mental well-being, parents

Takeaways

• Recruiting local talent is a priority for college baseball programs, and coaches often focus on keeping the best players in their state.
• The transfer portal has changed the landscape of college baseball recruiting, providing more opportunities for players to transfer to higher-level programs.
• Showcase events can be helpful for players to gain exposure, but it's not necessary to attend multiple events. Quality over quantity is key.
• Young players should focus on enjoying the game and developing their skills, rather than feeling pressured to commit to a college at a young age.
• The evaluation process for young players involves a combination of scouting, analytics, and trusting the eyes of the coaching staff.
• Parents should be mindful of the amount of baseball their young children are playing and prioritize their overall development and well-being. Youth baseball players should focus on balance and not play an excessive number of games at a young age.
• Parents should be mindful of the financial investment in youth baseball and not expect a full scholarship in return.
• College baseball programs are becoming more data-driven and are incorporating advanced analytics into player development.
• The mental side of the game is crucial, and players should train their minds as well as their bodies.
• Intent and focus are important in all aspects of baseball, from on-field performance to daily routines.
• Parents play a significant role in a player's development and should establish boundaries and support their child's mental well-being.
• Having a routine and taking care of business in all areas of life can contribute to success in baseball.
• Players should prioritize their overall well-being and understand that one game does not define their worth as a person.

Titles

• The Evaluation Process for Young Players
• The Role of Showcase Events in Player Evaluation Finding Balance and Setting Boundaries in Youth Baseball
• The Importance of Intent and Focus in Player Development

Sound Bites

• "I am the new recruiting coordinator and hitting coach up at the University of Minnesota up in Minneapolis."
• "There were some rumors floating around for the last couple of weeks or so, but at the end of the day, it's hard to turn away a lot of money. That's just the world we're living in."
• "As long as you're a good player, we're going to find you. There's no secrets anymore."
• "I think kids train year roun