Episodes
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During this episode of Ahead of the Curve, I interviewed Chase Lambin, Hitting Coach in the Texas Rangers organization. Coach Lambin shares information about hitting, pushing players to be their own coaches, learning from everybody, creating a proper teaching environment, and how to deliver data to players without overwhelming them. Episode Highlights: How did Chase Lambin get involved in baseball and as a coach? What are some learned lessons Chase has acquired? What does the off-season look like for Chase Lambin Where does he start in the process of coaching? How does Chase relate to and get to know his players better? What does Chase Lambin say to players to access their confidence? How does he help players make better decisions? What are some different competitions that he uses with players? How does he balance individual training needs within the team setting while trying to win games? How can we filter data to players to be the most beneficial to them? Is there anything that Chase Lambin believes that other coaches might disagree with? What are some things that he works on with players on a regular basis? What are some of his favorite books and resources? Play baseball with joy. It is what we do, not who we are. 3 Key Points: As a coach, be a “mentern” - a combination of a mentor and an intern. Every swing is like a snowflake. Each one is different for the situation and the moment. Chase Lambin wants his players to be their own best coaches. Tweetable Quotes: “I have a list of goals for the off-season, and all of it involves learning and growing. First off, I have to make up for lost time with my wife and kids because I think pro ball can be a bit of a grind and it puts a strain on a family.” – Chase Lambin (03:57) “Everybody has something to offer. Whether it be a first-year pro player, a college kid, a 10-year big league veteran, or a coach that has coached for 40 years.” – Chase Lambin (04:47) “There is no right and wrong. There is what does and does not work. I really don’t subscribe to absolutes.” – Chase Lambin (07:55) “We are more psychologists than we are mechanic. I usually start with a lot of questions that have nothing to do with baseball. I try to ask about their siblings, their parents, or do they have a girlfriend.” – Chase Lambin (11:28) “I think sometimes all a hitter needs to hear sometimes is that they are not alone.” – Chase Lambin (22:10) “You’ve got to create the environment to teach. You’ve got to train it.” – Chase Lambin (26:14) “When you make the preparation and the training as competitive as the game. It’s like getting a running start into the actual competition.” – Chase Lambin (33:10) “The last thing I want to do is muddy the waters. My main job is to distill information and give it to them in digestible chunks.” – Chase Lambin (41:45) Resources Mentioned: Ahead of the Curve Podcast Twitter: @AOTC_podcast Chase Lambin: Linkedin Facebook
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Original 2020: Today we have on Joe Espada, Bench Coach for the Houston Astros. Joe grew up in Puerto Rico and attended college the University of Mobile before being drafted 45th overall in the 1996 draft by the Oakland A’s. Joe played 10 years in the Minors before retiring and getting into coaching. He got his first coaching job in 2006 with the Marlins and was named the big league 3B coach in 2010. In 2014 he was hired by Brian Cashman and became an assistant to the GM and the infield coach with the Yankees, and in 2017 he was hired by the Astros to be the bench coach. On the show we discuss lessons learned throughout his professional career, we discuss how working in the Yankees front office helped him become a better on field coach and we dive deep into how to learn about and build the culture in the clubhouse.
Resources Extreme ownership- Jocko Willink Measure what matters- John Doerr We’re all in this together- Mike Robbins
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Today we have on George Lombard. First base coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers. George has been a member of the dodgers for 5 years, after previously serving various roles in the Braves and Red Sox Minor League Systems. George’s story is one word, powerful. His mom was a civil rights activist with Martin Luther King jr. His grandfather was the dean of Harvard business school for 40 years. George was an all American running back and signed at the university of Georgia before ultimately deciding to pursue baseball which led to playing 6+ years in the big leagues.
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Throwback to 2019: In this episode of Ahead of the Curve, I engage in a discussion with Andrew Wright, the Head Baseball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director for Recruitment and Retention at the University of Charleston in West Virginia. Coach Wright generously shares his wisdom regarding how to not only evaluate players, but also ways to empower the coaching staff as well. Find out what Andrew Wright’s training methods typically consist of what valuable advice he has benefited from along the way. Show Notes: Andrew Wright introduces himself and shares his background How does player development and evaluation work in his program Which types of information do they measure and evaluate What are his players competing against and which skill metrics are involved It is one thing to identify problems, it is another to offer assistance to fix them What daily routines and drills do they do to establish a productive team culture A lack of education, empowerment, or accountability lead to the process breaking down How can you convey problems to players without shattering their confidence Don’t let players feel let down, put down, or shut down How do you get all of your coaches on the same page What does your coach development process look like What are some great interview questions for recruitment Being a super stubborn coach is a disservice to your team When you think kindly of someone, where is that coming from What are some unique things that Andrew’s organization is doing that others aren’t How is this spring’s practice plan shaping up What does Andrew suggest to head coaches or assistants that want to be head coaches It is important to respect how your ideas get results When pitchers get behind, it is typically because of their fast ball What is something that Andrew Wright has learned lately that he is excited about Which resources are useful that have come up in staff meetings 3 Key Points: Don’t just bog the players down with the details. Show them how to apply them. Team culture is a product of your belief, behavior, and experience. Learn how to listen and how to manage your reaction when addressing issues.
Tweetable Quotes: “In a given year we have anywhere from 47 to 55 players for whom we are responsible. So, we have to get very creative.” – Andrew Wright (2:49) “At the Division 2 level, you can’t just recruit your wins, you have to recruit and develop them.” – Andrew Wright (4:24) “Unless we are willing to share the information, and be very transparent about what we are doing, we can’t really prove our worth. It’s just an opinion at that point.” – Andrew Wright (5:54) “We probably gather more information than we can actually process at this point. But the beauty is in the application.” – Andrew Wright (9:54) “We want to be candid with each other, and we want to be vulnerable, and we really want to be real with each other.” – Andrew Wright (13:53) “If we don’t have daily conversations about what it is supposed to look like, and hold each other accountable, then it is not going to work. You are doing it for show.” – Andrew Wright (31:32) “I want people who are willing to hold their own opinions as accountable as they hold someone else’s.” – Andrew Wright (37:01) “Be authentic. People see right through you when you are not.” – Andrew Wright (52:07)
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Throwback Bio 2021 national champion JT Gasso has spent the past 6 seasons as Oklahoma's assistant coach. His primary responsibilities are focused on working with OU's outfielders and the Sooner offense. During Gasso's tenure, the Sooners have had one of most potent offenses in the country, and in 2021 broke almost every offensive category you can think of The Sooners broke the NCAA single season home run record, the single season runs record. and OU also broke the record for runs and home runs at the Women’s College World Series. So on the show, we go over how they developed into national champions and the offensive juggernaut they were in 2021 Here is JT Gasso!
Time Stamps 01:00- Intro
03:00- Closet Talks/Meetings during games
14:00- Elimination Games and the thought process.
21:00- Setting up the fall
42:00- mental/Tactical side 50:00-
Training Adjustability 1:05:00-
Last Things Resources
https://hubermanlab.com/ http://www.onbaseu.com/ Gamechanger- Fergus Connolly Contact https://twitter.com/jtgasso Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Doug Quotes We dont chase results. We chase the ability to move in balance and take an effortless swing. The human body is the strongest and most efficient in a position of balance.
Curt Quotes The more information we can spread about good swings, the more our game is going to progress in the right direction and especially for the players which is what its all about. Timing is the most important thing, always
Cody Atkinson We’ve got to learn to time for best fastball and adjust on the fly without taking panic swings. An athlete will self organize if you give them the right things to focus on.
Contact Doug Latta [email protected] Curt Nelson [email protected]
Website and Social Media sites for the show www.aotcpodcast.com
Twitter @aotc_podcast
Instagram aotc_podcast
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Bio
Rich Hofman - Legendary High School Baseball Coach
Rich Hoffman is celebrated as one of the most accomplished high school baseball coaches in history, renowned for his unparalleled success and ability to develop future professional athletes. Across his storied career, Hoffman amassed 1,020 wins, 10 state championships, and two national titles, leaving an indelible mark on high school baseball.
During his tenure at Westminster Christian in Miami, Hoffman built a powerhouse program that achieved three consecutive state championships in the 1990s, including a national titles in 1992 and 1996 as recognized by Baseball America. His teams also achieved an extraordinary 60-game winning streak, showcasing their dominance. His 1993 squad was particularly remarkable, producing four future Major League Baseball players, including Hall of Famer Alex Rodriguez and World Series champion Doug Mientkiewicz.
After transitioning to Westminster Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Hoffman continued his winning ways, adding two more state titles and completing an unprecedented streak of five consecutive championships between the two schools.
Hoffman’s influence extended far beyond wins and titles. Known for his emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and skill development, Hoffman created a legacy that resonates throughout the baseball community.
Part 2
2:00- Pre Season Structure 14:00- In Season Structure 20:00 “stealing reps” 24:00- Quick Hitters -
Bio
Heath Autrey is the head baseball coach at Corsicana High School in Texas, where his leadership has propelled the Tigers to consistent success. With over 400 career victories, Coach Autrey emphasizes building "overachievers," instilling discipline, and fostering a winning mentality both on and off the field. Known for his strategic approach and player development skills, he has become a respected figure in Texas high school baseball.
In addition to his on-field success, Coach Autrey actively engages with the baseball community through clinics and podcasts, sharing his insights on the game and coaching philosophies.
Part 2
02:00 - Pre Season Focus: 10:00 - Offensive Mindset 15:00 - Scrimmages / Tournament Season 25:00 - Quick Hitters -
Bio: Joe Sato - Head Coach, Bingham High School (UT)
Joe Sato is the head coach of the Bingham High School baseball team, where he has been instrumental in developing a winning culture for over several decades. He is not only an alum of Bingham but has been coaching there since 1975. Under his leadership, the team has secured three state championships and consistently ranked among the top teams in the state.
Known for his innovative coaching techniques, Joe emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship, creating an environment where student-athletes can thrive both on and off the field. His dedication to the sport has earned him several accolades, including multiple "Coach of the Year" awards in Utah. He has has been inducted into the National High School Baseball Coaches Association's Hall of Fame.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Joe actively engages in community service initiatives, promoting the importance of giving back and supporting local youth programs. His dedication to the sport and his players makes him a respected leader in the local sports community.
Contact Information:
binghamathletics.comPart 2 02:00- Pre Season Focus 16:00- Efficient In Season Practices and favorite drills 30:00- Quick Hitters -
Bio: Robbie Britt- Head Baseball Coach, Eastern Michigan
Robbie joined Eastern Michigan University as head baseball coach in 2023, bringing a legacy of success from his tenure at the University of Charleston. With a career winning percentage of .722, Britt is known for transforming teams into competitive powerhouses, both athletically and academically. At Charleston, his teams clinched multiple conference championships, three NCAA appearances, and a historic 43-12 record in 2023. His commitment to excellence extends off the field; under Britt's leadership, his players achieved eight consecutive semesters with a GPA above 3.0 and dedicated over 4,000 hours to community service.
Now at EMU, We talk through how Robbie continues to foster a competitive and supportive culture while preparing his players for success both on and off the field. Here is Robbie Britt!
For further information about Coach Britt's career and his accomplishments, visit EMU Athletic
Contact Information:
[email protected] 2 2:00- “skill work segment 2 and 3” 6:00- Pre Season Focuses 13:00- Scouting and Game planning 18:30- Game like practice design 25:00- Quick hitters -
Bio:
Todd Fitz-Gerald is the head baseball coach at Stoneman Douglas High School, where he has led the Eagles to multiple Florida state championships, including titles in 2016, 2021, and 2022. Under his leadership, the program has become a national powerhouse, known for producing top-tier talent, with several players advancing to college baseball and the MLB draft. Fitz-Gerald has over 20 years of coaching experience, previously guiding American Heritage to a state title before joining Stoneman Douglas. His coaching philosophy centers on discipline, teamwork, and developing players both on and off the field. In addition to his on-field success, Fitz-Gerald’s resilience and leadership were critical in guiding the team through the aftermath of the tragic events of 2018, uniting the community through the sport of baseball.
Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.stonemandouglasbaseball.com
01:00 Pre Season structure 05:00- Player meetings 08:00- how to efficiently conduct practice in season Daily routines for practice Pre game Routines 17:00- Pregame routines and Drill sets 24:00 Quick Hitters -
Bio: Mark "Pudge" Gjormand has been the head coach of the James Madison High School baseball team since 1995, he is starting his his 30th season in 2024 and marking his 38th year in high school coaching. Under his leadership, the Warhawks have become a dominant force, winning 14 Liberty Conference titles, 2 Concorde Conference titles, 4 regional championships, and 3 Virginia state titles. His success and dedication to the game earned him a spot in the BCA Hall of Fame in 2021, the first Virginia high school coach to receive this honor.
Gjormand has also served on the executive committee of the BCA, becoming president in 2010-2011. He continues to be an influential figure in high school baseball, contributing to the national rankings committee and will be speaking at the ABCA in January.
"In Part 2 We discuss how he prepares his team during the preseason, his approach to in-season drills and development, and the role of player meetings in building strong team dynamics and individual growth. Gjormand shares his strategies for keeping players sharp throughout the season and the importance of open communication with his athletes."
Time Stamps – Part 2:
1:00 – Preseason Preparation How Gjormand prepares his team before the season starts, focusing on conditioning, strategy, and mental readiness. 11:00 – In-Season Drills/Development An exploration of in-season drills that keep players sharp and game-ready, ensuring they continue to develop throughout the year. 30:00 – Player Meetings and Conversations Gjormand discusses the importance of player meetings, covering the approach he takes to communicate effectively with athletes, address concerns, and foster team cohesion. 45:00 – Quick Hitters -
Bio
Brian Kitamura has led the Whitman College Baseball program through one of its most successful eras in school history. Entering his 10th season as head coach and 15th year with the program, he has turned Whitman into a perennial contender. In 2024, Kitamura guided Whitman to its first Northwest Conference regular-season title since 1952, earning a 26-17 overall record and 16-8 in conference play. His leadership was recognized with the 2024 Northwest Conference Coach of the Year award.
Since taking over, Kitamura has led Whitman to the Northwest Conference Tournament four times in five seasons in 2019, the team won its first-ever NWC Tournament and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament, facing top-ranked Chapman University in a thrilling series.
Under his leadership, the program has also made strides off the field. Kitamura helped secure major upgrades to Borleske Stadium, including a new clubhouse and indoor training facility. His commitment to player development has seen many athletes continue their careers at the NCAA Division I level while excelling academically, with Whitman teams consistently maintaining a GPA above 3.0.
Part 2 Intro:
"In Part 2, Brian Kitamura takes us deeper into the day-to-day strategies behind Whitman’s success. He walks us through preseason preparation, the in-season drills that help his players stay sharp, and the importance of holding player meetings to foster both individual and team growth. Get an inside look at how Kitamura keeps his team performing at the highest level year-round."
Contact Information:
Email: [email protected] Phone: (509) 522-4438Part 2: Time Stamps2:00 - Player Meetings Discussion on the importance of regular meetings with players for communication and development.5:00 - January Plans Overview of strategies and goals for the upcoming month and how they align with the season's objectives.14:00 - In-Season Practice Advice Tips and best practices for managing practices during the season to maximize player performance and team cohesion.20:00 - Quick Hitters -
Bio
Career record of 927-549-6 over 29 seasons Four FCSAA state championships (1997, 1998, 2022, 2023) One NJCAA National Championship - 2023 Four-time FCSAA Coach of the Year Eight-time Mid-Florida Conference Coach of the Year
Head coach Marty Smith enters his 30th year for the Patriots and second year as the Manager of Athletics for the College of Central Florida. In 2023 Smith became one of only two active coaches in the state to reach 900 wins in the FCSAA.
Smith led the Patriots to the 2023 NJCAA Division 1 National Championship with a school record 56-7 mark in 2023, with the Pats shattering many records including wins and home runs in a season (119). Smith led the program to its second consecutive Mid-Florida Conference Championship and second consecutive FCSAA State and South-Atlantic District Championship.
Smith's 2023 squad garnered four 1st Team All-State selections and Two 2nd Team All-State selections. The 2023 Patriot team produced One 1st Team All-American (John Marant), One 2nd Team All-American selection (Edwin Toribio) and one Honorable Mention All-American (Cam Schuelke). The 2023 Patriot National Championship Team saw all 10 graduating Patriots move on to NCAA Division 1 In 2017, Smith had the highest draft pick come out of his program to-date in RHP Nate Pearson, who was selected 28th overall (Rd. 1) by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2017 MLB Draft. Pearson, Rawlings JUCO National Pitcher of the Year, and a Golden Spikes Award finalist, was the second highest JUCO player drafted in 2017.
Email: [email protected]
Time Stamps Part 2
02:00- Pre Season and Ramping Up
07:00- Balancing Development and Winning
13:00- Player Meetings
18:00- Game planning and Pregame Routines
27:00- quick hitters
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Bio
Chris Turco is the Head Baseball Coach at Pope High School, where he has led the Greyhounds to the state championship in each of his three years at the helm, winning the title in 2022 and finishing as runner-up in 2023 and 2024. Under his leadership, Pope has continued its legacy of excellence, competing for the state championship 7 of the last 8 full seasons and advancing to the Final 4 for 9 consecutive years.
Turco’s success extends beyond baseball, having led his softball teams to three straight titles in softball (2018, 2019, 2020). Known for his dedication to player development and building a culture of winning, Coach Turco is committed to preparing athletes for success on the field and in life.
Part 2
02:00- tryouts in January 04:00- practice design 12:30- favorite drill sets and competitions 18:00- quick hitters -
Bio
Hired by Lackawanna College in June of 2018, Mike McCarry is in his sixth season as the head coach for the Falcons in 2024.
In his tenure, McCarry has guided the Falcons to three NJCAA Division II World Series appearances. The Falcons have captured three Region championships, as well as three District titles, under the tutelage of coach McCarry. He has coached a Region Pitcher of the Year, two Region Offensive Players of the Year, three NJCAA All-Americans
On Part 1 we go over changes from last year to this year, culture building and how they structure the fall. Here is Michael McCarry!
Email [email protected]
Part 2 Time Stamps
02:30- January / Pre Season
05:00- Indoor drills vs outdoor drills
08:30- “the seasons within the seasons”
13:00- Preparing for the post season
16:00 Quick Hitters
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Bio
Brian Brewer
Now in his 21st season at Marietta and 25th season overall, has established himself as one of the finest head coaches in college baseball. Brewer recorded his 600th career victory in the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season.
With three national titles, Brewer has secured his place in Marietta baseball history. With Brewer at the helm, the Etta Express won the 2006 national championship and became the first school since Rowan University in 1978-79 to win back-to-back Division III crowns with the 2011 and 2012 championships.
The success has earned Brewer an array of honors, including three ABCA/Diamond NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year awards, NCAA Mideast Region Coach of the Year and the Don Schaly OAC Coach of the Year.
Brewer, a 1993 graduate of Marietta, had been the assistant coach at his alma mater since 2000. The Pioneers went 163-38 in his four seasons as the assistant. He helped guide the Etta Express to three OAC Championships, two NCAA Mideast Regional Championships and two NCAA National Runner-up finishes.
Brewer spent four seasons as the head coach of John Carroll University’s baseball program before returning to Marietta College. While at John Carroll, Brewer earned his master’s degree in 1995.
On part one we hit on fall development, high standards, how to be a baseball teacher and his mosrt challenging leadership moments. This episode is so good with Brian Brewer!
Time stamps part 2
02:00 pre season meetings
12:00 January practices
15:00- balancing development and rest
26:00- quick hitters
Contact
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Bio for Steven Cutter
Steven Cutter serves as the head baseball coach at Lansing Community College, where he was appointed as the program's 9th head coach on August 20, 2021. Since stepping into this leadership role, Coach Cutter has focused on elevating the program’s tradition of excellence through his commitment to player development, a competitive mindset, and fostering a culture of teamwork. His coaching philosophy centers on developing well-rounded athletes both on and off the field, preparing them for success in baseball and beyond.
With a reputation for strategic thinking and a passion for the sport, Coach Cutter has become a respected figure in collegiate baseball. His ability to connect with players, inspire performance, and build a winning culture makes him a pivotal leader in the Lansing baseball community. Whether guiding his team to success on the field or mentoring them for life after the game, Coach Cutter’s impact is far-reaching.
For inquiries, you can reach Coach Steven Cutter at:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (517) 483-1234Follow Lansing Community College Baseball for updates and highlights:
Website: www.lccstars.com
Twitter: @LCCBaseball -
Podcast Intro: Today, we’re joined by Michael Barta, the head baseball coach at Johnston High School in Iowa. Michael Barta is the head baseball coach at Johnston High School in Iowa, where he has built one of the premier baseball programs in the state. Known for his commitment to developing not only skilled athletes but also well-rounded individuals, Coach Barta's leadership has helped guide countless players to success both on the field and in their futures. With a focus on discipline, teamwork, and a passion for the game, he continues to shape the next generation of baseball talent With a proven track record of building winning teams and mentoring young athletes,
Part 2 Pre-Season Preparation (01:00): Coach Barta explains the significance of the pre-season in getting his team ready both mentally and physically for the challenges ahead. Technology & Team Management (08:00): He delves into how technology and a strong managerial team help streamline operations, from tracking player performance to organizing game-day logistics. Alignment Between Teams & Scouting (18:00): Barta highlights how aligning his various teams fosters better communication, collaboration, and effective scouting strategies that keep them competitive. In-Season Practices & Pre-Game Routine (23:00): He shares his approach to maintaining sharpness during the season, detailing how practices and pre-game routines ensure the team stays focused and prepared. Quick Hitters (34:00): In the final segment, Barta gives rapid-fire insights into key topics, offering practical tips and takeaways for listeners.Contact Information: To connect with Coach Michael Barta or learn more about the Johnston High School baseball program, you can reach him at: Email: [email protected] School Website: Johnston High School Athletics -
Jake McKinley, who spent four seasons (2018-22) with the Milwaukee Brewers and has more than a decade of collegiate coaching experience, begins his second season at the Nevada helm in 2024.
He was the Brewers’ Vice President of Player Development since 2021, having previously served as the organization’s Director of Player Development Initiatives (2019-21) and minor league pitching coordinator (2018-19). He oversaw player development strategies throughout the entire organization, as well as oversight of all minor-league coordinators. The Brewers made the playoffs in each of McKinley’s seasons with the club, capturing the National League Central Division pennant in 2018 and 2021, and earning wild card berths from 2019-20.
Prior to joining the Brewers’ organization, McKinley spent 13 years in the collegiate ranks, including five seasons as a head coach (2014-17 at Menlo College; 2018 at William Jessup). At Menlo College, McKinley won 131 games over his four seasons at the helm, becoming the program’s all-time winningest head coach. The following season, he inherited a William Jessup team that had won just 10 games the previous year, and guided it to a 41-17 campaign, marking, at the time, the largest single-season turnaround in college baseball history.
Time stamps part 2
04:00- “more with less”
08:00- Fall Development
19:00- Competitions
31:00- culture and standards
38:00- throwing programs
Time stamps part 2
02:00- January throwing program
05:30- Attacking weaknesses
12:30- Pre season Team Development
17:30- developing role players and hard conversations
27:00- quick hitters
Contact
EMAIL [email protected]
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