Will Rogers and Drew Rogers discuss their experiences playing summer ball and their journeys in baseball. Will played summer ball in Santa Barbara and enjoyed the more relaxed atmosphere compared to college baseball. Drew played in Utah and had a great time competing against players from all over the country. They also talk about their college commitments, with Will transferring from Arizona State to Michigan and Drew signing with Georgia Tech. They share their experiences with training and the importance of hard work and discipline in achieving their goals. In this conversation, Will Rogers and Drew Rasmussen discuss their experiences in sports and the importance of mental performance. They talk about their childhoods, their love for sports, and the impact of their parents on their athletic journeys. They also share their strategies for staying focused and motivated, including the use of journaling and visualization. The conversation highlights the importance of self-awareness, gratitude, and setting goals. Will and Drew recommend books such as 'The Alchemist' and 'How Sports' for athletes looking to improve their mental game.

Keywords

summer ball, college baseball, Santa Barbara, Utah, Arizona State, Michigan, Georgia Tech, commitment, training, hard work, discipline, sports, mental performance, childhood, parents, journaling, visualization, self-awareness, gratitude, goals, books

Takeaways

• Summer ball provides a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere compared to college baseball
• Playing summer ball allows players to make friends for life and develop their skills
• College commitments require hard work, discipline, and a supportive network
• Training and dedication are key to achieving success in baseball Childhood experiences and parental support play a significant role in shaping athletes' journeys.
• Journaling and visualization are effective tools for improving mental performance.
• Self-awareness, gratitude, and goal-setting are essential for athletes to stay focused and motivated.
• Books like 'The Alchemist' and 'How Sports' provide valuable insights and strategies for athletes.

Titles

• College Commitments and Transfers
• The Fun and Relaxation of Summer Ball Harnessing the Power of Journaling and Visualization
• Recommended Books for Athletes to Improve Mental Performance

Sound Bites

• "Going into summer ball a little bit more chill, a little bit more focused on process stuff"
• "It was just a really good time that like you can kind of choose how much work you want to put into"
• "I loved catching this year. And then it turns out next year I might not even catch it. I'll be a pitcher"
• "Effort over outcome"
• "I am a calm killer"
• "I am a blue rattlesnake"

In this conversation, Curtis Pelletier interviews Tony Bitker, the founder of No Surrender Baseball. They discuss Tony's move from California to Texas, the inspiration behind the No Surrender brand, and the development of their batting gloves and supplements. They also touch on the importance of mindset and never giving up in sports and life. The conversation covers various topics including the importance of mindset, the value of hard work and hustle, the need for realistic goals, and the role of coaches and mentors in personal development. The hosts discuss the challenges faced by young athletes and the impact of social media on their mindset. They also touch on the importance of routines, reading, and surrounding oneself with a supportive network. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the Prosperity Bible and the benefits of continuous self-improvement.

Keywords

Tony Bitker, No Surrender Baseball, move to Texas, inspiration, batting gloves, supplements, mindset, never give up, mindset, hard work, hustle, realistic goals, coaches, mentors, social media, routines, reading, self-improvement

Takeaways

• Tony Bitker moved from California to Texas due to a misalignment of core values and concerns about safety for his children.
• The No Surrender brand was created to make cool products that embody a never-give-up mindset.
• The batting gloves are made with Cabretta leather and are designed to be a mental reminder of the No Surrender mindset.
• The supplement line was created based on Tony's passion for fitness and his desire to provide quality products to his followers.
• Tony emphasizes the importance of mindset and never giving up, both in sports and in life.
• The No Surrender brand aims to inspire people to embody the no surrender mindset and to never quit or give in. Having a strong mindset and a positive attitude is crucial for success in any field.
• Hard work and hustle are essential for achieving one's goals.
• Setting realistic goals based on one's current abilities and circumstances is important.
• Having coaches and mentors who can provide guidance and support is invaluable.
• The impact of social media on mindset and expectations should be carefully considered.
• Establishing routines and reading regularly can contribute to personal growth and development.
• Continuous self-improvement is key to achieving long-term success and fulfillment.

Titles

• The Power of Mindset: Never Give Up
• From California to Texas: A Move for Core Values Setting Realistic Goals for Success
• The Benefits of Routines and Reading

Sound Bites

• "We wanted to make cool shit."
• "No matter what, no matter what anybody tells you, I won't quit."
• "Let's focus on doing the easy shit well today."
• "What we can ask for most out of our kids is just to want"
• "You gotta go where you can play"
• "Go where you can play. It doesn't matter if it's D1, D2, NAIA, whatever it is."

https://nosurrenderbaseball.com/

In this conversation, Harrison Spohn and Curtis Pelletier discuss the mental challenges of playing baseball at the professional level. They talk about the pressure to perform, the constant competition for roster spots, and the impact of trades and acquisitions on players' mental states. Harrison shares his personal experiences of struggling with his confidence and enjoyment of the game, and how he has had to work on his mental game to stay focused and motivated. They also touch on the importance of celebrating small victories and finding ways to have fun amidst the pressures of professional baseball. In this part of the conversation, Harrison Spohn discusses his personal life, including his engagement and his family. He also reflects on his high school and college experiences, including the challenges he faced and the decisions he made. The conversation then shifts to his time playing summer ball with the Victoria HarbourCats and the impact it had on his development as a player. The importance of having fun, experimenting with different approaches, and building confidence are highlighted. Harrison Spohn shares his journey from college baseball to professional baseball with the Marlins. He talks about his interactions with Marlin scouts during a summer ball tournament and how they expressed interest in him. After a disappointing draft, he thought his baseball career was over and started working for the Dodgers youth Academy. However, he received a call from the Marlins and accepted their offer. He discusses the challenges of transitioning to playing shortstop and the importance of being adaptable in the game. He also emphasizes the need to have fun, play multiple sports, and take care of one's body.

Keywords

baseball, professional sports, mental challenges, pressure to perform, competition, trades, acquisitions, confidence, enjoyment, mental game, motivation, small victories, fun, engagement, family, high school, college, summer ball, development, fun, experimenting, confidence, baseball, college baseball, professional baseball, Marlins, scouts, draft, shortstop, adaptability, multiple sports, body

Takeaways

• Playing baseball at the professional level comes with immense pressure to perform and constant competition for roster spots.
• The mental side of the game is crucial and often overlooked, but it can greatly impact a player's performance and enjoyment of the game.
• Players need to find ways to stay motivated and focused, even during tough stretches or when facing uncertainty about their future in the organization.
• Celebrating small victories and finding ways to have fun can help players maintain a positive mindset and navigate the challenges of professional baseball. The importance of embracing failure and learning from it
• The value of having a supportive coaching staff and teammates
• The significance of finding one's own approach and playing style
• The impact of summer ball on player development
• The role of confidence in performance Building connections and maintaining open communication with scouts can lead to opportunities in professional baseball.
• Transitioning to a new position in baseball requires learning new skills and techniques.
• Playing multiple sports can enhance athleticism and overall performance in a specific sport.
• Adapting to the changing landscape of the game, including analytics and performance metrics, is crucial for success.
• Taking care of one's body and staying physically fit is important for performance and injury prevention.

Titles

• Pressure to Perform and Constant Competition
• The Mental Challenges of Professional Baseball The Impact of Summer Ball on Development
• Life Off the Field: Engagement and Family The Benefi

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