The AOP Podcast

AOP

Instagram: @theartofpitching_

  1. 2025-08-19

    Armored Heat Ben Holmes: The Mental Game Of Baseball | Fall Down 7 Times Get Up 7

    Send us a text In today's episode we have the honor of interviewing the Co-Owner of Armoured Heat, Ben Holmes.  Ben Wetzler is a left-handed pitcher whose career has been defined by grit, adaptability, and a relentless love for the game. A standout at Clackamas High School, he posted a 12–0 record with a microscopic 0.33 ERA, earning Oregon’s 6A Player of the Year honors. At Oregon State University, he cemented his place in program history—becoming the school’s all-time wins leader, earning First-Team All-American recognition, and guiding the Beavers to multiple deep postseason runs. Drafted three times—first in the 15th round by Cleveland in 2010, then the 5th round by the Phillies in 2013, and finally the 9th round by the Miami Marlins after returning for his senior year—Ben’s professional journey has taken him through the Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago White Sox organizations, as well as independent and international leagues, including the Mexican League with Veracruz and Durango, the Dominican Winter League, and the Venezuelan Winter League. Throughout his career he's faced many obstacles, setbacks, and hardships but has continued to persevere through it all.  Far from slowing down, Ben is obsessed with player development—both his own and that of the next generation. He’s committed to pushing his craft, studying the finer details of pitching, and squeezing every ounce of potential out of his career. His mission is simple: play this game at the highest level, for as long as humanly possible, while inspiring others to chase their baseball dreams—and guiding them in a way that helps them build the tools, mindset, and habits to be as successful as possible in their own careers. Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/theartofpitching_/ Website: https://theartofpitchingcorp.com

    1h 4m
  2. 2025-02-28

    Texas Rangers Minor Leaguer: Cody Freeman | Getting Drafted Out of High School

    Send us a text On today’s episode we have AA Texas Rangers UTL player, Cody Freeman, 2019 4th round pick out of high school. Cody Freeman gives us some insight on what qualities he believes helped him get drafted and how his work ethic, strong mindset, his faith in God and having the support of his brother, Tyler Freeman, and family has propelled him to be where he is today. Cody shares what his experience has been like since getting drafted from high school and what advice he would give young athletes whose dream is to become a professional. What We Discuss: 0:00 Intro 1:03 What separated you from those who didn’t get drafted? 1:57 Impact of Tyler Freeman and family on your career 6:48 Process of getting drafted 10:33 4th Rounder 12:01 What adjustments happened after being drafted? 13:44 The only American position player 14:52 What do you love about playing with latinos? 16:44 Putting on a good show  17:37 The Cody Flair 18:37 Same person on and off the field 19:55 Supportive teammates  21:43 Who do you call when you’re in a slump? 23:18 Describe the minor leagues experience 24:54 Did you buy anything cool with your signing bonus? 27:04 How did it feel to make that much money? 28:30 Focus on your purpose, not the money 29:23 What’s your favorite part of being a pro? 30:43 What would you tell 13-yr-old Cody? 32:56 The beauty of the journey 33:41 What advice would you give young players?

    37 min

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