Rawlings Tigers Interview Series

Rawlings Tigers
Rawlings Tigers Interview Series

Emerging from humble beginnings to having over 300 Rawlings Tigers teams across 28 states. A look into what's new in the game of baseball with the help of special guests with a wide variety of expertise. Together, we dive into new training and development tips that can boost any player's career closer to the next level.

  1. From Trauma to Triumph: Unlocking Every Player’s Potential (ft. Bill Emerick, Pittsburgh Tigers) (ft. Bill Emerick, Pittsburgh Tigers)

    15 JAN.

    From Trauma to Triumph: Unlocking Every Player’s Potential (ft. Bill Emerick, Pittsburgh Tigers) (ft. Bill Emerick, Pittsburgh Tigers)

    In an engaging and insightful podcast episode, a seasoned coach lays bare the evolving dynamics of youth sports coaching, offering a refreshing approach that prioritizes mental and emotional well-being. The conversation unfolds as a masterclass in understanding athletes’ struggles and traumas, underscoring the importance of meeting players where they are—both mentally and physically. The coach highlights the necessity for coaches to set aside personal issues, fostering an environment where individual progress fuels team success. Through anecdotes and strategies, the discussion explores the power of creativity in coaching, from designing individualized defensive drills in tight spaces to emphasizing fundamentals before chasing metrics like bat speed or power. At its heart, the episode celebrates the profound role of patience, observation, and collaboration in shaping young athletes. Coaches are encouraged to implement routines that build good habits, develop pitch recognition, and give players a sense of ownership over their training. Ultimately, this thoughtful conversation reframes coaching as an art form, where the goal is not conformity but the cultivation of unique talent and love for the game. Whether you're a coach, a parent, or a sports enthusiast, this episode offers a compelling reminder: the true essence of coaching lies in guiding players through personal growth, one step—and one pitch—at a time.

    1u 4m
  2. From Good to Great: Coach Wilde's Secrets to Elevating Baseball Talent at Salt Lake City Tigers (ft. Andrew Wilde)

    6 JAN.

    From Good to Great: Coach Wilde's Secrets to Elevating Baseball Talent at Salt Lake City Tigers (ft. Andrew Wilde)

    In this interview, Andrew Wilde, head coach of the Salt Lake City Tigers, delves into the organization's approach to baseball coaching, emphasizing player development over immediate wins. The discussion highlights several key areas: Player Development vs. Winning: Wilde stresses the importance of balancing player growth with competitive success. The organization focuses on building athleticism, power, and aggressiveness at the bat, prioritizing long-term player potential over short-term victories. Buy-In and Routine: A significant part of the conversation revolves around increasing player and parental buy-in through structured training routines. High school players have shown success with this approach, but there's a push to extend this commitment to younger demographics. Offseason Challenges: Winter training in Utah presents unique challenges, particularly with arm care. The organization is working on providing better access to facilities and encouraging continuous, albeit modified, arm movement to prevent injuries without taking long breaks. Training Methods: Specific techniques like using overload and underload bats for increasing bat speed, long toss exercises in confined spaces, and situational baseball IQ are discussed. The importance of differentiating between injury and soreness is also highlighted with strategies to manage the latter. Organizational Growth: There's an expressed desire for more baseball complexes in Utah and the potential for private equity investment in expanding facilities to the Midwest and East Coast. The conversation also touches on the need to enhance the program's social media presence and recruit dedicated instructors. Coaching Philosophy and Challenges: Wilde shares the coaching philosophy of continuous learning, the need for a better balance between development and winning games, and the organizational structure's challenges, including coach buy-in and managing the program's operations single-handedly. Action Items: The interview concludes with a list of actionable steps, from expanding training facilities, focusing on arm care, increasing player engagement, to exploring new competitive opportunities and enhancing the coaching staff's alignment with the program's vision. This interview not only provides insights into the operational and strategic side of running a baseball program but also offers practical advice for coaches, players, and parents involved in youth and high school baseball development.

    53 min
  3. Kenny Piper, Tampa Bay Rays, Alumni Interview #10

    21-12-2024

    Kenny Piper, Tampa Bay Rays, Alumni Interview #10

    The path to success in baseball is often paved with challenges, self-reflection, and moments of growth. For one player, this journey has been a mix of gratitude, determination, and an evolving sense of identity. Looking back, Kenny Piper shares valuable insights into what it means to truly succeed—on and off the field. Grateful for the Journey Kenny Piper begins by expressing deep gratitude for their current position, acknowledging the choices and sacrifices that shaped their path. While the road hasn’t been without its share of doubt and questioning, a steadfast focus on their goal kept them moving forward, even in the face of adversity. Beyond the Diamond: Finding Identity and Fulfillment An essential realization along the way was that success in baseball does not solely define one’s value or identity. Kenny emphasizes the importance of finding fulfillment outside the game, whether through faith, community involvement, or personal growth. This broader perspective helped them maintain balance and avoid the pitfalls of measuring worth by performance alone. Leveling the Playing Field No matter the level or title, Kenny reminds us that once players step onto the field, everyone is equal. The shared love of the game and the competitive spirit unite players in a way that transcends accolades or status. This humility has been a cornerstone of their mindset and approach. Support Systems and the Role of the Tigers Organization The speaker attributes much of their success to their inner circle—parents, a supportive spouse, and others who stood by them through the ups and downs. Equally important was the impact of the Tigers organization, which helped prepare them for the next stage of their career in college. The Tigers provided not just technical training but also a foundation of values and discipline that set the speaker up for long-term success. Embracing the Unknown In some cases, the speaker reflects, ignorance can be bliss. Whether it’s discovering new technology, navigating career milestones, or adjusting to change, there’s value in embracing uncertainty and learning along the way. This mindset has been crucial in adapting to the challenges of a dynamic and demanding sport. Final Thoughts For Kenny, the journey through baseball has been about much more than wins or titles. It’s a story of perseverance, gratitude, and finding purpose beyond the scoreboard. Whether navigating the challenges of a professional career or pondering the future of the sport, the lessons learned on and off the field remain invaluable.

    52 min

Info

Emerging from humble beginnings to having over 300 Rawlings Tigers teams across 28 states. A look into what's new in the game of baseball with the help of special guests with a wide variety of expertise. Together, we dive into new training and development tips that can boost any player's career closer to the next level.

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