Inside The Dugout with The Pack

Jason Taylor

Welcome to **Pack Baseball and Softball Academy**, where passion meets expertise! Our mission is to impact millions of young athletes by providing expert coaching, innovative training tips, and inspiring stories from the heart of the dugout. Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, our content is designed to elevate your game, build character, and foster a lifelong love for baseball and softball.Join us for game-changing tutorials, behind-the-scenes insights, tournament highlights, and community spotlights. We're dedicated to creating a supportive coaching environment that nurtures skill, leadership, and resilience—on and off the field.Let's grow the game together! Subscribe and be part of the Pack community — where champions are made and future legends are born.

  1. 21H AGO

    From Pressure to Preparation: The Mental Game Behind Youth Baseball and Softball

    Inside the Dugout dives deep into the mental side of youth sports in this powerful conversation with coach, mentor, and entrepreneur Coach Todd Cabrera. From growing up in foster care in a tough Montana mining town to building a culture-driven baseball and softball program in Wyoming, Coach Todd shows how mindset can transform both performance and character. We explore how intentional breathing, habits, and preparation help young athletes manage pressure instead of pretending it doesn’t exist. You’ll hear how delayed gratification, healthy standards, and real accountability can keep kids from quitting when adversity hits. We also talk about making sports more accessible through affordable team apparel and fundraising models that open doors for every kid, not just the ones who can write a check. Along the way, we connect these ideas to the concepts in the upcoming book The Psychology of Hitting and how understanding why mental tools work is just as important as knowing that they work. Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction to Coach Todd Cabrera 00:35 - Coach Todd’s Background and Growing Up in Butte, Montana 05:30 - Certification and Building a Mindset Journal for Athletes 07:42 - Applying Mental Tools with Youth and High School Players 09:10 - Jason’s Story: Women’s Baseball, Documentary, and The Psychology of Hitting 11:11 - Clinics, Major League University, and Teaching Mental Skills 14:40 - Pressure, Preparation, and the Two Cs: Chances and Choices 18:33 - Social Media, Instant Gratification, and Handling Failure 20:19 - Multi-Sport Mindset, Wrestling, and MMA Background 23:20 - Finley’s Wrestling Journey and Delayed Gratification 28:33 - Teaching Athletes to Be Proud of Themselves 29:14 - The Birth of the Valor Program and Philosophy of Development 32:40 - Position Change Story: From Catcher to All-Conference Outfielder 36:20 - Growing Valor from One Team to a Full Program 37:50 - Late Starter Success Story: From First-Time Player to College Baseball 38:57 - Creating a Safe, Development-Focused Environment 40:12 - Inside the Facility and Culture: Living Life Valor 42:00 - Uniforms, Apparel, and Making Players Feel Part of Something 43:20 - Fundraising Structure and Making Baseball Affordable 45:10 - Helping Other Programs with Fundraising and Structure 45:30 - How to Contact Coach Todd and Six Tool Apparel 47:41 - Closing Remarks and Episode Wrap-Up Quotes Pressure is real, but it becomes manageable when preparation and daily habits are stronger than the moment.Kids do not rise to the occasion; they fall back on the habits and standards we’ve helped them build.Development beats talent when athletes consistently choose to put in work instead of leaving growth up to chance.Teaching athletes to be proud of themselves matters more than chasing constant high fives from parents and coaches.When you make quality gear and opportunities affordable, you send a powerful message that every kid belongs in the game. Key Takeaways Pressure doesn’t disappear; it fades when athletes are fully prepared and anchored in strong daily habits.Delayed gratification and realistic, layered goal-setting keep kids from burning out when big dreams feel far away.A coach’s job is not just to win games, but to build high-character humans who bring the juice to their teams, families, and communities.Inclusive fundraising and affordable apparel can eliminate cost as a barrier so more kids can access high-level baseball and softball experiences.Multi-sport participation and combat sports like wrestling can sharpen resilience, competitiveness, and mental toughness that transfer back to the diamond.

    49 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Building Hope Through Baseball: Inside a Youth Academy in Uganda

    Baseball is transforming lives in a small Ugandan community. What began as one curious kid wandering past a makeshift practice has grown into a full academy serving hundreds of children. On a cramped 50-by-100-foot field, young players are learning not just how to throw and hit, but how to dream bigger than their surroundings. This episode dives into how one grassroots baseball program is fighting poverty with sport, education, and hope. Discover why a simple game is becoming a lifeline for kids who rarely get a fair chance. This story proves that even the most limited resources can spark incredible change when fueled by passion and purpose. The academy is more than a baseball program; it is a pathway to education, health, and opportunity for kids who might otherwise be left behind. With the right support, these young players can go from a tiny field in Uganda to international competition and even professional careers. Every bit of help—equipment, facilities, travel funds, and school support—moves them one step closer to that future. As you leave this episode, consider how you might be part of turning their hard work and big dreams into reality. Timestamps 00:00:00 Origin Story: Discovering Baseball in Uganda 00:01:20 Giving Back: From Player to Community Coach 00:02:20 Inside the Academy: Kids, Field, and Daily Training 00:03:30 Struggles: Equipment, Transport, and Limited Resources 00:04:40 Big Dreams: Pro Baseball and International Opportunities 00:05:50 Education, Food, and Family Support Through the Academy 00:07:10 Hope for the Future and an Invitation to Visit Uganda Quotes Baseball became my way to give back to a society where kids had no chance to play.This academy means education, health, a home, and a field all in one for these children.With the right support, our kids can reach levels we never had the chance to dream about.Every child deserves both an education and a place to play, no matter where they are born.On this small field, we are building big dreams that can carry these kids around the world.Key Takeaways: This Ugandan baseball academy started from one person’s curiosity and desire to give back to his community.The program now serves approximately 250 children who are learning baseball skills and life values.Lack of equipment, facilities, and transportation are major obstacle limiting the kids’ ability to compete in tournaments.The academy’s mission goes beyond sports to include education, school fees, supplies, and food support for needy families.With sufficient support and resources, the academy aims to send players to international competitions and potentially professional baseball.

    9 min

  3. JAN 30

    Building Stronger Young Athletes: Strength, Nutrition, and Patience

    Youth sports today are flooded with quick-fix promises, viral drills, and highlight-reel expectations, but real development still happens slowly and intentionally. In this episode, a veteran strength and conditioning coach with over 25 years of experience breaks down what truly moves the needle for young baseball and softball players. From four-sport high school athlete to full-time performance coach, he shares how his journey—and mistakes—shaped the way he trains kids today. You’ll hear about the role of multi-sport backgrounds, smart nutrition, and progressive strength work in building durable, confident athletes. Most importantly, this conversation dives into how coaches and parents can create an environment where kids enjoy the game, trust the process, and grow at their own pace. Timestamps 00:00:00 Inside the Dugout: Introduction and Coach Background 00:02:20 Multi-Sport Roots and Water Polo’s Carryover to Baseball 00:05:00 Nutrition Struggles for Young Athletes and Calorie Reality 00:09:00 Goal setting, Daily Habits, and Buy-In from Players 00:13:40 Building Trust with Conversation and Quick Wins 00:17:30 Social media, TikTok Drills, and Training Age Explained 00:22:30 Patience, Quick Fix Myths, and Long-Term Development 00:27:30 The Critical Role of Parents and Late Bloomers 00:35:00 Life Lessons Beyond Sports and Health for Future Parents 00:44:00 Final Thoughts, Impact Stories, and How to Get in Touch Quotes Real progress happens when kids understand the why behind their training, not just the what.Parents who embrace patience and education become the greatest competitive advantage their kids have.Quick fixes might work for a moment, but long-term development wins over a lifetime.The goal is not just building better athletes, but healthier adults who know how to take care of their bodies.Trust is the foundation of every effective training program for young athletes. Key Takeaways Long-term athletic development focuses on gradually building movement quality, strength, and confidence instead of chasing early results.Nutrition for young athletes should start with simply getting enough calories, then slowly moving toward better-quality food choices.Open communication and asking kids lots of questions create trust and keep them engaged in the training process.TikTok and social media drills should be filtered through a long-term plan, not allowed to dictate daily training.Parents play a critical role by supporting the process, embracing late development, and not forcing early specialization or pressure.

    47 min

  4. JAN 26

    Unlocking 24/7 Personalized Training with Next-Gen Virtual Coaching Tools

    Discover how breakthrough technology is revolutionizing the way coaches train athletes and clients around the world. In this episode, we explore a cutting-edge platform that brings elite, personalized coaching to anyone, anytime, without traditional time constraints. From video analytics to custom feedback and multilingual support, this tool is changing the game for individual and organizational coaching alike. Whether you're a sports trainer or a business leader, this solution scales your expertise and impact. Tune in to get inspired by real examples and learn how to future-proof your own coaching or training systems. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction to AI Coaching Revolution 00:02:07 The Origins: AI and Personal Coaching 00:11:31 Building and Customizing the Replicator Coach 00:17:01 Video Analysis, Feedback, and Data Integration 00:25:30 Applications Beyond Sports: Business and Training 00:33:27 Scaling Coaching and Creating New Revenue Streams 00:36:08 Language Support and Global Outreach 00:38:37 The Ultimate Value and Final Thoughts 00:46:46 Contact Information and Episode Wrap-Up Quotes Technology now allows coaches to extend their influence and impact far beyond traditional barriers of time and location.Personalized coaching feedback powered by AI can elevate athletes and learners in any field, anytime, anywhere.Integrating custom metrics and the coach's expertise into AI provides uniquely tailored evaluations for every user.Multilingual support enables coaching platforms to connect, teach, and inspire on a truly global scale.With AI-driven coaching, experts can transform their knowledge into scalable businesses while helping more people succeed. Key Takeaways AI enables coaches to provide personalized instruction and feedback at scale.Replicator Coach leverages the coach's expertise to deliver specialized, metric-based evaluations.The platform supports multiple languages and can adapt to a range of sports and business training needs.Using video and data analysis, coaches and athletes can track progress and optimize performance over time.This approach offers new revenue streams and work-life flexibility, empowering coaches to grow their reach and impact.

    53 min

  5. JAN 2

    Level Up Your Game: Beta Test the Pack’s AI Baseball Genius.

    Curious about the latest breakthroughs in baseball coaching and building a game-changing community? In this episode of "Inside the Dugout with the Pack," Coach Jason Taylor shares exciting updates shaping the future of The Pack. Hear about the launch of the state-of-the-art Pack Den facility in Lone Tree, Colorado, and get an exclusive invite to become a beta tester for their revolutionary AI coaching platform—now offering instant swing analysis and drill feedback. Plus, get the inside scoop on Coach Taylor’s upcoming book, "The Psychology of Hitting," co-written with a University of Denver psychology professor. If you're a coach, player, or passionate about baseball and softball innovation, tune in for community news, insight on athlete development, and opportunities to collaborate and grow with The Pack.  Timestamps 0:00 – Dugout Kickoff & Breaking News 1:50 – The Den Unleashed: Facility Reveal 3:15 – Swing Smarter: AI Beta Challenge 5:30 – Mindset Mastery: Book Sneak Peek 7:00 – Powering Up the Pack: Community Buzz 9:30 – Final Pitch & Team Spirit Quotes "Shifting your belief in your team can change everything for the season ahead.""Our greatest impact comes from bringing coaches and players together to learn and grow.""Everyone in this community has the chance to help shape the future of baseball and softball.""Your feedback as a beta tester is what drives our innovation forward.""Wherever you are, the Pack is here to help you achieve success in the game."Key Takeaways The Pack Den, a large indoor facility in Lone Tree, Colorado, is set to open soon, offering new opportunities for players and coaches.Community members can become beta testers for a cutting-edge AI coaching platform, accessing free swing analysis and drills in exchange for feedback.Continuous learning and growth are at the heart of the Pack’s mission, with new resources like an upcoming book, “The Psychology of Hitting,” launching soon.Collaboration, feedback, and active participation are crucial to the Pack’s evolving baseball and softball community.Embracing new coaching technologies and sharing experiences can create positive change for teams, players, and organizations.

    12 min

  6. 12/26/2025

    Accountability Over Blame: Building Strong Sports Teams

    In this ChalkTalk Wednesday Q&A, Coach Jason Taylor answers coaching questions with a focus on how to make practice both engaging and effective for young athletes while sharing creative ideas for building team culture and transforming accountability into trust. The discussion covers the importance of clear communication with parents and players, practical examples for keeping fundamentals fun, and the role of a strong vision in guiding success through a new season. Listeners will discover how supportive communities help overcome challenges and why clear expectations set teams up for lasting confidence and mutual respect. This episode is filled with actionable tips and inspiring stories designed to help coaches create energized teams who love to learn and play together. Timestamps 0:00 — Welcome & Absent Coaches 0:50 — Making Fundamentals Fun for Young Athletes 5:00 — Building Team Culture from Scratch 10:30 — Accountability vs. Blame in Coaching 15:05 — Engaging Parents and Setting Boundaries 20:50 — Key Priorities for First-Time Head Coaches 24:41 — Final Thoughts & Community Q&A  Quotes "Build your vision like a GPS—you need a clear destination to guide your team.""Accountability means holding each other to a higher standard, not playing the blame game.""Fun drills like 'Trash Ball' bring fundamentals to life for young athletes.""Setting clear expectations for parents and players creates trust and smoother seasons.""Start by assessing your inherited team’s culture before mapping out the road ahead." Key Takeaways Creative drills keep younger players engaged while reinforcing vital skills.Assessing and intentionally shaping team culture is crucial when taking over a new squad.True accountability boosts trust and enjoyment; blame tears teams apart.Early, clear communication of expectations with parents and players prevents misunderstandings.A strong, clear vision for your first season helps chart a fast path to your goals.

    28 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    Building Championship Culture: Winning Softball Secrets for Coaches & Teams

    Are you ready to discover the secrets behind building a winning team culture in college softball?  In this episode of "Inside the Dugout with the Pack," Coach Angel Rodriguez of Salem Community College reveals powerful strategies for athlete recruitment, player confidence, and leadership success. Learn how “Failure Friday” drills inspire growth, why opportunity matters for recruits, and how creating a family atmosphere transforms athletes on and off the field. If you’re a coach, player, or parent seeking real-world tips on sports leadership, communication, and collegiate athlete development, don’t miss these game-changing insights—tune in now! Timestamps [00:00] Introduction and Setting the Stage [00:25] Rebuilding a College Softball Program [01:44] Recruiting Philosophy and Player Opportunity [04:58] Community, Support, and Team Environment [15:25] Building Confidence and Player Development [20:23] “Failure Friday” and Embracing Mistakes [30:44] Body Language, Leadership, and Self-Driven Teams [45:52] Final Advice and Closing Remarks Quotes "Building player confidence isn't about drills—it's about letting them discover their strengths and celebrate each other's growth." – Angel Rodriguez"If you want your athletes to succeed, create an environment where failure is just another step toward greatness." – Angel Rodriguez"Behaviors on the field communicate more than words ever could, and confidence is contagious." – Jason Taylor"Every athlete deserves an opportunity to compete, grow, and feel valued both on and off the field." – Angel Rodriguez"The fundamentals we practice every day are the building blocks of lifelong success." – Angel Rodriguez Key Takeaways "Building player confidence isn't about drills—it's about letting them discover their strengths and celebrate each other's growth." – Angel Rodriguez"If you want your athletes to succeed, create an environment where failure is just another step toward greatness." – Angel Rodriguez"Behaviors on the field communicate more than words ever could, and confidence is contagious." – Jason Taylor"Every athlete deserves an opportunity to compete, grow, and feel valued both on and off the field." – Angel Rodriguez"The fundamentals we practice every day are the building blocks of lifelong success." – Angel Rodriguez

    50 min

  8. 12/20/2025

    From Dreams to Dedication: Coaching Athlete Visions & Shifting Team Goals

    In this ChalkTalk Wednesday Q&A, Coach JT dives deep into setting bold visions and realistic paths for athletes aiming for elite colleges like UCLA. He shares how pure commitment, thoughtful preparation, and shifting from “goals” to “vision” can unlock new heights. Listen as he breaks down how personal stories, strategic planning, and the right mindset make all the difference for aspiring college athletes. Coach JT also explores what happens when a team’s dreams are about growth, fun, and friendship instead of scholarships. Learn how his dynamic approach balances all-in, skills-driven sessions for college hopefuls with spirited, team-building practices. This creates space for every athlete to thrive. You’ll come away with practical coaching gems, inspiration for empowering your players, and a reminder that sports are about so much more than just winning. Step inside for strategies, stories, and a fresh perspective that will fire up your team both on and off the field. Timestamps 0:00 — Introduction & Absence Explained 0:45 — Setting Big Visions vs. Realistic Expectations 3:10 — What It Takes to Play at UCLA: Commitment & Preparation 6:55 — Shifting from Goals to Vision and Mindset 10:00 — Crafting a College-Bound Athlete’s Path 13:20 — Understanding Team Aspirations & Adjusting Focus 17:00 — Rethinking Team Goals: Fun, Friendship, and Growth 21:30 — Dual Practice Model: Specialized vs. Team Sessions 25:10 — Teaching Life Skills & Building a Supportive Culture 29:00 — Community Feedback & Coach JT’s Challenge to Listeners 32:00 — Closing Thoughts & How to Get Involved Quotes "A coach’s job isn’t to set limits on an athlete’s dream, but to give them every tool they need to chase it fully.""It’s not enough to have a goal—you need a vision so strong it pulls you forward no matter what stands in your way.""Real commitment means showing up and pushing through, even when the path is tougher than you expected.""Growth happens when you focus on becoming the person who can reach that vision, not just on the steps it takes to get there.""No great team is built on talent alone—support, integrity, and shared purpose create the foundation for true success." Key Takeaways Setting a powerful vision unlocks greater potential in athletes than simply chasing conventional goals.Early and consistent effort is key for athletes aspiring to reach elite college programs like UCLA.Coaches should adapt their approach to suit both college-bound athletes and those focused on enjoying their final season.True commitment and reliability are essential traits for athletes aiming to stand out and succeed at higher levels.Building a supportive, fun, and growth-oriented team environment benefits every athlete—regardless of their future ambitions.

    18 min
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About

Welcome to **Pack Baseball and Softball Academy**, where passion meets expertise! Our mission is to impact millions of young athletes by providing expert coaching, innovative training tips, and inspiring stories from the heart of the dugout. Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, our content is designed to elevate your game, build character, and foster a lifelong love for baseball and softball.Join us for game-changing tutorials, behind-the-scenes insights, tournament highlights, and community spotlights. We're dedicated to creating a supportive coaching environment that nurtures skill, leadership, and resilience—on and off the field.Let's grow the game together! Subscribe and be part of the Pack community — where champions are made and future legends are born.

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Taylor
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Inside The Dugout with The Pack
  • Show Website
    Inside The Dugout with The Pack