Send us a text

A thrown chair blocks the stage door, and a young actor freezes—until a director offers three words that change everything: use the difficulty. We take that vivid moment and walk it straight into the dugout, exploring how coaches can turn injuries, slumps, rainouts, and schedule chaos into catalysts for growth. Rather than gritting our teeth and hoping the plan survives contact with reality, we show how to build plans that thrive on disruption—and teach players to see pressure not as a threat, but as an opportunity.

We dig into baseball’s core truth: failure is part of the design. A .300 hitter is a master of recovery, not perfection. With that lens, we map practical coaching moves that compound under stress—cross-training athletes to create depth, scripting rainout pivots that develop baseball IQ, adopting constraint-led drills that train decision-making, and running stress scrimmages that normalize chaos. You’ll hear clear, field-tested ways to turn an injured ace into a deeper staff, a cold lineup into a small-ball machine, and a position vacancy into a discovery of unexpected talent. Along the way, we break down the leadership cues that matter when the game gets loud: when to lighten the mood, when to tighten the standard, and how to communicate in short, sharp, useful language that focuses attention on the next actionable rep.

If you believe culture is built when things go wrong, this conversation gives you the tools to prove it on Tuesday and again on Friday. We close with a challenge you can use today: name the obstacle, define the opportunity it hides, and design one tiny practice block to exploit it. Subscribe, share with a coaching friend, and leave a review with your best “use the difficulty” moment—we’ll feature our favorites on a future show.

Join the Baseball Coaches Unplugged podcast where an experienced baseball coach delves into the world of high school and travel baseball, offering insights on high school baseball coaching, leadership skills, hitting skills, pitching strategy, defensive skills, and overall baseball strategy, while also covering high school and college baseball, recruiting tips, youth and travel baseball, and fostering a winning mentality and attitude in baseball players through strong baseball leadership and mentality.

00:02:02

Show Intro And Weekly Format

00:02:31

The Michael Caine Story

00:03:33

Use The Difficulty: Coaching Lens

00:04:22

Baseball’s Built-In Failure

00:05:10

Turning Setbacks Into Strategy

00:06:00

Leadership Under Pressure

00:07:20

Support the show

• Follow: Twitter | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast
• Website - https://www.athlete1.net
• Sponsor: The Netting Professionals
• https://www.nettingpros.com

Send us a text

Mason Stookey knows the true meaning of rebuilding. When a tornado hit Coweta (OK) High School's baseball field in 2021, destroying their fence, equipment, and freshly planted rye seed, he faced a critical choice: follow the trend toward artificial turf or recommit to maintaining a premier natural playing surface. His decision to double down on tradition speaks volumes about his coaching philosophy.

"When people step into our yard, I want it to be the best surface they can be on," Stookey explains, detailing how he meticulously mows the outfield daily at three-quarters of an inch with a reel mower. This commitment to field maintenance isn't just about aesthetics—it's about teaching players to invest sweat equity into something greater than themselves.

This philosophy extends throughout Stookey's program, built on three fundamental pillars: accountability, responsibility, and attention to detail. His weekly grade checks require players to collect performance feedback from all their teachers, tracking not just grades but missing assignments and classroom conduct. "That's not a lesson just for baseball," Stookey emphasizes, "that's a lesson for life."

Perhaps most innovative is Coweta's "Tough Fridays" initiative—replacing traditional practice with team-building mental toughness workouts. Players work in "boat crews" to complete challenging tasks that build resilience for high-pressure game situations. The results speak for themselves, with the team winning approximately ten games in walk-off fashion during a recent season.

Stookey's coaching journey began after his playing career ended due to injury. Initially walking away from baseball entirely, he experienced an epiphany weeks before college graduation: "There's people and teammates that had given me so much and taught me so many lessons through the game that I wanted to give back."

From navigating the challenges between school baseball instruction and travel ball coaching to his unforgettable story of chasing a player's runaway steer across the baseball field, Stookey's conversation reveals a coach who combines traditional values with innovative methods to develop not just successful teams, but successful young men.

00:00:00

Introduction to Mason Stuckey

00:04:50

Rebuilding After Tornado Damage

00:09:15

Natural Surface Pride

00:12:03

Three Pillars: Accountability and Responsibility

00:17:07

Practice Planning and Team Development

00:20:45

Leadership and Communi

Support the show

• Follow: Twitter | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast
• Website - https://www.athlete1.net
• Sponsor: The Netting Professionals
• https://www.nettingpros.com

Send us a text

Championship programs aren't built on talent alone – they're founded on consistent systems, deliberate culture-building, and a philosophy that develops complete athletes. Coach Ben Evick of Cape Henlopen High School has mastered this formula, leading his program to three Delaware state championships in seven years.

What stands out immediately in Coach Evick's approach is his firm belief in multi-sport participation. While many programs push early specialization, Evick actively encourages his players to wrestle, run track, and play football. This philosophy aligns perfectly with what college coaches and professional scouts seek: well-rounded athletes who've proven their competitive nature across different environments. With 16 current college players and 5 professionals (including 2 Major Leaguers), the results speak for themselves.

The competitive practice environment at Cape Henlopen separates good programs from great ones. Every drill has consequences – miss your fundamental execution during batting practice, and you'll lose live swings later. This accountability creates players who thrive under pressure because they've faced it daily. Combined with scheduling the toughest possible opponents, Evick's players arrive at championship moments prepared for anything.

Perhaps most compelling is the "Win The Day" mentality that permeates the program. Players focus on finding small victories daily, whether on the field or in their personal lives. Clear communication through regular individual meetings ensures everyone understands their role and value. The result? A sustainable championship culture where players hold themselves accountable and leadership transitions seamlessly from one class to the next.

Ready to transform your baseball program? Listen now to discover Coach Evick's blueprint for championship success, and consider how his player-centered approach might revolutionize your team's culture and performance. Subscribe, share, and join our coaching community as we learn from the nation's best.

Support the show

• Follow: Twitter | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast
• Website - https://www.athlete1.net
• Sponsor: The Netting Professionals
• https://www.nettingpros.com

Send us a text

Ever wonder what separates the starters from the bench in high school baseball? The answer might surprise you—it has less to do with March tryouts and everything to do with what happens in September.

The players who earn starting positions understand that the foundation is built months before the season begins. Physical preparation through consistent participation in team weightlifting programs doesn't just build strength—it demonstrates commitment while allowing coaches to evaluate work ethic directly. Smart players balance this intensity with proper rest and recovery, understanding that overtraining can be as detrimental as undertraining.

What truly separates good players from great ones is their approach to weakness. While most athletes naturally gravitate toward practicing what they already do well, future starters deliberately focus on improving their vulnerabilities. Can't hit a curveball? That becomes the priority. Struggling with backhand plays? Extra repetitions addressing that specific skill become essential. Coaches notice players who work to eliminate weaknesses rather than simply showcasing strengths.

The mental game represents another crucial differentiator. In baseball, where even the best hitters fail seven out of ten times, mental toughness becomes paramount. The off-season provides ample opportunity to develop this mental edge through reading, visualization practices, and learning how to handle both failure and success. Players who approach batting practice with purpose—working on specific situations like two-strike approaches or opposite-field hitting—develop game-ready skills that random swinging simply cannot produce.

Parents play a vital role in this preparation journey. Understanding that the process requires patience and perspective can make all the difference. Not every player makes varsity as a freshman, and not every upperclassman starts immediately. The players who ultimately succeed use setbacks as motivation rather than reasons to give up or blame others. The reality of high school baseball is simple but often misunderstood: coaches play their "favorite" players, but these favorites earn that status through reliability, consistent performance, and competitive practice habits.

Want to increase your chances of making the starting lineup this spring? Start putting in the invisible work today. Subscribe to Baseball Coaches Unplugged for more insider tips from coaches who make the decisions that determine playing time.

Join the Baseball Coaches Unplugged podcast where an experienced baseball coach delves into the world of high school and travel baseball, offering insights on high school baseball coaching, leadership skills, hitting skills, pitching strategy, defensive skills, and overall baseball strategy, while also covering high school and college baseball, recruiting tips, youth and travel baseball, and fostering a winning mentality and attitude in baseball players through strong baseball leadership and mentality.

• 0:00
• Introduction: Preparing For Starting Positions
• 3:10
• Physical Preparation and Team Building
• 5:54
• Academic Success and Addressing Weaknesses
• 7:54
• Mental Toughness and Purposeful Practice
• 9:58
• Defensive Skills and Pitching Preparation
• 12:38
• Advice for Parents and Closing

Support the show

• Follow: Twitter | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast
• Website - https://www.athlete1.net
• Sponsor: The Netting Professionals
• https://www.nettingpros.com

Send us a text

What separates consistently successful baseball programs from the rest? For Coach Jared Ingersoll of American Fork High School (UT), it's creating what he calls "the AF way" – a distinct approach to baseball marked by exceptional energy, relentless hustle, and players who genuinely compete for each other rather than themselves.

After leading his program to three state championships in five years, Ingersoll pulls back the curtain on building championship culture. He reveals how fostering authentic team chemistry creates an almost tangible feeling in the dugout when players truly buy into playing for something larger than individual achievements. "Very few people actually have an idea of what it means to be on a team where you can almost feel it," Ingersoll explains, describing the rare chemistry that emerges when players learn to value collective success.

Particularly fascinating is Ingersoll's approach to player development and role management. Rather than avoiding difficult conversations with players receiving limited playing time, he creates space for honest dialogue: "I want your heart. I don't want you to sugarcoat how you feel inside." This vulnerability-first approach allows him to help players find meaning beyond statistical contributions. His story about a senior catcher who barely played but received MVP consideration demonstrates how deeply Ingersoll values attitude and team contribution over mere talent.

Throughout the conversation, Ingersoll shares practical strategies that have built his championship program: pressure-filled practice situations that prepare players for big moments, detailed pregame routines that signal professionalism, and constant communication with parents about expectations. He balances traditional baseball approaches with modern adaptations, demonstrating how championship programs evolve while maintaining core values.

Want to create a baseball program known for both winning and developing exceptional young men? Listen as Coach Ingersoll breaks down his blueprint for championship culture that goes far beyond just collecting trophies.

Join the Baseball Coaches Unplugged podcast where an experienced baseball coach delves into the world of high school and travel baseball, offering insights on high school baseball coaching, leadership skills, hitting skills, pitching strategy, defensive skills, and overall baseball strategy, while also covering high school and college baseball, recruiting tips, youth and travel baseball, and fostering a winning mentality and attitude in baseball players through strong baseball leadership and mentality.

• 0:00
• Introducing Coach Jared Ingersoll
• 5:20
• Keys to Championship Success
• 9:33
• Handling the Pressure of Big Games
• 16:48
• Managing Players' Roles and Expectations
• 27:31
• Evolving Coaching Philosophy
• 32:43
• Coaching Reflections and Baseball Memories

Support the show

• Follow: Twitter | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast
• Website - https://www.athlete1.net
• Sponsor: The Netting Professionals
• https://www.nettingpros.com

Send us a text

Ever wonder why some baseball programs consistently win championships while others, despite similar talent, fall short? The answer often lies in one word: accountability. But not the kind that's just plastered on team hoodies or chanted in pre-game huddles.

True accountability separates the great teams from the mediocre ones, and in this episode, we dive deep into what that really means. When a player boots a ground ball or skips a workout, how the team responds reveals everything about their championship potential. Mediocre teams whisper about mistakes behind closed doors and let standards slide for talented players. Championship teams confront issues head-on—not to embarrass anyone, but to elevate everyone.

We explore how great players actually crave accountability rather than avoid it. They seek feedback, initiate tough conversations, and recognize that growth happens in discomfort. I share the story of a player who wasn't our most talented athlete but transformed our team culture by consistently asking for straight feedback after every game. His approach was contagious and elevated everyone around him.

For coaches looking to build championship cultures, accountability can't just be preached—it must be systematized. It needs to be built into every drill and practice. Leadership must come from everywhere, not just captains. Hard conversations need to be normalized. And most importantly, you must be willing to make tough decisions about players who undermine your culture, regardless of their talent. Because one truth remains: championships aren't won with slogans, they're won with standards that are upheld every single day. Which kind of team are you building?

Support the show

• Follow: Twitter | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast
• Website - https://www.athlete1.net
• Sponsor: The Netting Professionals
• https://www.nettingpros.com

Send us a text

Ever wonder what it takes to build a championship baseball team in a place where players sometimes have to shovel snow off the field just to practice? South Dakota State Champion coach Jeremy Van Heel takes us behind the scenes of his Brandon Valley High School program's remarkable journey to victory.

When Van Heel recognized his team had championship potential, he focused not on physical skills but on the mental game. "Our biggest downfall was the eight inches between the head," he explains. This honest assessment led to a powerful team conversation where he told his players: "My biggest fear is that you don't understand the potential you have and how great you can be." The mindset shift that followed became their championship catalyst.

The turning point came when they adopted a "burn the boats" philosophy—inspired by the historical reference to Hernán Cortés eliminating retreat as an option for his men. This no-retreat mentality powered an incredible comeback in the quarterfinals where they overcame a seven-run deficit. Van Heel's team went on to win 11 consecutive games to capture the state title, proving that "pressure is a privilege."

What makes this story particularly compelling is the unique challenges of coaching in South Dakota's harsh climate. Van Heel describes seasons where they couldn't practice outside until mid-April due to weather conditions, forcing creative approaches to team development. Yet these challenges build character and mental toughness that translates to tournament success.

Perhaps most refreshing is Van Heel's perspective on the recruitment process. Unlike the prevailing narrative that expensive travel teams are necessary for exposure, he shares the story of his Notre Dame-bound pitcher who played only high school and Legion baseball. "If you've got talent, they will find you," he emphasizes—a message of hope for talented players from remote areas or families without resources for elite travel programs.

Whether you're coaching in challenging conditions or seeking to develop mental toughness in your players, this episode offers invaluable insights for building champions in any environment. Subscribe, leave a review, and join us each week as we continue to unpack the wisdom of baseball's most successful coaches!

Join the Baseball Coaches Unplugged podcast where an experienced baseball coach delves into the world of high school and travel baseball, offering insights on high school baseball coaching, leadership skills, hitting skills, pitching strategy, defensive skills, and overall baseball strategy, while also covering high school and college baseball, recruiting tips, youth and travel baseball, and fostering a winning mentality and attitude in baseball players through strong baseball leadership and mentality.

Support the show

• Follow: Twitter | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast
• Website - https://www.athlete1.net
• Sponsor: The Netting Professionals
• https://www.nettingpros.com

Send us a text

What happens when college baseball recruits finally arrive on campus? Are coaches getting the players they thought they recruited, or do they discover someone entirely different?

Brian Warning, former college recruiting coordinator at Thiel and Lake Erie College, pulls back the curtain on the critical summer period before college baseball and how it separates future contributors from those who'll struggle to make the team. With candid insights gained from years evaluating talent, Warning explains how coaches immediately recognize which players dedicated their summer to preparation and which ones chose partying over progress.

"The summer is the longest window you have to change your game," Warning emphasizes, pointing to those crucial 15-16 weeks between high school graduation and college arrival. Players who utilize this time properly show up physically transformed, baseball-ready, and mentally prepared for the challenges ahead. Those who waste it often spend their first college season desperately trying to catch up.

Warning also addresses the underestimated challenges of transitioning to college baseball: the elevated competition level, the complex mental demands, and the highly structured lifestyle. For players seeking recruitment, he offers three practical strategies: get an honest evaluation of your skill level, personalize your outreach to coaches, and consistently perform as "the best guy on the field" when opportunities arise.

Whether you're a high school player dreaming of college baseball, a parent helping navigate the recruiting landscape, or a coach preparing athletes for the next level, this episode provides invaluable perspective on what truly matters in the transition to collegiate play. Subscribe now and check out new episodes every Wednesday featuring conversations with the best baseball coaches across the country.

00:00:00
College Preparation Reality Check

00:09:56
Summer Development Makes the Difference

00:17:26
The Weight Room Advantage

00:22:01
High School to College Transition
00:30:06
Smart Recruiting Strategies

00:34:02
Coach Warning's Coaching Philosophy

00:39:45
Influence of a Coaching Father

Support the show

• Follow: Twitter | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast
• Website - https://www.athlete1.net
• Sponsor: The Netting Professionals
• https://www.nettingpros.com