Too often in sports, and in life, we stick to what we’ve always done, even when the results clearly aren’t working. In this week’s episode, we dive into the dangers of staying stuck in the same cycle, blaming others, and expecting different outcomes without ever changing our philosophy.

To bring that idea to life, we explore the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback decisions from 2010 to 2024. From short-term band-aids like Donovan McNabb, Sam Bradford, and Case Keenum… to veterans like Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold… to finally drafting J.J. McCarthy in 2024 — this journey is a case study in what happens when you avoid making real adjustments.

Whether you’re a coach, a player, or just someone trying to get better, this episode is a reminder: if it’s not working, stop blaming — start changing.

In this episode, we sit down with AJ Gonzalez, a rising name in the world of college baseball coaching. AJ’s journey has taken him from standout player to player development leader, and now into key coaching roles at the collegiate level. Most recently, the Interim Head Coach at St. Peter’s University. AJ is now stepping into his next challenge as Assistant Coach at SUNY New Paltz.

We explore his standout playing career across programs like SUNY Ulster, Concordia, STAC, and SUNY Oneonta, and how those experiences built the foundation for his transition into coaching. From his early work with NY Silverbacks and Brewster Baseball Garage to running JV and Varsity development at Dominican University, AJ breaks down what it means to lead, to build a culture, and to help players succeed on and off the field.

AJ shares lessons from his time as a head coach, his approach to recruiting, and how he sees college baseball evolving. This episode is full of practical takeaways for young coaches, college hopefuls, and anyone who believes in the value of development over destination.

In this episode of Behind The Lineup, we dive into the value of fall ball — not just as a preseason warm-up, but as one of the most critical development windows of the entire year.

Whether you're a high school player trying to get recruited or a college athlete fighting for a spot in the lineup, this is the time to get uncomfortable, take risks, and build championship habits.

For high schoolers, especially 2026 grads, we talk about:

• Why fall reps matter more than you think

• How to find fall camps and local college programs still recruiting

• What you can do now to get on a school’s radar

For college guys, this is your time to:

• Show coaches you belong in the lineup, on the mound, or in the bullpen

• Build elite habits in the weight room, nutrition, and sleep

• Use the fall to fail forward — test your limits, dive for balls, make tough throws, steal bases, try back picks

And for coaches?
Fall is your chance to create an environment where players can push themselves without fear of failure — because if we don’t challenge them now, they won’t be ready when it matters in the spring.

Fall ball isn’t fluff. It’s the foundation.