Summary

Today, we're diving into what it really takes to make it to the postseason. We'll explore the five essential ingredients every team needs to secure their spot in October. Spoiler alert: mindset is a biggie! You can’t just show up and hope for the best; teams need that competitive fire to truly contend. We’ll also chat about the importance of talent, depth, and the ever-elusive consistency. So grab your favorite snack, kick back, and let’s get into some serious baseball talk that’ll have you thinking about the game in a whole new way!

Podcast Partner Bios

Ethan Dungan - Owner of Glovehound Baseball Glove Repair Shop. Ethan played for several teams during his career including Midland and Fairfield High School. He now operates Glovehound from his shop in Fairfield, OH.

Rick Finley - Founder of MD&I Academy Baseball Training Facility in Fairfield, OH. Rick has successfully coached and trained hundreds of players at the Select, Travel, and College levels in both baseball and softball.

George Foster - Major League Player with the Giants, Reds, & Mets. NL MVP 1977, 5-Time All-Star, Silver Slugger and member of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. Founder of George Foster Baseball where he offers private baseball instruction.

Timestamps:

• 00:22 - Introduction to Baseball Topics
• 00:44 - Mindset and Strategy for Postseason Success
• 16:11 - The Intensity of Postseason Play
• 24:51 - Coaching Strategies in Youth Baseball
• 37:36 - The Importance of Mental and Physical Preparation in Baseball
• 49:01 - The Importance of Coaching in Youth Development
• 57:26 - Postseason Records and MVPs
• 01:02:55 - Bob Gibson: The Dominant Pitcher

Key Takeaways:

• To make it to the postseason, teams need to cultivate a winning mindset and push through challenges, especially for lower market teams that might not be in contention.
• Consistency is key for teams aiming to reach the postseason; you can't just rely on late-season bursts of performance to secure your spot.
• Having a strong bench is crucial in the postseason, as it allows teams to rest starters and maintain performance throughout a grueling playoff schedule.
• Pitching depth is vital; injuries happen, and a solid bullpen can make or break a team's chances in tight playoff games.
• The importance of situational hitting cannot be overstated; knowing when to sacrifice or play aggressively can define a postseason game.
• Team unity is essential in the postseason; players need to be on the same page and support each other for the best chance at success.

Links:

• glovehound.com
• mdaiacademy.com
• georgefosterbaseball.com
• twocreativedigital.com

Teaser:

Next week we kick off our 3 part series called Offensive Objectives where we get deep into offensive strategy and skills for getting on base. Don't miss it.

Companies mentioned:

• Glovehound
• MDI Baseball Academy
• George Foster Baseball

Summary

Today's episode is all about the world of minor league baseball. George Foster, the Reds Hall of Famer, shares his journey through the minors, giving us a peek into the experiences, the quirks, and the unexpected challenges that come with climbing the baseball ladder. George’s tales will make you appreciate every little moment of the game. We wrap up this week with a hilarious round of "mascot or make believe," where we’ll test the fellas on their knowledge of minor league mascots. Trust me, you won't want to miss this—it's gonna be a blast!

Podcast Partner Bios

Ethan Dungan - Owner of Glovehound Baseball Glove Repair Shop. Ethan played for several teams during his career including Midland and Fairfield High School. He now operates Glovehound from his shop in Fairfield, OH.

Rick Finley - Founder of MD&I Academy Baseball Training Facility in Fairfield, OH. Rick has successfully coached and trained hundreds of players at the Select, Travel, and College levels in both baseball and softball.

George Foster - Major League Player with the Giants, Reds, & Mets. NL MVP 1977, 5-Time All-Star, Silver Slugger and member of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. Founder of George Foster Baseball where he offers private baseball instruction.

Timestamps:

• 00:02 - Introduction to the Game
• 01:12 - George's Journey in the Minor Leagues
• 11:41 - Transition to the Big Leagues
• 14:33 - Transition to Professional Baseball
• 23:16 - Transition to 1971: A New Beginning
• 28:18 - Welcome to the Big Leagues
• 36:10 - The Dynamics of Team Relationships
• 44:42 - The Journey of Development in Baseball
• 51:40 - Life Skills and Experiences in Minor League Baseball
• 56:55 - Exploring the Joy of Minor League Baseball
• 01:03:25 - Mascots and Make Believe
• 01:06:01 - New Mascots in Minor League Baseball
• 01:09:41 - The Importance of Mascots in Minor League Baseball
• 01:15:00 - The Conclusion of a Great Episode

Key Takeaways:

• In this episode of the Complete Game Podcast, we dive deep into the fascinating world of minor league baseball, exploring its quirks and the unique experiences it offers to players and fans alike.
• George Foster shares some stories from his time in the minors, including the challenges, triumphs, and the friendships that formed along the way.
• The guys play a fun game called 'Mascot or Make Believe,' which reveals some of the wildest and most creative minor league team names out there, which are often just as entertaining as the games themselves.
• We discuss the importance of the minor leagues in player development and how players like George Foster learned invaluable lessons that prepared them for the big leagues.
• The episode highlights the affordability and accessibility of minor league games, making it a great family outing compared to the often steep prices of major league tickets.
• Listeners get to hear about George's journey from humble beginnings to becoming an MVP, emphasizing the role of perseverance and hard work in achieving one's dreams.

Links:

• glovehound.com
• mdaiacademy.com
• georgefosterbaseball.com
• twocreativedigital.com

Teaser:

Next week we talk about all kinds of equipment from George's famous black bat to everyone's favorite glove, shoes, and more. Don't miss it.

Companies mentioned:

• Glovehound
• MDI Baseball Academy
• George Foster Baseball...

Summary

This conversation is essential for parents looking to ensure their kids have the best experience possible while navigating the often chaotic world of youth sports. We’ll offer you a list of helpful questions to ask your child’s potential coach about the team and the program to ensure that it's a good fit for you. Whether you’re a parent trying to advocate for your player or a kid just trying to figure out where you fit in, we’ve got insights that’ll help you make informed decisions. It’s all about laying the groundwork for clear communication and setting realistic expectations, because let’s face it, nobody wants to be that parent grumbling in the stands when things go sideways! So, grab a seat and let’s break it down together!

Podcast Partner Bios

Ethan Dungan - Owner of Glovehound Baseball Glove Repair Shop. Ethan played for several teams during his career including Midland and Fairfield High School. He now operates Glovehound from his shop in Fairfield, OH.

Rick Finley - Founder of MD&I Academy Baseball Training Facility in Fairfield, OH. Rick has successfully coached and trained hundreds of players at the Select, Travel, and College levels in both baseball and softball.

George Foster - Major League Player with the Giants, Reds, & Mets. NL MVP 1977, 5-Time All-Star, Silver Slugger and member of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. Founder of George Foster Baseball where he offers private baseball instruction.

Timestamps:

• 00:02 - Introduction to the Complete Game Podcast
• 01:56 - Interviewing Prospective Coaches
• 31:22 - Navigating Expectations in Travel Baseball
• 36:43 - Understanding Coaching and Mentorship in Youth Baseball
• 01:03:56 - Managing Expectations in Youth Baseball

Key Takeaways:

• Interviewing a prospective coach is crucial to ensure that expectations align for everyone involved, especially the players.
• Understanding the philosophy and practice structure of a coach can help parents make informed decisions about their child's development.
• Youth baseball today is a mixed bag of positives and areas in need of improvement, reflecting the evolving landscape of youth sports.
• Navigating the world of youth baseball requires proactive communication between parents and coaches to avoid misunderstandings about playing time and roles.
• Parents should not shy away from asking about travel plans and costs to better manage expectations and budget for the season.
• Encouraging kids to play for fun can lead to a more fulfilling experience, especially if competitive aspirations don't align with family values.

Links:

• glovehound.com
• mdaiacademy.com
• georgefosterbaseball.com
• twocreativedigital.com

Teaser:

Next week we trace George's journey through the Minor Leagues and discuss the importance of the Minor League system. Then we finish with some fun Minor League Mascot trivia. Join us!

Companies mentioned:

• Glovehound
• MDI Baseball Academy
• George Foster Baseball