🎙️ Coach Caliendo – Baseball Outside the Box PodcastOn Letting Players Fail and Decision-Making DrillsAs I watch more and more young players in games, I see a lack of decision-making. Too often, we coaches want to control everything. But if we truly want to develop players, we must train them—in practice and in games—to make their own decisions.Yes, they will fail more in the short term. But in the long term, they will grow stronger, smarter, and more confident. Baseball must be fun, and part of that fun is making decisions, learning from them, and talking through those choices with the coach.Encourage players to decide for themselves. Don’t worry if it’s the wrong decision or if the other team simply makes a better play. The best players are the ones who failed more when they were younger, who trained in difficult environments, and who learned to handle adversity.Parents, don’t hover. Don’t always put kids in situations where success is guaranteed. Let them struggle, let them learn. And for very talented players, sometimes they need to play up an age level to truly understand failure and growth.👉 Subscribe to Baseball Outside the Box Podcast on Spotify and YouTube at Peter Caliendo to get updates on new shows.

⚾ Coach Caliendo: Baseball Outside the Box Podcast: Why Training at Game Speed Is Essential
Automatic Reactions: When players rehearse plays at full speed repeatedly, their bodies and minds build muscle memory. In real games, they don’t waste time thinking—they simply react.
Pressure Simulation: Replicating stressful situations (bases loaded, two outs, tie game) conditions athletes to stay composed when the stakes are high.
Decision-Making Efficiency: Practicing at game tempo sharpens instincts. Saving even one second can be the difference between an out or a run scored.
Confidence Building: Players who have “been there before” in practice feel less anxiety in games. Confidence comes from preparation.
Team Cohesion: Running plays at speed ensures everyone knows their role. Communication becomes seamless because teammates anticipate each other’s moves.
🔑 Core Plays to Train at Game Speed
Cutoff & Relay Throws: Outfielders hitting the cutoff man under pressure, with runners advancing.
Double Plays: Infielders turning two quickly, with realistic baserunner speed and pressure.
Bunt Defense: Charging, fielding, and throwing with urgency while simulating fast runners.
Pickoffs & Rundowns: Practicing timing and execution so reactions are instinctive.
First-to-Third Situations: Outfielders and infielders coordinating to stop aggressive baserunning.
Squeeze Plays & Situational Hitting: Offense and defense both rehearsing under game-like tension.
🧠 The Coaching Philosophy
The goal is to remove hesitation. If players have to think in the moment, they’re already late. By drilling plays at game speed, you hardwire responses so that when the lights are on, they execute naturally.
It’s the same principle used in military training, emergency response, and elite sports: train harder than the game, so the game feels easier.

🎙️ Shaun Larkin on High-Performance Coaching – New Episode!Major League Coach with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Shaun Larkin joins us to break down what it takes to become a better coach — not just today, but for the long haul.We dive into his 5 C’s of Coaching:ClarityCapacityConsistencyCourageCommitmentShaun shares his journey to the big leagues, the mentors who shaped him, and the lessons that stuck. We talk culture, communication, practice organization, and the importance of having fun and enjoying the ride.You’ll hear real stories from the field — working with players, collaborating with coaches — and insights that will elevate your coaching game.Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your edge, this episode is packed with wisdom.Subscribe You tube for updated shows, also on spotify as baseball outside the box

🎙️ Baseball Outside the Box Podcast Episodewith your host Peter Caliendo:

 Guest: Chris Vaccaro, IABFExecutive Trustee & Head of Communication plus U.S. Press Officer for FIBS
From building baseball development to building futures — this episodecelebrates nearly 10 years of IABF's impact on the game globally. 

Host of the podcast PeterCaliendo dives into how the alliance between IABF and FIBS took shape, its goals of advancing youth development and upgrading facilities, and how it'sdelivering real impact:

*Italian prospects signing MLB contracts
*Italian players competing at the highest level — including in the WorldBaseball Classic
*Exclusive training via the Francisco Cervelli - IABF Baseball Academy
*A documentary coming soon: “Andiamo”, airing on Ciao USA TV Network
The IABF isn't just about competition — it’s about culture, community, andopportunity. Learn about their scholarship programs, fundraising events (thinkcigars, golf, and a star-studded awards dinner featuring Commissioner Rob Manfred — who, yes, is Italian American!), and the growing pride through Italian Heritage Nights hosted by more than 20 MLB teams.
Hear how Lucio Taschin and his club in Rovigo helped two players sign with the Blue Jays and Mets, and explore how you can support or join the movement atwww.IABF.Foundation.

Taga coach, player, or proud Italian who needs to hear this 🇮🇹⚾ #BaseballOutsideTheBox #IABF #ItalianBaseball#AndiamoDoc #WorldBaseballClassic #MLBItaly #CervelliAcademy#PeterCaliendoPodcast

Yours for Better Baseball & SoftballCoaches Worldwide

Your Host

Peter M. Caliendo

Listen To the Best Baseball Experts In the GameOn My podcast. Subscribe to receive updates on new shows.

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baseballoutsidthebox

Also, on You Tube at Peter Caliendo

and Baseball Blue Book, www.baseballbluebook.com

🎙️ Gregg Zaun on the Podcast! Former MLB catcher with 16 seasons behind the plate and a World Series Champion with the Marlins, Gregg Zaun joins us for an energized, explosive, and no-nonsense conversation you won’t want to miss. Subscribe on You Tube at Peter CaliendoWe dive into his journey to the big leagues, his time as a baseball analyst for a Canadian network, and his current role as manager of the Kelowna Falcons in the West Coast League.Gregg tells it like it is — honest, sharp, and deeply knowledgeable. From managing strategy and fundamentals to overcoming failure and bouncing back, he brings insight and fire to every topic.Tune in and hear from one of the game’s most candid voices. This episode is packed with wisdom, stories, and straight talk that coaches, players, and fans will appreciate.Subscribe on You Tube at Peter Caliendo and see all the episodes.

🎙️ New Episode Alert! **Former MLB Pitcher Jeff Fassero** joins *Baseball Outside the Box* to share his incredible journey to the big leagues — from grinding through the minors to pitching into his 40s — plus powerful advice for today’s pitchers on mindset, longevity, and adapting to the modern game.📺 Watch on YouTube: [@Peter Caliendo](https://www.youtube.com/@PeterCaliendo) 🎧 Listen on Spotify: [Baseball Outside the Box](https://open.spotify.com/show/your-show-link) ✅ Subscribe for updates — over **350 episodes** of elite baseball insight!

🎙️ New Episode Alert! **Former MLB Pitcher Jeff Fassero** joins *Baseball Outside the Box* to share his incredible journey to the big leagues — from grinding through the minors to pitching into his 40s — plus powerful advice for today’s pitchers on mindset, longevity, and adapting to the modern game.📺 Watch on YouTube: [@Peter Caliendo](https://www.youtube.com/@PeterCaliendo) 🎧 Listen on Spotify: [Baseball Outside the Box](https://open.spotify.com/show/your-show-link) ✅ Subscribe for updates — over **350 episodes** of elite baseball insight!

🎙️ New Episode Alert – Baseball Outside the Box Featuring: Nic Wilson, Assistant Major League Hitting Coach – Colorado RockiesNic Wilson joins the show fresh off his promotion to the Colorado Rockies’ Major League staff in May 2025, following a major coaching shakeup. Previously the club’s Minor League Hitting Coordinator, Wilson now works alongside Jordan Pacheco to guide hitters at the highest level.His journey includes: ⚾ Playing in the Tampa Bay Rays system (2014–2015) 🏫 College ball at Hofstra, Eastern Arizona, and Georgia State 🧠 A reputation for sharp hitting development and player-first coachingThis episode covers a wide range of topics, including:His path from player to pro coachDaily life and responsibilities as an MLB hitting coachHow he builds trust and communicates with hittersBalancing analytics with feel and instinctCoaching philosophies that resonate across culturesAdvice for young coaches and playersInsights for Korean coaches unfamiliar with his background. He will be speaking at the 4th annual ISG Baseball Coaching Conference, December3-4, 2025.What it takes to succeed at the highest level — mentally and physically📢 Tune in and share with your coaching community! 📺 Watch on YouTube: Search Peter Caliendo and subscribe so you never miss a show.

Coaching with Purposeby Keith Madison

Whether you're coaching baseball, basketball,soccer, or simply guiding young people, Coaching with Purpose is amust-read. Purchase at ⁠CoachKeith Madison – coachkeithmadison.com⁠

Legendary University of Kentucky head coachKeith Madison shares timeless wisdom that empowers coaches of all sports—especiallyvolunteers—to help athletes grow mentally, physically, andspiritually.

This isn’t just a coaching manual. It’s a powerfulguide to leadership, character, and lasting impact.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Parents, this book also serves as a valuable resource for raisingstrong, resilient kids. If you care about developing people—not just players—checkit out. This is coaching with heart, vision, and purpose.

Keith Madison’s Coaching with Purpose is aheartfelt, practical, and inspiring resource for anyone who wants to lead withintegrity and make a difference—on the field and beyond.

🧢Keith Madison – Coaching Legacy at Kentucky⚾ Playing Career🏆 Honors &Recognition🌍Leadership & Service

Keith Madison’s Coaching with Purpose is aheartfelt, practical, and inspiring resource for anyone who wants to lead withintegrity and make a difference—on the field and beyond.

🧢Keith Madison – Coaching Legacy at Kentucky⚾ Playing Career🏆 Honors &Recognition🌍Leadership & Service

Baseball Outside the Box Podcast with your host Peter Caliendo**🎙️ John Goulding on a coaching legacy.

**🏆 5 Decades of Coaching Excellence** **🌍 Pakistan WBC Coach** **🎓 200+ Players in College** **⚾ Many in Pro Baseball—including Barry Bonds** **📻 Listen on Spotify:** [Baseball Outside the Box](https://creators.spotify.com/.../baseballoutsidethebox/)**In this episode:** From coaching in **Pakistan** to mentoring in the **Dominican Republic**, John shares insights from a lifetime in the game. Topics include: - His **coaching philosophy** across five decades - What to **focus on** to build a successful team - **Game management** strategies - **Practice organization** tips - How to connect with **today’s generation of players** - And so much more from a true **legend of the game**American Baseball Coaches AssociationUSA Baseball MLB Europe WBSC EuropeWBSC Europe BaseballBaseball Outisde the Box with Peter Caliendo Malta Baseball & Softball Association Baseball Softball Club Rovigo Baseball Federation of Asia Baseball CzechBaseball European Championship 2025 Baseball BC Baseball New Zealand