Rob’s journey is remarkable — from archaeologist with a Ph.D. from Brown University to award‑winning author of ten books, founder of SABR’s Asian Baseball Committee, and one of the most decorated researchers in the field. His passion for the game and the culture of Japan shines through in everything he does.## **About the Book: *In the Japanese Ballpark*** In his new book, *In the Japanese Ballpark: Behind the Scenes of Nippon Professional Baseball*, Fitts takes us deep inside a world most American fans never get to see. Through twenty‑six interviews — players, managers, cheerleaders, front‑office executives, a mascot, a beer vendor, even a league commissioner — he reveals the real stories behind the NPB season.This is oral history at its finest, in the tradition of Ritter’s *The Glory of Their Times*.### **What you’ll learn:**- Why some Japanese teams **deliberately lose money** - Why having an agent is often **socially discouraged** - How salaries can be cut by **40% in one year** - How a team once tried to acquire a **real lion** as its mascot - Why Japanese training methods may lead to **fewer major injuries** - How the culture of samurai discipline still shapes the modern game And yes — you’ll hear the story of how the Nippon‑Ham Fighters convinced a 17‑year‑old **Shohei Ohtani** to stay in Japan and become a two‑way player.## **Praise for the Book**> “I loved this book!” — Doug Glanville> “Every page is filled with insights and delight.” — Rob Neyer> “Robert Fitts uses the best kind of oral history to bring alive the vibrant and unique culture of Japanese baseball.” — John W. Miller## **Why You Should Listen**If you love:- Japanese baseball culture - storytelling …this episode is a must.Rob brings unmatched insight, humor, and depth — and this conversation opens a window into a baseball world that is rich, passionate, and unlike anything in the U.S.If you want, I can also create:- a **short social‑media caption** - a **30‑second video script** - a **thumbnail title** - a **long‑form episode description** **Listen on Spotify:** *Baseball Outside the Box* **Watch on YouTube:** *Peter Caliendo*Baseball Outisde the Box with Peter Caliendo Dustin Hermanson Randy McGilberry Baseballmania Pallotta Juan Luis Bossio Perez Leon Christian Abel Sergio Perez Gonzalez Women's Baseball Asian Cup 2025 Daiji Yuzuriha Jorge Blanco Mendoza Greg Legg @followers Fred Mitchell Marco Stoovelaar

Baseball Coaching Tips from many great coaches

Check out the great coaching tips in this short video, lots to pick up for parents, coaches and players.

Baseball Outside the Box

🎙️🎙️Baseball Outside the Box Podcast —Special Guest Don Landolphi, ABCA Hall of Fame, USA Blind BB Coach, Former St. Johns University College Coach, Italian National Team coach and 50 plus years in USA & International Coaching. Reach out to Coach Landolphi about Blind Baseball, they need help, funding and more, nonprofit, email coach @ [email protected] ready for one of the most inspiring baseball conversations you’ll everhear. On this episode of Outside the Box, Pete Caliendo sits down with thelegendary Don Landolphi — a coach who may be “Eighty-five years young,” butbrings over 50 years of national and international baseball experience to themic.Landolphi’s story is a masterclass in passion, persistence, and pure love forthe game. From coaching alongside Joe Russo at St. John’s, to helping lead theItalian National Team to a historic 1975 European Championship, to becoming anABCA Hall of Famer, his journey spans continents and generations.He’s coached in multiple countries, co‑authored two influential baseball books,served as a USA Baseball Envoy Coach, and now plays a major role in the growthof USA Blind Baseball, helping bring the sport to athletes who never thoughtthey could play.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Don first fell in love with coachingThe mentors who shaped his philosophyHis approach to player development and teaching the gameStories from decades of international baseballWhy he continues to help coaches across the U.S. and the worldThe groundbreaking work he’s doing in blind baseballWhether you’re a coach, player, parent, or simply love the game, DonLandolphi’s wisdom and enthusiasm will leave you energized and thinkingdifferently about baseball.This is baseball education at its finest — from a man who has dedicated hislife to growing the game. Don’t miss it.To watch of listen go to Spotify or You Tube, Subscribe for new updates onshows.On Spotify @ Baseball Outside the Box Educational PodcastYou Tube @ Peter CaliendoReach out to Coach Landolphi about Blind Baseball, they need help, funding and more, nonprofit, email coach @ [email protected]

Max BP Chief Revenue Officer Parker Huffman joins Baseball Outside the Box for a powerful conversation you won’t want to miss. We break down Parker’s career path—packed with lessons for young professionals—and dive into one of the most versatile training tools in the game today: the Max BP wiffle ball machine.
Sports vision expert Ryan Harrison from Slow the Game Down demonstrates the machine on MLB Network with Sean Casey, showing how it improves vision, reaction time, timing, pitch recognition, and more. Adjustable height, pitch movement, game‑like distance, multi‑skill versatility—this machine delivers for all ages, all levels, and even all sports.

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The podcast is now heard in 130+ countries and across the USA.
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Former USA Baseball National Team Coach, Host of Baseball Outside the Box Podcast, President Caliendo Sports International and VP ISG Baseball.

On this episode we have international baseball coach Pete Caliendo...Pete comes on the show to talk about his college career, transition to coaching, national team coaching with USA/Belgium/Bulgaria, Indy ball, clinics in over 50+ countries, host of the baseball podcast Baseball Outside the Box, Italy baseball tours 

**Podcast Review: Baseball Outside the Box — Ryan Flynn & the Rise of Irish Baseball**In this episode of *Baseball Outside the Box*, we dive into one of the most compelling international baseball stories of the year. Ryan Flynn — the newly appointed CEO of Baseball Ireland and former CEO of Baseball New Zealand — joins the show to talk about his vision, his journey, and the future of the sport on the Emerald Isle.Flynn brings decades of global baseball experience, having led programs in New Zealand, Guam, Australia, and the United States. His track record includes building the Auckland Tuatara, elevating New Zealand into the WBSC world rankings, and developing grassroots systems in countries where baseball is still emerging. Now, he’s bringing that same energy and expertise to Ireland.This episode explores:- Flynn’s international baseball career and the lessons he’s learned - Why Ireland is ready for a major leap forward in baseball development - His plans to professionalize Baseball Ireland and expand participation - The importance of youth pathways, coaching education, and infrastructure - How Irish heritage and personal roots make this role meaningful for him - What it takes to grow baseball in countries dominated by other sports Flynn speaks openly about the challenges ahead — funding, facilities, and awareness — but also about the enormous potential he sees in Ireland’s baseball community. His passion for building programs from the ground up shines through, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in international baseball development.*Baseball Outside the Box* continues its tradition of bringing forward thinkers, innovators, and global leaders to the microphone. This conversation with Ryan Flynn is no exception — it’s insightful, inspiring, and a fascinating look at where Irish baseball is headed next.Also, on You Tube @ Peter Caliendo

The Future of Baseball Development with Michael Trahan & Chad CailletFormer Division I college coaches Michael Trahan and Chad Caillet have taken player development to a whole new level with 2D Sports and their work as Baseball Performance Specialists. This is not your typical assessment program — it’s a cutting‑edge, science‑driven approach built to truly unlock an athlete’s potential.Topics DiscussedDesigning cutting‑edge development programs for players and coaches — the real “cheat codes”Customizing skill training and strength & conditioning to fit each athleteIdentifying unique motor patterns through a comprehensive assessment processScience‑based, results‑driven programmingUnlocking player potential and helping athletes compete with a clear, confident headspacewww.baseballperformancespecialists.com and 2Dsports.org

## 📘 **Alessandro Maestri’s Book — What It’s About**Alessandro Maestri wrote a book titled **“Il Baseball Come Non Lo Avete Mai Visto”** (translated: *Baseball As You’ve Never Seen It*). It’s a personal, behind‑the‑scenes look at his life in baseball — from growing up in Italy to pitching professionally around the world.The book covers:### 🇮🇹 **His Italian Baseball Roots**- How he discovered baseball in a country where the sport is niche - Early development, challenges, and the path to becoming one of Italy’s top pitchers ### 🇺🇸 **His Journey to the United States**- Signing with the Chicago Cubs - Life in the minor leagues - Cultural adjustments and the grind of the U.S. system ### 🇯🇵 **Playing in Japan**- His time in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) - The discipline, training style, and baseball culture that shaped him - How Japan changed his approach to pitching and preparation ### 🌏 **Global Baseball Experiences**- Playing in Australia, Korea, Mexico, and other leagues - What he learned from each baseball culture - Stories from clubhouses, travel, teammates, and coaches ### 🎯 **Lessons on Pitching, Competing, and Growth**- His philosophy on pitching - Mental toughness - How to adapt when your career takes unexpected turns - Advice for young players and coaches ### 🇮🇹 **Returning to Italy as a Leader**- His role in developing Italian baseball - Coaching the national team - How his global experience shaped his coaching style

*Juan Berger appeared on the *Baseball Outside the Box* podcast in an episode focused on the development of baseball in Guatemala, including the growth of the Guatemala Baseball Winter League and its grassroots efforts.** If you're looking to listen to or learn more about that specific episode, here’s everything you need in one place.## Episode Overview Juan Berger, President of the **Guatemala Baseball Winter League**, joined host **Peter Caliendo** to discuss:- How Guatemala is developing baseball from youth levels to professional play - The structure and goals of the Guatemala Winter League - How foreign players have elevated local competition - Marketing, TV exposure, and community engagement - Coaching education programs and future plans for the sport in Guatemala -Developing a club from the ground up and making it a big success, a model for clubs around the world.-NPA, Juan is the Latin American Director, NPA protocols uses in the club and the league which has made them both successful.## Where You Can Listen or Watch Listen on Spotify @baseball Outside the Box Watch/Listen on You Tube @ Peter Caliendo - **Guatemala Winter League Website:** www.ligabig.com ## About *Baseball Outside the Box*Hosted by longtime coach and international baseball educator **Peter Caliendo**, the podcast features coaches, executives, and baseball leaders from around the world.

Coach Caliendo talks about ISG Baseball at the WBSC Europe Congress, Caliendo/Corzano Tours of Italy, includes Wine Tasting and Cooking Classes Sicily, Caliendo Sports International Baseball and Softball Teams heading to Italy this summer and next guest on Baseball Outisde the Box with Peter Caliendo Baseball Outside the Box Educational Podcast Former MLB Player, Coach Curacao Baseball Week Desi Relaford, look for announcement on social media, either on this Saturday March 21, 2026 11 am or Tuesday March 24th, 2026 11 am. Will be a great show. More to come. WBSC Europe WBSC Europe Baseball Peter Caliendo EBCA - European Baseball Coaches Association BC Minor Baseball Association