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In this conversation, Trayvon Robinson shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in South Central Los Angeles to his experiences in Major League Baseball. He discusses his debut with the Seattle Mariners, the emotional struggles he faced, and the lessons learned throughout his career. Trayvon reflects on the importance of mentorship, resilience, and the impact of personal challenges on his professional life. Now a hitting coach, he emphasizes the significance of guiding young players and the lasting memories created through the sport. 

Trayvon Robinson was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 10th round of the 2005 MLB Draft. He climbed up their prospect ladder for several seasons. By 2011, Robinson seemed poised to leap on to the Dodgers' Major League roster. Instead, he was traded to the Seattle Mariners before making his MLB Debut a week later.

With the Dodgers, he seemed to be THE guy. With the Mariners, he was just another guy.

"Yeah, I couldn't even tell you how much I was just crying on the inside. I was stunned."

After spending parts of seven minor league seasons with the Dodgers, Trayvon Robinson was a very well known commodity with the decision-makers, player development personnel, and the big league staff. However, it became obvious, quickly, to Trayvon that the Mariners just picked him up to have another outfielder on their depth chart. 

"I just felt like I was walking on eggshells, man," says Robinson. "I just had this whole feeling to where I just wasn't comfortable, If it would have been different with the Dodgers, you know why? They knew me. They knew exactly who I was. They know where I came from. They know everything."

"I eventually stopped playing up there [the Major League level] at the age of 24, so I wasn't getting everyday at-bats. I just felt like I became another guy very quickly," remember Robinson. 

Trayvon began the 2012 season in AAA Tacoma with the Mariners. "I batted .530 with like 30 at bats or 20-something at bats in spring training. The only thing I got was 'You need to go play every day." Really? I'm doing everything and I was in a big trade with you. Like just tell me what I need to work on.'

During that AAA stint, Robinson began to fell his favor with the organization was growing. Despite still not playing everyday. minor tweaks to his swing and approach led to harder contact, a reduced strikeout rate, and an increase in walks.

Even so, Robinson explains, "Bam, I get freaking traded. So they wrote me off at like 24 years old." The Seattle Mariners traded him to the Baltimore Orioles.

Trayvon Robinson spent the 2013-15 seasons between the Orioles, Dodgers, Tigers, and Diamondbacks organizations. In 2016, he landed in the Atlantic League, where he play until the 2019 when he was picked up by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

"I ended up flying down there to Bradenton [Pirates' spring training home]. I walked up to [Rick] Eckstein, Pirates' hitting coach at the time, and I was like, 'I want play.' Then he asked, 'Where have you been?'"

Robinson explained that he'd been playing in the Atlantic League. He and Eckstein went over Robinson's stats from the last few seasons. The two would spend sometime in the batting cages together and Robinson would soon be sent an invite to spring training.

"I was expecting to get released. It's a numbers game dude, I just want an opportunity to get spring training," said Robinson. "I just wanted an opportunity."

Trayvon got more than a spring training opportunity, he got sent to AAA Indianapolis. Despite battling through a divorce and losing his house and savings, he was named to the 2019 AAA All-Star Game.

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Growing up in a neighborhood plagued by violence and limited opportunities, Trayvon Robinson knew early on that escaping that environment would take more than just dreaming—it would take relentless effort. Trayvon was never tempted to turn the criminal activity that many of his peers chose. Baseball took him to not-so-distant neighborhoods with luxurious gated communities, well-furnished baseball programs, and rosters full of recruited prospects. He utilized commitment and his baseball talents to build a future where safety, stability, and self-worth were everyday realities. 

It was a struggle to be seen and respected by scouts and the baseball brass for Trayvon and other prospects in his area. "It's just that it's the stigma of like, 'Oh, he's not playing against anybody.' Or 'He's not in a good league.' Don't get me wrong. It's probably not a good league. But how would you know if he is a good player or not? And that's what I had to make sure that I was put in those situations of playing against Mark Trumbo, Trevor Plouffe,

Justin Sellers, Danny Espinosa. There's a lot of guys I played against that went to prestigious high schools, but my boy Jermaine Williams, he went to Los Angeles High School. So it was just me and Jermaine that went to play against all these prestigious high schools and all these big prospects."

Trayvon was later drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 10th round of the 2005 MLB Draft out of Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles at the age of 17. "They said top 10 to 15 [rounds of the draft] so for me, I was like, I'm fine with that. I just want to go play baseball. Where I grew up, my house situation wasn't great. I just wanted to go and just see how far I can go because I know on the other side there's something better."

By 2009, Robinson was known sprung up the prospect lists. He earned a spot on the California All-Star Team in 2009, the Southern League All-Star team and in the Arizona Fall League's Rising Stars Game in 2010, and the AAA All-Star Game in 2011. Initially Trayvon was more known for his speed, making it remarkable that he was also included in the Home Run Derby of that AAA All-Star Game. 

At the July 31st, 2011 trading deadline, Trayvon Robinson was traded by the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Seattle Mariners in the three-team deal that sent Erik Bedard to the Boston Red Sox. The move came as a surprise to Robinson. "I couldn't even tell you how much I was just crying on the inside. I was stunned."

Trayvon Robinson made his MLB debut less than a week later with the Seattle Mariners on August 5, 2011.

In this episode, Trayvon "T-Rob" Robinson shares his journey from growing up in South Central LA to becoming a professional baseball player. He discusses the challenges he faced in his youth, the importance of community and mentorship, his experiences during the draft, and the emotional rollercoaster of transitioning to the big leagues. Robinson's story highlights the impact of personal struggles and the support of mentors in achieving success in sports.

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In this episode, Jeff Perro interviews Jay "Smiley J" Jackson, celebrating his career in baseball and discussing his transition to coaching. Jay reflects on his journey from being drafted by the Cubs to making his major league debut, his experiences playing in Japan, and his new role as a pitching coach. He shares insights on retirement, the importance of mindset, and his initiatives to help young athletes through the S.M.I.L.E Zone. Jay emphasizes the significance of positivity and personal growth, aiming to inspire others through his upcoming memoir and various projects.

Chapters

00:00 Starting a New Chapter: Coaching Journey Begins
02:11 Reflecting on the Draft Experience
05:15 The Call-Up: Making It to the Big Leagues
08:17 The Changing Landscape of Baseball
11:04 Success in Japan: A New Adventure
13:58 Looking Back: Celebrating a Career
19:49 Finding Time to Reflect and Celebrate
20:45 Finding Purpose and Service
21:28 The Smile Zone: A Positive Mindset for All
23:53 Curriculum Development for All Ages
25:18 The Importance of Early Education
26:29 Promoting Mental and Physical Health
28:24 Launching The Smile Zone
30:19 Personalized Coaching and Accountability
32:56 Target Audience and Future Aspirations
33:42 Transitioning from Player to Mentor
34:23 Podcasting and Sharing Knowledge

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In this conversation, Ty Buttrey shares his journey from being drafted by the Red Sox to his experiences in the major leagues with the Angels. He discusses the challenges he faced, including burnout and the pressures of maintaining success. Ty reflects on his decision to retire from baseball, explore new passions, and eventually return to the sport, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and pursuing what truly matters in life. In this conversation, Ty Buttrey shares his journey from professional baseball to navigating life after sports. He discusses the challenges of transitioning careers, the importance of mental health, and the realities of pursuing dreams in a competitive environment. Ty also highlights the success of his wife, Sam Green, in the NIL space and their collaborative efforts in building a community around athlete branding and personal growth. 

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On the field, Bobby Scales was known for his intelligence, leadership, baseball wisdom, and work ethic. Off the field, he is one of baseball's most respected thought-leaders and people-developers.

After retiring from professional baseball in 2012, Bobby Scales seamlessly transitioned into roles that leveraged his vast knowledge of the sport. His post-playing career has been defined by his contributions to both player development and broadcasting, proving that his expertise extends far beyond the field.

Scales moved into upper echelon player development roles with the Los Angeles Angels and Pittsburgh Pirates. His understanding of the game and his firsthand experience as a player made him a valuable asset in guiding young athletes. His ability to analyze the sport from multiple perspectives—both as a former player and as an executive—allowed him to make significant contributions in shaping the next generation of athletes.

Beyond his executive work, Scales has also made a name for himself in sports media. He joined the Detroit Tigers' radio team in 2023 as a broadcaster, where he provides insightful commentary and analysis during the Tigers' road trips. His presence in the Tigers' broadcast booth has added depth to the commentary, offering listeners valuable insights from someone who has experienced professional baseball at multiple levels. His ability to break down plays and explain strategies has made him an engaging and knowledgeable voice for Tigers fans.

Scales' transition into these roles showcases his adaptability, intelligence, and passion for the sport. While many former players struggle to find their footing after retirement, Scales has thrived by applying his experiences in new ways. His work in player development allows him to continue shaping the future of baseball, while his broadcasting career enables him to educate and entertain fans. Bobby demonstrates that a love for the game does not fade—it simply evolves.

This episode is available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else you find your podcasts.

In this conversation, Bobby Scales shares his journey from growing up in Michigan to playing in Major League Baseball, including his time with the Chicago Cubs and his current role as a broadcaster for the Detroit Tigers. He discusses the importance of education, the challenges of the draft process, and the significance of mentorship in professional sports. Bobby reflects on his experiences in the minor leagues, the emotional rollercoaster of being called up to the big leagues, and the lessons he learned about leadership and teamwork from veteran players. In this conversation, Bobby Scales shares his journey through professional baseball, detailing his experiences from his early days in the MLB to his time in Japan and his transition into broadcasting. He discusses the cultural differences in baseball between the U.S. and Japan, the challenges of player development, and the importance of having a growth mindset. Bobby also reflects on his roles in the front office and the responsibilities that come with them, as well as his current work as a broadcaster and consultant.

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 On the field, Bobby Scales was known for his intelligence, leadership, baseball wisdom, and work ethic. Off the field, Bobby Scales is one of baseball's most respected thought leaders and people-developers.

Bobby had a long career that spanned both Major League Baseball (MLB) and Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Scales played college baseball at the University of Michigan after joining the team as a walk-on before being selected by the San Diego Padres in the 14th round of the 1999 MLB Draft. After 6 years in the Padres' minor league system, he played in the minor leagues for the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox organizations before joining the Chicago Cubs in 2008.

In 2009, Scales made headlines when he made MLB debut with the Cubs at the age of 31. His first major league hit came against Tim Lincecum, the 2008 National League Cy Young Award winner. He'd have an impact in the major leagues with the Cubs in 2009 and 2010. Scales moved to Japan to play in NPB. He joined the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in 2011 and later played for the Orix Buffaloes in 2012.

Scales' career is a testament to his perseverance, resilience, high baseball IQ, and leadership.

https://www.catchupbaseball.com/post/...

This episode is available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else you find your podcasts.

In this conversation, Bobby Scales shares his journey from growing up in Michigan to playing in Major League Baseball, including his time with the Chicago Cubs and his current role as a broadcaster for the Detroit Tigers. He discusses the importance of education, the challenges of the draft process, and the significance of mentorship in professional sports. Bobby reflects on his experiences in the minor leagues, the emotional rollercoaster of being called up to the big leagues, and the lessons he learned about leadership and teamwork from veteran players. In this conversation, Bobby Scales shares his journey through professional baseball, detailing his experiences from his early days in the MLB to his time in Japan and his transition into broadcasting. He discusses the cultural differences in baseball between the U.S. and Japan, the challenges of player development, and the importance of having a growth mindset. Bobby also reflects on his roles in the front office and the responsibilities that come with them, as well as his current work as a broadcaster and consultant.


www.catchupbaseball.com 

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 The Campanis family has built a remarkable legacy in baseball, spanning three generations and nearly 85 years.  In this conversation, we take a closer look at the life and baseball career of Jim Campanis Jr, son of Jim Sr. and grandson of Al.

Al Campanis started his baseball career in 1940 as a shortstop for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Although his playing career was brief, it was his management roles that truly defined his legacy. He became a key player in the Dodgers organization, serving as the director of player development and later as general manager. Al was known for spotting talent,  he was integral in the signing and development of Roberto Clemente, Sandy Koufax, and Fernando Valenzuela.  However, a controversial statement during a television interview led to backlash and his resignation in 1987. 

Following in his father's footsteps, Jim Campanis has lived a life baseball. He played professionally for twelve seasons, reaching the Majors in seven,  and later became a respected member of the Dodgers' front office and the Los Angeles baseball community. 

Born into baseball, Jim Campanis Jr. stands as the most recent torchbearer of the Campanis legacy in baseball. Drawing on the strong foundation established by his father and grandfather, he forged his own path in the sport. Jim was a star at the University of Southern California. He's second to Mark McGwire on USC's single-season home run list and still holds the school record for RBI in a season. Following his junior season in 1988, Jim was selected to represent his country on Team USA, but was also selected by the Seattle Mariners in the third round of the MLB draft. 

The Mariners talked Jim Jr. out of representing his country at the Olympics in favor of beginning his pro career. He would play five-injury plagued seasons in the Mariners' minor league system before finishing off his career in 1994 with one season in the Angels' organization. Jim would later post stories of his childhood emersed in the game of baseball, as well as stories from his own playing days, on his social media accounts. For years, commenters told him he should write a book. In 2016, he would finally publish Born into Baseball.

Born into Baseball is available here: https://amzn.to/4kfJNU8

This episode is available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else you find your podcasts.


Summary:
In this engaging conversation, Jim Campanis Jr. shares his unique journey through the world of baseball, growing up in a family deeply rooted in the sport. From his early experiences at his father's and grandfather's games to his own professional career, Jim reflects on the challenges and triumphs he faced, including the pressures of rebuilding his family's legacy. He discusses his time at USC, the struggles of professional baseball, and the importance of mental performance techniques like visualization and managing anxiety. 

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"I always tell people I had two careers. Had my first part of my career from 03 to 07. I don't really talk about 7 to 10 because that was 'The Grind Years,'" Jerome Williams says, " The second part of my career was from 11 to 16. You rarely get a second chance. I got that second chance." 

To begin the first phase, Williams was the 39th pick of the San Francisco Giants of the 1999 MLB Draft. He garnered a lot of praise and attention during his ascent to the big leagues. He was named the Giants' number 1 prospect prior to the 2000 and 2001 seasons. He was also named to the USA team for the 2001 Futures Game. Jerome made his Major League Debut on April 26 2003 at the young age of 21 years old. On June 27th of his rookie season he became the youngest Giant to throw a shutout since 1975. During those initial years, he showcased promise as a right-handed starter. 

2007 begins what Jerome Williams refers to as "The Grind Years." He usually choses to leave this era out when recalling his career. During this phase of his career, Jerome spent time bouncing between AA, AAA, two different independent leagues and Taiwan. "The Grind Years" ended when he was signed of the Atlantic League by the Los Angeles Angels in June of 2011. 

From 2011 to 2013, Jerome was, again, able to find success and comfort at the big league level. He appeared in 79 games with the Angels, 46 of which were starts. He would finish his Major League career with St. Louis Cardinals in 2016. Williams turned to coaching in 2019. As he reflects on his journey, Williams embodies important lessons about resilience and determination in the face of adversity. He continues to inspire aspiring players, reaffirming that with hard work and perseverance, they can achieve their goals.

In this conversation, Jerome Williams shares his journey from growing up in Hawaii and being drafted at a young age, to navigating the ups and downs of his professional career. He discusses the challenges he faced, including injuries and the grind of independent leagues, before transitioning into coaching. Jerome reflects on the importance of family, the lessons learned from his mother, and his current role as a pitching coach in the Pioneer League, emphasizing the significance of teaching baseball IQ to young players.

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In this conversation, Alex Liddi shares his journey from growing up in Sanremo, Italy, to making it to the Major Leagues with the Seattle Mariners. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of his baseball career, including the decline of baseball in Italy, his experiences in the U.S. leagues, and his time playing in Mexico and other international leagues. Liddi reflects on his retirement from professional baseball and his plans for the future, including a focus on community involvement and helping other athletes navigate their post-career lives.

Alex Liddi made history as the first Italian-born and developed player to reach Major League Baseball. His story transcends personal success; it embodies the cultural significance of representing Italy on the global baseball stage. Born in Sanremo, Italy, Liddi's passion for baseball sparked in his early years. Growing up in a family that cherished the sport, he caught the attention of scouts with his talent and ambition. By the age of 17, he signed with the Seattle Mariners in 2005. 

Liddi impressed the team all the way to the top of the professional ladder. He made his Major League debut on September t, 2011, with the Seattle Mariners against the Los Angeles Angels.  Although he faced a learning curve during his debut, it was a glimpse into his potential as a player and a representative of Italian baseball. Throughout his professional career, Liddi primarily played as a third baseman. He spent most of his time with the Mariners, where he became known for his robust hitting and sharp defensive skills.

Liddi's contributions extended beyond MLB. He represented Italy's national team in international competitions, including the World Baseball Classic. His participation not only elevated Italy's visibility, it inspired a fresh wave of talent for future competitions. For instance, during the 2013 World Baseball Classic, Italy reached the second round for the first time, a feat that undoubtedly energized the baseball community at home.

After parting ways with the Mariners, he became a fan with various minor league teams and international leagues, including stints in Taiwan, Mexico, and even the United Arab Emirates . His ability to adapt and his relentless desire to hone his skills demonstrated a remarkable resilience. 

Throughout his travels, his work ethic remained evident. He frequently spent hours in training and maintained a fierce competitive spirit, often pushing himself to improve. Today, Alex Liddi is celebrated not just for his on-field achievements but also for his cultural influence. As the first Italian-born player in modern MLB history, he has cleared the way for countless young athletes across Europe. Liddi's story continues to inspire, as he remains a respected figure in the baseball community worldwide. 

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Corky Miller shares his journey from aspiring baseball player in Yucaipa,CA to signing with the Reds and making it to the big leagues. He discusses the challenges he faced, including being a non-drafted free agent and the excitement of his call-up. After his playing career, Corky transitioned into coaching, where he continues to impact the game. He also reflects of the importance of staying connected to the sport.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Corky Miller
02:38 Corky's Early Career and Decision to Play Baseball
10:53 First Taste of Professional Baseball
19:01 Making It to the Big Leagues
21:48 Life in the Major Leagues
25:03 Transitioning to Coaching
28:27 Life After Playing Baseball
34:20 Managing in Independent Baseball
39:14 Current Role as Catching Coordinator