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During this episode of Ahead of the Curve, I interviewed Doug Wren, Head Baseball Coach at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas. Coach Wren talks about what it was like as a young 25-year old coach, how he prepares his assistant coaches to give their best and learn enough to be head coaches one day, and how he works with players who might be struggling. Learn from this coach who has had multiple All-American players under his coaching tutelage over the years. 

Episode Highlights: 

What was Doug’s vision when he started as a coach? 

What does Doug Wren’s fall training season look like?  

What is he charting for offensively? 

What type of environment does Coach Wren set up to integrate new players into the team culture? 

Are there any specific things that Doug Wren requires his players to do?  

How does he develop his assistant coaches? 

What does a typical spring training plan look like? 

How does he go about communicating to players about what they need to work on?

What advice does Doug have for first-year head coaches?  

What is the latest thing that he has learned that he is excited about? 

What is something that he does in practice that his players love? 

Give your players 100% of yourself as a coach and expect the same from them. 

You are not doing your job if you aren’t teaching your assistants to one day take your job. 

Tweetable Quotes:

“I restructured practice a little bit to kind of suit what I was trying to do from an offensive and defensive perspective. From the gear that we wore, kind of putting our spin on that.” – Doug Wren (05:30)

“We try to play our outside opponents on accommodation on Wednesdays and Fridays, and so Monday becomes a teaching day. So show up Monday morning. Hopefully, the guys are excited.” – Doug Wren (10:29)

“Our guys never miss class for baseball. They are never chasing down professors. They are not behind in their work. They are always in class, and if they miss, it is most likely on them.” – Doug Wren (11:44)

“There is nothing worse than having an exit meeting at the end of the fall and you felt like this kid could have done a little bit better and maybe he fell behind. But in his mind, he only remembers the good things.” – Doug Wren (13:30)

“Excellence in small things is excellence in all things. How you do anything is how you do everything.” – Doug Wren (18:50)

“I‘ve had multiple All-Americans that didn’t start the year out as starters.” – Doug Wren (39:31)

“Be where your feet are. Be the best assistant you can be where you are at. Be a sponge. Take notes.” – Doug Wren (42:46)

Resources Mentioned: 

Twitter: @AOTC_podcast

Doug Wren: Linkedin  Twitter

Doug Wren’s Email: [email protected]