Heading For Home

For some coaching is a profession, but for many it is a calling. This is definitely true of Benji Medure, the Head Baseball Coach at Huntington Beach High School, one of the top programs in the nation. In this special two part episode, he speaks about building the HB program from 4 wins to a CIF title and eventual #1 ranked team nationally. More importantly though, he and Keith discuss the deeper motivations that continue to drive them and the mentors they have had along the way.

When you think of the qualities of the quintessential ballplayer, there are very few that embody these more than Derek Nicholson. From the youngest brother dominating the high school scene, to the incredible success at the university of Florida and eventually taking that to professional baseball, “DNic” was born to hit. In this episode, Keith and Derek talk about their long winding road together, Derek’s paving the way for future ballplayers in the area, and working through life’s tribulations without a roadmap. Thank you for listening and please review and subscribe. Cheers!

Whether it is on a ball field or in a board room, Logan Gelbrich is right at home. He is an entrepreneur, author and burgeoning leader in a connection based world. In this episode, Keith and Logan discuss similar beginnings, the years that molded his work ethic, and giving ourselves permission to be more than just ball players. Thanks for checking out. Please subscribe and review. Cheers!

Today’s guest would be commonly referred to as “the most interesting man in baseball” by many of his ex teammates. From shagging BP barefoot, to swapping old shower heads in the locker room on a whim, Virgil Vasquez is definitely one of a kind. Now, as a pitching coach in the Minnesota Twins organization, he has found his next passion in helping this generation’s ballplayers any way he can. In this episode, Keith and Virgil discuss finding comfort in throwing again, the optimal mindset of a pitcher, and life in the independent Atlantic League.

For many, coaching is not just a profession but a calling. This is definitely true for today’s guest, Andy Jenkins. Andy went from a professional baseball career to returning to coach at his alma mater, Oregon State. He is now an Assistant Coach at Cal State Fullerton, one of the top programs in America. In this episode, Keith and Andy discuss growing up playing ball in the Pacific Northwest, coaching mentors, and dealing with failure on the coaching side.

“Do you love this?” That is the question. In this episode, our guest Brian Lockwood and Keith discuss doing something with passion, the feeling of imposter syndrome, and dealing with adversity while chasing your dreams. Special thanks to Two Guns Espresso for the great coffee

From 50th round draft pick to pitching in Yankee Stadium, Brian Bowles enjoyed quite the career. His days in professional baseball spanned 13 years including multiple big league stints along the way. In this episode, Brian and Keith dive into perfect endings, the importance of persistence, and funny stories from the road.

When it comes to having a finger on the pulse of the game and understanding the fabric of America’s pastime, nobody does it better than Travis Chock and Baseballism. In this episode Travis, CEO and Founder of the baseball lifestyle brand Baseballism, chats with Keith about his humble beginnings in both baseball and business, where he learned to be a leader, and how baseball so often mirrors life. Please check out Baseballism.com and see how they have cornered the market on all things baseball.

Former 12-year Big Leaguer and fellow lefty, Jeff Francis (Rockies, Royals, Yankees, Reds, Athletics, Blue Jays) joins Keith in the Westy via Facetime from his home outside of Toronto. In this episode, we discuss adjusting to pro ball as a Canadian in a new country, the improbable ‘07 Rockies run to the World Series, and finishing his career for his hometown team, the Blue Jays.

Jason Burch was never your average baseball player. Currently a Senior Counsel for Uber in New York City, the former closer had stints in the Rockies, Cardinals, Orioles and Blue Jays organizations during his 6 year minor league career. With his devastating slider and preference for Jonathan Franzen, Jason always stood out in the clubhouse. In this episode, Keith and Jason discuss what it’s like to be a big time-prospect, having agents send limos to your house, and being a gay man in a professional baseball atmosphere.