In this episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, the focus is on the mental game, which is often overlooked in favor of physical mechanics. Patrick discusses how understanding the brain's function can lead to improved performance, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, identity, and focus. He introduces the 'Core Five' strategies to enhance mental skills and addresses the unique mental challenges faced in baseball, including managing expectations and utilizing statistics effectively.

• The mental game is crucial for player development.
• Understanding how the brain works can lead to breakthroughs.
• Players at all levels experience similar fears and doubts.
• Automatic negative thoughts can hinder performance.
• Having a clear vision and identity is essential for success.
• Self-awareness helps players tune into their thoughts and feelings.
• Focus is a skill that can be trained off the field.
• Defining success by process rather than outcome improves confidence.
• Lowering expectations can reduce pressure during games.
• Statistics can inform better decision-making at the plate.
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• "The brain is wired to protect you."
• "70 to 80% of thoughts are negative."
• "You are not your thoughts."
• "What type of player do you want to be?"
• "Focus is a trainable skill."
• "Lower your expectations for yourself."
• "Statistics can guide your approach."

00:00 The Importance of the Mental Game

09:28 Understanding the Brain and Thoughts

18:51 Core Five Strategies for Mental Improvement

27:59 Navigating Expectations and Mental Challenges

32:48 Statistics and Counts in Hitting

Check out Patrick's new course

Swing Decisions: How To Master The Strike Zone

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In this episode, Patrick shares the unfiltered truth behind what it really takes to get recruited to play college baseball in 2025. After talking to dozens of coaches, watching games across the country, and helping players from coast to coast, he breaks down the exact roadmap players and parents need to follow — including what most people get completely wrong.

Whether you're just starting the process or deep into your recruiting journey, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.

What You’ll Learn:

The only reasons to enter the transfer portal (and why most players shouldn’t)

Updates on roster size rules and how it impacts recruiting

The most important question every player must ask before starting the process

Key recruiting timelines for Power 4, mid-major D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO

Which showcases actually matter (PBR vs. Perfect Game)

How college coaches actually evaluate players (hint: it’s not just stats)

Why the best prospect isn’t always the best player

Position-by-position breakdown of recruiting priorities

What you should be doing from freshman to senior year

Social media strategy that gets attention — without hurting your visibility

Why cold emails to coaches almost never work (and what to do instead)

Resources:

Book a $60 Recruiting Consultation: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Connect With Patrick:

Twitter: @pjonesbaseball

Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com

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In this episode, I’m joined by Jared Gaynor- founder of Pitching Coach U and former pitching coach in the Minnesota Twins organization. We dive into what actually matters in pitching development: fastball command, pitch design, identity, and the mental side of competing under pressure.

We talk about why bullpen success doesn’t always translate to games, how a pitcher’s mindset can make or break them, and why the recruiting landscape is more competitive (and confusing) than ever.

If you’re a player or parent trying to make sense of college recruiting, I offer 30-minute consultations to help you build a clear plan. You can book one at patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Follow Jared on Twitter

Jared's pitch design course

Follow Patrick on Twitter

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On this week's episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, we welcome Victor Rojas, Assistant Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Ottawa University - Arizona (OUAZ). Victor has one of the most unique journeys in baseball—he played minor league ball, worked as a GM, became a broadcaster for ESPN and MLB Network, and now, he’s coaching college baseball.

In this episode, Victor shares:

• His path from broadcasting to coaching and why he chose the NAIA level.
• What recruits and parents need to know about NAIA baseball and how it compares to other levels.
• His coaching philosophy and how he develops players mentally and physically.
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If you're a player or parent looking to understand the college baseball recruiting process—especially at the NAIA level—this episode is a must-listen.

🔗 Follow Victor Rojas & OUAZ Baseball:

• OUAZ Baseball Website
• Victor Rojas on Twitter

🔗 Need help in the recruiting process?

Book a free 15-minute call

👉 PatrickJonesBaseball.com/recruiting

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In this episode, I sit down with Coach Adam Stevens, the Head Baseball Coach at Aurora University, one of the top Division 3 baseball programs in the Midwest. With a master’s degree in sports psychology, Coach Stevens has a unique approach to recruiting, developing players, and helping them handle both success and failure.

We dive deep into:

✅ What college coaches really look for in recruits

✅ Why the mental game is just as important as physical skills

✅ The biggest mistakes players make in the recruiting process

✅ How D3 baseball compares to other levels—and why it might be the best fit for many players

✅ The transfer portal and how D3 programs are utilizing it

Coach Stevens has been leading Aurora’s program for over a decade, helping his team achieve one of the highest winning percentages in Division 3 baseball from 2018 to 2023. His insights into recruiting, player development, and the mental game are invaluable for any aspiring college athlete.

Need help in the college recruiting process?

Would you like to work with me to help you find the right college baseball program?

Click this link for a free 15 minute recruiting consultation:

My service includes:

* Full evaluation and personalized recruiting plan.

* Direct connections and recommendations to college coaches.

* Access to honest feedback from coaches.

* Player development support throughout the recruiting process.

* Ongoing communication and guidance for both recruitment and player improvement.

Free 15 minute college recruiting consultation

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In this episode, we welcome back Jacksonville State University Hitting Coach Ari Adut to dive deep into hitting IQ, game planning, and player development. Ari shares insights from his experience in professional baseball, his transition into the college game, and how he builds individualized player plans that blend analytics with practical application.

We discuss:

• The importance of swing decisions, pitch recognition, and approach development.
• How to simplify game plans for college hitters without overloading them.
• The balance between analytics and feel in developing elite hitters.

Free PJB Recruiting Consultation: For families trying to navigate the high school baseball recruiting process.

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1. 2:01-6:30 – Journey into coaching and early influences.
2. 6:31-10:45 – Using biomechanics to enhance hitting development.
3. 10:46-15:00 – Timing: The key to a great swing.
4. 15:01-22:00 – Drills that work: Eliminating inefficiencies.
5. 22:01-28:00 – Recruiting strategies and balancing the roster.
6. 28:01-35:00 – Advice for players navigating the recruiting process.
7. 35:01-40:00 – Why Valparaiso is a great place for athletes.

Connect with Cam Johnson:

• Email: [email protected]
• Valparaiso University Baseball: Visit the Website

Contact with Patrick Jones:

• Website: patrickjonesbaseball.com
• Twitter: @pjonesbaseball

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In this episode of the Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast, we’re joined by Matt Wollenzin, the Hitting Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Evansville. Matt takes us behind the scenes of one of college baseball’s most exciting mid-major programs, sharing how Evansville has built a championship-caliber team that competes with the nation’s best.

From their incredible Super Regional run to their unique approach to player development and recruiting, Matt dives into the secrets of their success. Learn about the culture of collaboration, how they develop hitters with individualized training, and the program’s commitment to long-term growth. Plus, get insights into how Evansville’s team believes in each other, adapts to adversity, and continues to rise above expectations year after year.

If you're interested in what it takes to build a winning program from the ground up and how a mid-major can compete with the top-tier teams in college baseball, this episode is a must-listen!

Follow Evansville Baseball on Twitter: @UEBaseball

Check out Patrick's new course:

Swing Decisions: How To Master The Strike Zone

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Danny-David Linahan, the new hitting coach at Texas State University. Danny shares his journey from playing college baseball to coaching in the major leagues with the Minnesota Twins. He offers valuable insights on hitting, player development, and transitioning between professional and college baseball.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction and Danny's background

2:11 - Transition from playing to coaching

5:17 - Experience with the Minnesota Twins

10:24 - Moving to Texas State University

15:19 - Approach to player development

21:39 - Key indicators for hitters

26:00 - Importance of marginal gains

30:33 - Differences between pro and college baseball

35:45 - Advice for aspiring players and coaches

College Baseball Recruiting Consultation

patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

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In this episode, we welcome back Andy Barkett, former MLB hitting coach, and current private hitting instructor. Andy shares insights from his nearly 30 years of coaching experience, focusing on the mechanical aspects of hitting. He discusses his transition from professional baseball to private coaching, the development of his remote training business, and his new product, the Power Pivot. Andy also delves into common issues he sees in college hitters and provides valuable tips for improving swing mechanics and mental approach.

0:00 - Introduction and Andy's background

5:30 - Transition to private coaching and remote training

10:15 - Evaluating hitters and addressing mechanical flaws

15:45 - The Power Pivot tool and proper hip rotation

22:30 - Common issues in college baseball hitting

28:00 - Comparing MLB hitters to amateurs

33:45 - The role of technology in hitting development

38:00 - Closing thoughts and contact information

Contact Information:

Andy Barkett

Power Pivot product

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