Rawlings Tigers Podcast

Going from a powerhouse D2 baseball program to an MiLB Coach. Micah Evans shares his journey from being recruited, to competing for a National Championship, and ultimately joining the New York Mets minor league system.

The path to success in baseball is often paved with challenges, self-reflection, and moments of growth. For one player, this journey has been a mix of gratitude, determination, and an evolving sense of identity. Looking back, Kenny Piper shares valuable insights into what it means to truly succeed—on and off the field.

Grateful for the Journey

Kenny Piper begins by expressing deep gratitude for their current position, acknowledging the choices and sacrifices that shaped their path. While the road hasn’t been without its share of doubt and questioning, a steadfast focus on their goal kept them moving forward, even in the face of adversity.

Beyond the Diamond: Finding Identity and Fulfillment

An essential realization along the way was that success in baseball does not solely define one’s value or identity. Kenny emphasizes the importance of finding fulfillment outside the game, whether through faith, community involvement, or personal growth. This broader perspective helped them maintain balance and avoid the pitfalls of measuring worth by performance alone.

Leveling the Playing Field

No matter the level or title, Kenny reminds us that once players step onto the field, everyone is equal. The shared love of the game and the competitive spirit unite players in a way that transcends accolades or status. This humility has been a cornerstone of their mindset and approach.

Support Systems and the Role of the Tigers Organization

The speaker attributes much of their success to their inner circle—parents, a supportive spouse, and others who stood by them through the ups and downs. Equally important was the impact of the Tigers organization, which helped prepare them for the next stage of their career in college. The Tigers provided not just technical training but also a foundation of values and discipline that set the speaker up for long-term success.

Embracing the Unknown

In some cases, the speaker reflects, ignorance can be bliss. Whether it’s discovering new technology, navigating career milestones, or adjusting to change, there’s value in embracing uncertainty and learning along the way. This mindset has been crucial in adapting to the challenges of a dynamic and demanding sport.

Final Thoughts

For Kenny, the journey through baseball has been about much more than wins or titles. It’s a story of perseverance, gratitude, and finding purpose beyond the scoreboard. Whether navigating the challenges of a professional career or pondering the future of the sport, the lessons learned on and off the field remain invaluable.

Accountability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the secret to unlocking success for both individuals and teams. In this video, we dive deep into how self-awareness, commitment, and teamwork can transform your approach to coaching and leadership. Inspired by real-world coaching experiences, this discussion highlights the importance of fun, character development, and creating teaching moments for growth. Whether you're coaching left-handed hitters, guiding young players, or building a cohesive team, accountability is your ultimate tool for success. Learn how to foster a winning mindset, balance expectations, and motivate your team to achieve their dreams!"

Key Takeaways:

When it comes to building a successful baseball program, Coach Tim Jones knows that it’s not just about wins and losses—it’s about creating a culture that fosters player development, teamwork, and a love for the game. In a recent conversation, Coach Jones shared insights on recruiting new players, overcoming challenges, and the key principles that shape his approach to coaching.

Recruiting new players is a pivotal part of team development, and Coach Jones emphasizes that it’s not about chasing talent alone. Instead, the focus is on finding players—and families—who align with the team’s culture. He invites potential recruits to experience the program firsthand, offering tryouts that provide a glimpse into what it means to be part of the team.

Honest feedback is a cornerstone of his approach. After tryouts, players receive constructive evaluations that highlight both their strengths and areas for improvement. This process not only helps players grow but also ensures they understand the team’s commitment to development.

A strong team culture is the foundation of Coach Jones's philosophy. Connecting with players on a personal level is vital to building trust and camaraderie. For younger athletes, he stresses the importance of simplicity and fun. “When kids enjoy what they’re doing, they’re more open and excited,” he shared. This excitement becomes the spark that fuels their passion for the game.

Safety and skill equity are also priorities. By combining age groups and allowing players to play up or down, the program creates competitive yet safe environments tailored to individual abilities. This approach not only enhances gameplay but also exposes players to a variety of experiences and challenges.

For Coach Jones, developing players goes beyond teaching mechanics—it’s about fostering mental toughness and understanding the intricacies of the game within the game. Engaging players with questions and encouraging positive reinforcement are essential tools in his coaching toolkit. This method helps players stay mentally sharp and builds resilience, which translates into success both on and off the field.

Coach Jones believes that passion and excitement for the game are just as important as raw talent. “You can’t teach passion,” he notes. By prioritizing players who are eager to learn and grow, he ensures the team remains motivated and unified. This mindset is especially impactful for younger players who may not yet have honed their skills but demonstrate a genuine love for baseball.

At the heart of Coach Jones's mission is the desire to grow the sport. He knows that fostering a love for baseball in his players will have a ripple effect, inspiring others to join the game. Through intentional recruiting, a focus on development, and a dedication to positive culture, Coach Jones is helping to shape not just better athletes, but better individuals.

By simplifying the game for younger players, creating equitable opportunities, and fostering a supportive environment, Coach Tim Jones exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose. His philosophy ensures that the lessons learned on the field carry over into every aspect of his players’ lives.

A Journey of Dedication in Baseball

Whitt Callahan, a senior infielder at Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky, joins Carter Mize on this episode of Tiger Alumni Player Spotlight.
A Southern Indiana Rawlings Tigers alum, Callahan played four full summer seasons with the Tigers from 15U to 18U before beginning his collegiate career at Spalding.
Reflecting on his time with the Tigers, Callahan shared: "I played all my high school summers with the Tigers. I'm really glad I did—it gave me the reps and exposure I needed to connect with college coaches and make my way into college baseball."
Callahan’s path to college baseball is unconventional in today’s era of frequent transfers. Preparing for his final season of eligibility, he has stuck at Spalding University throughout his collegiate journey.
The senior infielder found Spalding after the Southern Indiana Rawlings Tigers held a private workout for Spalding’s coaching staff to see.
“There were about 10 of us that attended this mini-camp that Spalding was high on. After that workout they brought me into the locker room and offered me a spot. In Division 3 there are no athletic scholarships so we didn't talk about any scholarship money obviously but I really liked the campus and facilities. It didn't take me long to commit at all.”
The infielder has played in 75 games over 3 seasons for Spalding playing both third base, and second base.
“I’ve played a large majority of third base here, with some spot starts at second base sprinkled in. If you hit, you play so I just play wherever they put me.” Winning is a hallmark of Spalding's baseball program. The NCAA Division III team has captured back-to-back SLIAC conference titles, with Callahan playing a key role in their success. In the 2024 SLIAC conference final, he hit a two-run home run, bringing his season total to a career.
"I never thought about transferring out of Spalding. I love it here—they push me every day, and I’ve become a much better player since I first arrived. Plus, we win all the time, which always makes it fun," he said.
As Whitt enters his final season of eligibility, the Rawlings Tigers community wish him the best as he looks to cap his time at spalding off with an all-SLIAC caliber season.

1. Coaching Philosophy: Simplicity and FundamentalsDJ's coaching philosophy centers on simplifying the game. Whether it’s teaching players to "hit the big part of the barrel" or guiding young pitchers to focus on direction and movement toward the catcher's mitt, the emphasis remains on mastering the basics. For pitchers, the message is clear: a fastball and perhaps a cutter, combined with accuracy and trust in the defense, are sufficient tools to excel.

2. Player Development: Building Strength and VersatilityA strong foundation in core and leg strength was highlighted as critical for developing arm strength and throwing harder. DJ stressed the importance of variety in pitches to disrupt batters' timing and the need for pitchers to prioritize throwing strikes and mastering location. Beyond physical skills, players are encouraged to embrace versatility by learning multiple positions, making them more valuable assets to their teams.

3. The Importance of Trust, Flexibility, and IndividualizationTrust plays a central role in DJ’s approach, both in the context of pitchers relying on their defense and coaches building relationships with players. Recognizing the unique personalities and characteristics of each athlete, DJ underscored the importance of tailoring coaching methods to the individual. Flexibility and adaptability, both on and off the field, were identified as keys to success, along with stepping outside comfort zones to foster growth.

4. Navigating Challenges with a Competitive EdgeDespite acknowledging that the overall talent pool may be down, DJ expressed optimism that certain teams can overcome this through hard work and a competitive mindset. High expectations, coupled with a refusal to blame others for failures, create an environment where players can thrive and develop.

In the latest podcast episode, Grayson Weber and I dove deep into the multifaceted world of baseball and softball development, discussing everything from coaching philosophies to cutting-edge technology in training. At the heart of the conversation was a focus on cultivating commitment, versatility, and a genuine love for the game, elements essential to a player's growth both on and off the field.

Dexter Swims, a 2018 graduate of the Rawlings Tigers program, found his college home at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri. As a freshman in 2018, Swims made an immediate impact in the Division II program, showcasing his skill both at the plate and in the field.In his freshman season, Swims batted an impressive .325, tallying 75 hits, 49 runs, and 36 RBIs. Among his 75 hits, 22 were for extra bases, including 16 doubles, a triple, and five home runs. On defense, he recorded a .978 fielding percentage with 78 putouts, highlighting his well-rounded abilities. His stellar season earned him the titles of MIAA Freshman of the Year and a place on the All-MIAA First Team.Over three years with the Lions, Swims sustained a career batting average of .310, notching 10 home runs and 81 RBIs. After his successful Division II career, he made the jump to Division I, playing at the University of Missouri and later at the University of Memphis.Today, Dexter continues his baseball journey in the professional sphere, working in the Amateur Scouting Department for the Milwaukee Brewers.