Swing Hard

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Denny and Producer Rob conducted this podcast episode while Rob was traveling in Peru. The two discussed Denny's high school baseball team's recent elimination from the CIF playoffs after losing a tough away game. Denny talked about his team's strong season performance, including victories over multiple opponents, and mentioned that his program will be participating in the Dodgers summer league program, with a new player related to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts joining the team.

"Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

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This podcast episode focused on Denny's high school baseball team's playoff progress. Denny discussed their upcoming quarterfinal game against Corona, explaining the CIF Southern Section playoff format and strategic considerations about playing at home versus on the road.  Denny also shared insights about managing pitching staff with two primary starters and discussed how winning has improved team dynamics and parent relationships during the playoffs.

"Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

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This podcast episode featured Jason Gordon, a former police officer and professional golfer who now works with athletes through his company Full Salvo Athlete, discussing the importance of teaching young men to be independent and self-sufficient rather than relying on relationships for validation. Jason shared how he helped his son RJ overcome challenges in college baseball by emphasizing the need for solitude, purpose-driven focus, and maintaining personal boundaries in relationships. The discussion covered how young athletes often become dependent on attention and approval, which can undermine their performance and goals, with Jason advocating for teaching young men to "stay in their frame" and prioritize their purpose over immediate emotional needs. The conversation also touched on how parents and coaches can support this development by aligning on messaging and encouraging independence rather than constant reassurance and attention.

"Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

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Episode 253 focuses on baseball terminology and coaching practices, with Adam Sarancik sharing his list of problematic phrases used in youth baseball and discussing proper communication techniques. The hosts discussed various terms including "can of corn," "hot corner," and "high cheese," explaining their origins and proper usage. Denny and Swing shared coaching insights and experiences, particularly around proper pick-off techniques and base coaching strategies. The conversation also covered Adam's recently published book on baseball coaching, "The Car Ride Home," which received endorsements from Denny and the American Baseball Coaches Association. The podcast concluded with plans to promote the book through local little league organizations and a potential meeting during an upcoming baseball showcase in August.

CHECK OUT ADAM'S BOOK "THE CAR RIDE HOME" ON AMAZON HERE

"Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

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This episode podcast features Kevin Griffin (father of Konnor Griffin, a Pittsburgh Pirates player), Scott Sterling (father of Levi Sterling, a professional pitcher), discussing their sons' baseball journeys. The conversation covered the development paths of both Konnor and Levi, including their experiences with USA Baseball teams, the draft process, and the challenges of professional baseball. The discussion highlighted the importance of multiple sports in young players' development, the role of parents in supporting their children's baseball aspirations, and the mental toughness required at higher levels of play. The participants shared insights about the U.S. national team selection process, college recruitment decisions, and advice for young players and parents navigating the competitive baseball landscape.

"Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

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This episode podcast features Kevin Griffin (father of Konnor Griffin, a Pittsburgh Pirates player), Scott Sterling (father of Levi Sterling, a professional pitcher), discussing their sons' baseball journeys. The conversation covered the development paths of both Konnor and Levi, including their experiences with USA Baseball teams, the draft process, and the challenges of professional baseball. The discussion highlighted the importance of multiple sports in young players' development, the role of parents in supporting their children's baseball aspirations, and the mental toughness required at higher levels of play. The participants shared insights about the U.S. national team selection process, college recruitment decisions, and advice for young players and parents navigating the competitive baseball landscape.

"Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

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This podcast episode featured John Campanella discussing his baseball career and family legacy with hosts Denny and Rob. John shared stories about growing up in a family of seven boys, with his father Joe Campanella being a prominent coach and actor who prioritized family over his Hollywood career. The conversation covered John's time playing for Denny at Glendale College, his subsequent career at Cal Poly San Luis and UCLA, and his current role as a writer and editor for the Toluca Times newspaper. John discussed how his father's coaching philosophy focused on building character and relationships rather than just winning games, and he reflected on the lasting impact of youth baseball experiences. The episode concluded with plans for future collaborations between John and the podcast hosts, including potential regular appearances and article contributions.

"Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

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Author Adam Sarancik  joined Denny to discuss the role of parents in youth baseball and how they should communicate with coaches and players about game strategy and performance. Adam emphasized that parents should avoid second-guessing coaching decisions and instead use open-ended questions to engage their children in post-game conversations. Denny shared his experience with a player who was moved from the 3-hole to the 6-hole in the batting order, explaining that such decisions are based on mechanics, mental approach, and situational needs rather than personal performance. The discussion included detailed analysis of hitting mechanics, the importance of first-pitch strikes, and the need for situational hitting practice. The conversation also touched on the challenges of managing young players' mental state during a tough losing streak and the importance of maintaining trust in coaching decisions.

Don't forget to read Adam's book "A Ground Ball to Shortstop - How and Why Coaches See Their Game Differently Than Anyone Else."  It is a quick read and that perfectly aligns with today's podcast.

"Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

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On this week's "Swing Hard," Denny called Rob after his high school baseball team's 1-0 loss to De La Salle in the national tournament semifinals, where they were ranked 22nd in the state.  

Denny and Rob then discussed how parents should handle post-game conversations with their children about sports coaching decisions. Denny advised against venting to children about perceived coaching mistakes, suggesting instead to focus on appreciating the game and using positive language. 

"Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

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This week Denny talks about opening weekend at Major League Baseball. Plus, Denny and Rob review the latest from the Mission League and Denny teases a topic we have coming up in a future podcast, “What’s appropriate for parents to say to their kids about their coach.”

"Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett