The AOP Podcast

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On today’s episode we have AA Texas Rangers UTL player, Cody Freeman, 2019 4th round pick out of high school. Cody Freeman gives us some insight on what qualities he believes helped him get drafted and how his work ethic, strong mindset, his faith in God and having the support of his brother, Tyler Freeman, and family has propelled him to be where he is today. Cody shares what his experience has been like since getting drafted from high school and what advice he would give young athletes whose dream is to become a professional.

What We Discuss:

0:00 Intro

1:03 What separated you from those who didn’t get drafted?

1:57 Impact of Tyler Freeman and family on your career

6:48 Process of getting drafted

10:33 4th Rounder

12:01 What adjustments happened after being drafted?

13:44 The only American position player

14:52 What do you love about playing with latinos?

16:44 Putting on a good show 

17:37 The Cody Flair

18:37 Same person on and off the field

19:55 Supportive teammates 

21:43 Who do you call when you’re in a slump?

23:18 Describe the minor leagues experience

24:54 Did you buy anything cool with your signing bonus?

27:04 How did it feel to make that much money?

28:30 Focus on your purpose, not the money

29:23 What’s your favorite part of being a pro?

30:43 What would you tell 13-yr-old Cody?

32:56 The beauty of the journey

33:41 What advice would you give young players?

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On today’s episode we have Alex Carrillo, recently signed with the New York Mets, sharing his journey and everything it took to make it back to affiliate and straight to AAA. In his testimony he shares the highs and lows, mistakes that he made, lessons learned and the changes that shifted his career path and led him to where he is today. 

What We Discuss:

0:00 Intro

1:56 Cancun Experience (8 ERA)

3:00 Released By The Rangers

5:30 What Led To Finding AOP

7:27 Mindset During Hard Times

9:06 First Step Of Development At AOP

11:33 Process From mid 80s to mid 90s

13:02 Playing In Mexico

14:47 Handling Failures

16:51 ”Be Where Your Feet Are”

18:04 The Highs And Lows

19:33 Trusting The Process & God

21:21 Off The Field Habits Matter

24:56 Habit Changes That Made All The Difference

27:30 Support System

29:29 Progress At AOP

32:30 Fred The Guru

39:20 Winter Ball In Venezuela

44:27 What Would You Have Done Differently?

45:12 Advise For Players Looking To Play Pro

46:32 AOP Cares

48:35 What Would You Say To Players In Your Shoes?

49:19 What would You Say To The Old Alex?

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Kicking off the new year with some words of wisdom about life and being an elite athlete (high school and up). In today’s episode we discuss how your decisions, distractions, “energy vampires,” and surroundings can determine the future of your career. One key point we touch on is the importance and the positive impact of having a mentor and a support system.

What We Discuss:

0:00 Introduction (Baseball Jesus Christ)

1:23 Your decisions & becoming elite  

2:08 Mentors & your circle

4:50 Bad role models & influences

5:51 Train with elite guys to become elite

11:05 Unsupportive family

16:10 Communicate

17:01 Energy vampires (partying, girls, etc.)

21:24 Priorities come first

22:58 Distractions push everything back

26:15 Lose focus = get left behind

27:46 Giving 100% energy 

29:27 1 wrong decision can end it all

31:51 Wrong crowd/friends

35:33 Having a good support system

39:40 One moment can determine your career

40:40 Find people that genuinely care about you



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Website: https://theartofpitchingcorp.com

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In The Mind Of SEC Coach Isaiah Paige - What Coaches Look For In Players & Coaching Experience

Today, we have SEC Coach Isaiah Paige, Missouri Pitching Development Coordinator, bringing us a lot of insight on the recruiting process. Isaiah shares his experience as a player at the D1 level  and coaching professionally and now at a D1. He talks about what scouts look for in players and the shift in the recruiting process with the new NCAA roster changes. He also gives some wisdom on what players should focus on while trying to get recruited.

What We Discuss:

0:00 Introduction

05:48 Orioles Fundamentals Coach experience

12:09 Transition from player to coach

16:28 From Pro to D1 coach

18:50 Behind the scenes as an SEC coach

26:25 Finding the mold when recruiting pitchers

34:48 NCAA D1 Roster changes

36:00 Why you shouldn’t specialize too early

38:42 When would it be okay to specialize?

41:42 What scouts look for in position players

43:22 Learn the game

45:28 Are showcases important?

46:30 Invest on development

49:44 Turn offs when recruiting

52:50 Uncommon things scouts look for

54:36 What would you do different as a player?

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In this episode we have Dylan Silver, The AOP Strength and Conditioning Performance Coordinator, joining us in the conversation about the hindering mistakes we see a lot of pitchers make throughout their career. We go over the importance of habits, assessments, programming, recovery, and finding what works for you!

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In this episode we discuss the structure of most high school baseball programs and how their norms are flawed. We go over why we think high school programming can be detrimental to player’s development, an athlete’s career, and the success of their team during season. We provide solutions and insight on what we think could be a better approach.

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Bienvenidos a nuestro primer episodio en español. En este episodio, hablamos sobre el status quo del béisbol latinoamericano y por qué creemos que es necesario avanzar.

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In this episode we open up the conversation with Chaffey College Head Coach Andy Smith, on Junior College Baseball programs being overlooked. We discuss the benefits and opportunities going to a JC may provide for high school graduates and eligible college transfers. We also touch on how ego can get in the way of coaching and hold back players and programs from developing to their best potential. 

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Everyone wants to be the best, but are they willing to trust the process and do what it takes? And is their goal obtainable? In this episode we will be going over some of the unrealistic expectations athletes and parents have with the training/development process and why those expectations prevent an athletes from reaching their potential!

Instagram: @theartofpitching_
Website: https://theartofpitchingcorp.com

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Everyone wants to be the best, but are they willing to trust the process and do what it takes? And is their goal obtainable? In this episode we will be going over some of the unrealistic expectations athletes and parents have with the training/development process and why those expectations prevent an athletes from reaching their potential. Pt. 2 coming soon!