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Crack open the world of baseball wisdom with me and my guest, Bobby Wilson, a seasoned big-league player and now the catching coordinator for the Texas Rangers. From deep in the dugout to behind the plate, Bobby has played every role in the game, and in our conversation, he shares the nuggets of knowledge he's gathered over his decade-long career. We take a swing at understanding the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the pivotal pitcher-catcher relationship - the cornerstone of the Rangers program.

Navigating the evolving landscape of baseball, we explore the potential future of the catcher position, with Bobby offering his predictions on how recent rule changes and the new pitch clock might change the game. We shed light on Bobby's unique approach to bringing out the best in individual catchers, highlighting the work with Trevino and Jonah Heim. Bobby shares his belief in curating a personalized training plan, exploiting strengths, and addressing the needs of each catcher uniquely.

In the third inning of our chat, we discuss the fascinating impact of social media on the catcher community. Bobby reveals how it's not just about teaching young players the traditional skills but also about introducing them to advanced techniques that have gained traction in the digital world. We also take a deep dive into the progression of stances, the significance of upper body posture, and Bobby's run-ins with the great Mike Trout. So step up to the plate and join us for an intriguing conversation filled with anecdotes, insights, and the love of the game. Be sure to subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday!

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Let's dive into the world of baseball with our esteemed guest, Craig Driver, the catching coach for the Chicago Cubs. Aiming to enrich your understanding of the game, our lively conversation explores the recent changes within the team, the technical aspects of the catching position, and the strategic side of the game. From the exit of Wilson-Contreras to the addition of Tucker Barnhart and Yan Gomes, we discuss the unique challenges these players bring to the table and reminisce about Craig's days with the Phillies and catcher JT Realmuto.

You won't want to miss Craig's in-depth insights into the crucial role of adrenaline control, technique consistency, and emotional focus for a successful catcher. You'll learn a thing or two about the importance of long hop throws to second base and the training strategies to refine this skill. Craig enlightens us with his distinctive coaching methods, imparting the need for players stay still despite the intense pressure, and how he uses these techniques to maneuver his players in different game situations.

As we delve deeper, the conversation shifts to the art of individual optimization, the effects of evolving baseball rules, and the intriguing difference between long-term and short-term playoff strategies. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted discussion on Craig's favorite Chicago hotspots and his unique experiences as the Cubs' catching coach. Join us for an episode loaded with insightful baseball anecdotes, player strategies, and in-depth catching insights.

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Discover the secrets of elite baseball development as we sit down with Rob Bruno, founder of NorCal Baseball, and explore his 30-year journey redefining travel ball and nurturing talented players. Get ready to uncover the truth behind navigating college athletics recruitment and the art of finding players with 'nuts and guts.'

In our conversation, Rob shares the story behind NorCal Baseball's evolution, and how his program has produced successful players like Jimmy Rollins, Troy Till-Louis, and Dustin Badrioa, while focusing on the holistic development of athletes. Delve into the world of college and professional baseball recruiting, the impact of summer baseball, and the significance of fostering an environment that allows young players to thrive. Learn how Rob's commitment to player development on and off the field has led to a legacy of success in the sport.

As we reminisce about baseball memories and relationships, we also discuss the importance of collaboration between coaches when it comes to developing young players, as well as the need for creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and support. Find out how Rob Bruno's NorCal baseball program has transformed the lives of its players and coaches, with lessons that extend beyond the field and into the game of life.

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How will new MLB rule changes impact the game of baseball, especially from a catcher's perspective? Join us for an engaging conversation with legendary Coach Jerry Weinstein as we explore the effects of the pitch clock, pickoff rules, and larger bases on the game. Coach Weinstein shares expert insights about the importance of throwing mechanics for catchers, the crucial role of the pitcher in controlling the running game, and the delicate balance between arm strength, release time, and overall pop time.

We also dive into the world of catcher training, discussing how younger catchers can achieve a strong ground connection and the challenges faced by left-handed hitters due to their rotational training on the other side. Coach Weinstein and I also examine the history of left-handed throwers and the role hitting plays in today's game. Learn how the position of catcher has evolved over time and the resistance to embracing new ideas.

Don't miss our fascinating discussion on the intersection of baseball catching and pitching, where we touch on the influx of analytics and its impact on catching, as well as the subtleties of the game that can be quantified to add wins at the end of the season. We also delve into the benefits of the one knee stance in certain situations, along with pitch calling strategies to get hitters out using their best pitch. Tune in for this enlightening conversation packed with valuable insights and expert knowledge from Coach Jerry Weinstein on all things baseball catching!

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World Series Champion and 10 year major leaguer, Daniel Descalso, discusses playing in the games biggest moments, he talks Yadier Molina, and hit approach to hitting that lead to his long career.  

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Collin Wilber, catching coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates, breaks down being a first year professional coach and building relationships and trust with players. Besides the great insight on relationship building, Collin breaks down a ton of catching mechanics.

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Tanner Swanson, Yankees Director of Catching and Quality Control Coach, talks about Jose Trevino's incredible defensive season last year and pioneering the one knee stance, its beginnings and benefits in all aspects of our defense.

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In the first episode of The Backpick Podcast, we sit down with Tony Arnerich, former catching coordinator turned big league hitting coach for the Seattle Mariners.  Tony breaks down the deeper intricacies of catching diving in to receiving techniques, pitch calling, relationships with umpires and more.