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Baseball isn't just changing—it's transforming before our eyes. But are all these changes for the better? 

Former MLB player Jeff Fry doesn't hold back as he takes us on a journey through baseball's evolution, from his own unlikely path to the major leagues to the troubling trends he sees in today's game. Growing up in a town of just 2,000 people in eastern Oklahoma, Fry defied the odds to forge a remarkable 15-year professional career, including nine seasons in the big leagues. His story begins with 15 consecutive hits in a summer baseball tournament and culminates in a major league career that most thought impossible.

The conversation quickly shifts to what's working in baseball today—and what isn't. Fry admires the incredible athletic talent in today's game but questions why so many gifted athletes hit .230 while celebrations for routine plays grow increasingly elaborate. "Back in the day, home run hitters hit around .300... now it seems accepted to swing for the fences and slug," he explains, pointing to how analytics departments have redefined success at the expense of entertainment value.

Parents and coaches will find particular value in Fry's passionate advocacy for youth development. He stresses that 10-year-olds shouldn't be getting "rattled" on baseball fields and recommends keeping kids in Little League until age 12 before transitioning to more competitive environments. His advice for parents after games? Simply say "I love watching you play" instead of critiquing performance on the drive home.

Whether you're a coach, parent, player or just a fan concerned about baseball's direction, this candid conversation delivers powerful insights about preserving the game's core values while embracing necessary evolution. Fry leaves us with timeless wisdom: "Believe in yourself, outwork the competition, and if you want it bad enough, you can achieve anything in life."

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From the brink of having no college options to leading Kennesaw State in stolen bases, Nate Anderson's baseball journey defies conventional paths and inspires anyone facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

When COVID-19 abruptly ended his high school senior season after just four games, Anderson received devastating news – the University of New Orleans was rescinding his scholarship offer. With nowhere to play, he focused on controlling what he could control: training daily, reaching out to any college connection, and trusting that his path would become clear.

That faith led him to Gardner-Webb University, where he joined their developmental team and turned heads with his relentless hustle. "I'm gonna run the crap out of these bases," Anderson recalls of his mindset. This determination earned him a spot on their Division I team before eventually transferring to Kennesaw State to be closer to home.

His journey took another painful turn when he suffered a torn hip labrum and UCL thumb injury, requiring two surgeries within months. Rather than withdrawing during recovery, Anderson transformed into a student-coach, mentoring younger players and gaining fresh perspective on the game. His comeback season proved remarkable – leading the team with 26 stolen bases and delivering clutch moments, including a memorable grand slam against Liberty.

Throughout our conversation, Anderson reveals wisdom beyond his years, particularly about handling baseball's inevitable slumps: "Your ability and talent has taken you this far... it's not your swing, it's not because you didn't put your right shoe on first before your left shoe." This mental approach – focusing on process rather than results – served him through countless challenges.

Whether you're a baseball player, coach, or someone navigating life's unexpected curveballs, Anderson's story reminds us that sometimes the most difficult detours reveal our true character and prepare us for greater opportunities ahead. Subscribe now to hear more conversations with athletes and leaders who demonstrate what it truly means to have a winning mindset.

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What happens when the uniform comes off after two decades of military service? For Vince Duvall, the transition from Army aviation to civilian life revealed profound truths about purpose, identity, and leadership that transcend both battlefields and playing fields.

Growing up on a Georgia farm before becoming a quarterback under Friday night lights, Vince never imagined how those early experiences would prepare him for commanding Black Hawk helicopter missions in Iraq. "In 1999 I was standing on a football field giving pregame speeches, and six years later I was in a combat zone doing the same thing," he reflects, highlighting the unexpected parallel between athletic and military leadership.

The podcast takes an emotional turn as Vince shares a harrowing Memorial Day 2007 story that forever changed his perspective. When two fellow pilots were killed checking a landing zone he was scheduled to fly into hours later, the reality that "they took my place" instilled a profound sense of purpose that guides him today. This pivotal moment makes his insights on sacrifice particularly poignant as Memorial Day approaches.

After retirement, Vince faced what many veterans encounter – a crisis of identity when the uniform comes off. "I put so much of my identity in that uniform and serving something bigger than myself," he admits. Through faith and the support of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, he discovered his new mission as a leadership mentor at a Christian school, where he now coaches young athletes with an emphasis on character over scoreboards.

Whether you're a coach, parent, athlete, or someone navigating a major life transition, Vince's journey offers invaluable wisdom about finding purpose beyond professional identity and developing the selflessness, resilience, and grit needed for life's most challenging moments. His message that "a man without purpose is lost" resonates far beyond military or athletic contexts, reminding us all to serve something greater than ourselves.

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When Coach Jonathan Burton took over as head baseball coach at Reinhardt University seven years ago, he wasn't just inheriting a team – he was accepting a mission to transform lives. After 17 years as a head coach at the NAIA level, compiling over 560 wins, multiple World Series appearances, and developing dozens of All-Conference and All-American players, Burton has mastered something far more significant than winning baseball games: building complete human beings.

"I used to chase the scoreboard a lot," Burton confesses with the wisdom of a coach who's seen it all. "Now I barely even look at that thing. I don't look at it until we have to because I'm just thinking about how to build people up." This philosophy has guided him through three different college programs, each one transformed into a national contender under his leadership.

What makes Burton's approach exceptional is his unwavering commitment to developing the whole person. While many programs focus exclusively on athletic performance, Burton's teams participate in weekly personal development sessions, attend church together, and build relationships that transcend the diamond. "Most programs are just trying to build the baseball player," he explains. "At Reinhardt, I've tried to build both the baseball player and the whole person because 98% of the players we have aren't getting drafted. They've got to be able to handle this world when baseball is over."

This whole-person approach is anchored in Burton's faith and his understanding of what truly matters in life. Now, as he prepares to transition from head baseball coach to Athletic Director, Burton hopes to influence an entire athletic department with these principles. Reflecting on coaching his own children versus other people's children for nearly two decades, he shares: "In six years, you're going to be 50, and in six years, Turner's going to have a permit," revealing the personal motivation behind his career shift.

Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or leader in any field, Burton's wisdom on building championship cultures, maintaining emotional balance ("play with emotion, don't play emotional"), and making difficult decisions offers a masterclass in transformational leadership that extends far beyond the baseball diamond. Subscribe now to hear the full conversation and discover why Coach Burton's legacy will ultimately be measured not in wins and losses, but in the lives he's changed forever.

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What happens when faith, football, and innovative thinking collide? Coach Patrick Daberkow of Concordia University Nebraska reveals the blueprint for building men of character while creating a winning program.

In this candid conversation, we explore how Coach Daberkow transformed from troubled teenager to head football coach through the dual influences of faith and football. "God used football as a ladder to help me get out of the pit I had dug for myself," he shares, explaining how this personal transformation now shapes his coaching philosophy. Rather than compartmentalizing his faith, Dabraco has integrated it into every aspect of his program.

The results speak for themselves. Concordia just completed their best season in 24 years, going 8-2 with a player-led culture that prioritizes character over talent. Dabraco's approach to recruiting focuses on finding young men who "talk to people, not about people," creating a locker room free of cliques and selfishness. His memorable "drip rock" analogy demonstrates how small, consistent actions create permanent change—just as water droplets eventually carve paths into solid stone.

Perhaps most refreshing is Daberkow's approach to work-life balance: "You don't have to lay your families down at the altar of success." In an era when coaches often sacrifice everything for wins, he models healthy priorities while still achieving exceptional results. His innovative spirit also led to creating the Headset App, now used by hundreds of programs across seven countries as an affordable alternative to traditional communication systems.

Whether you're a coach seeking fresh inspiration, a parent wondering how athletics can positively shape character, or simply someone interested in leadership principles that work, this episode delivers practical wisdom from someone who's building a legacy beyond the scoreboard. As Daberkow says about his impact: "I think you want them to remember that you cared about them."

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Coaching is about so much more than X's and O's. In this deeply personal conversation, Chris Mullins and Jeff Moyer take us behind the whistle to share their transformative coaching journeys—from demanding drill sergeants to mentors who build genuine connections with their players.

Every coach starts somewhere, and both Chris and Jeff candidly admit they began by mimicking the aggressive coaching styles they experienced in their youth. "I was that guy at one point," Chris reflects, acknowledging that his early intensity likely drove some kids away from sports altogether. Jeff shares similar regrets from his early college coaching days when he focused exclusively on developing athletes while overlooking the humans beneath the uniforms.

The turning points in their coaching philosophies came through powerful moments of clarity. For Chris, it was his wife's simple yet profound reminder during a challenging season: "You've forgotten your why." For Jeff, it was brave enough to stand before his team and ask for honest feedback about his coaching approach. These moments of vulnerability led both men to fundamentally rethink how they connect with their players.

What emerges is a coaching philosophy that balances high standards with genuine care—tough love coupled with personal connection. From personalized handshakes to intentional conversations, they've discovered that when players know you care about them as people first, they'll "run through a brick wall for you" as athletes.

Whether you coach youth sports or college athletics, this conversation offers valuable insights on building a coaching support system, maintaining your passion through difficult seasons, and remembering that your impact extends far beyond the field. As Chris poignantly notes, "Sometimes, you may be the only version of Jesus that some of these kids ever see."

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What does it truly mean to develop a winning mindset in sports and in life? Basketball legend Rebecca Dyer takes us on a captivating journey from her days as a young hoops prodigy in Kentucky to becoming Miss Kentucky Basketball, playing in the NCAA Elite Eight, and eventually transforming adversity into opportunity through coaching and sports analytics.

Rebecca's story isn't just about basketball achievements—it's about the profound life lessons woven throughout her experiences. When a misdiagnosed heart condition threatened to end her playing career, Rebecca faced the ultimate test of resilience. Yet through this challenge, she discovered deeper purpose and perspective that completely transformed her approach to sports, coaching, and eventually parenting.

As both a former athlete and now a parent to a multi-sport youngster, Rebecca offers wisdom that bridges generations and playing fields. She introduces us to the concept of "competitive excellence"—focusing on controlling what's controllable while letting go of everything else. Her memorable phrase "choose your hard now" perfectly captures the discipline required for long-term success in any endeavor.

Parents and coaches will find particular value in Rebecca's thoughtful approach to developing young athletes. From the importance of playing multiple sports to allowing children to experience different coaching styles as preparation for real-world challenges, she provides a refreshing counterpoint to today's often hyper-specialized youth sports culture.

Whether you're a sports parent navigating weekend tournaments, a coach seeking to make a deeper impact, or simply someone interested in developing mental toughness, Rebecca's insights will inspire you to focus on what truly matters—building character that transcends the scoreboard and lasts a lifetime. Listen now to discover how attitude, effort, and perspective create the foundation for success in sports and beyond.

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What creates truly exceptional athletes? Jeff Moyer, with his diverse background as a collegiate baseball player, coach, and now senior director of showcases at Prospect Select Baseball, offers compelling evidence for a road less traveled.

Drawing from his journey through Division II, junior college, and Division I programs (including playing on the #1-ranked Florida Gators), Jeff makes a passionate case for multi-sport participation during youth development. This approach doesn't just prevent burnout and injury—it creates fundamentally better athletes. "The best players we've coached were the best athletes first, then became best at their sport later," Jeff explains, challenging the early specialization mindset dominating youth sports.

Jeff's coaching career spanning multiple collegiate levels revealed what truly sets successful athletes apart. It's not just raw talent, but mental toughness, adaptability, and attention to details others overlook. College recruiters aren't just watching your performance—they're evaluating how you prepare between innings, interact with teammates, and respond to failure.

For parents navigating the complex world of youth sports, Jeff offers practical wisdom on avoiding common pitfalls: specializing too early, overlooking academics, and the dangers of "chasing the logo" rather than finding the right fit. His frank discussion about recruiting misconceptions provides a reality check for families with collegiate aspirations.

Most powerfully, Jeff shares how baseball taught him to handle life's inevitable failures: "You can do everything right and still strike out. It's how we respond to failure that defines who we become." This perspective transforms sports from mere competition into profound preparation for life's challenges.

Want to help your young athlete develop not just as a player, but as a person? Listen now for insights that extend far beyond any single sport or season.

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Every parent or coach faces this moment—your kid wants to quit a sport. Is it just a rough patch, or is it time to walk away? In this episode, I break down the difference between pushing through adversity and knowing when to step back. We’ll talk about the lessons sports teach, why pressure isn’t always a bad thing, and how to guide your kid through the decision in a way that builds confidence, not regret. Tune in for real talk, personal experiences, and practical advice on handling one of the toughest conversations in youth sports.

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In this raw and real episode of The Winning Mindset, I sit down with my son, Harlow, for an open conversation about what it’s really like to be coached by your own dad. From the pressure and expectations to the lessons and unforgettable moments, we dive into the good, the bad, and everything in between. This honest dialogue sheds light on the unique challenges and rewards of blending family and sports.

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