BASEBALL COACHES UNPLUGGED - podcast cover

BASEBALL COACHES UNPLUGGED

The Ultimate Baseball Coaching Podcast. Step inside the dugout with Baseball Coaches Unplugged, the must-listen podcast for players, coaches, and parents who want to unlock the secrets of baseball greatness. Hosted by Ken Carpenter, a 27-year coaching veteran, this show delivers exclusive insights from top athletes and coaches, revealing what separates champions from the rest.

Imagine gaining insider access to the mental strategies, elite skills, and game-changing drills that fuel success. Whether you're a coach shaping the next powerhouse team, a player ready to elevate your game, or a parent guiding an athlete’s journey, every episode is packed with real-world lessons on resilience, preparation, and mastery.

From behind-the-scenes stories of triumph and setbacks to the unwritten rules of baseball success, Baseball Coaches Unplugged is your ultimate playbook for thriving on and off the field


👉 Subscribe and tune in weekly to hear from baseball’s best coaches from across the country.


 

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Episodes

Baseball Success Built on Multi-Sport Athletes - DJ Butler

Send us a text Join us as coach DJ Butler of Barnesville High School (OH) sits across from me, Ken Carpenter, and we unravel the playbook to success that transcends mere wins and losses. We dissect the crucial foundations set by youth programs and the ethos of self-improvement that can turn any coach into an architect of victory. Our conversation ventures into the unique terrain of small-town sports, where each player's contribution is magnified, and the challenges of indoor practices are met wi...

Mar 13, 202435 minSeason 1Ep. 97

The Baseball Player's Guide to Mental Clarity and Peak Performance through Breathwork - Nick Sweeney

Send us a text When life throws a curveball, how do we strike back? Nick Sweeney, a former Division I cross-country skier, joins us to recount his harrowing journey from Olympic aspirations to the depths of depression following a career-halting injury. His powerful narrative is not just about sports; it's a roadmap for anyone facing their own personal mountains. Through Nick's eyes, we learn the profound impact of breathwork—a seemingly simple practice with the strength to transform both body an...

Feb 28, 20241 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 96

Mastering the Mental and Emotional Game of Baseball with Coach Jeff Boulware

Send us a text Discover the secrets of peak athletic performance with high school baseball coaching phenom Jeff Boulware, as we dissect the mental game in our most recent podcast episode. With his background at Bishop Watterston High School, Jeff brings to the table a wealth of knowledge on building confidence, combating negative self-talk, and the surprising influence of maintaining a neutral mindset. His insights provide a playbook for anyone looking to foster resilience in the face of adversi...

Feb 14, 202437 minSeason 1Ep. 95

Unraveling the Psychology of Handling Pressure in Baseball

Send us a text Ever found yourself bewildered by an baseball player's sudden plunge from grace during those do-or-die moments? Get ready to unravel the mystery behind high-stakes underperformance—or as we commonly call it, 'choking'—in the latest episode of Athlete 1 . Host Ken Carpenter, a seasoned high school baseball coach, strips down the psychological armor to reveal the tender spots of anxiety, fear of failure, and the crushing weight of expectations that turn formidable players into bundl...

Feb 07, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 94

From the Field to the Mic Conversations with a Baseball Coach and Podcaster

Send us a text As a coach, the leap from guiding my own kid's team to nurturing a high school squad was as thrilling as it was daunting; it's a transformation that's as much about the heart as it is about the playbook. That's why I was eager to sit down with Jimmy Filingeri, the head coach at Lourdes High School and the voice behind the Clearing the Bases Podcast. Together, we peel back the curtain on the life of a high school baseball coach, discussing how to foster trust through genuine care, ...

Jan 24, 202446 minSeason 1Ep. 93

A Baseball Coach's Tale of Comedy, Character, and Knuckleballs - Jeff Letourneau

Send us a text When Bill Murray crashes your post-game interview, you know you're in for a story worth sharing. Join us as I sit down with Jeff Letourneau, pitching coach and baseball sage, to recount an iconic moment that marries the worlds of comedy and sports. Through Jeff's eyes, we travel from an uproarious interaction with a comedic legend to the ins and outs of mentoring young Guilford High School pitchers, blending tales of on-field triumphs with the camaraderie that fills off-season gol...

Jan 10, 202458 minSeason 1Ep. 92

Growing America's Pastime - Reggie Hollins/Johnny Johnson

Send us a text Discover the transformative journey of Reggie Hollins, from player to revered coach and Tuskegee University Hall of Fame inductee and former head coach, alongside the wisdom of Coach Johnny Johnson of James Clemens High School that goes beyond the baseball diamond. This heartfelt conversation with two bastions of the sport illuminates not just the importance of self-belief and the storied legacy of Tuskegee University but also the way sports shape lives through teamwork, class, an...

Dec 27, 202337 minSeason 1Ep. 91

The Cost of Victory Parental Pressure and Sports Culture Shift

Send us a text Have you ever witnessed the intensity in the eyes of a parent at a high school sports game? It's a gaze that goes beyond pride and enters the realm of fierce competitiveness. As your host, I'm taking you through the profound effects parents have on the high school sports scene. The game has changed, and not just for the athletes - coaches, referees, and the community feel the heat too. I'm pulling back the curtain to reveal how an excessive focus on scholarships and victory is dim...

Dec 20, 202313 minSeason 1Ep. 90

A Fresh Take on High School Baseball Coaching - Cody Paterniti

Send us a text What if you could peek behind the curtain of a high school baseball team on the brink of victory, guided by a young, first year head coach? Join your host on the Athlete One Podcast for an insider look at the world of high school baseball, as we chat with Cody Paterniti, the first-year head coach at Licking Heights High School. Discover his unique approach to building trust, his penchant for blurring the line between coach and friend, and his ability to harness the power of senior...

Dec 06, 202336 minSeason 1Ep. 89

Behind the Scenes of the Ohio State-Michigan Rivalry with Zach Smith

Send us a text Get ready to experience the adrenaline rush as we dissect one of the biggest rivalries in college football - "The Game" Ohio State vs. Michigan. Joining us for today's exhilarating match-up discourse is none other than Zach Smith, former coach at Ohio State and host of the Menace 2 Sports podcast. In this episode, you'll get an insider's perspective on this notorious rivalry, from the exhilarating stories of on-field competition to the shocking details of a recent Michigan cheatin...

Nov 22, 202332 minSeason 1Ep. 88

A Tribute to Rural Baseball - Stories from the Diamond

Send us a text What does it take to craft a winning baseball program in a rural school district? How do you navigate the unique challenges and rewards that come with it? As your host, we're bringing you an in-depth conversation with three highly experienced baseball coaches - Travis Church, Randy Leach, and Buck Workman. They share their journey of building and nurturing successful baseball programs, the struggles they encountered, and the triumphs they cherish. From forging strong bonds with pl...

Nov 08, 20231 hr 10 minSeason 1Ep. 87

Tommy Moffitt: Molding Champions through the Moffitt Method

Send us a text Immerse yourself in the wisdom of three-time national champion and legendary strength and conditioning coach, Tommy Moffitt. As the former head coach at LSU, Tommy knows a thing or two about molding athletes into champions. Join us, as he opens up about the intricate details of the Moffitt Method, his tried and tested strength training program that is proven successful in schools and for individual workouts. You'll feel like you're right there in the weight room with him as he pas...

Oct 25, 202355 minSeason 1Ep. 86

Inside College Football: Tommy Moffitt's Journey with Nick Saban, Les Miles, and Ed Orgeron

Send us a text Get ready for a riveting journey as we sit down with Tommy Moffitt (LSU/Miami/Tennessee), the revered godfather of college football strength and conditioning. Moffitt, who has worked with powerhouse coaches like Nick Saban, Les Miles, and Ed Orgeron at LSU, spills the beans on everything from Saban's meticulous planning to the chaos of the locker rooms at halftime. You won't want to miss his intimate stories about these legendary coaches. In our chat, Moffitt shares his insights o...

Oct 18, 202337 minSeason 1Ep. 85

The Power of Failure: An Athlete's Secret Weapon

Send us a text How often have we heard the phrase, "Failure is the stepping stone to success"? But what does it truly mean in the world of sports? How do we make sense of a missed shot, a fumbled ball, a lost game? I'm Ken Carpenter, and in this episode of Athlete 1, we explore the concept of failure, not as a dead end, but as a golden opportunity for learning and growth. Get ready for a hard-hitting discussion on mental toughness, resilience, and the power of a growth mindset. Drawing wisdom fr...

Oct 11, 20236 minSeason 1Ep. 84

Transforming Inner City Coaching: Insights and Strategies with Ron Kretz

Send us a text Are you ready to revolutionize the way you perceive and approach inner city coaching? Join us as we pick the brain of the seasoned educator and football/baseball coach, Ron Kretz. Together, we will unravel the challenges coaches face in the inner city, talk about the significance of aligning with student needs, and navigate the rising tide of negative parental behavior. We don't just stop at the problems; we also discuss solutions. Ron offers his seasoned insights and methods on l...

Sep 27, 202344 minSeason 1Ep. 83

When Athletes Refuse to Quit: Tales of Triumph

Send us a text Master the art of perseverance and discover the incredible stories of athletes who refused to quit in this inspiring episode of the Athlete 1 Podcast. Join our host, Ken Carpenter, as he shares life-changing insights and anecdotes from the world of sports. From Mike Trout to Michael Jordan, these renowned athletes faced rejections and setbacks but chose to stay committed to their goals. Learn how they turned adversities into stepping stones for success and find motivation to push ...

Sep 20, 202310 minSeason 1Ep. 82

Stepping onto the Field with Chase Gerbrick: Insights from the Youngest College Baseball Coach in America

Send us a text Imagine stepping onto the field with Chase Gerbrick, the youngest college baseball coach in the country. This episode of Athlete 1 Podcast gives you that very experience, taking you behind the scenes of college baseball, sharing his journey, the highs and lows, his career-ending injury, and the influential role his family played in shaping him into the successful coach he is today. Chase's insights on the NCAA recruitment process, the importance of physical strength, and his exper...

Sep 13, 202342 minEp. 81

From Player to Coach: Inside the Journey with VMI's Ray Noe

Send us a text Ever wonder what it takes to transition from a baseball player to high school baseball coach to successful Division 1 college coach? Join us as we unpack the journey with our esteemed guest, Ray Noe, assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Ray shares his fascinating life story, detailing his experiences at VMI, the intensity of Hell Week, and his steady climb up the coaching ranks. What sets a winning team apart? Ray lets us in on the secre...

Aug 30, 202340 minEp. 80

Unveiling the Remarkable Journey of Baseball Legend Brad Komminsk: From High School Stardom to Major League Prominence

Send us a text Uncover the extraordinary journey of Brad Kamensk, a formidable force in the world of Major League Baseball, as he shares his incredible experiences from playing for six diverse teams. This episode offers an intimate look at Brad's humble beginnings in Shawnee High School, Lime, Ohio, his triumphant rise to prominence as the fourth pick in the first round of the MLB draft in 1979, to his admirable achievements in the minor leagues. Join us as we unravel the rich tapestry of Brad's...

Aug 23, 202339 minSeason 1Ep. 79

From All-State Player to Pro Baseball: Jason King's Story

Send us a text Ever thought about the transformative power of discipline and dedication in sports? Buckle up for an inspirational journey through the highs and lows of professional baseball with Jason King, former Kansas State Wildcat and fourth round pick of the Detroit Tigers. We delve into Jason's early baseball years, revealing how his innate ability to shine in the weight room and on the field propelled him to all-state player status in Ohio. Hear about the profound influence of Coach Chris...

Aug 09, 202359 minSeason 1Ep. 78

From MLB Bat Boy to Head Coach: A Journey Inside Baseball with Johnny Johnson

Send us a text Imagine being a bat boy for the Texas Rangers, rubbing shoulders with the giants of the game, and then going on to lead your own high school baseball team to record wins. That's exactly what our guest, Johnny Johnson, the head baseball coach at James Clemens High School in Alabama, did. Johnny takes us through his extraordinary journey, from his days with the Texas Rangers, sharing encounters with legends like Nolan Ryan, Juan Gonzalez, Pudge Rodriguez, and even future President G...

Jul 26, 202342 minSeason 1Ep. 77

90 MPH High School: A New Era Under Coach Rick Weaver

Send us a text Picture this: you're offered the role of head coach for a phenomenally successful high school baseball program. Surprised? Humbled? That's exactly how Rick Weaver, the newly-appointed head coach of Defiance High School's baseball team felt when he was handed the reins. Join us as we engage in a heart-to-heart and explore not just his journey to this coveted position, but also his unshakeable commitment to molding his players into exemplary citizens, husbands, and fathers. As we na...

Jul 12, 202338 minSeason 1Ep. 76

Championship Blueprint: Inside Cincinnati Moeller High School's Baseball Success with Coach Tim Held

Send us a text Get ready for an eye-opening discussion with Tim Held, the acclaimed head coach of Cincinnati Moeller High School's 2023 Ohio Division 1 state championship team. You won't want to miss out on the insights and strategies behind this high-performing team's success, and the sheer talent that made up their roster. Prepare to be blown away by the dedication, the rigorous training, and the journey of overcoming challenges that led these young athletes to clinch the championship. We dive...

Jun 28, 202343 minSeason 1Ep. 75

A Call to Action: Supporting Our High School Coaches

Send us a text What happens when high school coaches feel unsupported and lose their authority in the athletic community? Tune in to this eye-opening conversation on the Athlete 1 Podcast as we explore the concerning departure of these vital mentors and the importance of support from parents and athletic directors. As your host, Ken Carpenter, I share my experiences as a veteran high school baseball coach, and together, we'll uncover the invaluable life lessons coaches provide as role models and...

Jun 21, 202310 minSeason 1Ep. 74

A Coach's Journey: Phil Callaghan's Lasting Impact on High School Baseball

Send us a text Join us as we journey down memory lane with Phil Callaghan, a Hall of Fame member of the Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association, celebrating his incredible 29-year coaching career. We explore the challenges of managing talented players and the changes high school baseball has experienced over the years. You'll also hear Phil's advice on making decisions in the best interest of your student-athletes. Phil shares stories from his time at three different schools - St. Francis ...

Jun 07, 202359 minSeason 1Ep. 73

Courage, Reflection, and Success: A High School Baseball Coach's Journey with Mike Weaver

Send us a text Imagine experiencing a gut-wrenching extra innings loss as a high school baseball coach, and then having the courage to reflect on the game without regret. That's exactly what our guest, Olentangy Berlin High School's Head Baseball Coach Mike Weaver, does in this engaging episode. Join us as Mike shares his unique perspective on the sport, the pivotal moments of the recent match against Gehanna Lincoln, and the tough decision to bring in a reliever. We also dive into the world of ...

May 24, 202334 minSeason 1Ep. 72

What It Takes To Win A State Championship In Baseball

Send us a text Episode 71 Why do some teams always produce successful teams? I sat down with 5 great high school baseball coaches from around the country to discuss what it takes to win a state championship in baseball. Between these coaches, they have won over 3,300 games and over 20 state championships in high school. baseball. It starts with culture and having athletes. Pitching, defense and timely hitting. Trust in your players and focusing on developing a strong bond with your players are c...

May 10, 202317 minSeason 1Ep. 71

The Buckeye Way: How Bob Todd Built a Winning Culture at Ohio State - Bob Todd

Send us a text Episode 70 In 27 years as a college baseball head coach, Head Coach Bob Todd (Ohio State University Baseball - Retired) never had a losing season. He won 40 games eleven times, 50 games twice and is the only 5 time winner of the Big 10 Coach of the Year. Missing the dugout Keys to consistent success Trusting the process What he looked for in a recruit Motivating and holding players accountable 72 players signed MLB contracts 19 All-Americans All 4 of his children played D1 sports ...

Apr 26, 202335 minSeason 1Ep. 70

What Coaches Can Teach Us About Expecting Success - Delvin Jordan

Send us a text Episode 69 On this episode of the Athlete 1 Podcast Head Baseball Coach Delvin Jordan is in his first season coaching coaching 2022 state runner-up Redan HS Raiders (GA). Despite losing the majority of the starters to graduation, his team is making another run and picking up where they left off. Changing the style of play Base stealing and small ball Road warriors (no home field) Spring football vs baseball in Georgia Benefits of being a multi-sport athlete 2 Way Sports The impact...

Apr 12, 202328 minSeason 1Ep. 69

College Baseball Is More Difficult Than You Think - Ryne Romick

Send us a text Episode 68 Ryne Romick (Denison University Baseball Associate Head Coach) was a All-Ohio multi-sport athlete at River High School (OH). He pitched for the University of Akron Zips and jumped right into coaching after graduation. Ryne Romick is the pitching coach and he goes into detail the challenges of trying to play college baseball and be successful. Climbing to the top Coaching staff cohesion Benefits of being from a small town and being a multi-sport athlete Wake up call for ...

Mar 29, 202345 minSeason 1Ep. 68
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