Ahead Of The Curve with Jonathan Gelnar

AOTC Officially Retired. So for episode 1, we're joined by Air Force Assistant Coach CJ Gillman, South Mountain Assistant Coach Tyler Gillum, Wright, Stealbases.com and Wright State Assistant coach Matt Talarico, ORU Head Coach Ryan Folmar and Oklahoma State's James Vilade. CJ Gillman on getting one percent better in BP every day AND we even touch on bunting…(1:30-32:36) Tyler Gillum on the Growth Toolbox, infield play, and a little bit of green light special (32:40-56:00) Matt Talarico on all things base running (56:06-1:17) Ryan Folmar on building culture in your program (1:17-1:25) James Vilade on a coaches number one job. (1:25-1:34)

Bio Born in Northern Alberta, Canada in an area where there is very little baseball, his parents let him move to Lewiston, ID when he was in the 9th grade and live with a host family and play high school baseball. He then played at Spokane Falls Community College and  Whitworth University After playing he coached at Spokane Falls CC for 4 years working with hitters and outfielders and  also serving as the S&C coach. During that time, he got His Master’s degree in Exercise Science from Eastern Washington University. Robin then got out of coaching and pursued a PhD and While working on it, he was Ed Cheff’s S&C coach at Lewis Clark State College. Robin completed his degree in 2002 and landed a tenure-track faculty position in the Department of Kinesiology in cedar falls Iowa. After 18 years, he got back into coaching and became the volunteer assistant for the University of Northern Iowa softball team in the Fall of 2018 and then in January of 2019 he took a job at the university of Iowa,  where he started as the hitting coach and then became the pitching coach in the Fall of 2020. On the show, we go over player assessments, developing motor learning plans, and blending the art and science of coaching. Time stamps 3:50 - Player Assessments 16:00- Blending art and science of coaching 18:30- Motor Learning Plans for pitchers 25:27- Motor learning plans for hitters 33:30- Using in game data for pitchers 37:00- Using in game data for hitters 43:30- Gameplanning 45:00- Pre-pitch routines 46:45- Post Game reports 50:30- Simplifying data 55:30- Quick Hitters Resources Motus Sleeve Trent Otis Google sheets/Pivot tables Functional Movement Screen Frans Bosch

iTunes Stitcher Google Spotify During this episode of Ahead of the Curve, I interviewed Peter Fatse, MiLB Hitting Coordinator for the Minnesota Twins. Peter shares a wealth of information about how to execute decision training, ways to remain competitive during training, the importance of building an adjustable swing, and techniques to implement individualized training for players. Episode Highlights: How did Peter Fatse get involved in baseball coaching? What should we focus on in the off-season? What questions does he ask players to address deeper learning? What does an average week of training look like? How do we train an adjustable swing? What are some ways that he trains for decision training? How do they like to compete during training? What are the things that Peter looks for that he thinks that really good players do? How does Peter issue a plan that maximizes individual development in a team environment? Is there something that Peter Fatse has learned lately that has him really excited? What is something that his players do in training that they love? What is something that Peter believes that other coaches may disagree with? What are things done during Peter’s training that would stand out to people? What are some of Peter Fatse’s favorite books and resources that have benefited his coaching? 3 Key Points: Be honest about your weaknesses, strengths, and areas of development. Adjustability swings are a trait of elite hitters. Stay open-minded to learn from various other people. Tweetable Quotes: “We have a lot of information. But you have to be hungry to apply it and you have to be hungry to learn and dig in for yourself, because, ultimately, it is your career.” – Peter Fatse (02:49) “Make a realistic evaluation of your previous year and really take the time to look and say, ‘what are the attributes that I possess that right now are strengths for me?’” – Peter Fatse (04:06) “When I think about competitive design, there are two ways that we as hitters compete, the internal and the external.” – Peter Fatse (21:48) “When I have guys in the training center, one of the first questions I will ask is, ‘are you right-handed or left-handed?’” – Peter Fatse (30:05) “A lot of the times, the drill passages, from a bat path perspective would change depending upon their dominant hand and then ultimately, how the barrel created early excerration.” – Peter Fatse (30:10) “Be able to utilize bat and ball information to create a plan, because the ball, ultimately, is going to give us the best depiction of what is happening.” – Peter Fatse (32:57) “Every player’s career is extremely important, especially to myself and the rest of the staff.” – Peter Fatse (34:26) “I think you want to kind of look to layer on stress so that when a guy gets to the game, the idea is more about execution and they are not worried about being prepared anymore.” – Peter Fatse (40:45) Resources Mentioned: Ahead of the Curve Podcast Twitter: @AOTC_podcast Peter Fatse: Twitter  Instagram

2021: Justin Haire is in his sixth season as head coach of the Campbell University Fighting Camels and his 13th as a member of the Campbell baseball coaching staff. After spending seven seasons as recruiting coordinator, assistant coach, and eventually associate head coach under former skipper Greg Goff, Haire was named the 10th head coach of Campbell baseball (senior college era) on June 6, 2014. Haire has coached dozens of all-conference players, over 20 all-region players, seven conference players of the year, two region players of the year, and 15 All-Americans. Haire has recruited or coached every baseball All-American in Campbell history. and He is one of four head coaches in program history to reach triple-digit wins.

Quotes Surround yourself with people, treat them right. Work as hard as you want them to work. Care as much as you wan them to care and you've got a chance to have a really good program Sloppiness and lack of discipline turns into losing. If I'm asking my players to be disciplined, then i better be disciplined. I cant ask my players to do something I'm not doing myself. If you cant hustle, I cant play you. Being able to communicate with your players is one of the best assets of being a good coach Even though times have changed and kids have changed a little bit, they’re still the same. If have high expectations for them, you’re gonna get it. Contact Jackleggett.com

Quotes You want to get kids ultra competitive? Throw a radar gun up and watch them go crazy If you're going to be a NIACC Trojan, you've got to earn it. There wont be anything handed to you. Our guys make goals and standards. Then we print it off and we tape it to every single locker so they see it every single day. Now they see those goals and standards everyday and they hold each other accountable We want to teach our guys about servant leadership. It's not about you all of the time. So using our popularity as a platform in our community in order to create some good The World Series' and the championships and the wins are all a byproduct of what our beliefs are. We have to do things better, we have to work smarter and we have to develop a culture of development that is built around the player Resources Rapsodo Motus sleeve Driveline Brian Cain Randy Sullivan Austin Wasserman Dallas Baptist University Minnesota volleyball Contact Info Twitter @coachherg

Quotes I think my why when I first started was winning ballgames and now all of my focus is on impacting young men. We raise pitch counts by swinging I often get asked, "what's you're two strike approach?" we don't have one I don't have a staff that works for me, i have a staff that works with me You never know what you can learn about your players until you start asking the right questions. We want to manage our drills so we can get maximum volume, maximum variances with attention to the individuals within the context of practice. Resources Eugene Bleecker Craig Wallenbrock Lind google drive Pitching Ninja Phone calls and conversations The obstacle is the way by Ryan Holliday Legacy by James Kerr Jon Gordon

During this episode of Ahead of the Curve, I interviewed Chase Lambin, Hitting Coach in the Texas Rangers organization. Coach Lambin shares information about hitting, pushing players to be their own coaches, learning from everybody, creating a proper teaching environment, and how to deliver data to players without overwhelming them.  Episode Highlights: How did Chase Lambin get involved in baseball and as a coach?   What are some learned lessons Chase has acquired? What does the off-season look like for Chase Lambin  Where does he start in the process of coaching? How does Chase relate to and get to know his players better? What does Chase Lambin say to players to access their confidence? How does he help players make better decisions? What are some different competitions that he uses with players? How does he balance individual training needs within the team setting while trying to win games? How can we filter data to players to be the most beneficial to them? Is there anything that Chase Lambin believes that other coaches might disagree with? What are some things that he works on with players on a regular basis?  What are some of his favorite books and resources? Play baseball with joy. It is what we do, not who we are.   3 Key Points: As a coach, be a “mentern” - a combination of a mentor and an intern. Every swing is like a snowflake. Each one is different for the situation and the moment. Chase Lambin wants his players to be their own best coaches.  Tweetable Quotes: “I have a list of goals for the off-season, and all of it involves learning and growing. First off, I have to make up for lost time with my wife and kids because I think pro ball can be a bit of a grind and it puts a strain on a family.” – Chase Lambin (03:57) “Everybody has something to offer. Whether it be a first-year pro player, a college kid, a 10-year big league veteran, or a coach that has coached for 40 years.” – Chase Lambin (04:47) “There is no right and wrong. There is what does and does not work. I really don’t subscribe to absolutes.” – Chase Lambin (07:55) “We are more psychologists than we are mechanic. I usually start with a lot of questions that have nothing to do with baseball. I try to ask about their siblings, their parents, or do they have a girlfriend.” – Chase Lambin (11:28) “I think sometimes all a hitter needs to hear sometimes is that they are not alone.” – Chase Lambin (22:10) “You’ve got to create the environment to teach. You’ve got to train it.” – Chase Lambin (26:14) “When you make the preparation and the training as competitive as the game. It’s like getting a running start into the actual competition.” – Chase Lambin (33:10) “The last thing I want to do is muddy the waters. My main job is to distill information and give it to them in digestible chunks.” – Chase Lambin (41:45) Resources Mentioned: Ahead of the Curve Podcast Twitter: @AOTC_podcast Chase Lambin: Linkedin Facebook

Original 2020: Today we have on Joe Espada, Bench Coach for the Houston Astros. Joe grew up in Puerto Rico and attended college the University of Mobile before being drafted 45th overall in the 1996 draft by the Oakland A’s. Joe played 10 years in the Minors before retiring and getting into coaching. He got his first coaching job in 2006 with the Marlins and was named the big league 3B coach in 2010. In 2014 he was hired by Brian Cashman and became an assistant to the GM and the infield coach with the Yankees, and in 2017 he was hired by the Astros to be the bench coach. On the show we discuss lessons learned throughout his professional career, we discuss how working in the Yankees front office helped him become a better on field coach and we dive deep into how to learn about and build the culture in the clubhouse. Resources Extreme ownership- Jocko Willink Measure what matters- John Doerr We’re all in this together- Mike Robbins    

Today we have on George Lombard. First base coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers. George has been a member of the dodgers for 5 years, after previously serving various roles in the Braves and Red Sox Minor League Systems. George’s story is one word, powerful. His mom was a civil rights activist with Martin Luther King jr. His grandfather was the dean of Harvard business school for 40 years. George was an all American running back and signed at the university of Georgia before ultimately deciding to pursue baseball which led to playing 6+ years in the big leagues.

Throwback to 2019: In this episode of Ahead of the Curve, I engage in a discussion with Andrew Wright, the Head Baseball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director for Recruitment and Retention at the University of Charleston in West Virginia. Coach Wright generously shares his wisdom regarding how to not only evaluate players, but also ways to empower the coaching staff as well. Find out what Andrew Wright’s training methods typically consist of what valuable advice he has benefited from along the way. Show Notes: Andrew Wright introduces himself and shares his background How does player development and evaluation work in his program Which types of information do they measure and evaluate What are his players competing against and which skill metrics are involved It is one thing to identify problems, it is another to offer assistance to fix them What daily routines and drills do they do to establish a productive team culture A lack of education, empowerment, or accountability lead to the process breaking down How can you convey problems to players without shattering their confidence Don’t let players feel let down, put down, or shut down How do you get all of your coaches on the same page What does your coach development process look like What are some great interview questions for recruitment Being a super stubborn coach is a disservice to your team When you think kindly of someone, where is that coming from What are some unique things that Andrew’s organization is doing that others aren’t How is this spring’s practice plan shaping up What does Andrew suggest to head coaches or assistants that want to be head coaches It is important to respect how your ideas get results When pitchers get behind, it is typically because of their fast ball What is something that Andrew Wright has learned lately that he is excited about Which resources are useful that have come up in staff meetings 3 Key Points:  Don’t just bog the players down with the details. Show them how to apply them.  Team culture is a product of your belief, behavior, and experience.  Learn how to listen and how to manage your reaction when addressing issues.   Tweetable Quotes: “In a given year we have anywhere from 47 to 55 players for whom we are responsible. So, we have to get very creative.” – Andrew Wright (2:49) “At the Division 2 level, you can’t just recruit your wins, you have to recruit and develop them.” – Andrew Wright (4:24) “Unless we are willing to share the information, and be very transparent about what we are doing, we can’t really prove our worth. It’s just an opinion at that point.” – Andrew Wright (5:54) “We probably gather more information than we can actually process at this point. But the beauty is in the application.” – Andrew Wright (9:54) “We want to be candid with each other, and we want to be vulnerable, and we really want to be real with each other.” – Andrew Wright (13:53) “If we don’t have daily conversations about what it is supposed to look like, and hold each other accountable, then it is not going to work. You are doing it for show.” – Andrew Wright (31:32) “I want people who are willing to hold their own opinions as accountable as they hold someone else’s.” – Andrew Wright (37:01) “Be authentic. People see right through you when you are not.” – Andrew Wright (52:07)

Throwback Bio 2021 national champion JT Gasso has spent the past 6 seasons as Oklahoma's assistant coach. His primary responsibilities are focused on working with OU's outfielders and the Sooner offense. During Gasso's tenure, the Sooners have had one of most potent offenses in the country, and in 2021 broke almost every offensive category you can think of The Sooners broke the NCAA single season home run record, the single season runs record. and OU also broke the record for runs and home runs at the Women’s College World Series.  So on the show, we go over how they developed into national champions and the offensive juggernaut they were in 2021  Here is JT Gasso! Time Stamps 01:00- Intro 03:00- Closet Talks/Meetings during games 14:00- Elimination Games and the thought process. 21:00- Setting up the fall 42:00- mental/Tactical side 50:00- Training Adjustability 1:05:00- Last Things Resources https://hubermanlab.com/ http://www.onbaseu.com/ Gamechanger- Fergus Connolly  Contact https://twitter.com/jtgasso Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doug Quotes We dont chase results. We chase the ability to move in balance and take an effortless swing. The human body is the strongest and most efficient in a position of balance. Curt Quotes The more information we can spread about good swings, the more our game is going to progress in the right direction and especially for the players which is what its all about. Timing is the most important thing, always Cody Atkinson We’ve got to learn to time for best fastball and adjust on the fly without taking panic swings. An athlete will self organize if you give them the right things to focus on. Contact Doug Latta Ballyard6@gmail.com Curt Nelson Curtis2819@gmail.com Website and Social Media sites for the show www.aotcpodcast.com Twitter @aotc_podcast Instagram aotc_podcast

Bio Rich Hofman - Legendary High School Baseball Coach Rich Hoffman is celebrated as one of the most accomplished high school baseball coaches in history, renowned for his unparalleled success and ability to develop future professional athletes. Across his storied career, Hoffman amassed 1,020 wins, 10 state championships, and two national titles, leaving an indelible mark on high school baseball. During his tenure at Westminster Christian in Miami, Hoffman built a powerhouse program that achieved three consecutive state championships in the 1990s, including a national titles in 1992 and 1996 as recognized by Baseball America. His teams also achieved an extraordinary 60-game winning streak, showcasing their dominance. His 1993 squad was particularly remarkable, producing four future Major League Baseball players, including Hall of Famer Alex Rodriguez and World Series champion Doug Mientkiewicz. After transitioning to Westminster Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Hoffman continued his winning ways, adding two more state titles and completing an unprecedented streak of five consecutive championships between the two schools. Hoffman’s influence extended far beyond wins and titles. Known for his emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and skill development, Hoffman created a legacy that resonates throughout the baseball community. Part 2 2:00- Pre Season Structure 14:00- In Season Structure 20:00 “stealing reps” 24:00- Quick Hitters

Bio Heath Autrey is the head baseball coach at Corsicana High School in Texas, where his leadership has propelled the Tigers to consistent success. With over 400 career victories, Coach Autrey emphasizes building "overachievers," instilling discipline, and fostering a winning mentality both on and off the field. Known for his strategic approach and player development skills, he has become a respected figure in Texas high school baseball. In addition to his on-field success, Coach Autrey actively engages with the baseball community through clinics and podcasts, sharing his insights on the game and coaching philosophies. Part 2 02:00 - Pre Season Focus: 10:00 - Offensive Mindset 15:00 - Scrimmages / Tournament Season 25:00 - Quick Hitters

Bio: Joe Sato - Head Coach, Bingham High School (UT) Joe Sato is the head coach of the Bingham High School baseball team, where he has been instrumental in developing a winning culture for over several decades. He is not only an alum of Bingham but has been coaching there since 1975. Under his leadership, the team has secured three state championships and consistently ranked among the top teams in the state. Known for his innovative coaching techniques, Joe emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship, creating an environment where student-athletes can thrive both on and off the field. His dedication to the sport has earned him several accolades, including multiple "Coach of the Year" awards in Utah. He has has been inducted into the National High School Baseball Coaches Association's Hall of Fame. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Joe actively engages in community service initiatives, promoting the importance of giving back and supporting local youth programs. His dedication to the sport and his players makes him a respected leader in the local sports community. Contact Information: binghamathletics.com Part 2 02:00- Pre Season Focus 16:00- Efficient In Season Practices and favorite drills 30:00- Quick Hitters

Bio: Robbie Britt- Head Baseball Coach, Eastern Michigan Robbie joined Eastern Michigan University as head baseball coach in 2023, bringing a legacy of success from his tenure at the University of Charleston. With a career winning percentage of .722, Britt is known for transforming teams into competitive powerhouses, both athletically and academically. At Charleston, his teams clinched multiple conference championships, three NCAA appearances, and a historic 43-12 record in 2023. His commitment to excellence extends off the field; under Britt's leadership, his players achieved eight consecutive semesters with a GPA above 3.0 and dedicated over 4,000 hours to community service. Now at EMU, We talk through how Robbie continues to foster a competitive and supportive culture while preparing his players for success both on and off the field. Here is Robbie Britt! For further information about Coach Britt's career and his accomplishments, visit EMU Athletic Contact Information: rbritt@emich.edu Part 2 2:00- “skill work segment 2 and 3” 6:00- Pre Season Focuses 13:00- Scouting and Game planning 18:30- Game like practice design 25:00- Quick hitters

Bio: Todd Fitz-Gerald is the head baseball coach at Stoneman Douglas High School, where he has led the Eagles to multiple Florida state championships, including titles in 2016, 2021, and 2022. Under his leadership, the program has become a national powerhouse, known for producing top-tier talent, with several players advancing to college baseball and the MLB draft. Fitz-Gerald has over 20 years of coaching experience, previously guiding American Heritage to a state title before joining Stoneman Douglas. His coaching philosophy centers on discipline, teamwork, and developing players both on and off the field. In addition to his on-field success, Fitz-Gerald’s resilience and leadership were critical in guiding the team through the aftermath of the tragic events of 2018, uniting the community through the sport of baseball. Contact: Email: Todd.fitzgerald@browardschools.com Website: www.stonemandouglasbaseball.com 01:00 Pre Season structure 05:00- Player meetings 08:00- how to efficiently conduct practice in season Daily routines for practice Pre game Routines 17:00- Pregame routines and Drill sets 24:00 Quick Hitters

Bio: Mark "Pudge" Gjormand has been the head coach of the James Madison High School baseball team since 1995, he is starting his his 30th season in 2024 and marking his 38th year in high school coaching. Under his leadership, the Warhawks have become a dominant force, winning 14 Liberty Conference titles, 2 Concorde Conference titles, 4 regional championships, and 3 Virginia state titles. His success and dedication to the game earned him a spot in the BCA Hall of Fame in 2021, the first Virginia high school coach to receive this honor. Gjormand has also served on the executive committee of the BCA, becoming president in 2010-2011. He continues to be an influential figure in high school baseball, contributing to the national rankings committee and will be speaking at the ABCA in January. "In Part 2 We discuss how he prepares his team during the preseason, his approach to in-season drills and development, and the role of player meetings in building strong team dynamics and individual growth. Gjormand shares his strategies for keeping players sharp throughout the season and the importance of open communication with his athletes." Time Stamps – Part 2: 1:00 – Preseason Preparation How Gjormand prepares his team before the season starts, focusing on conditioning, strategy, and mental readiness. 11:00 – In-Season Drills/Development An exploration of in-season drills that keep players sharp and game-ready, ensuring they continue to develop throughout the year. 30:00 – Player Meetings and Conversations Gjormand discusses the importance of player meetings, covering the approach he takes to communicate effectively with athletes, address concerns, and foster team cohesion. 45:00 – Quick Hitters

Bio Brian Kitamura has led the Whitman College Baseball program through one of its most successful eras in school history. Entering his 10th season as head coach and 15th year with the program, he has turned Whitman into a perennial contender. In 2024, Kitamura guided Whitman to its first Northwest Conference regular-season title since 1952, earning a 26-17 overall record and 16-8 in conference play. His leadership was recognized with the 2024 Northwest Conference Coach of the Year award. Since taking over, Kitamura has led Whitman to the Northwest Conference Tournament four times in five seasons in 2019, the team won its first-ever NWC Tournament and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament, facing top-ranked Chapman University in a thrilling series. Under his leadership, the program has also made strides off the field. Kitamura helped secure major upgrades to Borleske Stadium, including a new clubhouse and indoor training facility. His commitment to player development has seen many athletes continue their careers at the NCAA Division I level while excelling academically, with Whitman teams consistently maintaining a GPA above 3.0. Part 2 Intro: "In Part 2, Brian Kitamura takes us deeper into the day-to-day strategies behind Whitman’s success. He walks us through preseason preparation, the in-season drills that help his players stay sharp, and the importance of holding player meetings to foster both individual and team growth. Get an inside look at how Kitamura keeps his team performing at the highest level year-round." Contact Information: Email: kitamubt@whitman.edu Phone: (509) 522-4438 Part 2: Time Stamps 2:00 - Player Meetings Discussion on the importance of regular meetings with players for communication and development. 5:00 - January Plans Overview of strategies and goals for the upcoming month and how they align with the season's objectives. 14:00 - In-Season Practice Advice Tips and best practices for managing practices during the season to maximize player performance and team cohesion. 20:00 - Quick Hitters