Heading For Home

And we are back with a new episode! Excited to have Mark Braff, author of SONS OF BASEBALL, on this week's episode. After his retirement Mark set out to chronicle the familial aspect and enduring legacy of baseball - fathers and sons. The book is a fantastic portrait of growing up in a professional clubhouse and the benefits and pitfalls of having a ballplayer father. We think you are gonna dig this one, and order Mark's book on Amazon!

Our guest for Episode 39 is former big leaguer Scott Richmond. Scott had one of the most unique paths to the bigs we have ever heard. His story is a great example to remember to control what you can and let the process play itself out. Can't wait for y'all to hear this one. Thank you and share!

We are excited to have Isaac Pavlik as today's guest on the pod. A former left handed pitcher with almost 20 years of professional experience, Isaac chats about convincing his family that baseball was a real option, learning the politics and business of pro baseball, and how you gotta be careful when out celebrating before an early morning flight. One of the coolest guys ever to put on a uniform, we think you are gonna dig this one. Thanks for listening and share!

Today's guest is former closer and clubhouse character Judd Songster. We chat about his roots in small town Nebraska and how the belief of his college coach took his confidence and game to a place even he didn't expect. Hope you dig this one and we are excited to bring it to you.

In this episode we chat with the man, the myth Spike Lundberg. We discuss his journey to pro ball, the benefit of having a winning mentality, and how he became a legend in the Mexican League. We are excited for you to hear this one. Thanks for listening and enjoy!

This week on the pod, Zack chats with former teammate and high school coach Jentry Beckstead. They discuss Jentry's roots and the tough decision to pick baseball over football, his minor league journey with the Rockies, and a tragic day at the ballpark in Little Rock in 2007 when a freak accident led to the loss of a beloved coach. Jentry opens up about his struggle with depression after his career ended and his continuing journey with mental health. This is an amazing episode and we are excited for you to check it out.

In this episode, Keith chats with former professional baseball trainer as well as one of the most incredible humans on the planet, Jess Jewell. Jess's baseball career has been as sporadic and unpredictable as any player and has taken her all across the country chasing the dream. They discuss their days in the Atlantic League together along with her exciting new life path in becoming a doctor. We think you're gonna love Jess. Enjoy and thanks for listening!

To be honest this is the reason we started the podcast. In this episode Keith chats with longtime minor leaguer and always a clubhouse favorite Christian Colonel. We get into Christian's journey from a tiny town in Idaho to being on the cusp of the big leagues. We also discuss some his off the field issues that hampered his career but also led to an amazing turn around in his life and ultimately finding his purpose. It is a very open and honest coversation, and it seems that no matter what life throws at him, Christian approaches it with hard work, positivity, and determination. We think you are really going to enjoy this one. Thanks for listening.

In this episode, Keith sits down with former big leaguer and fellow lefty Justin Hampson. They discuss Justin's path from JUCO to playing in the bigs with three different clubs and how a few minor adjustments from a trusted mentor turned his career around. Always a clubhouse favorite, Justin brings the same comedic energy to this conversation and we are excited to bring it you. Enjoy Episode 32 with Justin Hampson.

Watching the next generation work towards their dreams can be one of the most rewarding parts of being a coach. And even if the dreams shift, it's still great to see players chase their passion. In this episode, Keith sits down with one of his ex-players, Will Proctor, and the conversation ranges from new opportunities to playing the hands we are dealt. Hope you enjoy….

In this episode with former teammate Reid Casey, we return to our roots with a ballplayer navigating their career from little league all the way to the world of professional baseball. Reid's background is an everyman's journey and he always had a natural draw with his teammates because of his dedication to being his authentic self. This theme is a through-line as he moved on from his playing days to a job in banking to his current role as a High School teacher and coach.

Today we welcome back former guest Joe Beimel. A lot has happened since we sat down with Joe last year mainly being that he un-retired and went back to playing professional baseball at 44! We thought since this is our return who better to have as the first guest than Joe after his return to pro ball. Enjoy this episode recorded from the van inside Beimel Elite Athletics, his incredible training facility in Southern California. Hope you dig it and we look forward to bringing you more great stories.

We are excited to bring you new episodes of the Heading For Home Podcast.

Sometimes in life you never know which moments might be a springboard that will launch you down a completely new and exciting path. For this week's guest, film producer Mark Ciardi, that moment was his first day of rookie ball where he met Jim Morris with whom he would decades later collaborate with on producing his life story in the Disney film “The Rookie”. The success of that movie led Mark to become the go-to producer for Disney and their sports film franchises. This week Keith and Mark discuss Mark's path to the big league, how he got to Hollywood after his retirement, and baseball's ‘band of brothers'. Thanks for listening and please subscribe and pass along to anyone you think would enjoy the pod!

Imagine driving in the winning run on a walk-off single for your hometown team that you've dreamed of playing for since you were a little boy. This dream was a reality for Justin Ruchti. His RBI single in the bottom of the 9th against Texas gave his team the opportunity to play for a National Championship, which they would accomplish a few days later. It was the first in the history of Rice University, a very proud baseball program. In this episode, Keith and Justin discuss that moment, the countless hours spent to get to that point, and the pros and cons of listening to everyone's opinions when you get to professional baseball. Thanks so much again for listening. We appreciate all the support from all of our Heading for Home family.

Gerard Michaels speaks truthfully and candidly when he discusses the subject of his transition out of baseball. When he says “a part of you dies,” I think most retired ballplayers would agree whether they realize it or not. In this episode, Gerard and Keith speak about what is missed when it's all said and done, practical and important advice from Gerard's family, and being someone who is active in seeking help when needed. This is a very poignant episode where the language and subject matter is for adults only, but i think it's extremely genuine and appropriate to what many go through. I hope you enjoy it and thank you for the continued support. Please rate and subscribe if you're digging what we are doing.

Life as a “Grinder” is very much a double edged sword. While your teammates all respect you as a guy that would do anything to help the team win, opportunities are sometimes minimal and rarely are front offices giving a grinder a free pass after a down year. Casey Benjamin is the epitome of the “Grinder.” A beloved teammate, Casey had to battle every step of the way. In this episode Keith and Casey discuss taking advantage of every opportunity, his life on the road, and how he got his first nickname in affiliated ball. Thanks so much for listening.

Nobody said baseball was fair. Like life, this game is a perfect microcosm of the many twists and turns that we experience as human beings. Shea Douglas joins us from Mississippi to discuss this sentiment as well as finding contentment, coaching, and how baseball truly is a game that is passed down from fathers to sons. Thank you for listening.

"Making it" is all relative. Today's guest, Ryan Bicondoa, is the epitome of a kid who lived a dream of playing professionally for his favorite team despite never wearing their big league uniform. In this episode, Keith and Ryan discuss growing up and playing ball in a small town, wearing the pinstripes, and feeling like you "made it" despite never playing in the big leagues. Thanks so much again for listening. We hope you are enjoying the show.

When ballplayers think of their favorite baseball movie, Bull Durham is undoubtedly at the top of most lists. Writer/Director Ron Shelton played 6 years of minor league baseball before trading in his cleats for a director's chair. In this episode they discuss his baseball career, making Bull Durham, and how he carved out a path for success in the movie making business. Thanks for listening to this special episode with a true legend. Go check out some of his movies. https://m.imdb.com/name/nm0005421/

Joe Beimel accomplished what so many of us hope to do the first time we lace up our cleats. He not only made it to the show, but ended up playing 14 years in the Big Leagues. On a beautiful Sunday afternoon on the Esplanade in Redondo Beach, Keith and Joe discuss his wild ride in the show, different training methods, and still throwing 95 at 44 years old. Thanks for listening and hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe and rate the show if you are enjoying it.

Freddy Sandoval is inspirational on many different levels. The former Anaheim Angel turned Mental Skills Coach had made his name by helping others. From writing a book called “Mentally Strong” to supporting many current and former players, Freddy felt like a natural fit for what our podcast is all about. In this episode, Freddy and Keith discuss dreaming big, how the mind can hold you back, and working on becoming the best version of yourself. Hope you enjoy this one and please check out Freddy's website www.TheChoiceToBelieve.com

When you are with the same group every day things can get a little repetitive. That is the beauty of having teammates like Ben Harrison. From pulling pranks on teammates, to playing piano, to growing up on a sailboat, Ben has always been an interesting guy. In this episode, Keith and Ben discuss the process of dealing with never making the big leagues, winter ball, and finishing in style in Italy. Thanks for checking us out and please like and subscribe if you are digging us.

Christian Lopez has always been a connector. Whether it is teammate-to-teammate, catcher-to-pitcher and now as a positive voice for the next generation with his podcast Behind the Mask-ulinity, Christian is a guy that has done the work and his story is one that resonates. In this episode, Keith and Christian talk about the importance of mentality, processing a career, and continuing to move forward in life. Thank you again for listening and all the continued support. It's been amazing.

Life in minor league baseball is largely beyond the player's control. This is definitely true in the case of Ryan Shealy. A prolific power hitter in the Colorado Rockies organization, Ryan hit 180 career home runs in professional baseball but found himself stuck in the minor leagues behind Todd Helton. Without a doubt, Ryan was one of the most feared hitters in the minor leagues throughout the first decade of the 21st century. In this episode Keith and Ryan discuss the alternate universe if he is drafted by another team, how baseball helped him in his current profession, and the versatility of a credit card as a college student. I hope you enjoy this episode. We are so appreciative of the constant feedback and love connecting with our fans. Thanks so much for listening.

Shaun Larkin has been a leader his whole life. From his early days at Cypress Community College to Cal State Northridge all the way to his time in Cleveland, Shaun was an incredible teammate and leader amongst his peers. Now in charge of the Los Angeles Dodgers Minor Leaguers as the Field Coordinator, he continues that role as a leader of young men. In this episode Shaun and Keith discuss the life of a “Grinder,” hilarious stories from the bus and Keith's perfect game in the final game of the 2004 season. Hope you enjoy this one. Please subscribe and review if you are digging the show.

Motivation can be tough to come by when finishing a professional baseball career but this is what makes this episode's guest, Brett Lorin, so interesting. He knew exactly what he wanted to do when he hung up the cleats and he's never looked back. In this episode, Brett and Keith discuss the machinations of minor league baseball, betting on yourself, and becoming a franchise owner after baseball. Thanks so much for listening, please review if you dig it and hope you enjoy this one. Also please check out Brett's podcast, the Too Tall Sports Podcast. Appreciate all of you.

When one thinks of the most mentally and physically demanding positions in professional sports, the baseball catcher is most likely near the top of that list. There is a toughness required that goes hand in hand with the position. This week's guest, Brian Rose definitely embodies that position and all of the necessary traits for success behind the plate. Brian grew up in Miami, playing his college baseball at the University of Florida and eventually drafted and spending some time in the Diamondbacks Organization. In this episode, Keith and Brian discuss their time as teammates, overcoming injuries, playing for Hall of Fame coach Andy Lopez, and how baseball prepared him for life as a Rescue Lieutenant in Key West, FL. Thank you again for listening and please review and subscribe if you are enjoying the podcast.

With our podcast being based around transitions in both baseball and life, there is no better example than Jim Ed Warden. Drafted as an overhand pitcher, Jim Ed's career was transformed after he was given the opportunity to drop down and become a sidearmer. In this episode, Jim Ed and Keith discuss his transition from throwing overhand to sidearm, becoming a true leader in the clubhouse, and the value of having this platform for ballplayers to connect and process their careers. Thanks for listening and please review and subscribe if you are enjoying the show. Cheers!

For some coaching is a profession, but for many it is a calling. This is definitely true of Benji Medure, the Head Baseball Coach at Huntington Beach High School, one of the top programs in the nation. In this special two part episode, he speaks about building the HB program from 4 wins to a CIF title and eventual #1 ranked team nationally. More importantly though, he and Keith discuss the deeper motivations that continue to drive them and the mentors they have had along the way.

When you think of the qualities of the quintessential ballplayer, there are very few that embody these more than Derek Nicholson. From the youngest brother dominating the high school scene, to the incredible success at the university of Florida and eventually taking that to professional baseball, “DNic” was born to hit. In this episode, Keith and Derek talk about their long winding road together, Derek's paving the way for future ballplayers in the area, and working through life's tribulations without a roadmap. Thank you for listening and please review and subscribe. Cheers!

Whether it is on a ball field or in a board room, Logan Gelbrich is right at home. He is an entrepreneur, author and burgeoning leader in a connection based world. In this episode, Keith and Logan discuss similar beginnings, the years that molded his work ethic, and giving ourselves permission to be more than just ball players. Thanks for checking out. Please subscribe and review. Cheers!

Today's guest would be commonly referred to as “the most interesting man in baseball” by many of his ex teammates. From shagging BP barefoot, to swapping old shower heads in the locker room on a whim, Virgil Vasquez is definitely one of a kind. Now, as a pitching coach in the Minnesota Twins organization, he has found his next passion in helping this generation's ballplayers any way he can. In this episode, Keith and Virgil discuss finding comfort in throwing again, the optimal mindset of a pitcher, and life in the independent Atlantic League.

For many, coaching is not just a profession but a calling. This is definitely true for today's guest, Andy Jenkins. Andy went from a professional baseball career to returning to coach at his alma mater, Oregon State. He is now an Assistant Coach at Cal State Fullerton, one of the top programs in America. In this episode, Keith and Andy discuss growing up playing ball in the Pacific Northwest, coaching mentors, and dealing with failure on the coaching side.

“Do you love this?” That is the question. In this episode, our guest Brian Lockwood and Keith discuss doing something with passion, the feeling of imposter syndrome, and dealing with adversity while chasing your dreams. Special thanks to Two Guns Espresso for the great coffee

From 50th round draft pick to pitching in Yankee Stadium, Brian Bowles enjoyed quite the career. His days in professional baseball spanned 13 years including multiple big league stints along the way. In this episode, Brian and Keith dive into perfect endings, the importance of persistence, and funny stories from the road.

When it comes to having a finger on the pulse of the game and understanding the fabric of America's pastime, nobody does it better than Travis Chock and Baseballism. In this episode Travis, CEO and Founder of the baseball lifestyle brand Baseballism, chats with Keith about his humble beginnings in both baseball and business, where he learned to be a leader, and how baseball so often mirrors life. Please check out Baseballism.com and see how they have cornered the market on all things baseball.

Former 12-year Big Leaguer and fellow lefty, Jeff Francis (Rockies, Royals, Yankees, Reds, Athletics, Blue Jays) joins Keith in the Westy via Facetime from his home outside of Toronto. In this episode, we discuss adjusting to pro ball as a Canadian in a new country, the improbable ‘07 Rockies run to the World Series, and finishing his career for his hometown team, the Blue Jays.

Jason Burch was never your average baseball player. Currently a Senior Counsel for Uber in New York City, the former closer had stints in the Rockies, Cardinals, Orioles and Blue Jays organizations during his 6 year minor league career. With his devastating slider and preference for Jonathan Franzen, Jason always stood out in the clubhouse. In this episode, Keith and Jason discuss what it's like to be a big time-prospect, having agents send limos to your house, and being a gay man in a professional baseball atmosphere.

A conversation with Terry DeWan proves that his baseball career is only half of what makes him fascinating.  He is also an aspiring author, lead singer of the self described “shittiest cover band in the South Bay,” and deeply into ancient philosophy. In this episode Terry joins Keith in the Westy to discuss his college playing days, “stoicism” and its relationship to his coaching philosophy, and his personal comeback from a dream shattered. Recorded overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

In the premiere episode, former professional baseball player and film producer, Zack Parker joins Keith in the Westy to discuss the highs and lows of pro ball, his transition to life after baseball, and how the skills he learned in baseball translate to real life. Recorded by the beach in beautiful Playa del Rey, CA.