On Deck With X: An Xtraordinary Athletes Production

This is one of the coolest interviews I've ever got to do, and you can hear it in my voice. First off, Ben is the man. He's somebody I looked to as the model for what kind of impact an American can have in the Korean Baseball Organization. That was huge for me when I was thinking about making that leap across the Pacific. Two, we did this interview LIVE in a baseball stadium. How cool is that? Between my injury and COVID, it had been so long, and it felt so good just to be in a ballpark. Huge thank you to everybody with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos that made this possible! Also, be on the lookout for the footage we were able to capture that day!

I'm continually impressed by this dude. Not only did he ball out for the whole 2020 season, but he also did it his way. He kept his approach the same. That effortless consistency comes from a strong mental game. I was excited I got the opportunity to explore that with him, especially during this time in his career where change is looming. Regardless of what happens in free agency, I know one thing is for sure, though: JBJ is going to get his. Everybody can get value out of hearing this dude's minset.

Legend. There's no other way to describe today's guest. He's remembered as one of the most electric players to ever set foot in the outfield. He's won nearly every award. He's done just about everything there is to do in this game. Knowing all that, my expectations for this conversation were high. I still came away impressed after talking with Torii. What I appreciated most was his honesty and humility in recognizing it's his mindset more than his natural talents that got him to where he is today. I feel so blessed for the opportunity to explore that mindset with him on this episode. 

Today, we have one of the most talented and resilient young pitchers in the game today with us On Deck With X. We get into the MLB life the cameras don't show (5:20), battling with feelings of regret early on in his career (12:00), dealing with injuries from an attitude perspective (26:50), and becoming more than an athlete (29:20). Tyler is one of my players to watch, and now he's going to be all of our favorites to listen to. Please enjoy the episode. 

Today I get to talk with Matt Bahnick, founder of the Positive Vibe Movement. The Positive Vibe Movement started with Matt transitioning from his baseball career to confronting stigmas surrounding mental health. Ever since I heard his story, I've been a fan of the message. We get into what it means to sell apparel that gives back, transition for the game, and take an idea all the way through to execution. 

David Meyer is an author, entrepreneur, and among the nation's leaders in rehabbing athletic injuries. I got to see the latter first hand when we crossed paths in the Cardinals organization. Since then, he's gone off on his own and founded Pipeline Performance with the mission to "guide those facing physical challenges to drive their thoughts, emotions, and physical state towards doing what they love, along with a more purposeful life." Whether you're trying to make the jump from AA ball to the Majors, or you're just trying to figure out how to play with a sprained ankle for your slow-pitch game on Tuesday, there's some value in here for everybody. 

I got to sit down with Joel Hartman, co-founder of Prospect Dugout, and talk about the game we love. Prospect Dugout is a baseball media company looking to improve the scouting and networking side of the game. We got into how his journey to playing pro ball and now his son navigating the scouting process informs the work he does on the platform. At the end of the day, Joel wants to create a platform to make it easier for players to be seen and recognized for their work on the diamond. That's something Xtraodinary Athletes is all for. 

When you sit down with Jessica Kleinschmidt you are in for an entertaining time! This NBC sports Bay Area baseball reporter, writer, and host does everything when it comes to baseball content. She is an influential lady who speaks her mind and doesn’t hold back. She is a breathe of fresh air and exactly what we need in the sports industry today. Stay tuned, we have a special one for you today!

In todays podcast former MLB outfielder and current KBO Hanwha Eagle Brandon Barnes joins the show He discusses the decision to take his baseball talents overseas to South Korea and the impact it has had on him and his family. Plus much much more. Stay tuned.

It’s only getting better. Today we have Stl. Cardinals Manager Mike Shildt joining the Xtraordinary Athletes podcast today. We discuss his philosophies when it comes to effective communicating as a leader, his passion to serve, and all things Cardinal baseball. Plus much much more. Stay tuned for this one!!!

Here is my sit down with the best head coach in college baseball, Vanderbilt’s Tim Corbin. Him and his @VandyBoys are today’s model of success when it comes to college baseball. Coach Corbin doesn’t do podcasts and he certainly doesn’t give away all his secrets. Luckily I was able pull a few out of him! All you athletes get your notepad  ready. And if you aren’t an athlete you are still going to want to take notes! Stay Tuned!

Today Marquel Martin comes on the Xtraordinary Athletes Podcast. He is a former football player turned sports agent for CAA(Creative Artists Agency) and works specifically with the Combat Sports Division in Los Angeles. We both attended UNLV at the same time and having the opportunity to see where his journey has led since then was amazing. Enjoy.

The Director of strength and conditioning for the University of Miami football program Dave Feeley is on the Xtraordinary Athletes podcast. He is a long time friend and was my strength and conditioning coach during my college years at UNLV. We have a special one for you today. Stay locked right here. 

Rachel Balkovec joins the podcast today. This Yankees hitting coach is the first woman ever hired to be a full time hitting coach for an MLB team. We talk about topics she’s been told for a long time not to talk about. We discuss overcoming discrimination, the responsibilities that come with being the female pioneer and much much more. All Raw and Uncut.

On the podcast today we have outfielder Jonathan Jones. A former teammate and a good friend of mine. We talk team México Olympics, the influence of being a father, and will to better everyday. Also much much more. 

Bruce Maxwell former Oakland A’s catcher and now current catcher in the Mexican Baseball League(LMB) joins the podcast today. During a hostile time in our nation Bruce share his thoughts on racial injustices and how we can move forward as one. He discusses what keeps him motivated as a player and ultimately how his mindset has paved his journey. And much, much more. 

Swimmer and Olympian medalist Olivia smoliga jumps on the today’s podcast. We talk about everything from a swimmer's workout regiment, living out her life lessons, and what keeps her occupied outside of the pool. Plus much much more. Stay tuned.

Olympic track and field medalist Dominique Blake jumps onto the podcast today. We talk about having laser focus, the importance of mentorship and the most important currency we have today, time. All that and much more on the way. Stay Tuned.

Recently retired NFL running back Rashad Jennings jumps on the podcast today. He is a New York Times best selling author and Season 24 winner of Dancing with the Stars with so many more accomplishments. We discuss all those things and so much more!

Atlanta Falcons safety Ricardo Allen joins the podcast today. We dive into his passion for learning, his will to win in everything he does, and the importance of creating great habits. Plus much more. 

This episode features Chicago Cubs OF Jason Heyward. Jason gives us background on his upbringing, reasons behind why baseball is his passion and how his former teammates have had a major impact on his career. Plus so much more.

In this episode I have the honor of sitting down with Texas Rangers Assistant Hitting Coach Callix Crabbe. He stresses the importance of athletes staying mentally focused during times of struggles and uncertainty. He also speaks on the opportunity for growth in a unpredictable time like this. Stay tuned for our deep conversation on these subjects plus so much more. 

Lilian Abdelmalek joins the podcast today. Personal trainer and owner of DSA Training in Atlanta,Georgia. She is known as the secret weapon that many top professional athletes lean on in the offseason for peak performance. 

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Randal Grichuk joins the Xtraordinary Athletes Podcast today. We talk about everything from Pancakes to Homeruns to Cars and anything else in between. Stay tuned, you don’t want to miss this. 

Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith joins the podcast. We discuss his passions on and off the field, his personal formula for success and much much more. 

In this episode I sit down with Connor Solo. A High school student athlete from my alma mater Poway High School. We talk about the impact Covid-19 has had on his freshman year, how he plans to stay motivated, and much much more. 

In this episode I had the opportunity to sit down with St. Louis Cardinals Major League hitting coach Jeff Albert. We talk about the mental aspects of hitting, making adjustments, and his time working with some of the best hitters in the game today. 

I have St. Louis Cardinals second baseman and 2019 Gold Glove winner Kolten Wong on the episode. We discuss self evaluation, dealing with pressure, and overcoming failure. 

In this episode I sit down with San Diego Padres outfielder Tommy Pham. We discuss his love for the game of baseball, overcoming injuries, and ultimately how he manifested his goal of being a Major League Baseball player. 

On this episode I sit down with MLB player Denard Span. I learn how his commitment, faith, and integrity are what drove him to have such a successful MLB career. 

In this episode I sit down with world renown poker professional John Racener. We discuss patience, the importance of dealing with failure, and much more!

In today's episode I sit down with the most influential man in my life, my father Emitte Scruggs. We talk about the importance of time management and how he was able to instill its importance in me and my brother as he raised us.

In todays episode I express my thoughts on the importance of Branding and Marketing yourself as an athlete. As well as the do's and don'ts of social media.

In this episode I sit down with associate professor and Department Chair at PBSC, author of "You Don't need talent to succeed, but everything else counts", and my father in law Hector Hernandez. We discuss his thoughts on time management.

In this episode I address how I feel about the Houston Astros cheating scandal and offer my opinion on what needs to happen next.

In Part 2 of Time Management I continue to go a little more in depth on how elite athletes use their time. I emphasize what every athlete could be doing to maximize their opportunities for success.

Proper time management is essential to being successful in your sport or your kids sport. Elite athletes don’t waste time. This episode explains why.Follow for more insights:https://www.instagram.com/xavier_scruggs/https://twitter.com/Xavier_Scruggs

  https://www.instagram.com/xavier_scruggs/https://twitter.com/Xavier_ScruggsThis episode gives the listener background on the creator of this podcast, Xavier Scruggs and explains what exactly an XtraOrdinary Athlete is!