The Houston Baseball Coach Podcast

In this episode, Coach Joe and I discuss our experiences in coaching in a big game.  We answer the question, "What is a "big" game?"  We also talk about how to manage your team when facing that big game. Coach Joe and I also talk about the recent NCAA Baseball Regionals which saw some great games and finishes. Coach Joe gives an experience he had in coaching in a big game and how managed to keep his team focused. We both discuss certain instances where we personally coached in big games and how we learned from our own mistakes. Tune in to another great episode of The Houston Baseball Coach Podcast!  Check out our website: www.houstonbaseballcoach.com.

In this episode of The Houston Baseball Coach Podcast, Coach Joe and I discuss an approach to hitting for youth baseball coaches and parents.  We discuss the idea of intent in the youth baseball players' swing as well as knowing the hitters and pitchers counts. We also give our take on the upcoming NCAA Baseball Tournament. Coach Joe discusses a great drill to use in batting practice that the youth hitter will be able to transfer into the game. Coach Joe and I also discuss a 2-strike approach and the different philosophies behind it. Tune in to another great episode of The Houston Baseball Coach!  Check out our website: www.houstonbaseballcoach.com  

In this episode, Coach Joe and I discuss strategy help for new youth baseball coaches!  We go over certain decision making that coaches make in a given baseball game including signs, base coaching, as well as hitter's and pitcher's counts. We also discuss our thoughts on whether or not there should be a designated hitter in the National League. Coach Joe and I also talk about the idea of looking ahead 2 or 3 pitches and making decisions based on that. We discuss letting youth players develop and grow. Tune in to another great episode of The Houston Baseball Coach Podcast!!  Check out our website: www.houstonbaseballcoach.com.  

In this episode, Coach Joe and I talk about the long-term benefits of playing youth sports, specifically youth baseball.  Coach Joe explains specific characteristics of youth athletes.  We also discuss a couple of reasons why your child should play youth baseball. Coach Joe brings up points using the website www.truesport.org. Coach Joe and I talk about our #1 experience playing youth baseball. We also discuss why parents should challege their children to compete in an activity outside of the house. A John Wooden quote is also discussed.  Coach Wooden has had an impact in both of our lives as youth sports coaches. Tune in to another great episode of The Houston Baseball Coach Podcast!!!  And visit our website www.houstonbaseballcoach.com!

In this episde of The Houston Baseball Coach Podcast, Coach Joe and I discuss how communication of fielders is important for a team's success.  We discuss communication between infielders and outfielders in regard to relays, fly balls, etc.  We also talk about middle infielders communication involving the shortstop and 2nd baseman. We discuss a drill that improve communication on the field between outfielders and infielders. Coach Joe and I also talk about being observant when watching MLB games and their players. Check out another great episode of The Houston Baseball Coach Podcast!!  Visit our website: www.houstonbaseballcoach.com for more information!!

This episode is loaded with tips and information about coaching small ball!!  In this episode, Coach Joe and I talk about stealing bases as well as bunting for hits and sacrficing yourself for the team. We also talk about Nelson Cruz and the current hot streak he is on for the Seattle Mariners.  Coach Joe knows Nelly from Coach Joe's dad's time with the Texas Rangers. Coach Joe gives his perspective on stealing bases and what he learned at the collegiate level. I also discuss my experiences on stealing bases while coaching select baseball, specifically at the younger levels. Tune in to another great episode of The Houston Baseball Coach Podcast!  Visit our website: www.houstonbaseballcoach.com!  Check out our blog! Let us know any topics that you feel would be a good discussion on The Houston Baseball Coach Podcast!!  

In this episode, Coach Joe and I talk about the long toss process and what it takes to have a good long toss session as well experience the benefits of it. We give tips and instruction on certain aspects such as the crow hop and the "pull-down phase." Coach Joe and I also discuss a recent incident in Major League Baseball involving Oakland Athletics 3rd baseman Brett Lawrie in which he had a hard slide into 2nd base and injured Kansas City Royals shortsop Alcides Escobar. In our Hint & Run segment, I give insight on shoulder and elbow exercises using elastic tubing and lightweight dumbbells.  Coach Joe talks about using weighted baseballs as well. I also talk about my experiences using long toss before and after a pitching outing in college. Tune in for another great episode on The Houston Baseball Coach Podcast!  Check out our website www.houstonbaseballcoach.com.

In this episode, Coach Joe and I discuss ways to overcome a hitting slump.  We talk about a "plan of attack" when you are at home plate in the batter's box.  We also give you some focal points to think about as you are in the batter's box. Coach Joe and I also talk about our worst slumps as players and how we overcame them. Coach Joe shares his perspective of getting out of a slump having been a former college outfielder. We also talk about the opposite of a hitting slump and when the hitter is on a "tear." Tune in to another great episode of The Houston Baseball Coach Podcast! Check out our website: www.houstonbaseballcoach.com!

In this episode, Coach Joe and I dicuss a much talked about subject in youth baseball: pitch counts for youth baseball pitchers. We discuss the organization, PitchSmart.org, which is a series of practical, age-approriate guidelines to help parents, players, and coaches avoid overuse injuries and foster healthy careers for youth pitchers. Included in these guidelines are the maximum pitch limits for each age group as well as how many days rest a pitcher should get after those pitches. Coach Joe and I also talk about the San Diego Padres picking up Craig Kimbrel as they anticipate a chance to contend this season. We also talk about our perspective on building a good foundation for the youth pitcher to prepare himself to have a long, healthy career as a youth baseball player. I talk about an experience I had with one of my 9u level pitchers and how I handled him in a certain game that he pitched. Tune in for another great episode in The Houston Baseball Coach Podcast! Check out www.houstonbaseballcoach.com!

In this episode, Coach Joe and I discuss our perspectives on arguing with umpires.  We share stories of our experiences arguing with an umpire. Coach Joe and I also discuss the new rule changes in Major League Baseball designed to speed up the game.  We share whether we agree or disagree with the changes. I talk about a Hall of Fame manager for the Atlanta Braves that has the all-time record for ejections from a baseball game. I also share an experience with an umpire in which I almost (very almost) got a ejected from the game. Tune in and enjoy the show! Check out our website: www.houstonbaseballcoach.com and ask us any questions you may have!

In this episode, Coach Joe and I discuss our perspectives in handling winning and losing in youth baseball, specifically select. We discuss overcoming adversity as well as rewarding a good attitude and effort. Coach Joe and I also share our best wins and worst losses as players. Tune in as we share our perspectives on coaching youth baseball in another great HBC episode! Check out our website, www.houstonbaseballcoach.com!

In this episode, Coach Joe and I discuss our perspectives on select baseball and the differences from league baseball.  We talk about everything from the tournament format to the increase in intensity for select ball. We also talk about what we think Alex Rodriguez will do this season.  We give our predictions for the offensive numbers that A-Rod will put up. Coach Joe and I also share our experiences coaching and playing in a championship game. Please visit us at www.houstonbaseballcoach.com and ask us any questions you may have!

In this episode, Coach Joe And I discuss our perspectives on overcoming a bad start to the season.  We talk about why it happens and how to overcome it. We share an experience from a local parent currently overcoming a bad start to the season. Coach Joe and I also give our sleeper picks for the MVP's in the American League and the National League.   I share a personal experience that I have had in overcoming a bad start to the season. Tune in and enjoy the show! Remember to ask us a question and when it is answered on The Houston Baseball Coach Podcast, you will receive an HBC t-shirt!! Check us out at www.houstonbaseballcoach.com!!!

In this episode, Coach Joe and I talk about your job as a youth baseball coach.  I mention 3 duties and responsibilities that a youth baseball coach's job consists of. We also talk about an experience I had in coaching a game where we gave up 15 runs on 1 hit and 13 walks. I talk about the ability we have to learn from other coaches and how they handle they teams and youth baseball players. We then discuss the reward that we get from coaching youth baseball. Check us out at www.houstonbaseballcoach.com.  Follow us on Twitter @htownbaseballco and like our Facebook page Houston Baseball Coach.

In this episode, Coach Joe and I talk about the benefits of players writing in journals about their experiences during their player career.  Coach Joe expounds on his experiences keeping a journal starting at 12 years old.  He explains the steps he took and what he wrote down as well as why. Coach Joe and I also talk about the Chicago Little League team, Jackie Robinson West, and our perspectives on their having to give up the U.S. title. Tune in as we give great insight on coaching your son or your baseball team. Please visit www.houstonbaseballcoach.com and ask us any questions you may have!

In this episode, Coach Joe and I break down our role models that played/coached Major League Baseball.  We each discuss 4 players/coaches that influenced our baseball careers.  Coach Joe and I talk about how these players and coaches can positively influence your son or daughter in their careers. We also talk about the best game we have ever each attended.  Tune in as we have great stories of our experiences attending a MLB game. Coach Joe talks about his perspective on Joe DiMaggio.  He mentions that Joe DiMaggio once told a reporter who asked him why he plays the game so hard that, "you never know who's watching you play for the first time." Tune in as we break down some of the best, most respected players in Major League Baseball! Please visit www.houstonbaseballcoach.com and ask us any questions you may have!

In this episode, Coach Joe and I break down base coaching.  We talk about when to be aggressive and when not to be aggressive. We also discuss a 1st base coach's job when a runner reaches 1st and 2nd base.  We talk about the best ways to coach your baserunners and teach them the correct way run the bases. We also talk about how the Super Bowl coaches managed the game which led to the Patriots victory over the Seahawks. I talk about an experience I had as a player when we won a baseball game by stealing signs. Coach Joe shares a story about when he played in the Division II College World Series Championsip in Cary, North Carolina. Tune in as we share great information on coaching youth baseball. Please visit www.houstonbaseballcoach.com and ask us any questions you may have.  

In this episode, Coach Joe and I discuss how drills and strategies taught in practice can transfer into the game.  We also talk about how to simulate game situations in practice in order to translate that into game success. We talk about the new baseballs in the college game and how it will effect the players. We discuss the importance of the 1st 20 minutes of practice and how it can make or break the rest of the practice. Coach Joe and I also talk about the respective Super Bowl participants and how they translate practice into game simulations. I will share a story about a situation that occured in a game that made me "kick myself" for a week after. Tune in for some fun and valuable insight for your youth baseball practice!

In this episode, Coach Solomon sits down with Coach Lisle, from www.coachlisle.com, to talk about his approach to hitting when working youth, high school, college, and pro hitters. We talked about how balance and posture is one of the more important teaching points when coaching a young hitter.  Coach Lisle also shares a certain drill that will help with balance and posture. Coach Lisle and I also share our experiences as baseball instructors and how we have evolved throughout the years. You can find Coach Lisle at www.coachlisle.com as well as at his Facebook page, CoachLisle.com Baseball & Softball Hitting and his Twitter account, @coachlisle.  He also runs www.thehittingvault.com, a membership-based site with valuable content. Please leave a review and let me know what you think about this episode.  Remember to email us a question you may have. Visit www.houstonbaseballcoach.com for more insight on coaching youth baseball.   

In this episode, Coach Joe and I discuss our perspectives of the upcoming tryout camps as players and coaches.  We offer insight on being draftable as a player tryout in your local league.  We also talk about what to look for, as coaches, other than size and ability. We also give share our stories about the recent Hall of Fame inductees Randy Johnson, John Smoltz, Pedro Martinez, and Craig Biggio. We discuss what Eli Manning said before his 1st Super Bowl victory against the heavy favorites New England Patriots in 2008.

In this episode, Coach Joe and I discuss our experiences in helping a struggling youth athlete succeed.  From our experiences in overcoming those stuggles as youth baseball players to now youth baseball coaches, we offer a lot of guidance on helping your son or player overcome their struggles. We also discuss what we would have done if we were the 3rd base coach for the Kansas City Royals in the 9th inning of Game 7 of the World Series. We talk about a quote by legendary coach John Wooden.  Coach Wooden was one of the greatest coaches of all-time.

In this episode, Coach Joe and I talk about our experiences and inspiration from writing under the bill of our caps.  As a little league baseball player, a little joy for us was getting issued the team baseball cap.  Listen in to see how we turned that cap into a motivational factor for us that will help your son or player in the same way. We also discuss who we think will win the 2015 World Series.  We have some interesting points in that argument. We break down the popular Yogiism, "Baseball is 90% mental, the other half is physical."  Yogi Berra had some interesting quotes and this is one of our favorites.

Solomon Alam has been a youth baseball coach in the Houston area since 2006.  He played college baseball and upon graduating college, began coaching youth baseball and has since grew his love and passion for baseball. Along with Joe Pirozzolo, whom Solomon coached individually while Joe was in high school, they both share their experiences and passion for coaching youth baseball in this podast. Coach Joe played college baseball at St. Edwards University in Austin, TX and led his team to the Division II College World Series his senior year. Different topics discussed in the podcast will inlcude how to motivate a youth baseball player, communicating with parents, certain philosophies, hitting & pitching drills, fundamentals, and techniques.  We will also answer any questions you may have via the podcast.