EPISODE 8 - CONNOR GANDOSSY

In this conversation, Curtis Pelletier and Connor Gandossy discuss various topics related to college baseball recruiting and player development. They touch on the importance of recruiting local talent, the impact of the transfer portal, and the evaluation process for young players. They also discuss the role of showcase events and the balance between playing too much baseball at a young age. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the recruiting process and offers advice for young players and their families. The conversation covers various topics related to youth baseball, college recruiting, and the mental side of the game. The guest, Connor Gandossy, shares his insights and experiences as a hitting coach and discusses the importance of balance, boundaries, and intent in player development. He emphasizes the need for players to have a holistic approach, focusing not only on their physical skills but also on their mental well-being and daily habits. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the role of parents in supporting their children's athletic journey.

Keywords

college baseball, recruiting, player development, transfer portal, showcase events, young players, youth baseball, college recruiting, player development, balance, boundaries, intent, mental well-being, parents

Takeaways

• Recruiting local talent is a priority for college baseball programs, and coaches often focus on keeping the best players in their state.
• The transfer portal has changed the landscape of college baseball recruiting, providing more opportunities for players to transfer to higher-level programs.
• Showcase events can be helpful for players to gain exposure, but it's not necessary to attend multiple events. Quality over quantity is key.
• Young players should focus on enjoying the game and developing their skills, rather than feeling pressured to commit to a college at a young age.
• The evaluation process for young players involves a combination of scouting, analytics, and trusting the eyes of the coaching staff.
• Parents should be mindful of the amount of baseball their young children are playing and prioritize their overall development and well-being. Youth baseball players should focus on balance and not play an excessive number of games at a young age.
• Parents should be mindful of the financial investment in youth baseball and not expect a full scholarship in return.
• College baseball programs are becoming more data-driven and are incorporating advanced analytics into player development.
• The mental side of the game is crucial, and players should train their minds as well as their bodies.
• Intent and focus are important in all aspects of baseball, from on-field performance to daily routines.
• Parents play a significant role in a player's development and should establish boundaries and support their child's mental well-being.
• Having a routine and taking care of business in all areas of life can contribute to success in baseball.
• Players should prioritize their overall well-being and understand that one game does not define their worth as a person.

Titles

• The Evaluation Process for Young Players
• The Role of Showcase Events in Player Evaluation Finding Balance and Setting Boundaries in Youth Baseball
• The Importance of Intent and Focus in Player Development

Sound Bites

• "I am the new recruiting coordinator and hitting coach up at the University of Minnesota up in Minneapolis."
• "There were some rumors floating around for the last couple of weeks or so, but at the end of the day, it's hard to turn away a lot of money. That's just the world we're living in."
• "As long as you're a good player, we're going to find you. There's no secrets anymore."
• "I think kids train year roun