EPISODE 11 - GARY VAN TOL

In this episode, Curtis has Coach Gary Van Tol on to talk about his experience managing a team in the Pioneer League. They discuss the challenges of keeping a roster intact, the opportunities for players to get signed by major league organizations, and the differences between independent ball and affiliated ball. They also touch on the changing landscape of college baseball and the impact of the transfer portal. Overall, the conversation highlights the grind and competitiveness of the game, as well as the importance of character and determination in players. In this conversation, Gary Van Tol, the manager of the Boise Hawks, discusses the challenges and opportunities in college and professional baseball. He emphasizes the importance of seeking the truth and having realistic goals in the recruiting process. Gary also highlights the significance of character, competitiveness, and being a good teammate. He shares his experiences in player development and the importance of resources for mental performance. Overall, Gary provides valuable insights for parents and high school players looking to navigate the world of baseball.

Keywords

baseball, Pioneer League, roster management, player opportunities, independent ball, affiliated ball, college baseball, transfer portal, grind, competitiveness, baseball, college baseball, professional baseball, recruiting, goals, character, competitiveness, teammate, mental performance

Takeaways

• Managing a roster in the Pioneer League is a challenging responsibility, as players come and go throughout the season.
• The Pioneer League provides a bridge for players who want to extend their careers and potentially get signed by major league organizations.
• The changing landscape of college baseball, including the transfer portal, has created more opportunities and challenges for players.
• Character, determination, and the ability to compete are important factors that coaches look for in players.
• The grind and competitiveness of baseball require players to keep grinding and stay mentally tough. Seek the truth and have realistic goals in the recruiting process
• Character, competitiveness, and being a good teammate are important qualities
• Utilize resources for mental performance
• Focus on continuous improvement and being a competitor
• Build trust and provide opportunities for players to succeed

Titles

• Managing Rosters in the Pioneer League
• Character and Determination in Players Utilizing Resources for Mental Performance in Baseball
• Continuous Improvement and the Mindset of a Competitor

Sound Bites

• "We control our own destiny and we've got an opportunity and another chance to go out there tonight and see what happens."
• "The goal is to give guys at least a bridge to keep grinding to see if an opportunity will open up."
• "I can usually get on the phone and call somebody to do some cross-checking very quickly to just confirm the skill set and of course that sixth tool, their character and how they're wired."
• "We've got tremendous fan support. Yeah, we play in an old stadium. That's why Boise lost their affiliation with all the cuts."
• "And I believe if it's done right, Major League Baseball, because they control all the minor league systems right now, will put a minor league franchise back in Boise because we've got all the bells and whistles, brand new stadium, and I think AAA is that next step in our market."
• "Yeah, for sure. And there's a lot of potential, you know, but I tell you what, you know, going back to the college level, it's definitely not the same. And talking with a lot of my fellow colleagues at that level, boy, there's a lot of uncertainty."