EPISODE 14 - COREY ECKSTEIN

The conversation between Curtis Pelletier and Corey Eckstein covers various topics related to baseball development and the differences between baseball in British Columbia (BC) and Ontario. They discuss the motivation behind starting a podcast, the challenges and rewards of coaching, the importance of player development, and the competition between different baseball programs. They also touch on the role of parents, the emphasis on winning versus development, and the talent pool in different regions of Canada. In this conversation, Curtis Pelletier and Corey Eckstein discuss various topics related to player development and the baseball landscape in Canada. They touch on the challenges of reclassing, the importance of playing against quality competition, and the rise of post-grad programs. They also discuss the recruiting process and the pitfalls of relying on college advisors. The conversation covers the importance of mental performance and mindset training, as well as the differences in development between Canada and the US. They also touch on the recent MLB draft and the Canada Cup tournament.

Keywords

baseball, development, coaching, player, podcast, competition, parents, winning, talent pool, player development, reclassing, quality competition, post-grad programs, recruiting, mental performance, mindset training, development gap, MLB draft, Canada Cup

Takeaways

• Starting a podcast can be a fun and informative way to share knowledge and experiences in the baseball community.
• Coaching in baseball comes with its challenges, including dealing with parents and finding a balance between personal and professional life.
• Player development is a crucial aspect of baseball programs, and it often involves a combination of physical training, skill development, and mental preparation.
• Different regions in Canada have varying levels of baseball talent and opportunities, with Ontario being known for its strong baseball programs.
• There is a constant debate between prioritizing winning and focusing on player development, and finding the right balance is essential for long-term success. Reclassing can be a controversial topic, with some players benefiting from an extra year of development while others may struggle to find appropriate competition.
• Playing against quality competition is crucial for player development, and if a program cannot provide that, players should consider alternative options such as post-grad programs.
• The recruiting process can be complex, and players and parents should be cautious of promises made by college advisors and do their own research.
• Mental performance and mindset training are becoming increasingly important in baseball, and programs should prioritize incorporating these aspects into their training.
• There is a development gap between Canada and the US, with field time and exposure to high-level competition being key areas of difference.
• The recent MLB draft showcased the talent in Canada, but there are still challenges and limitations in the Canadian baseball landscape, such as the Canada Cup tournament.

Titles

• Balancing Coaching and Personal Life
• The Importance of Player Development in Baseball The Development Gap Between Canada and the US
• The Rise of Mental Performance and Mindset Training in Baseball

Sound Bites

• "I hit record and I didn't record it. It was just gold."
• "The kids out west compared to the kids out east, from a visibility standpoint, really lacking out west."
• "D1 or bust to me is kind of bogus."
• "I fucking hate reclassing."
• "If your program can't put together a schedule that makes sense with quality competition, get the hell out and go play here with in the CCBC or wherever it might be, like go be challenged."
• "You know, so