In this episode, Rob sits down with long-time friend Lou Ledoux, Founder and CEO of Axis Bats. While a fan of baseball since he was a kid, Lou never really gave much thought to the science of bats—much less the manufacturing process—until a little over 15 years ago when he was approached by an acquaintance looking for someone to create professional level bats for big league players. Being in his fifties at that point, Lou initially wasn’t all too eager to make a significant career shift. However, a long discussion with his wife gave him the confidence to jump into the bat industry. Listen in as Rob and Lou discuss all things bats, from how different wood species affect the feel and performance of the bat, knowing which bat size to give to a player depending on their build, designing an effective one-hand trainer, and optimizing your swing technique. -- WHAT TO LISTEN FOR Why Rob loves Axis Bats over all other brands, regardless of differences in “quality” Understanding the performance advantages of different wood species What do the numbers on a bat mean? How to use one-hand trainers Proper swing technique according to bat weight Bat anecdotes by Rob and Lou -- REACH OUT TO LOU AND HIS TEAM AT LOU@AXISBATS.COM Credit: IggyBeats, DT Productions, and Ali the Greatest for background music.

Transcending Sport - Rob Crews

50. A Primer on Bat Science with Axis Bats Founder & CEO Lou Ledoux

Ian M is a self-startup physical trainer. Even though he was born, raised and graduated from a university in Florida, it wasn’t until he took a leap of faith in the Dog eat Dog world of NYC to have the thriving career he has now. The start of his career consisted of employers like Goldman Sachs and Google all the while his passion for physical therapy grew until he decided to start his own company with his brother, Markow Training Systems. During this episode Rob chats it up with Ian, discussing the commonalities between pitching and hitting mobility issues he sees on a daily basis. Ian enlightens us to how the body develops unbalanced strength due to the asymmetry of the body’s build, and how using force and power on one side eventually stops your full range of motion. Rob pics Ian’s brain about how the lowest part of the body is the beginning to all movement and what he does with athletes to help their mobility. The guys talk about everything like what are the perfect shoes to wear, new technology like the BodiTrak Performance, the similarities between Miami and New York City and what kind of warm up would Ian focus on to help players start their first game. It’s a really interesting conversation that will leave listeners with gems, so tune in. Time Stamps 03:40 Ian’s background from Florida to NYC. 07:35 Common issues between softball and baseball. 11:50 What he is looking for when he is giving an assessment. 16:30 Rob ask about the mechanics of footwork and ground force. 19:10 The best shoe to help optimal performance. 22:45 How the beginning of the kinematic sequence starts on the ground. 29:47 How can athletes train on dirt just as well as they train on turf. 37:20 What would Ian do to help players warm up before they pick up a ball. 45:42 The difference between warming up and muscle activation. 54:48 Discuss remote online programing. Relevant Links: Website: Markow Coach Plus Find | Ian Markow Ian's Social Account  Instagram: @IanMarkow  Instagram: @MarkowTrainingSystems  Facebook: MTS Facebook  YouTube: Markow Shoulder Mobility Playlist    Website: Complete.game, www.cg.plus   On Instagram: @completegame  On Twitter: @completegame  On Facebook: @completegame

49. A Deep-Dive into how the Pros move with CEO of Markow Training Systems, Ian Markow

Rob Crews and Julianne Soviero have a candid conversation about player personalities and leadership development, World Series Caliber pitchers and what makes them different, teaching young players focus within the social dynamic of sports. The two also discuss how modern sports technology has shaped how they teach. Follow Julianne Soviero at Flawless Fastpitch

48. Co-Host Julianne Soviero talks Mental Game, Leadership & Technology in Pitching & Hitting (Part 1)

DK Willardson was a researcher before he was a baseball dad but when his son developed a passion for the sport, he put his background to work and took a quantitative look at swing path metrics. After releasing his book on the subject, Quantitative Hitting, the industry’s response highlighted just how effective integrating proven swing angle combinations could be. Today, his company Hitting Tech helps players further understand and model the same swing paths used by the best hitters in the game. Hear DK ’s journey from researcher and baseball parent to writer and inventor. He highlights which metrics matter most when using Quant Tee, his subsequent invention, that measures swing angles down to the slightest degree. All this and more, today on the #robcrewspodcast. “The data is very clear on certain things that work and it doesn't necessarily mean that as a coach that everybody has to do what works for the entire group overall... but as a general rule there are certain things that work much better than others.” -DK Willardson [10:36] “There's a certain level of humility that you have to have as a coach to go to your kids and say yeah we did that, I know, I understand but here's a better way to do it and here's why.” -Rob Crews [20:20] Key Takeaways: DK Willardson’s breakdown on the tech behind the Quant Tee. The difference between implicit and explicit loft. Industry terminology and metrics to utilize the Quant Tee effectively. How Hitting Tech is helping baseball and softball players to improve. Episode Timeline: [00:30] CG Plus [01:23] Intro [01:40] Meet DK Willardson of Hitting Tech [02:40] His background in swing research [05:48] The inspiration behind his book, Quantitative Hitting [09:01] Why hitting should be looked at quantitatively [12:31] Swing path and key angle combinations [17:23] Hitting language [19:25] Training with the Quant Tee [20:59] Vertical and horizontal bat angle [23:08] Quan-tee and intentional tee work [26:51] Getting on the right plane [31:00] The difference between Implicit v.s explicit loft [36:38] The difference between vertical bat angle and attack angle [40:29] Why the book and the tee work hand in hand [43:34] Square hitters v.s backspin hitters [52:00] Direction bias [54:09] The difference in data between baseball and softball [59:08] Adjustments a softball player would have to make [1:05:55] Finding Quant-Tee [1:09:02] Body metrics coming soon [1:09:23] Outro Resources Mentioned: CG Plus, Swinggraphs.com, HittingTech.com Connect: Find | Rob Crews At Complete.game On Instagram: @completegame On Twitter: @completegame On Facebook: @completegame Find | Quant Tee At hittingtech.com On Twitter: @quanttee Subscribe: On Apple Podcasts On Spotify On Stitcher On iHeart Radio Credit: IggyBeats, DT Productions, and Ali the Greatest for background music.

47. Quant-Tee, Hitting Tech, Author, Inventor | DK Willardson

If you know softball, you know A.J Andrews—she’s the former LSU All-American turned pro who was the first softball player to ever win a Rawlings Gold Glove Award. Today, she joins Rob Crews to talk about growing up an athlete, taking pride in defense and serving as a role model. Hear how she developed her skills as an elite athlete and why she's motivated to not just stay in the game but to change it for the better. Hear from the outfielder herself on what aspects of the game matter the most for developing into a well rounded player and person. She shares her passion for inspiring young women of color, and making strides for equality for female athletes across the board. “Make sure that you don't align yourself with the possible and start really thinking about the impossible because impossible is nothing more than a dare, it's not a declaration.” -AJ Andrews [41:03] “Representation is of the utmost importance. At the end of the day, in softball you're going to find maybe one, maybe two African American women on a team and I want that to change. I don't think it is at all indicative of the African American talent that's out there.” -AJ Andrews [27:26] Key Takeaways: How AJ Andrews went from youth athlete to professional softball player. What she's learned about collegiate and professional sports. How she's inspiring other young women to achieve their dreams. Episode Timeline: [00:29] CG Plus [01:23] Intro [01:41] Meet AJ Andrews [02:14] Her background in sports and finding softball [05:02] When she realized she was fast [06:51] Developing athleticism with other sports [10:47] Getting recruited by LSU [12:42] Transitioning to college life [17:13] Self motivation and life as a professional athlete [19:33] Becoming the first woman to receive the Rawlings Gold Glove Award [22:49] Taking pride in defense [26:08] Representation for African American women [30:23] Gender inequality in sport [35:52] Branding and creating other streams of revenue [39:42] Finding AJ Andrews [40:19] Outro “If I didn't make that one catch in that one moment, my entire life would be completely different... you just never know who's watching and you always have to give 100% effort and you always have to be yourself.” -AJ Andrews [11:09] Resources Mentioned: CG Plus Connect: Find | Rob Crews At Complete.game On Instagram: @completegame On Twitter: @completegame On Facebook: @completegame Find | AJ Andrews At alwaysaj.com On Instagram: @aj_andrews_ On Twitter: @aj_andrews_ On TikTok: @theajandrews Subscribe: On Apple Podcasts On Spotify On Stitcher On iHeart Radio Credit: IggyBeats, DT Productions, and Ali the Greatest for background music.

46. The Yoncé of Softball | AJ Andrews

4D Motion is on a mission to get game changing data in the hands of baseball and softball coaches and players. Their unique 4D motion system and modules are combining metrics with the magic— making training and remote coaching more accurate than ever.  Sang Kim, 4D Motion CEO, drops in on the Transcending Sports Podcast to talk about the science behind power, tech innovation and how 4D Motion is fine tuning the game. Get his insights on biomechanics, kinematic sequencing and what it all means for players looking to improve.  Learn which metrics matter most when it comes to hitting and throwing. Listen in as Sang breaks down how coaches can use 4D motion to make corrections that count, even from afar.  “I wanted to create something that was powerful, but fast, simple, portable and affordable so that anybody could use it, anywhere.” -Sang Kim[06:12]  “We want to try to achieve that perfect blend of the science of hitting with the art of hitting and I think that's important to coaches…” -Rob Crews [11:28]  Key Takeaways: - How 4D Motion is bringing innovation to baseball and softball.  - Insights on how coaches can work with data to help their players. Episode Timeline: - [00:28] CG Plus - [01:23] Intro  - [01:40] Meet Sang Kim - [03:19] His background in sports tech and the creation 4D Motion - [07:04] What 4D Motion sensors are all about - [08:16] Who is it for? - [09:00] Remote training program and virtual coaching - [09:42] The Kinematic sequence providing the right metrics for coaches - [10:59] Finding the right balance for coaches - [13:04] Generating power with Kinematic sequencing effortless power - [17:26] The importance of stabilized hardware - [19:59] Training modules and the launch quickness feature - [24:33] Integration and support - [27:19] Pitching/throwing metrics and Kinematic timing - [31:34] Finding 4D Motion - [32:52] The future of technology in the game - [35:10] Outro “For any particular athlete, they're given strength and flexibility skill level. We can look at the sequence of their hip, chest arm, bat and help them get faster in minutes... You can instantly see somebody's kinematic sequence and tell them where they're powerleaks are and then sometimes have 10, 15% bat speed increase in seconds. -Sang Kim [10:11]  Resources Mentioned: - 4D Motion Sports - CG Plus Connect: Find | Rob Crews At Complete.game On Instagram: @completegame On Twitter: @completegame On Facebook: @completegame Find | 4D Motion At 4dmotionsports.com On Twitter: @4dmotion_sports On Facebook: @4DMotionSports Subscribe: On Apple Podcasts On Spotify On Stitcher On iHeart Radio Credit: IggyBeats, DT Productions, and Ali the Greatest for background music.

45. Measuring the Kinematic Sequence | Sang Kim - CEO of 4D Motion

Founded all the way in a small country in Europe called Latvia, HackMotion has been on the forefront of the sports technology industry; providing biofeedback wrist sensors for golf instruction since 2016. Breaking into baseball and softball, they’re on track to become a major player in your tech toolbox. Dropping in on the Transcending Sports Podcast today, CEO Atis Hermanis and CCO Reinholds Pirags talk tech, innovation and making the golf-baseball crossover. Hear the story behind their tech and what they plan to bring to the world of baseball and softball. Find out how closely tracking wrist movement and hand speed can help you to make game changing tweaks. “We really understand that ease of use is the key because otherwise, you just can't structure your lesson around the tech if it takes out value.” -Atis Harmanis, CEO of HackMotion [38:05] Key Takeaways: How HackMotion’s tech is working to improve baseball and softball. A breakdown of how their metrics will help players and coaches alike. Episode Timeline: [00:29] CG Plus [01:45] Meet Atis Hermanis and Reinholds Pirags [02:13] Developing sensor technology for athletic use [04:36] HackMotion, movement tracking and rapid feedback [12:31] Quantifying swing movement with software [15:22] Addressing the variables involved in hitting a moving ball [18:35] Tracking hand and swing speed [20:16] Using HackMotion for training and improvement [24:17] Increasing spatial awareness in less experienced players [26:49] The biggest problem with wrist activity in baseball and softball [29:59] When to expect for baseball and softball [32:35] Device size and weight [34:25] Tech implementation and support [39:03] Finding Hack Motion [41:37] Outro Resources Mentioned:  Hackmotion.com/baseball  CG Plus Connect: Find | Rob Crews At Complete.game On Instagram: @completegame On Twitter: @completegame On Facebook: @completegame Find | HackMotion At Hackmotion.com On Instagram: @hackmotion On Twitter: @hackmotion_golf On Facebook: @hackmotion Subscribe: On Apple Podcasts On Spotify On Stitcher On iHeart Radio Credit: IggyBeats, DT Productions, and Ali the Greatest for background music.

44. HackMotion Baseball | Atis Hermanis & Reinholds Pirags

Casey Roche got his baseball tech start with Diamond Kinetics after leaving his Indy Ball team. Find out today, why helping players boost their game has become one of the most rewarding parts of his life. Casey jumps into the metric magic behind Diamond Kinetics and what it is that sets their tech apart. Hear Rob Crews break down why he considers them one of the best baseball tech companies around. Listen in to find out what metrics you should be tracking the closest when it comes to your swing and how tech integration is just as important as the tech itself. “Make a player a little more complete or at least understanding what they're good at so they can make their approach better, It's one of those things that I think that when you get to college you really gotta work on if you want to be a good hitter.” -Casey Roche [00:01] Key Takeaways:  How Casey Roche went from being a collegiate baseball player to working in baseball tech with Diamond Kinetics.  How metrics are helping to improve players.  What sets their technology apart. Episode Timeline: [00:30] CG Plus [01:24] Intro [01:40] Meet Casey Roche of Diamond Kinetics [02:39] How he got his start in baseball [03:26] Getting back in the game with Diamond Kinetics [04:21] Metrics, accuracy and quality behind Diamond Kinetics [07:12] The difference between Diamond Kinetics and Rapsodo [09:16] Diamond Kinetics products and services [10:32] The 3 most important metrics on a swing tracker [12:21] Balancing skill and metrics [15:08] The biggest swing flaws at each level [18:20] Swing fingerprint and the importance of contact depth [22:17] How Diamond Kinetics helps with tech integration [28:47] Pitchtracker softballs and baseballs [33:46] Bullet spin and moving the ball [35:21] What's coming next [36:42] How Rob Crews is working remotely with players [42:07] Diamond Kinetics' approach to tech and customer service [46:54] Contacting Casey Roche and how to find Diamond Kinetics [48:08] Outro “The average kid isn't going to want to do remote... COVID-19 is not going to make you all of a sudden become a worker. The people who were workers before the virus are workers even more so now.” -Rob Crews [40:23] Resources Mentioned: Diamond Kinetics, CG Plus Connect: Find | Rob Crews At Complete.game On Instagram: @completegame On Twitter: @completegame On Facebook: @completegame Find | Casey Roche & Diamond Kinetics At: Diamondkinetics.com On Instagram: @diamondkinetics On Twitter: @diamondkinetics On Facebook: @diamondkinetics Subscribe: On Apple Podcasts On Spotify On Stitcher On iHeart Radio Credit: IggyBeats, DT Productions, and Ali the Greatest for background music.

43. Casey Roche, Senior Business Development Manager, Diamond Kinetics

Coach Darren Gurney is an international baseball coach and founder of Rising Star Baseball Camp, a training camp/clinic located in Rob Crews’ home town of New Rochelle, NY. Since 1998, Rising Star Baseball has been helping to increase quality and diversity in the sport. Coach to over twenty MLB draft picks and other professional players, Darren Gurney has no shortage of insights on the game. Hear the story behind his journey as a coach. He shares how he worked with players abroad in countries like Japan, Italy and the Dominican Republic, widening his lense in game and life along the way. Also, as a collegiate coach who’s worked with players of all ages, he shares his take on implementing tech. Find out why he says it can be risky and get Rob’s tips on doing it seamlessly. “I think people fall for the glitz and the glamor of the technology. What does an exit velocity matter if I don't know my launch angle? And what does my launch angle matter if i don't pair it with my exit velocity?” -Darren Gurney [43:28] Key Takeaways: How Darren Gurney built his career as a baseball coach. How diversity is helping him develop winning teams. What he learned from other cultures during his time coaching overseas. His thoughts on implementing technology appropriately in the game. Episode Timeline: [00:01] Intro [00:30] CGPlus [01:23] Meet Coach Darren Gurney [02:38] Growing up in New Rochelle [04:40] Becoming a baseball coach [06:34] Diversity in New Rochelle [08:09] New Rochelle High school sports [10:43] Founding Rising Stars Training Camp [16:43] The socio-economic weight of playing baseball [18:49] Creating a diverse culture between players and families [19:24] Becoming a high school coach [22:38] Coaching internationally [25:45] Cultural differences and takeaways from teams abroad [35:44] Lehman College baseball [38:36] Thoughts on the evolution of tech in baseball [46:47] Implementing technology [50:38] Technology tips for coaches [52:36] How tech is changing the game [55:34] What's for baseball and Coach Darren Gurney post COVID-19 [1:00:40] Thoughts on how the game and recruiting will be affected [1:06:41] Contacting Darren Gurney and outro “My vetting approach for technology is under high scrutiny. I never adopt something that I'm not 100% positive is going to help my players... is this technology going to fit into what I'm doing? and if I can figure out how to make it fit, am I humble enough to go and ask for help from somebody who may be able to help me to get this right.” -Rob Crews [49:14] “Socio-economically, baseball is way too expensive. Sometimes we take that for granted. You gotta buy a kid a new pair of cleats every 6 months, gloves, bats... Football and basketball are all scholarship sports. So economically, at the end of it, especially at the collegiate level, it's more economically reasonable than it is to play baseball.” - Rob Crews[16:43] Resources Mentioned: Rising Star Camp, You Gotta Have Wa, Lehman College Baseball Connect: Find | Rob Crews At Complete.game On Instagram: @completegame On Twitter: @completegame On Facebook: @completegame Find | Darren Gurney risingstarcamp.com  On Instagram: @coachgurney  On Twitter: @coachgurney Subscribe: On Apple Podcasts On Spotify On Stitcher On iHeart Radio Credit: IggyBeats, DT Productions, and Ali the Greatest for background music.

42. International Baseball Coach | Founder of Rising Star Baseball Camp | Darren Gurney

In this episode, Rob Crews talks about the role of technology in vision, perception and cognition training  and development, This is an excerpt from a market research interview from one of the leading sports technology companies in the world of decision-making training. 

41. Bonus Episode - Rob Crews talks about the role of Technology in Decision-Making Training

When Coach Kevin Shelton started Texas Glory in May of 2000, his players were hitting off a tee— today, they’ve grown into an over 100 team national organization with some of the most promising players in the game. Listen in to hear how Coach Kevin got his start in fastpitch and what went into building Texas glory into the national brand it is today. He breaks down the moments, players and shifts in mindset that made the difference on their path to success. He talks about everything from unique Texas slappers to the benefits of 20-player rosters. Find out how the short game has evolved and what's next for the Glory. “We didn't know how much bigger the world was out there and we were frankly scared to attack it...Finally, the kids said, 'Listen, why don't you believe in us? Let's go play the best in the country. What are we doing? And that's what changed everything.” -Kevin Shelton [12:41] Key Takeaways: How Kevin Shelton got his start in coaching fastpitch softball. The values behind the Texas Glory Brand and how they’ve expanded. Insights on the short game and slappers. Episode Timeline: [00:30] CG Plus [01:23] Meet Coach Kevin Shelton [03:01] How he got started in softball [09:30] Building Texas glory into a national brand [14:13] Transitioning to compete at a high level [18:40] Building a pipeline and expanding [22:04] The development, values, and recruitment separates Texas Glory [28:11] Left field, slappers and the short game in Texas [32:29] How the short game has evolved [40:07] What a typical practice looks like [47:04] The benefits of a 20 player roster [54:43] Contacting Kevin Shelton and outro “Winners are not looking in the rearview mirror... That's the message I try and tell everybody, just go as hard as you can go. You don't need to worry if someone is running you down or not because if you're running as fast as you can run and someone runs you down, there's nothing you could have done anyway.” -Kevin Shelton [52:06] “The primary focus is team. If people cannot buy into the idea that it is about the whole and not the individual, they don't survive very long in our environment.” -Kevin Shelton [23:32] Resources Mentioned: Texas Glory Connect: Find | Rob Crews At Complete.game  On Instagram: @completegame  On Twitter: @completegame  On Facebook: @completegame Find | Kevin Shelton At Kevin@texasglory.com Texasglory.com  On Instagram: @texas_glory_fp  On Twitter: @texasglory  On Facebook: @TexasGloryFastpitch Subscribe: On Apple Podcasts On Spotify On Stitcher On iHeart Radio Credit: IggyBeats, DT Productions, and Ali the Greatest for background music. 

40. The Leader of Texas Glory Softbal | Coach Kevin Shelton

In softball and baseball, the things you can't see might be even more important than the things you can. Neurotech is bridging the gap between the two and elevating the game along the way. Jason Sherwin, CEO of DeCervo drops in for this episode of the Transcending Sports Podcast.  DeCervo is the company behind the decision boosting uHIT software. Find out how Jason developed the tech behind uHIT and get his take on the neurotech industry’s future in sports. He breaks down how uHIT works on a cognitive level to improve pitch recognition.  Find out what new innovations DeCervo has for hitters, how they’re making their MLB quality tech available for younger players and how you can make the most of the stats you get from it all. “When we talk about neuro coaching, through neurotechnology, now we're addressing something that we've never really been able to address... It's something about making fast decisions that also translates into the confidence of an athlete.”  -Rob Crews [27:43]  Key Takeaways: How Jason Sherwin invented uHIT.  The invisible mechanics of baseball and softball. How you can use uHIT data to improve your game. Episode Timeline: [00:00] CG Plus [00:55] Jason Sherwin, CEO of DeCervo [03:41] Becoming interested in brain function [05:30] Planting the seed for DeCervo and developing uHIT [07:39] Invisible mechanics of baseball and softball [10:01] Major early developments and mobile expansion [14:59] How athletes can get started with uHIT  [20:47] Your brain during the strike/zone recognition process [25:39] The mobile assessment and measuring decision making [27:13] Neuro coaching [28:20] How pitch recognition works with uHIT [32:01] Impulse control and chase rate [38:05] Pitch bias and cognitive biases [41:17] The value of UHit when tied into a player's unique hitting sequence [46:46] Connecting with uHIT and Jason Sherwin [48:17] Game remote and swing integration [52:05] Outro Resources Mentioned: CG Plus Platform uHIT Recognition Intervention DeCervo.com Swag 101 by Rob Crews uHIT Softball Virtual Game Remote Connect: Find | Rob Crews At Complete.Game On Instagram: @completegame On Twitter: @completegame On Facebook: @completegame Find | Jason Sherwin At DeCervo.com On Twitter: @jasonsherwin Credit: IggyBeats, DT Productions, and Ali the Greatest for background music.

39. Invisible Mechanics and Neuro Tech | Jason Sherwin, CEO DeCervo

With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic erupting in the middle of the softball season, players around the country— particularly high school juniors are on edge about their recruitment and scholarship options moving forward. Today, Jaimie Duffek, NCSA’s director of softball sits down to talk about options for student athletes and the future of college recruiting as we know it. She shares insights as a former recruiting coach, on the new recruiting rules put in place by the NCAA. The ripple effect of cancelling winter and spring sports and what she thinks about travel ball culture. Listen in for softball resources in response to the Corona outbreak and ways we might all make the most of our down time together. “I don't really think that there's a safe haven anymore unfortunately... We've created this culture in the travel ball scene where we've made it really too easy for families and athletes and parents to give up, throw in the towel and say the grass is always greener on the other side when that’s not always the case.”   -  Jaimie Duffek [32:14] Key Takeaways: How the NCSA and the NCAA are responding to the COVID19 softball season disruption. What softball recruiting during and after a pandemic may look like. What changes to college softball culture have meant for coaches. Episode Timeline: [00:00] CG Plus [00:53] Jaimie Duffek, NCSA Director of Softball [02:06] The NCSA and NCAA response to coronavirus [07:30] Eligibility release for student-athletes [09:47] Exploring options for scholarships and finances [12:27] A look at the summer landscape at the NCSA [13:30] The Reigning Champs Experience umbrella [15:40] Thoughts on the Astros scandal [19:24] NCSA, events and highschool athlete evaluations [21:12] The business of sports entertainment [28:30] New NCAA recruiting rules and the impact of early recruiting [30:03] College coaches getting fired and the travel ball landscape [33:25] Travel Ball and college rosters [34:33] Getting the chance to see athletes evolve with [38:34] Baseball comparisons [40:20] Rob's time as a baseball travel team coach [44:08] "We should have quarantined a long time ago" Resources Mentioned: CG Plus Platform ncsasports.org Connect: Find | Rob Crews At Complete.game On Instagram: @completegame On Twitter: @completegame On Facebook: @completegame Find | Jaimie Duffek At ncsasports.org On instagram: @ncsa_sports On Twitter: @ncsa @ncsacoachduffek Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart Radio Credit: IggyBeats, DT Productions, and Ali the Greatest for background music.

38. CoronaVirus and College Recruiting | Jaimie Duffek, NCSA Dir. of Softball

Looking at national stats, there is an undeniable difference between California based softball teams and the rest of the country. Could it be as simple as their ability to play outdoors year round? or Is there something in that Pacific Ocean water?  Mike Stith, OC Batbusters 18U head coach and founder of the Sports Training Complex in Anaheim, CA sits down with the #robcrewspodcast to break it down. Catch his insights on Californian softball culture and what’s behind their consistent production of world-class athletes.  Offering some golden advice on vetting parents and players alike, Mike shares some simple strategies for spotting drive in young players. Hear how he went from coaching a recreational team for his daughters to helping develop the Batbusters into a 122-team-strong national organization. Also, get his take on tech implementation and what the future holds for the sport. “What people don't understand is, my players see the best pitching in America every time they step to the plate. Every time... We're looking at people who are championship-caliber players at all times, so you have to raise your bar.”  -Mike Stith [11:37]  Key Takeaways: How Mike Stith’s got his start in softball coaching. What sets California based softball teams apart. How he is implementing technology in his coaching Episode Timeline: [00:00] Intro [00:34] CGPlus [01:28] Meet Coach Mike Stith [02:21] How he went from recreational coach to 18U [04:15] Joining the OC Batbusters team [07:29] Expanding and learning to adapt [09:49] Why California is the mecca for softball Competitive coaches [13:34] His take on the showcase model and junior recruiting [18:07] Breaking down the game and routines [24:49] The vetting process and recognizing drive in players [29:51] Technology and the evolution of fastpitch softball [35:02] What's up next for Mike Stith [37:13] Game Ready Series about softball culture [39:47] New York team progress [41:34] Outro “It's the self-awareness and the demand that they put on themselves that makes this unique. And it's the culture that's been created over 35-40 years of the bat busters when these people walk in, they know what's expected of them.”  -Mike Stith [23:59]  Resources Mentioned: CG Plus Platform Game Ready Youtube Series Connect: Find | Rob Crews At Complete.game On Instagram: @completegame On Twitter: @completegame On Facebook: @completegame Find | Mike Stith At sportstrainingcomplex.com batbusters.org On instagram: @coachmikestith On Twitter: @ocbatbusters Subscribe: On Apple Podcasts On Google Podcasts On Spotify On Stitcher On iHeart Radio Credit: IggyBeats, DT Productions, and Ali the Greatest for background music. 

37. Raise Your Bar, OC Batbusters Coach, Mike Stith

When International Coach Micheal Bastian was tapped to train the Chinese national softball team— he welcomed the challenge wholeheartedly, packing up and moving to China from the U.S in his 30’s. But, how did he go from culture shock and not knowing the same language as his players to ranking as #1 pitchers in  China? Today, on the #robcrewspodcast, Michael sits down to talk about his journey. He shares the story behind it all, from his start in the world of sports to how he became the softball coach he is today. Find out how he balanced patriotism and obligation as an American coaching a Chinese team during the 2008 Olympics. Learn about the impact he is hoping to make as the current CEO of softball Team TFS and why he thinks personal development for life off the field is important in any sport. “If you just always give away the answers and tell kids what you want them to do, you're not really developing them in their softball skills, baseball skills or life skills.” -Michael Bastian [22:31]   Key Takeaways: How coach Micheal Bastian built his career as an international softball coach. What it’s like coaching in a country where you don't speak the language. How team TFS has evolved and the plans they have for the future How Coronavirus may affect summer play and insights into China’s response. Episode Timeline: [00:00] Intro [00:16] Meet Coach Micheal Bastian [01:11] How he got his start in sports [02:52] Where he played college baseball and basketball [03:03] Coaching Team USA and the Chinese National Team [05:27] Adjusting to coaching in China, discipline and accountability [08:53] Language barriers and learning to communicate with players [10:06] His family with former professional softball player, Xin Miao [10:53] Coaching as a foreign coach in the 2008 Olympics [14:06] Inventing and developing the Whip Hit [18:50] Connecting in Colorado and using the Right Eye program [21:05] The Fastpitch School's focus on personal development [24:00] The evolution of team TFS and plans for the future [28:51] Contacting Micheal Bastian [30:57] Micheal’s experience with china's response to Coronavirus [32:15] Outro Resources Mentioned: teamtfs.net wechat.com Connect: Find | Rob Crews At Complete.game On Instagram: @completegame On Twitter: @completegame On Facebook: @completegame Find | Michael Bastian At teamtfs.net WeChat : Michael Bastian On Facebook: @michael.bastian.52 On Twitter: @CoachBastian Subscribe: On Apple Podcasts On Google Podcasts On Spotify On Stitcher On iHeart Radio Credit: IggyBeats, DT Productions, and Ali the Greatest for background music.

36. Communist Softball, The Fastpitch School - Coach Michael Bastian

Rob Crews hosts a unique audio experience w/ the world's most intriguing sports personalities.

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Transcending Sport - Rob Crews

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