Send us a textJoin us on this week's episode of The Backpack Podcast as host Brett Thomas sits down with Jordan Comadena, the Pittsburgh Pirates' catching coach. Dive into Jordan's journey, his insights on catching techniques, and his experiences coaching at the highest level. Discover how one-knee-down stances are transforming the way you play and why mental fortitude is key to mastering the catcher position. Learn from Jordan's experiences working with MLB catchers like Joey Bart and Yasman...

Send us a textJoin us as we sit down with Todd Coburn, AKA "The Catching Guy," to explore his journey from player to coach. After playing at Cal Poly and the Phillies, Todd transitioned into a coaching career that has spanned over 25 years. Now a recognized catching specialist, Todd shares how his love for the position led him to coach catchers across 40 states.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Backpick Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Reagan Glanz, a rising star in the world of softball and a catcher for the Coastal Bend Tidal Wave in Women's Pro Fastpitch. Reagan takes us through her incredible journey as she opens up about the highs and lows of the recruiting process, the demands of travel ball, and the mental toughness needed to stay competitive at the elite level.Reagan also gives us a deep dive into the evolution of catching techniques su...

Send us a textCome listen as Cameron Rupp reveals the secrets to mastering the catcher position and building a winning culture. In this episode of the Backpck Podcast, former MLB catcher and College World Series coach, Cameron Rupp, shares invaluable insights into the heart of baseball. From the technical aspects of the one-knee-down stance to the importance of mental fortitude, Cameron dives deep into how catchers are transforming the way the game is played. Hear personal anecdotes abou...

Send us a textStep up to the plate and dive into the heart of baseball with Dan McCarty, a 21-year-old baseball coach who's transforming the way you play the game. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, Dan's journey is a testament to mental fortitude and passion for the sport. Mastering the catcher position without ever playing, he's redefined catching techniques, emphasizing the one-knee-down stance and mental resilience. Join us as Dan shares personal anecdotes and insights into working with l...

Send us a Text Message.Catchers, this one's for you! Today, we pick the brain of Tom Griffin—affectionately known as Griff—a legend in the catching world and head coach at Carson Newman University. Griff brings his unique energy and unparalleled expertise to the table, offering a fresh take on catcher training techniques. We explore his dynamic coaching approach, emphasizing the importance of experimenting with different stances—from primary and secondary to one knee down—and how these variat...

Send us a Text Message.Step up to the plate with "The Intangibles of Catching with Dustin Garneau" on the BackPick Podcast! In this episode, host Brett Thomas dives deep into the heart of baseball with former big leaguer and current Colorado Rockies catching and game planning coordinator, Dustin Garneau. From his Southern California roots to his College World Series triumphs at Cal State Fullerton, and his seven-year MLB career, Dustin shares insider stories and expert catching techniques.Dis...

Send us a Text Message.Unlock the secrets to mastering the catcher position with insights from Nick Dini, a former major league catcher for the Kansas City Royals. Join us on the Backpick Podcast as Nick shares his journey from a multi-sport athlete to a professional baseball player, all while overcoming significant challenges like Tommy John surgery. Discover his unique path from playing various positions to eventually finding his passion for catching, and learn how his experiences now shape...

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered how modern technology is revolutionizing the art of catching in baseball? Tune in as veteran catcher Rob Brantly walks us through his journey from mastering traditional techniques to becoming a proponent of contemporary methods influenced by advanced metrics. Discover how his time with the Chicago White Sox and playing behind Tyler Flowers opened his eyes to innovative framing techniques and the importance of strike rates in reshaping the catcher’s role. R...

Send us a Text Message.Unlock the secrets of baseball's unsung heroes with the catching maestro himself, Xan Barksdale. Our latest episode is a treasure trove of insights, where Xan chronicles his transformative journey from the diamond as a player to his influential coaching and entrepreneurial adventures. You'll be privy to the wisdom gleaned from his days fostering talent at the University of Louisville and East Tennessee State, and how he shaped his legacy with Catching101.com and the inc...

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered how a player's journey shapes their coaching philosophy? Ethan Goforth, catching coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates, joins me on the Backpick Podcast to share his transformative story from player to coach, mentored by the dynamic Tom Griffin at Carson Newman University. Ethan divulges his experiences, from nurturing young Latin talent in the Dominican Republic to tailoring coaching strategies that play to each athlete's strengths. His tales span the gamut of...

Embark on a transformative journey through the world of athletic performance with Dr. Ismael Gallo, as he takes us from the baseball diamond to the cutting edge of movement science. His remarkable pivot from a Dodgers player to a movement therapy expert promises to shift the paradigm on how athletes train and optimize their bodies. As he recounts his personal saga of resilience and the drive it took to transition from professional sports to pioneering in movement therapy, you'll be captivated...

Carlos Muñoz's leap from the warm embrace of Venezuela to the buzz of the major league bullpens is nothing short of a home run tale. We sit down with the former Houston Astros bullpen catcher to unravel his inspiring journey, illustrating the tenacity and grit that carried him through the formidable barriers of language and finance. As he recounts his evolution from a junior college hopeful to an essential cog in the Astros' wheel, Carlos not only embodies the American dream but also becomes...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be the linchpin of a baseball team? Tyler Heineman of the Boston Red Sox joins us to take you through the labyrinth of skills and mental fortitude required to master the catcher position. We're beyond thrilled to share Tyler's personal anecdotes from his walk-on days at UCLA to his diamond duels with top pitchers like Garrett Cole and Trevor Bauer. He's not holding back on his secrets for those lightning-fast ball exchanges either; this episode is a...

Have you ever wondered how a Major League catcher processes failure or the weight of a historic nickname? Michael McKenry, our esteemed guest and the embodiment of "Fort McKenry," sheds light on the mental fortress required to excel behind the plate. In our heartfelt conversation, we navigate the waters of resilience, unpacking the tales of adversity that forge champions in the cauldron of competitive sports. Michael's journey from the diamond to the broadcasting booth is a testament to...

Step up to the plate with us as we welcome the remarkable 2022 gold and platinum award winner, Jose Trevino, to the Back Pick podcast. Trevino opens up about the seldom-discussed psychological hurdles athletes face during injury recovery. He shares how his family's support was his cornerstone and reveals the influence his infield background has on his catching prowess. This episode isn't just a play-by-play of a catcher's life; it's an intimate passage through the heart of baseball resilience...

Step up to the plate with former major league catcher and Atlanta Braves catching coordinator JD Closser, as we explore the hidden world behind the catcher's mask. JD brings his wealth of experience to the microphone, sharing the intricate strategies that fortify the catcher-pitcher alliance and the tailored approach to developing the catchers of tomorrow. Discover the delicate balance of skill and psychology that defines the catcher's role, and how personalized growth plans, forged through...

Ever grappled with the pressure of a high-stakes moment, heart pounding and crowd roaring? That's where our latest guest, John Baker, has thrived and survived, both as a former Major League catcher and now in his pivotal role with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Join us as we strike up a conversation that navigates the complex interplay of relationships in baseball, the mental resilience required to overcome adversity, and the delicate craft of coaching. John's candid tales from behind the plate...

Ever thought about what it takes to coach a Gold Glove finalist? Pull up a chair and join our intimate chat with renowned catching coach, Craig Albernaz, who is best known for his work with Patrick Bailey. Craig opens the door to his coaching philosophy, revealing the importance of rapport-building with players, promoting player initiative, and curating an optimal training environment. He also shares how he fine-tuned Patrick Bailey's inherent skills through a holistic approach, underlining...

Ever wondered how baseball can change a family tree or the secret to breaking in your baseball glove without harsh treatments? Then join us, as we chat with Chase Andrews, founder of Stronghold Catching, who gives us an inside look at the world of baseball and shares invaluable life lessons. Chase takes us on his journey of starting Stronghold Catching in 2021 and provides an in-depth look into his unique coaching style; offering personalized curriculums for players and highlighting the...

Prepare to be swept off your feet by the captivating insights of Bennett Lee, a promising catcher freshly drafted by the Detroit Tigers. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge about the art of catching, the essence of internal leadership, and the sheer joy of being part of a winning team. Lee takes us behind the scenes of his riveting journey to the College World Series, shedding light on the pivotal role of team spirit and fun in their triumph. Ever wondered how a catcher hones his...

Ever wondered what skills are needed to guide a baseball from being just a ball and glove game to an art of catching? From the Field General Catching Academy, renowned coach Tyler Goodro and I explore the finer points of the great game of baseball, focusing on the mind and skills behind catching. We share our experiences transitioning from player to coach, emphasizing on the importance of active listening, continuous learning, and the art of failing in order to learn. Our conversation gets...

Ever juggled high academic expectations with a demanding sports career? You're not alone. This enlightening conversation with Kelsey O'Connor, a former competitive softball player for North Carolina State, provides a relatable and heartfelt narrative as she unveils her journey from a passionate student-athlete to a young woman navigating life after a life-altering, traumatic brain injury.  Join us as Kelsey shares insights on the challenges of balancing sports and academics, the significance...

Ever find yourself losing your grip on the chaotic world of baseball catching? Well, we've got the antidote. In a riveting conversation with Brandon Oliver, former New York Yankees catching coach and current owner of Futures Training Center, we crack open the art of successful catching. We journey through our experiences at the junior college level, dissecting how Brandon transitioned into a coaching role, and unravelling the assessments given to catchers from velocity to hip mobility and...