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 the significance of a lower arm slot for enhancing upper body rotation in young players. We venture further into Craig's unique coaching style, shedding light on the pivotal role of communication. Craig shares anecdotes from his childhood as an A's fan, and reflects on how technology today enables young fans to connect seamlessly with their favorite teams. We also touch upon leadership and consistency in catching, and Craig underscores the importance of forging strong catcher-pitcher relationships. He discusses catchers’ selfless contributions to team success and emphasizes their role in creating a winning team. As we wrap up our conversation, we discuss player development and the power of mentorship in baseball. Craig shares his personal journey from playing at a Division 2 school to making a nine-year career in the minor leagues, serving as a testament to the fact that players need not necessarily go to a Division 1 school to succeed in baseball. We also reflect on the influence of legendary player Buster Posey on modern baseball and his remarkable success in leading the San Francisco Giants to three World Series victories. Tune in to understand the significance of catcher-pitcher relationships and their role in creating a successful team. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!