Episodes
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College baseball is evolving faster than ever. The NCAA’s new eligibility model, potential MLB Draft changes, and the continued impact of the transfer portal are reshaping the recruiting landscape. For players and parents, understanding these changes is no longer optional—it’s essential. In this episode of Fungos & Footnotes, Addison and Coach T discuss what these developments mean and how families can respond with wisdom instead of panic. What Changed? The NCAA has shifted from the traditional five years to play four seasons model toward a five-for-five eligibility structure, fundamentally ch
Episode 11: 5 Moments That Shape a Player (And How Not to Get Them Wrong) Baseball development isn’t just about mechanics, velocity, exit speed, or batting average. Some of the most important moments in a player’s journey happen away from the field—in the conversations, reactions, and relationships surrounding the game. In this episode of Fungos & Footnotes, Addison Williams and Coach T discuss five critical moments that shape a player’s confidence, identity, and long-term relationship with baseball. The Five Moments That Shape a Player 1. Coaching From the Stands Parents want to help. That’s
Player Etiquette: How You Show Up What separates talented players from trusted teammates? In this episode of Fungos & Footnotes, Addison Williams and Coach T break down the silent tests every coach is constantly evaluating — whether players realize it or not. From showing up early and hustling on and off the field to body language, coachability, emotional control, and respecting the game, this episode dives into the habits that impact playing time, leadership opportunities, recruiting, and long-term success both on and off the diamond. Baseball is more than mechanics and stats. It reveals char
Talent might get you on the roster — but character gets you on the field. In this episode, Addison and Coach T break down why the players coaches trust the most aren’t always the most talented — they’re the best teammates. From work ethic and body language to dugout presence and baseball IQ, this episode gives players and parents a clear roadmap to earning more opportunities and becoming indispensable to their team. Key Takeaways Coaches value character over talent Work ethic, attitude, coachability, and IQ rank above skill Your role today doesn’t define your future Non-starters can earn trust
The lineup card can build you… or break you — depending on how you see it. In this episode of Fungos & Footnotes, host Addison Williams and Coach T (Corey Thornton) pull back the curtain on what lineup decisions really mean — and what they don’t. Too often, players attach their identity to a spot in the order. Parents read into it. Coaches feel pressure around it. But the truth? The lineup isn’t about labels — it’s about roles, matchups, and helping a team function at its highest level. This episode breaks it all down. From how lineups are actually constructed… to what separates starters from
Most youth practices look busy — but busy isn’t the same as productive. In this episode, Addison and Coach T break down what separates great practices from average ones. From maximizing a single cage to building real game instincts on the field, this episode gives coaches, parents, and players a clear blueprint for development that actually transfers. <strong>What We Cover:</strong> <strong>Inside Practice</strong> <ul> <li>Why standing around kills development — and how to eliminate it</li> <li>How to maximize one batting cage (live BP, front toss, tee work, short hops)</li> <li>Getting up to
Fungos & Footnotes — Show Notes Episode: “Development Under Pressure” Hosts: Addison Williams & Coach T Episode Summary Private lessons are at an all-time high, but kids are more burned out than ever. Addison and Coach T explore the fine line between healthy development and harmful pressure in youth baseball — and how parents and coaches can tell the difference. Key Topics Covered 1. The Tipping Point — When Development Becomes Pressure Signs your player has hit the tipping point: dreading practice, performance anxiety, paralysis by analysis Skipping the base: why rushing advanced training bac
Episode Overview Addison and Coach T break down Mike Matheny’s viral “Letter to the Parents” (circa 2005–2006), unpacking timeless truths about parent involvement in youth baseball—from rec ball to high school to college. What We Cover Introduction (0:00–3:31) The mission of Fungos & Footnotes: development, recruiting, mindset, leadership, and lessons that last beyond the final out Cold Open (0:25–3:31) Why Matheny’s letter still matters today A must-hear for parents, players, and coaches at every level The Real Issue: Parent Burnout (1:30–3:30) Kids burn out when the game becomes about parent
Development vs. Winning: What Really Matters in Youth Baseball Your kid’s team just won the tournament. Rings are being handed out, everyone’s celebrating… but here’s the real question: Did the players actually get better? In Episode 3 of Fungos and Footnotes, we’re diving into the trap of youth baseball—where the system rewards winning, but often at the expense of true player development. In this episode: Why locking kids into positions too early limits their potential The hidden cost of chasing big-name teams and tournament rings How to find coaches who prioritize development over trophies T
Playing Time: What Actually Earns You Reps | Fungos and Footnotes EP 2 Playing time isn’t about talent alone—it’s earned through practice habits, attitude, and effort. In this episode, we break down what coaches actually look for, how to handle the bench, and why youth championships at 12 don’t matter as much as you think. Real talk for players, parents, and coaches. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Intro 0:25 – Why Playing Time Feels Personal (But Isn’t) 1:37 – Practice Habits: What Coaches Actually See 5:53 – Building Team Trust 7:43 – Emotional Control & Leadership 12:50 – Identity vs. Entitlement 15:10
Episode Title: Season Before the Season: Preparing Players, Parents & Coaches for Baseball Success Show Description: Welcome to the inaugural episode of Fungos and Footnotes – the podcast where baseball meets the deeper side of the game. This show is for players, parents, and coaches who care about more than just box scores. What We Cover: In this episode, hosts Coach Cory Thornton (57, 35 years of coaching experience including 18 years at the college level) and his co-host (34, former player and showcase director) discuss the critical pre-season preparation period and cut through the noise of
