Experience Matters: What to Look for in Next Phillies Hitting Coach

I’ve always believed there’s a difference between knowing how to play the game and understanding how to prepare others to succeed at it. There are many self proclaimed coaches and gurus that just unfortunately are misleading good players.

Having the opportunity to work as a minor league hitting coach, minor league hitting coordinator, and Major League hitting coach with the Orioles, Phillies, White Sox, & Pirates has given me a perspective and knowledge that I believe has separated myself on the subject of player development.

I’ve seen what it takes to help players navigate the challenges of professional baseball, adapt at different levels, and reach their potential. I’ve also been fortunate enough to be part of the journeys of players who went on to win MVPs, Comeback Player of the Year, League MVPs, World Series MVPs, and a National League batting title.

Those experiences have shaped how I think about hitting, player development, and what it takes to build a successful lineup/hitting department. Each player has a different swing, not including their A, B, & C swing depending on count, injury, etc.

With the Philadelphia Phillies’ hitting coach position in mind, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about what I would bring to the table. I know there are plenty of talented and qualified people in this profession, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for the opportunity.

I’m not going to pretend I have all the answers or some secret formula for success, but I do believe my experiences have taught me some valuable lessons, and I have a clear vision for how I would approach the job.

Sometimes, the most important question isn’t what you’ve accomplished as a player. It’s what you’ve learned, how you communicate it, and whether you can help the next player become the best version of himself.

I’d welcome the opportunity to put those lessons to work in Philadelphia.

October Baseball- Preparing for the Fall Classic

We are finally in October- teams have clinched now the real season is underway.

Now, everyone is 0-0. The past is the past and you never know who will be crowned the Kings of the Fall Classic. As I prepare to watch these teams compete, I’d love to share a glimpse of clinching with the ‘93 Phillies.

Can remember it to this day. We are in Pittsburgh playing the Pirates and the last out is made- we have punched our ticket to some playoff baseball! The squad erupted, we celebrated with the Phillies fans who made the trip, and had some fun in the clubhouse. Iconically, Harry Kalas came down to sing High Hopes and got us in the mood to ring chase.

One thing for sure, especially with the celebrating this team did, the bench players and utility guys enter the lineup the next day as they physically recover and rinse out the night before.

Part of my routine was to check the weather for the next day and I quickly found out it would be a beautiful Pittsburgh fall night- freezing rain with a chance of snow. Beautiful. I then look at who we will be facing- Bob Walk- a great pitcher known for doctoring up the baseball with some weather on his side. A great day to get some hacks in.

Needless to say, we all began the preparation of bringing home a parade for the Philly faithful. It was an incredible honor to be apart of this team and the intensity we brought day in and day out is an intensity I share to players. This is what is needed in our game and what is needed to perform at the next level.

Looking forward to see who climbs the mountain!

Wear. A. Cup.

Fall ball is underway and it is now time to focus on the fundamentals. The work that is done in the fall for high school and collegiate players sets you up to be in the starting 9 in the spring. As we hit our fungos at Manto PDC my absolute pet peeve happens- players fielding the ball off to their left and right. They are absolutely fearing getting hit by the ball especially in a certain area.

For the love of all things good in the world: please wear a cup. Nothing is worse than an error being made due to a fear that can be resolved with a piece of equipment. Would you run at Myles Garrett without shoulder pads? No. Then why the heck would we field a ground ball coming at us without a plastic guard protecting our ‘nads like Kevin James protecting the West Orange Pavilion mall in Mall Cop?

From what we see, not wearing one creates bad habits. We need to focus on proper fielding mechanics and gaining the confidence to field whatever ball coming at us.

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