Swing Hard

Send us Fan Mail This podcast episode marked the 25-year anniversary of 9/11, with Denny and Scorp discussing how sports, particularly baseball, played a unifying role during that tragic time. They remembered key moments like President Bush throwing the first pitch at a Yankees game and Mike Piazza's home run at Shea Stadium, noting how sports helped bring Americans together despite the tragedy. The conversation then shifted to addressing fan mail questions from listeners, covering topics suc...

Send us Fan Mail This podcast episode featured a discussion on the importance of the off-season for young athletes, focusing on achieving balance and personal development beyond sports. Adam explained the risks of sports obsession, such as identity foreclosure and quarter-life crisis, and emphasized the need for athletes to become better students, athletes, and players. He provided practical advice on improving study habits, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and sport-specific skills. The...

Send us Fan Mail This podcast features Denny, Scorp, and Sarah Tiana, discussing baseball, particularly focusing on the Braves and Dodgers rivalry ahead of their upcoming playoff series. Sarah shared her background growing up in Calhoun, Georgia, her recent marriage, and her work as a comedian and ESPN commentator covering women's sports. The conversation covered various baseball topics including stadium experiences, player performances, the impact of the Dodgers' high-paying contracts on the...

Send us Fan Mail The podcast episode features a conversation between Denny and Scorp about youth baseball, coaching, and the life lessons the sport provides. They discussed the challenges of managing multiple teams and the importance of kids playing on teams where they get the most playing time, rather than focusing on being on an "A" team. They emphasized the value of self-evaluation and hard work over complaining about team placement. Denny shared updates about his busy schedule with the Do...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, Denny and Producer Rob talk about the recent baseball tryouts and coaching approaches. The discussion also included the growing seriousness in youth baseball, particularly around travel ball programs and showcases like Perfect Game, with Denny expressing concerns about parents focusing too much on representation and showcases rather than player development. The conversation covered Denny's coaching philosophy at BATRS, emphasizing proper fundamentals like pla...

Send us Fan Mail This week’s episode features Denny and his coaching staff from BATRS. Denny and his crew talk about the recent BATRS tryouts. Denny discusses how each player is evaluated and how BATRS focuses on the development of each individual player . The coaches share stories about Cooperstown and ended with a conversation naming a favorite player from their program. "Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

Send us Fan Mail This week Denny and Adam focus college recruiting and the importance of choosing a school based on academics and life skills rather than solely on athletic opportunities. Plus Denny and Adam break down what high school athletes should do in the off season to develop as individuals. "Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

Send us Fan Mail This week, Denny updates his summer activities including coach with the Dodgers at Westmont college. Plus Denny and Rob talk about Jacob Madrid’s recent signing with the Mets. And Denny gives some advice about the upcoming College recruiting window opening up August 1st. "Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

Send us Fan Mail The podcast focused on baseball coaching and mental preparation, with Adam Sarancik sharing insights about managing a talented 13-year-old grandson named CJ who is growing rapidly and preparing for a showcase. Adam discussed the mental and physical considerations for pitchers, covering three key areas: maintaining positive mindsets, performing well when not at full capacity, and handling pressure situations. The conversation included specific techniques like the "green light,...

Send us Fan Mail This episode features John Lynch, a Boston-born writer and screenwriter now living in LA, discussing baseball, sports movies, and his upcoming script reading. The conversation covered John's favorite sports movies including "Bingo Long and the Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings," "Bad News Bears," and "Moneyball," while discussing the challenges of portraying realistic sports scenes in film. John shared his background as a former Little League All-Star player in Worcester ...

Send us Fan Mail This episode features an interview with Andy Diver, head coach at Mira Costa High School, discussing his team's CIF championship victory in Division III baseball. Andy shared how his team overcame significant injuries to their top pitchers, including losing their number one and number two starters before the season, to ultimately win the championship with a dramatic come-from-behind victory where they overcame a 6-1 deficit to defeat Agoura 6-5. The conversation covered Andy'...

Send us Fan Mail This episode featured Dean Florence and his 12-year-old son Luca Florence, discussing Luca's journey in baseball and his upcoming trip to Cooperstown. Dean shared how Luca's passion for baseball began at age 3 when he demanded to play with his older brother, leading to his first coach-pitch home run at just 7 years old. Luca discussed his love for the game, favorite player Mike Trout, and his role as a catcher who enjoys calling his own pitches. The conversation covered Luca'...

Send us Fan Mail This episode featured an interview with Jacob Madrid, a recently graduated catcher from Notre Dame High School who was preparing for the MLB draft. The conversation covered Jacob's baseball career, including his growth to 6'4" and 220 pounds, his impressive draft process involving conversations with 22 of 30 teams, and his commitment to the University of Oregon. Jacob discussed his unique approach to the game, his preference for hunting breaking balls rather than fastballs du...

Send us Fan Mail This week on the Swing Hard Podcast, Denny and Rob discuss their recent travel experiences. Plus Denny gives an excellent analysis of the recent baseball success of Cal Poly, UCLA and USC. Denny also breaks down the College World Series and the upcoming recruiting season. "Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

Send us Fan Mail Adam Sarancik returns and on this episode he emphasized the importance of consistent fundamental practice, proper mechanics including tag mechanics and bunt defense, understanding field conditions and umpire rhythms, and managing pitcher workload throughout the season. Adam and Denny covered specific technical aspects like field preparation, handling different pitching styles and arm angles, and strategies for dealing with unique field conditions including natural surfa...

Send us Fan Mail Denny and Producer Rob conducted this podcast episode while Rob was traveling in Peru. The two discussed Denny's high school baseball team's recent elimination from the CIF playoffs after losing a tough away game. Denny talked about his team's strong season performance, including victories over multiple opponents, and mentioned that his program will be participating in the Dodgers summer league program, with a new player related to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts joining the tea...

Send us Fan Mail This podcast episode focused on Denny's high school baseball team's playoff progress. Denny discussed their upcoming quarterfinal game against Corona, explaining the CIF Southern Section playoff format and strategic considerations about playing at home versus on the road. Denny also shared insights about managing pitching staff with two primary starters and discussed how winning has improved team dynamics and parent relationships during the playoffs. "Swing Hard in case...

Send us Fan Mail This podcast episode featured Jason Gordon, a former police officer and professional golfer who now works with athletes through his company Full Salvo Athlete, discussing the importance of teaching young men to be independent and self-sufficient rather than relying on relationships for validation. Jason shared how he helped his son RJ overcome challenges in college baseball by emphasizing the need for solitude, purpose-driven focus, and maintaining personal boundaries in rela...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 253 focuses on baseball terminology and coaching practices, with Adam Sarancik sharing his list of problematic phrases used in youth baseball and discussing proper communication techniques. The hosts discussed various terms including "can of corn," "hot corner," and "high cheese," explaining their origins and proper usage. Denny and Swing shared coaching insights and experiences, particularly around proper pick-off techniques and base coaching strategies. The conversa...

Send us Fan Mail This episode podcast features Kevin Griffin (father of Konnor Griffin, a Pittsburgh Pirates player), Scott Sterling (father of Levi Sterling, a professional pitcher), discussing their sons' baseball journeys. The conversation covered the development paths of both Konnor and Levi, including their experiences with USA Baseball teams, the draft process, and the challenges of professional baseball. The discussion highlighted the importance of multiple sports in young players' dev...