May 2026 – Fungos and Footnotes

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 and playing time through consistency
The Dugout Test is real
- Coaches evaluate players when they’re not in the game
Body language impacts playing time
- Over 70% of coaches say negative body language hurts opportunities
Discipline vs. consistency
- You can have discipline without consistency — but not the other way around
Baseball IQ is built through attention
- Watching, learning, and staying engaged separates players
Pressure kills performance
- The game is already hard — don’t make it harder mentally
Parents play a major role
- Encourage growth, don’t add pressure

🔥 Memorable Lines

“Your talent gets you on the roster. Your character gets you on the field.”
“The moment you check out, the coach checks out on you.”
“Be a trusted player — and an even better teammate.”
“You don’t rise to the occasion — you fall back on your preparation.”

👊 Action Steps for Players

Show up early. Stay late.
Be the best teammate in the dugout.
Control your body language — always.
Stay locked in, even when you’re not playing.
Look for ways to help your team win (charts, energy, communication).
Embrace your role — then outgrow it.

🙌 For Parents

Support > pressure
Encourage effort, not outcomes
Help your player focus on development, not comparison

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 – Intro
2:00 – What coaches actually look for
6:30 – Character vs. talent
10:00 – The Dugout Test
15:30 – Why baseball is so hard (and mindset matters)
20:00 – Body language & playing time
24:00 – Parent perspective
28:00 – Final takeaways

🔑 Topics Covered

How to go from non-starter to starter
Building trust with coaches
Baseball IQ and awareness
Team chemistry and leadership
Parent-player dynamics

👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes on baseball development, recruiting, and mindset.

#BaseballPodcast #PlayerDevelopment #BaseballMindset #FungosAndFootnotes

☕ Support the Podcast

If this episode helped you, consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee. : )

Month: May 2026

Why the Best Teammates Become the Best Players | Episode 9