Ep. 85: From Failure to Growth: The Blueprint for Better Baseball Development with Andre Van Gerwen

South Bay Sports Radio — Episode 85 (Available Now)In South Bay Sports Radio Episode 85, Andre Van Gerwen — founder of On-Demand Athletics (ODA), former North Torrance varsity baseball head coach, and current Bishop Montgomery assistant — joins the show for an in-depth conversation on modern player development, mindset, and what truly separates winning programs.Andre reflects on his unexpected journey into coaching and why mindset and demeanor matter more than stats when evaluating young players. He breaks down common flaws in youth baseball, including ineffective batting practice habits, fear of failure among pitchers, and a growing culture of instant gratification. Throughout the discussion, Andre emphasizes that mental toughness is learned through experience, not lectures, and that failure is a necessary part of long-term growth.The conversation also dives into the recruiting process, highlighting the importance of relationships, preparation, and having the right tools in place — not just chasing exposure. Andre explains how successful programs are built through a balance of resources, structure, and mentality, and why technology should support — not replace — traditional coaching fundamentals.Andre also discusses why the South Bay has become a hotbed for baseball talent, pointing to climate, access to competition, and strong community investment. He closes by sharing ODA’s mission: to provide accessible, flexible development opportunities for players of all levels while keeping the focus on growth, balance, and love for the game.🎧 South Bay Sports Radio Episode 85 is available now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.⚾ Mindset and demeanor matter more than stats🧠 Mental toughness is developed through experience📉 Youth baseball often struggles with fear of failure🎯 Recruiting is about relationships and preparation🏆 Winning programs combine resources, structure, and mentality📊 Technology should complement, not replace, coaching🌴 The South Bay is uniquely positioned for baseball development🔄 Failure is essential to long-term growth📈 ODA focuses on accessible, flexible player development#SouthBaySportsRadio #AndreVanGerwen #OnDemandAthletics #SouthBayBaseball #YouthBaseball #BaseballDevelopment #PlayerDevelopment #BaseballCoaching #MentalToughness #YouthSports #HighSchoolBaseball #BaseballMindset #WinningPrograms #RecruitingProcess #BaseballLife ⚾🎙️