The 9-Hole

Nick Dini (ex-MLB Catcher for the KC Royals) joins me to continue our conversation about the state of youth baseball - and coaches sacrificing players health for some tournament wins. We talk accountability - how coaches can get the most out of their players with a respectful environment, and some best practices to hold them accountable throughout the season.

Zack Granite (ex-MLB Outfielder with the Minnesota Twins) joins me on the 9-Hole Podcast to talk about:His JourneyHow he used his speed to impact baseball gamesHow he got scouted & recruitedWhat the next generation of players & parents NEED to knowHow to steal a base From being a 160 pound outfielder at Seton Hall, all the way to stealing bags and making plays on the biggest stage for the Twins - Zack has incredible insight, tips and lessons that the next generation of baseball players can learn from and relate to. Those who have done it, helping those who are next. Thanks for tuning in, IM

On today's episode, I talk about the secret to the success that I've been able to have on the field - playing MY game.I cover 2 specific examples on when playing my game helped me stand out - and what that ultimately did for me. The episode ends with tips and concepts that helped me play Center Field/Outfield at the highest possible level - and I'm confident they'll help you. Those who have done it, helping those who are next.Thanks for tuning in,IM

Nick Dini (ex-MLB Catcher) joins me to talk about the plethora of arm injuries that youth baseball players are experiencing.Why it's happeningHow to combat itLong term injuries for a travel ball trophyThose who have done it, helping those who are next.Thanks for tuning in,IM

David & Ian recap the sports news of the week:The 1st round of the NFL DraftBellinger's ribletsPCA's homer & pimp-jobWhat is going on w/MLB umpires?Thanks for tuning in,IM

This week on The 9-Hole Podcast I'm talking about the top 5 mistakes I made on my journey from Little League to the Big Leagues. The episode ends with actionable steps for an athlete to take if they aren't where they want to be in their career.Above average results require me to take above average action. Be the person, so you can have the results. Those who have done it, helping those who are next!Thanks for tuning in,IM

Nick Vincent joins The 9-Hole to talk about his journey in the game of baseball. From being an undersized 135 pound High School pitcher throwing in the mid-80's, to being a solidified bullpen piece with parts of 10 MLB seasons on the biggest stage - Nick's story is relatable to anybody going through the baseball grind. Nick talks about his grind in getting to the big leagues, the separators that gave him longevity once he got there, and the importance of a strong mental game and having a routine.Started:135 lbs throwing mid-80's in High SchoolJUCO for 3 years18th round draft pick throwing 90 mphEnded:3.30 ERA in the MLB400+ innings pitched with 400+ strikeoutsParts of 10 seasons with 6 different teamsThose who have done it, helping those who are next.IM

David & Ian talk about the most recent and relevant News, Headlines & Hot Gossip around the League.A's Going to Sacramento & keeping Esteury Ruiz in AAAMore Elbow Surgeries in 2023 than the entire DECADE of the 90'sShohei has been vindicated and is starting to heat upJuan Soto's patience frustrating NY Sports Media?Why Trevor Bauer is not in an MLB uniformZach McKinstry and the terrible, horrible, no good very bad dayMLB Standings - who is hot and who is NOT

Nick Dini joins The 9-Hole Podcast to talk about his journey in the game of baseball. Drafted in the 14th round for $1,000 after his Senior season at Wagner College - Dini had to silence the questions and limiting beliefs surrounding his skillset and his 5'7 frame armed with his dream and his work ethic. The rest is history. His JourneyWhat He's Learned Along the WayActionable Advice to the Next Generation & Their Parents Those who have done it, helping those who are next. This is an incredible story about defying the odds, and I appreciate you guys for tuning in.IMCheck Nick Dini and his Catching Page out on Instagram:Personal IG: @eywho_diniCatching IG: @njcatchingguy

Shea Hillenbrand:2-Time MLB All-StarKeynote SpeakerElite Performance CoachLeader & InspirationShea joins The 9-Hole Podcast to talk about his journey in the game, his thought processes and motivation behind his success on and off the field - and most importantly his own struggles and adversity that he needed to overcome under the bright lights and behind the scenes.Those who have done it, helping those who are next.Thanks for tuning in,IM

As athletes, we all deal with the fear of failure. None of us wants to fail. We also deal with pressure and adversity, and are tasked with handling it correctly in order to remain consistent on the field - regardless of the situation. How are we then able to overcome fear, pressure & adversity - all the while being confident and clear on what we're supposed to do to overcome it all?There's a framework to it!!! And the framework is NECESSARY.Let me know what you think, thanks for tuning in.IM

Each level you advance in baseball:the demands are going to be morethe competition is going to be tougherthe requirements are going to be more strenuousOver almost a decade in professional baseball, here are the 10 things I've learned on my path to NOT being replaced.PS: the sooner you can learn & implement, the better off you'll be.

How a Parent Impacts:Their son's attitude on/off the fieldThe way their son handles adversityTheir son's opportunities in the gameVolume x Time = SkillResiliency, Positivity & Motivation doesn't come from being spoon fed and having it easy.Thanks for listening,IMSUBSCRIBE TO THE 9-HOLE NEWSLETTER:A weekly newsletter to help you dominate on & off the field.https://the9holenewsletter.beehiiv.com/

Jon Shehan - Millersville Baseball Head Coach Coach Shehan joins me to talk about his team and their dominant start to the 2024 campaign (21-5), his journey, 16 seasons of success under his belt, and what the next generation and their parents should know about the process in becoming a college athlete. In 16 seasons:10 PSAC Eastern Division Championships3 PSAC Championships3 NCAA Atlantic Regional Titles11 NCAA Tournament AppearancesFour-time Atlantic Region Coach of the YearSix-time PSAC East Coach of the Year2016 Division 2 Coach of the Year578-264-1 recordSUBSCRIBE TO THE 9-HOLE NEWSLETTER:A weekly newsletter to help you dominate on & off the field.https://the9holenewsletter.beehiiv.com/

Call it a slump at the plate, or the yips when you throw - the LAST thing you want to do is have it spiral into a hole you can't dig yourself out of before the regular season ends.Obviously, different things work for different people. Different dudes may get out of slumps differently than others. I once had a teammate in AAA slump so hard he took a shower with his full uniform on - cleats and soap and everything to wash the bad vibes off. Just because you're slumping, doesn't mean your mechanics are trash. Sometimes the worst thing you can do is do too much.Are you swinging at good pitches? Are you getting good pitches to hit? Do you have an idea of what a plan is?THOSE are the things you need to look at to start getting out of a slump, or getting one of those bad boys TAMED. Slumps can give out multi-year deals, too. My teammate got out of that slump by the way. Thanks for tuning in,IMSUBSCRIBE TO THE 9-HOLE NEWSLETTER:A weekly newsletter to help you dominate on & off the field.https://the9holenewsletter.beehiiv.com/

In order to succeed and accomplish anything in your career, or your life - you need to overcome the adversity that is thrown at you. In this episode of The 9-Hole Podcast, I share how to overcome it and why it's necessary in the pursuit of achieving anything worthwhile, both ON and OFF the field. What it is, what it can do for you, the alternative to not facing it and the steps to overcoming it.Thanks for tuning in,IMSUBSCRIBE TO THE 9-HOLE NEWSLETTER:A weekly newsletter to help you dominate on & off the field.https://the9holenewsletter.beehiiv.com/CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE:Maximize your potential as an athlete!https://rellimnai.com/

Cam Maybin - World Series Champ & parts of 15 seasons in the MLB10th overall pick in 2005Career: 3824 AB's | 973 hits | 72 HR | 187 SB's | .254 AVGThe definition of elite - be ready to laugh for 60 mins straight, an incredible conversation with one of the most talented athletes that the game of baseball has ever been graced by. Hands down.His journeyThe difference between those that stay, and those that don'tLife Thanks for tuning in,IM

Confidence can make or break an athlete.Slumps, rough patches, mental breakdowns and the yips. It'll all happen at some point. In this episode, I'll show you how as an athlete you can develop it, learn it - or fake it - and why all of these are instrumental to your success on and off the field.

JAMES JONES - MLB Outfielder & LHPParts of 2 MLB seasons with the Seattle Mariners2014: 108 Games | .250 AVG | 27 stolen bases in 28 attemptsHas been with Mariners, Rangers & DodgersTransitioned to a pitcher FULL-TIME with Rangers in 2016Was drafted in the 4th round out of LIU Brooklyn as a CFJJ has one of the more unique stories in the game of baseball - especially as somebody that has made it to the big leagues. From the #1 draft prospect in the state of New York, to a Major League outfielder with the Mariners - all the way to a pitcher recovering from Tommy John surgery and then shutting people down on the mound - it's crazy to think it all started as a 150-pound college freshman just trying to forge his own path in the NORTHEAST. His journey to the big leaguesHis journey in the outfield AND on the moundHis advice to the next generation of baseball playersThose who have done it, helping those who are next...Thanks for tuning in,IM

ALBERT ALMORA - Outfielder for the Arizona DiamondbacksWorld Series Champion (2016 Cubs)Parts of 7 seasons in Major League BaseballPlayed in MLB w/3 teams (Mets, Cubs & Reds)Known for ELITE defensive skills in Center FieldToday I'm joined by one of the coolest dudes I've ever shared a locker room with. Truly one of the most elite Center Fielder's in the game Al dives into the mental & physical grind to get back on the field after missing 2023, what winning a World Series feels like, and what his mindset is like in the outfield and at the dish. There are some serious tips in here about WORK ETHIC, pre-pitch routine and separating yourself from the pack that any athlete at any level of their career can learn from. Those who have done it, helping those who are next...Thanks for tuning in,IM

EMILIO PAGÁN - Entering his 8th Season in the MLBHas pitched for: Mariners, A's, Rays, Padres & Twins 400 Innings Pitched over his 7 year career so far: 3.71 ERA | 456 Strikeouts | 32 Saves | 22-18 RecordWhen you think of a player in Major League baseball who has had over 7 years of success, has made the type of money people can only dream of, and is only getting better with time - you think of a 1st rounder, a dude that is 6'8 - or someone that throws 102 MPH with elite movement. Emilio is somebody who takes that narrative and turns it upside down. Drafted in the 10th round as a SENIOR SIGN out of a D-2 school for $5K - pitching wasn't even what he wanted to do, he wanted to be a 3rd basemen in the league, with his sweet left handed swing. Throwing 88-91 at Belmont Abbey, and with a mindset/attitude that was unbreakable - scouts for Major League baseball teams saw more than what his velo and his numbers portrayed. Emilio's story is ridiculously motivating, and he's somebody that I've looked up to as inspiration along my own journey. The success he's found in the Major LeaguesHis underdog story and the challenges he's conquered to get hereHis M.O.A.M. (Man on a Mission) MindsetHow his new pitch (cutter) has changed the gameThank you for tuning in - it absolutely FIRES ME UP to be able to have Emilio tell his story on The 9-Hole. Those who have done it, helping those who are next...IM

MICKEY BRUECKNER - Founder & CEO of Annex Sports Performance (Chatham, NJ)Mickey is the premier sports performance coach in the state of New Jersey, with a variety of top tier athletes relying on his expertise ranging from Cy Young Award Winners, to Junior Olympians - all the way to starting quarterbacks in the NFL. I personally trained with Mickey to make sure that I was battle ready during my last two off seasons heading into Spring Training - and my only regret is that I didn't utilize his services sooner. Please listen to this man share his knowledge & experience from YEARS of working with some of the most successful people in MULTIPLE industries, across multiple sports - whether you are a 10 year vet in the Show, or a young athlete hoping to one day make your varsity team - you can LEARN SOMETHING in these 80 minutes. I promise!!!What YOUNG ATHLETES should be focusing onWhat SUPPLEMENTS are necessary in sports development What exercises baseball players should focus on/stay away fromWhat the most successful people in business/sports do that others don't..Check him out:https://www.annexsportsperformance.com/Thanks for tuning in,IM

KYLE ATTL - The Director of Professional Baseball joins me from Blast Motion, which is a sensor that goes on the knob of your baseball bat and helps track the metrics of your swing. Blast Motion was INSTRUMENTAL in helping me get to the Big Leagues, and I'm so excited to not only share MY story and how it changed my career - but have him explain how it could potentially change yours. In this episode, we dive into:WHAT Blast Motion is, and the metrics it tracksWHAT understanding those metrics can UNLOCK for youWHY I gave it a chance, and HOW it changed everything for meHOW the biggest names in baseball utilize BlastThose who have done it, helping those who are next...Thanks for tuning in,IM

CAMERON RUPP - Assistant Coach at Blinn CollegeParts of 5 Seasons w/the Philadelphia Phillies ('13-'17)2023: Assistant Coach at Texas (Alma Mater) while finishing his degree 3 years playing at Texas: 25 HR's & led team to College World SeriesMLB: Played in almost 300 career games, totaling 240 hits, 39 HR's and 124 RBI's playing a PREMIUM positionHis advice on standing out & winning the recruiting gameWhat thinking positive did for HIM and his careerTips for the next generation that want to catch in the Big Leagues

I'm joined today by two young men who are both committed to go play baseball at the Division 1 level.Matthew VanOstenbridge (PSU, Left Handed Pitcher)Tyler Huzzy (NJIT, Catcher)The amount of High School players that go on to play D1 baseball are minuscule, and the game is constantly changing year after year. So I wanted to ask them HOW they got seen, what worked for them - and how the next generation of players that want to play D1 baseball can get seen. How they dominated the recruiting gameWhat they had to sacrifice (that others wouldn't) to get hereWhat playing multiple sports has done for them athleticallyThose who have done it, helping those who are next. Thanks for tuning in,IM

JUSTIN STEELE - MLB All-Star & Cubs Starting Pitcher 2023: First All-Star Appearance & 5th place finish in NL Cy Young 30 starts: 16-5 with a 3.06 ERA // 176 K's vs. 36 BB's in 173.1 innings3 seasons w/Cubs: 3.30 ERA in 349.1 innings pitched (24-16 record)His journeyAdvice to the next generation of baseball playersWhat his routine looks like and how he gets away from baseballIf he could do it all over again as a pitcher, what would he do different..

CARSON VITALE - Mariners Major League Field CoordinatorEntering his 5th year in the positionMariners Minor League Field Coordinator (2 yrs)Dodgers International Field Coordinator (2 yrs)Manager of the DSL Angels (2 yrs)Hitting Coach for Orem Owls & AZL Angels (2 yrs)Professional Player in the Rangers Org (2 yrs)3 Different Schools in CollegeHis Unconventional / International Grind in Getting to the MLBMental Skills Training - Grounding, Meditation & VisualizationWhat separates those that get to the MLB from those that STAY

BRET BOONE - 14 Year MLB Veteran3-time All Star4-time Gold Glover2-time Silver SluggerHitting Approach MASTERCLASSHow the Best Hitters SET UP PitchersAdvice to those who are nextAwesome conversation with one of the best to do it. 1775 hits, 252 HR's & 1021 RBI's over the course of 14 seasons. Please listen to how he talks about hitting. It's the GAME within the GAME!!!And don't forget his glove...Gold x4!Thanks for tuning in,IM

David & Ian hit on: The KC Royals making Bobby Witt Jr. the FACE of the franchise Jose Altuve's new deal & being an Astro for LIFEKershaw coming BACK to the star-studded DodgersThe Oakland A's are a turtle without a shell

DONNIE WALTON - Entering his 3rd season in the Giants systemParts of 4 Seasons in MLB with the Mariners & GiantsDrafted in the 5th round out of OK-State (2016) | MLB Debut in 2019Career: .282 AVG | .371 OBP | .420 SLG | .791 OPS (247 BB to 313 K)Career: .962 Fielding % in 2,300 innings at SSCareer: .979 Fielding % in 1,900 innings at 2B

TREVOR HOFFMAN - MLB Hall of Fame Closer (2018)18 Year MLB Career (15 w/Padres)1st Player to reach 500 & 600 save milestones All-Time saves leader from 2006-201111th Rd. Draft Pick as a Shortstop (U of Arizona)His Journey from College Shortstop to HOF Closer Playing the Game the RIGHT WAY | Being a ProfessionalGetting Seen | Getting to the NEXT Level | Standing Out SHOUTOUT to our Sponsor of the Live Stream with Trevor Hoffman:The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society | Student Visionaries of the YearCheck them out as they raise funds for the fight against blood cancer!https://events.lls.org/noh/nohsvoy24/cstudentvi

COREY MUSCARA - Pitching Coach for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons - D1 Baseball's Assistant Coach of the Year (2023) - Entering his 3rd season with the #1 team in the NATIONIn 2023, his pitching staff led the NATION in: Lowest ERA | Lowest WHIP | Lowest hits per 9 | Strikeout-to-walk ratio | Strikeouts-per-9- The Secrets Behind his Staff's Pitching DOMINANCE- Tracking Competitiveness & Statistics in PRACTICE- Throwing Programs, Disrupting the Hitter & Standing OUT

Josh Shiffman (js9innings on IG & social media) & Ian talk about:Meet the man, the myth, the legend behind the 750,000+ follower Instagram account - you may know him as a baseball account that provides breaking news and top stories from around the league - but tonight, he's getting spicy & personal. Hear about his story, his love for baseball - and who he's got for his 2024 picks. How Yamamoto's first year goes in the MLBWHO stands a chance against the DodgersHOT predictions on who is going to stink & who will stand out in '24Thanks for tuning in.

Zach Vincej was drafted by the Reds in the 37th round, and AGAINST ALL ODDS, played for 2 teams & has coached in the Big Leagues. Check out Zach's story to be inspired and hear about his obstacles he overcame. ZACH VINECJ - Manager for the Modesto Nuts (A Ball / California League)Won the Cal League championship in his first season as manager (2023)Played in the Major Leagues w/Reds & MarinersDrafted in the 37th round out of Pepperdine (2012)2012 Brooks Wallace Award Winner (Top defensive SS in Nation)Defying the odds (Takeaways, Challenges & Best Moments)What the best players in the world do differently & whyTips on recruiting process & getting drafted

ELLIOTT AVENT - Head Coach for the NC State Wolfpack - Entering his 28th season as Head Coach for the Wolfpack - 35 Year Head-Coaching Career - 1,222 wins overall - Has led NC-State to the NCAA Tournament last 20 out of 27 seasons - 127 Players Drafted under his guidance - Won a gold medal w/Team USA National Collegiate Team in 2004- The KEY to his Longevity as a Coach- The Most Talented Players he has Coached & What Made them Special- Work Ethic, Confidence & Tradition