Building Character Between the Bases

On this 100th episode of Coach Cut’s Corner, host Steven Cutter welcomes back his very first co-host, Hayden Modaff, to reflect on their journey with the podcast and the growth of the LCC Stars baseball program. What began as a way to bring attention to the team and recognize its players, has become a platform for sharing stories, celebrating personal development, and connecting with families, recruits, and fans. From the first brick to the last brick, the game of life never ends, so keep stacking bricks and Go Stars!-------------------------Website: LCC Stars BaseballWebsite: Baseball Advancement Fund (Donations)Website: Coach CutterWebsite: RD KateRelated Podcast: Stars on Sports

On this episode, utility player Aidan Grzesikowski is in studio to discuss his journey from a three-sport high school athlete, to a college baseball player. Aidan opens up about the challenges of adjusting to college athletics, overcoming setbacks, and developing the mental toughness needed to succeed on and of the field.Listen & Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.Learn more: coachcutter.comQuestions or feedback? Email: [email protected]: (All donations are tax-deductible) Support Lansing Communit-------------------------Website: LCC Stars BaseballWebsite: Baseball Advancement Fund (Donations)Website: Coach CutterWebsite: RD KateRelated Podcast: Stars on Sports

In this episode of Coach Cut's Corner, Lansing Community College sophomore outfielder Daniel Rice joins the show to discuss his journey from Macomb, Michigan, to becoming a key contributor for the Stars.Daniel's development goes well beyond his impressive on-field numbers. Growing up in a competitive baseball family, he learned early about expectations, competition, and the work required to succeed. Now in his sophomore season, he's building on his freshman experience with a different perspective, greater confidence, and a determination to take his game to another level.This conversation goes far beyond baseball. We dive into Daniel's upbringing, the influence of his family, including his uncle and former podcast guest Mike Rice, his recruiting journey, and the challenges of transitioning to college baseball. We also discuss his physical and mental development, how he handles adversity, his leadership, and the invisible work behind his success.Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode reinforces that statistics tell only part of the story. What matters most is the work, discipline, and consistency behind them.Listen & Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.Learn more: coachcutter.comQuestions or feedback? Email: [email protected]: (All donations are tax-deductible) Support Lansing Community College Baseball-------------------------Website: LCC Stars BaseballWebsite: Baseball Advancement Fund (Donations)Website: Coach CutterWebsite: RD KateRelated Podcast: Stars on Sports

In this episode of Coach Cut's Corner, Lansing Community College sophomore pitcher Josh Gardner joins the show to discuss his journey from Portage Central to becoming a starting pitcher for the Stars.Josh's freshman season brought early success, adversity, and valuable lessons about what it takes to compete at the college level. After earning 11 starts in his first season, he returns for Year 2 with a different perspective, greater expectations, and a deeper understanding of the work required to succeed.This conversation goes far beyond baseball.We dive into Josh's upbringing, the people who shaped him, his recruiting journey, and the challenges of transitioning to college baseball. We also discuss the mental side of pitching, handling failure, building confidence, and the responsibility that comes with becoming a returning player and leader.Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode reminds you that opportunities are earned, adversity is part of development, and nothing replaces consistency.Listen & Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.Learn more: coachcutter.com Questions or feedback? Email: [email protected]: (All donations are tax-deductible) Support Lansing Community College Baseball-------------------------Website: LCC Stars BaseballWebsite: Baseball Advancement Fund (Donations)Website: Coach CutterWebsite: RD KateRelated Podcast: Stars on Sports

On this episode, Elijah Stark is back in the studio for round two. Elijah was apart of the first two mythical seasons to start with Coach Cutter, and as this year's team begins their 6th season, he has returned to LCC as an Assistant Coach. He joins Coach Cut to discuss how new systems and technologies are being used to enhance player readiness, development, and on-field performance. The discussion also highlights structured practice plans, journaling, the whistle standard, and targeted speed training as tools for building consistency and accelerating development. -------------------------Website: LCC Stars BaseballWebsite: Baseball Advancement Fund (Donations)Website: Coach CutterWebsite: RD KateRelated Podcast: Stars on Sports

On this episode, former LCC baseball player Jabin Bates shares his journey from a young baseball player, to becoming a college athlete, and now flourishing with purpose. Jabin discusses his struggles with mental health, setbacks, and finding a second chance at LCC. He also reflects on how baseball, faith, as well as mentors and relationships helped shape his path, leading him to his current work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where he helps student-athletes grow on and off the field.-------------------------Website: LCC Stars BaseballWebsite: Baseball Advancement Fund (Donations)Website: Coach CutterWebsite: RD KateRelated Podcast: Stars on Sports

In this episode of Coach Cut's Corner, former professional baseball player, author, speaker, and performance coach Ricky Scruggs joins the show to discuss what it truly takes to perform at a high level in sports, business, and life.Ricky's journey has taken him far beyond the baseball field, giving him a unique perspective on leadership, confidence, identity, and purpose. Throughout the conversation, he shares why lasting success starts from within and why so many athletes struggle when they tie their identity to performance.This conversation goes far beyond baseball.We dive into the mental side of competition, discussing confidence, visualization, adversity, leadership, and the habits that separate elite performers from everyone else. Ricky also shares how faith and purpose have shaped his life and why developing the person is always more important than chasing the result.Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or someone committed to personal growth, this episode will challenge the way you think about performance and what it means to reach your full potential.Connect with Ricky Scruggs:Website: Ricky ScruggsBook: The Champion Within -------------------------Website: LCC Stars BaseballWebsite: Baseball Advancement Fund (Donations)Website: Coach CutterWebsite: RD KateRelated Podcast: Stars on Sports

In this episode of Coach Cut’s Corner, Coach Cut explores the psychology behind the IKEA Effect and why people naturally place greater value on things they help create.What began with research involving IKEA furniture, origami, and Legos revealed something much bigger about human nature. Ownership creates commitment, pride, and perseverance. But it can also create blind spots.Drawing from his own journey and experiences building the culture at Lansing Community College, Coach Cut discusses how coaches and leaders can become overly attached to the systems and philosophies they have spent years creating.This episode is about humility, curiosity, and the importance of seeking the truth rather than defending opinions.If you are a coach, leader, parent, or someone pursuing excellence, this episode will challenge the way you think about growth and success.-------------------------Website: LCC Stars BaseballWebsite: Baseball Advancement Fund (Donations)Website: Coach CutterWebsite: RD KateRelated Podcast: Stars on Sports

This episodes welcomes Bryson Fronta into the studio to discuss his journey from, a former multi-sport athlete to working at Lansing Community College as an Athletics Operations Specialist. He talks about the lessons he learned while moving from high school to college sports, including the importance of hard work, perseverance, and advocating for yourself. Bryson also reflects on winning national championships, coaching young athletes, and how mentors helped shape his path both on and off the field.-------------------------Website: LCC Stars BaseballWebsite: Baseball Advancement Fund (Donations)Website: Coach CutterWebsite: RD KateRelated Podcast: Stars on Sports

This podcast episode features a conversation with Elijah Stark, a former LCC Stars baseball player and current aspiring coach. We delve into Stark's journey through various levels of baseball, beginning with his late decision to pursue the sport at the collegiate level, influenced significantly by his experiences during the pandemic. We explore the challenges he faced, including the impact of losing belief in himself and the subsequent struggle to regain that confidence.-------------------------Website: LCC Stars BaseballWebsite: Baseball Advancement Fund (Donations)Website: Coach CutterWebsite: RD KateRelated Podcast: Stars on Sports