NJ Healthy Heat

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of NJ Healthy Heat, host Matthew de la Rosa sits down with longtime friend and D1 college baseball coach Kirby McGuire to discuss his journey from high school player to college coach. Kirby shares insights on navigating the recruiting process, the importance of relationships and player retention, and the challenges of competing at different levels of college baseball. The conversation also dives into player development, including throwing, outfield play, hitting approaches, bunting, and the evolving metrics coaches use to evaluate players. Throughout the episode, Kirby emphasizes the dedication, sacrifice, adaptability, and relationship-building required to succeed both as a player and as a coach.Contact Coach Kirby McGuire:Twitter/X: @KirbyMcGuire7Email: [email protected] us or contact us!Instagram: @coachdela_TikTok: @NJHealthyHeatYoutube: @NJHealthyHeatEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, host Matthew de la Rosa interviews Trey Harris, a former professional baseball player and current college coach. They discuss Trey's journey from high school to college baseball at Mizzou, his experiences in the minor leagues, and his transition into coaching. Trey shares insights on the importance of JUCO baseball, strength training, and the challenges of life in the minor leagues, including the dynamics of living with host families. The conversation highlights the mental toughness required in sports and the significance of building relationships in the baseball community. In this conversation, Trey Harris shares his experiences in minor league baseball, the significance of JUCO programs, and insights into coaching and recruiting. He emphasizes the importance of personal connections, player development, and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the journey in sports. Harris also discusses the evolving landscape of baseball recruiting and the qualities he looks for in players, highlighting the need for presence and aura on the field.Connect with Trey below!Instagram: @duecee_22Twitter/X: @JustCallMe_DuceFollow us or contact us!Instagram: @coachdela_TikTok: @NJHealthyHeatYoutube: @NJHealthyHeatEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Troy Morrow shares his journey from a young baseball enthusiast to a professional coach. He discusses his early influences, challenges faced during high school and college baseball, the impact of injuries on his mental health, and his transition into coaching. Troy emphasizes the importance of leadership, player evaluation, and the lessons learned throughout his career, providing valuable insights for aspiring players and coaches alike. In this conversation, Troy Marrow shares insights on evaluating player potential, the significance of rhythm and timing in infield play, and the importance of developing athleticism in young players. He also discusses the recruiting process, emphasizing the need for honest assessments of a player's abilities and the role of social media in modern recruiting. Troy provides practical advice for parents on how to support their children's athletic development and navigate the complexities of youth baseball.Follow on IG: Coach_troy06Follow us or contact us!Instagram: @coachdela_TikTok: @NJHealthyHeatYoutube: @NJHealthyHeatEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Matthew de la Rosa interviews Antonio Menendez, a professional baseball player with the Arizona Diamondbacks. They discuss Antonio's journey from being a late bloomer in baseball to becoming a Rule 5 draft pick. Antonio shares insights on the challenges of professional baseball, the importance of mental skills, and the significance of education in an athlete's career. He also elaborates on his training techniques, including the use of multiple arm slots, and provides a glimpse into the daily life of a minor leaguer. In this conversation, Antonio Menendez shares insights on the importance of mental skills coaching in baseball, the adaptability of a player's process, and the journey of navigating high school baseball and recruitment. He also discusses his entrepreneurial venture in creating custom gloves, emphasizing the need for quality and personalization in sports equipment. Menendez concludes with motivational advice for young athletes to enjoy their journey and keep pushing towards their dreams.Follow us or contact us!Instagram: @coachdela_TikTok: @NJHealthyHeatYoutube: @NJHealthyHeatEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Matthew de la Rosa interviews Tyler Lichtenberger, a sophomore shortstop at Clemson University, who shares his journey from Appalachian State to a Power 4 school. Tyler discusses the challenges of transferring, the mental resilience required in college baseball, and the importance of hard work and dedication. He provides insights into his daily life as a student-athlete, the significance of weight training, and offers advice for aspiring players. The conversation highlights the balance between success and failure in sports and the importance of enjoying the journey.TakeawaysTyler Lichtenberger is a sophomore shortstop at Clemson University.He transferred from Appalachian State after a successful freshman year.The decision to transfer was difficult but aligned with his dream to play at a Power 5 school.The transfer portal involves paperwork and tough conversations with coaches.Tyler emphasizes the importance of mental resilience in baseball.He believes in staying present and focusing on the moment during tough times.A typical day for a Clemson baseball player includes classes, workouts, and practice.Tyler enjoys spending time with teammates outside of baseball, including video games.He advises young athletes to work hard and not get discouraged by others' success.Fielding and hitting drills are crucial for skill development in baseball.Follow us or contact us!Instagram: @coachdela_TikTok: @NJHealthyHeatYoutube: @NJHealthyHeatEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailAndre Butler: @GraveyardmentalityIn this episode, Matthew de la Rosa sits down with Andre Butler, an expert in outfield training and player development. They discuss Andre's journey from being an outfielder to coaching at various levels, including his current work with Team USA and his business, Graveyard Mentality. The conversation delves into the importance of recruiting, athleticism, and the technical aspects of outfield training, as well as Andre's collaboration with Major League Baseball teams. He shares insights on assessing high school players and the significance of building trust in coaching relationships. In this conversation, Andre shares insights on overcoming the challenges faced by outfielders during the offseason, particularly in colder climates. He discusses creative training techniques that can be implemented indoors and emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and game readiness. Additionally, he provides guidance on navigating the USA Baseball pathway for young players and offers valuable advice for both players and their parents on how to approach the game with a balanced mindset.Follow us or contact us!Instagram: @coachdela_TikTok: @NJHealthyHeatYoutube: @NJHealthyHeatEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailSeth McLemore, Head Hitting Coach at Appalachian State University, shares his philosophy on offensive development, recruiting, and building complete student-athletes. He breaks down how everything in baseball is connected, from approach and preparation to effort and attention to detail and explains how those habits translate far beyond the field.Seth dives into the modern recruiting landscape, offering practical advice on video creation, performance metrics, and what college coaches are truly looking for. He also discusses player development at the collegiate level, the importance of holistic growth, and how mindset, culture, and accountability shape both performance and long-term success.This episode blends on-field strategy with life lessons, giving players, parents, and coaches a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in today’s game.Contact Seth McLemore:Email: [email protected]/X: SethMclemore5Follow us or contact us!Instagram: @coachdela_TikTok: @NJHealthyHeatYoutube: @NJHealthyHeatEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Matthew de la Rosa interviews Ryan Ramiz, a former Seton Hall standout, MLB Draft pick of the Seattle Mariners, and now assistant coach for the Pirates.They discuss the unique perspective of transitioning from player to coach, the importance of recruiting, and the strategies employed at Seton Hall to develop players. Ryan shares insights on the coaching responsibilities, the significance of machine work in hitting, and the team's offensive philosophy focused on speed and dynamic play. They also delve into the challenges of recruiting in the current landscape, particularly with the rise of the transfer portal, and the mental aspects of the game that college players must navigate. In this conversation, Ryan Ramiz and Matthew de la Rosa delve into the intricacies of baseball, focusing on the mental aspects of the game, the challenges of facing elite pitching talent, and the unique qualities that set top players apart, such as Julio Rodriguez. They discuss the cultural influences on player development, the recruitment process for college baseball, and the importance of camps in identifying talent. Additionally, they provide insights for young players and their parents on how to navigate the recruitment landscape effectively, emphasizing the significance of support, relationships, and personal development.Connect with Ryan:X: RyanRamiz20IG:RyanRamiz20Email: [email protected] us or contact us!Instagram: @coachdela_TikTok: @NJHealthyHeatYoutube: @NJHealthyHeatEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailJonathan Massey - Texas Baseball RanchIn this episode, Matthew de la Rosa interviews Jonathan Massey, the Athletic Performance Coordinator at Texas Baseball Ranch, exploring the science of arm health, velocity development, and effective training strategies for baseball players. Discover how personalized programs and smart training can help athletes throw harder while maintaining arm health.Key TopicsArm health and durability as the foundation of velocityPersonalized training and assessment for baseball playersThe role of mechanical efficiency and adjustments in pitchingThe importance of arm care, mobility, and injury preventionTraining tools and methods: long toss, turn and burns, sock drillsFollow:Instagram: @TxbaseballranchFollow us or contact us!Instagram: @coachdela_TikTok: @NJHealthyHeatYoutube: @NJHealthyHeatEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of NJ Healthy Heat, host Matthew de la Rosa speaks with Tyler Benson, owner of Premier Hitting Lab, about his journey through professional baseball, the realities of minor league life, and the transition to coaching. Tyler shares insights on the challenges faced by late-round draft picks, the importance of having a plan and approach in hitting, and his philosophy on coaching young athletes. The conversation highlights the significance of mental preparation and the need for players to adapt and grow in their baseball careers. In this conversation, Tyler Benson discusses various aspects of hitting and player development, emphasizing the importance of formulating a hitter's approach, the role of journaling, and the significance of quality practice over quantity. He shares insights on how to simplify techniques for younger players, the evolving perspective on machine work, and the necessity of vision training. Additionally, he addresses how to define success in hitting, the importance of approach and timing, and the role of mirror training in development.Follow Tyler on IG @Premierhittinglab & @tylerbensonFollow us or contact us!Instagram: @coachdela_TikTok: @NJHealthyHeatYoutube: @NJHealthyHeatEmail: [email protected]