Swing Hard

Send us Fan Mail This episode features John Lynch, a Boston-born writer and screenwriter now living in LA, discussing baseball, sports movies, and his upcoming script reading. The conversation covered John's favorite sports movies including "Bingo Long and the Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings," "Bad News Bears," and "Moneyball," while discussing the challeng...

Send us Fan Mail This episode features an interview with Andy Diver, head coach at Mira Costa High School, discussing his team's CIF championship victory in Division III baseball. Andy shared how his team overcame significant injuries to their top pitchers, including losing their number one and number two starters before the season, to ultimately win the championship with a dramatic come-from...

Send us Fan Mail This episode featured Dean Florence and his 12-year-old son Luca Florence, discussing Luca's journey in baseball and his upcoming trip to Cooperstown. Dean shared how Luca's passion for baseball began at age 3 when he demanded to play with his older brother, leading to his first coach-pitch home run at just 7 years old. Luca discussed his love for the game, favorite play...

Send us Fan Mail This episode featured an interview with Jacob Madrid, a recently graduated catcher from Notre Dame High School who was preparing for the MLB draft. The conversation covered Jacob's baseball career, including his growth to 6'4" and 220 pounds, his impressive draft process involving conversations with 22 of 30 teams, and his commitment to the University of Oregon. Jac...

Send us Fan Mail This week on the Swing Hard Podcast, Denny and Rob discuss their recent travel experiences. Plus Denny gives an excellent analysis of the recent baseball success of Cal Poly, UCLA and USC. Denny also breaks down the College World Series and the upcoming recruiting season. "Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

Send us Fan Mail Adam Sarancik returns and on this episode he emphasized the importance of consistent fundamental practice, proper mechanics including tag mechanics and bunt defense, understanding field conditions and umpire rhythms, and managing pitcher workload throughout the season.  Adam and Denny covered specific technical aspects like field preparation, handling different pitching styles and...

Send us Fan Mail Denny and Producer Rob conducted this podcast episode while Rob was traveling in Peru. The two discussed Denny's high school baseball team's recent elimination from the CIF playoffs after losing a tough away game. Denny talked about his team's strong season performance, including victories over multiple opponents, and mentioned that his program will be participating...

Send us Fan Mail This podcast episode focused on Denny's high school baseball team's playoff progress. Denny discussed their upcoming quarterfinal game against Corona, explaining the CIF Southern Section playoff format and strategic considerations about playing at home versus on the road.  Denny also shared insights about managing pitching staff with two primary starters and discussed ho...

Send us Fan Mail This podcast episode featured Jason Gordon, a former police officer and professional golfer who now works with athletes through his company Full Salvo Athlete, discussing the importance of teaching young men to be independent and self-sufficient rather than relying on relationships for validation. Jason shared how he helped his son RJ overcome challenges in college baseball by emp...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 253 focuses on baseball terminology and coaching practices, with Adam Sarancik sharing his list of problematic phrases used in youth baseball and discussing proper communication techniques. The hosts discussed various terms including "can of corn," "hot corner," and "high cheese," explaining their origins and proper usage. Denny and Swing shar...

Send us Fan Mail This episode podcast features Kevin Griffin (father of Konnor Griffin, a Pittsburgh Pirates player), Scott Sterling (father of Levi Sterling, a professional pitcher), discussing their sons' baseball journeys. The conversation covered the development paths of both Konnor and Levi, including their experiences with USA Baseball teams, the draft process, and the challenges of pro...

Send us Fan Mail This episode podcast features Kevin Griffin (father of Konnor Griffin, a Pittsburgh Pirates player), Scott Sterling (father of Levi Sterling, a professional pitcher), discussing their sons' baseball journeys. The conversation covered the development paths of both Konnor and Levi, including their experiences with USA Baseball teams, the draft process, and the challenges of pro...

Send us Fan Mail This podcast episode featured John Campanella discussing his baseball career and family legacy with hosts Denny and Rob. John shared stories about growing up in a family of seven boys, with his father Joe Campanella being a prominent coach and actor who prioritized family over his Hollywood career. The conversation covered John's time playing for Denny at Glendale College, hi...

Send us Fan Mail Author Adam Sarancik  joined Denny to discuss the role of parents in youth baseball and how they should communicate with coaches and players about game strategy and performance. Adam emphasized that parents should avoid second-guessing coaching decisions and instead use open-ended questions to engage their children in post-game conversations. Denny shared his experience with a pla...

Send us Fan Mail On this week's "Swing Hard," Denny called Rob after his high school baseball team's 1-0 loss to De La Salle in the national tournament semifinals, where they were ranked 22nd in the state.   Denny and Rob then discussed how parents should handle post-game conversations with their children about sports coaching decisions. Denny advised against venting to childre...

Send us Fan Mail This week Denny talks about opening weekend at Major League Baseball. Plus, Denny and Rob review the latest from the Mission League and Denny teases a topic we have coming up in a future podcast, “What’s appropriate for parents to say to their kids about their coach.” "Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

Send us Fan Mail Denny Barrett joined Producer Rob for a podcast discussion about Notre Dame's successful 9-0 start to the baseball season, where they currently rank number one in the state. Denny credited the team's strong performance to unified coaching staff coordination and exceptional defensive play, noting they've made only four errors in nine games compared to fourteen errors...

Send us Fan Mail This week Denny is joined by Adam Sarancik. Denny and Adam discuss the benefits and challenges of year around athletic training for young athletes. Adam and Denny also discuss the importance of balancing sports with other aspects of life. "Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

Send us Fan Mail This week Denny talks about addiction and recovery with Matt Barker, a clinical hypnotherapist and licensed drug counselor. Denny shares his own journey and the conversation how addiction affects all walks of life, including athletes and celebrities. It’s an episode you won’t want to miss, Swing Hard! "Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

Send us Fan Mail This week on the Swing Hard podcast, Notre Dame hooper, Julian Rishwain discusses his college basketball journey and upcoming podcast "Journey of a Hooper". Julian shares his experiences playing at multiple colleges, overcoming injuries, and maintaining his passion for the game despite challenges. "Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

Send us Fan Mail This week on the Swing Hard Podcast Denny and Adam Sarancik! For questions on the podcast,  email Adam at asarancik@gmail.com Adam Sarancik is the author of four Amazon Top 100 Best Selling books, Coaching Champions for Life – The Process of Mentoring the Person, Athlete and Player ; Takeaway Quotes for Coaching Champions for Life; A Ground Ball to Shortstop – How and Why Coaches...

Send us Fan Mail This week on the Swing Hard Podcast, Denny talks to Los Angeles Dodger Coach and Video Coordinator Petie Montero. Petie and Denny talk about coaching Mookie Betts and working with Reggie Smith. Plus, Petie gives some amazing behind the scenes insight on game 6 and game 7 of the World Series. Swing Hard, in Case you hit it.  Part 2 of 2. "Swing Hard in case you hit it!" D...

Send us Fan Mail This week on the Swing Hard Podcast, Denny talks to Los Angeles Dodger Coach and Video Coordinator Petie Montero. Petie and Denny talk about coaching Mookie Betts and working with Reggie Smith. Plus, Petie gives some amazing behind the scenes insight on game 6 and game 7 of the World Series. Swing Hard, in Case you hit it. "Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

Send us Fan Mail This week on the Swing Hard Podcast Denny and Rob recap last weekend’s preseason games. Plus Denny is not just a coach and podcaster but he’s an actor? And it’s time for the annual alumni game featuring past Notre Dame greats! "Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

Send us Fan Mail This week Denny talks to Jim Wagner, owner and operator of the Throw Zone Academy in Santa Clarita. Jim and Denny talk about arm care, velocity and how to train your body and arm for the next level. Swing Hard and throw hard with Denny Barrett. "Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett