The Backpick Podcast

Ever wondered what a Major League catcher really thinks about when the ball is flying at 100 mph? Join Toronto Blue Jays catcher Tyler Heinemann as he breaks down the elite art of receiving, blocking, and managing a big league pitching staff from the perspective of a true technician. In this episode of the Back Pick Podcast, host Brett Thomas sits down with Tyler to nerd out on the technical side...

Are you an amateur catcher looking to take your game to the professional level? In this episode of the Back Pick Podcast, we sit down with Mariners catching coach Chase Woollenweber to break down the science of elite catching. From mastering the one-knee setup to training for chaos behind the plate, this conversation is a masterclass in modern catching development. Chase shares his journey from di...

Ever wondered what it takes to catch at the highest level of professional baseball? In this episode of the Backpack Podcast, Toronto Blue Jays catcher Willie Maciver joins us to break down the physical and mental demands of life behind the plate. From technical stance adjustments to the killer mentality needed in the box, Willie shares the secrets that helped him reach the majors. Willie dives dee...

Ever wonder what it was like inside the Cleveland clubhouse during their legendary 90s run? Join us for part two of our deep dive with MLB legend Sandy Alomar, Jr. as he shares incredible untold stories about Manny Ramirez, Jim Thome, and the evolution of the modern game. ⚾️ In this episode of the Backpick Podcast, host Brett Thomas continues the conversation with Sandy Alamar Jr. Sandy opens up...

Ever wondered what it was like to catch a 100mph fastball or a dancing knuckleball from a legend? Join us on the Back Pick Podcast as MLB icon Sandy Alomar Jr. breaks down his incredible 43-year journey in professional baseball. From his Rookie of the Year season to coaching the modern stars of today, Sandy shares the wisdom that only a lifetime behind the plate can provide. In this first part of...

Ever wonder what it takes to develop elite catchers like Cal Raleigh? In this episode of the Backpick Podcast, we sit down with Zac Livingston, the former Seattle Mariners catching coordinator and current Pittsburgh Pirates minor league field coordinator, to break down the modern game behind the dish. Whether you are a coach, a player, or a fan of the craft, this conversation offers a masterclass...

HOW HAS THE CATCHER POSITION EVOLVED? ⚾️ In this episode of the Backpick podcast, former pro catcher and Seattle Mariners manager Ryan Scott breaks down the massive shift in catching mechanics and player development. Discover the blueprint for preparing young athletes for the next level while prioritizing their long-term health and success. Ryan shares his fascinating journey through professional...

Step up to the plate and unlock the Brewers' secret to elite catching! In this episode of The Back Pick Podcast, host Brett Thomas sits down with Dallas Correa, the Milwaukee Brewers' modern lead catching coordinator, to uncover how they "control the chaos" and transform the way their catchers play. From mastering the mental fortitude required for the position to implementing cutting-edge catching...

Step up to the plate and discover how knee-down catching is transforming the way we play baseball! In this episode of the Backpack podcast, Brett Thomas sits down with Michael Thomas, Houston Astros Field Coordinator, for a deep dive into the evolution of catching techniques, including the game-changing one-knee-down stance. From mastering the catcher position to understanding the physical toll of...

🎙️ The Evolution of Receiving with Tyler Flowers In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Flowers for an in-depth conversation on how catching—specifically receiving —has evolved at the highest levels of the game. Tyler breaks down the shift from simply “sticking pitches” to matching speed with speed , creating stability through the ball, and understanding how strength, intent, and common sense pla...

Send us a text Join us as we delve into the remarkable story of Michael Bugary, a former baseball star whose journey is a testament to the power of perseverance. From the highs of athletic success to the challenges of addiction and health battles, Michael's story is one of resilience and transformation. Discover how he navigated the complexities of identity, overcame personal struggles, and found...

Send us a text Join us as we dive into the world of baseball from an umpire's perspective. Discover the nuances of catching and game dynamics with insights that only an umpire can provide. Brett Thomas and Tim share their experiences and reveal the secrets behind the plate that can change the way you view the game. Don't miss this eye-opening discussion! 🔔 Subscribe for more insider sports conten...

Send us a text Join former MLB player Chase D'Arnaud and coach Brett Thomas as they dive deep into the world of baseball, sharing insights on coaching, player development, and the intricacies of the game. From the art of stealing bases to the challenges of youth sports, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and personal anecdotes. Whether you're a seasoned coach or a baseball enthusiast, th...

Send us a text On this episode of The Backpick Podcast, Brett Thomas is joined by Yeshayah Goldfarb, who spent more than two decades with the San Francisco Giants. Together they talk about his journey inside the organization, the changing role of analytics in the game, and what it really takes to develop players at every level. The conversation goes beyond the front office, touching on lessons for...

Send us a text Join us on the Back Pick Podcast as we dive into the fascinating journey of Brian Whatley, the Catching Coordinator for the Cleveland Guardians. From his unexpected transition from medical sales to becoming a key figure in baseball coaching, Brian shares his unique insights and experiences. Discover how he revolutionizes catching techniques and the personal stories that shaped his c...

Send us a text Tyler Goodro is back on the show to talk coaching, player development, and the lessons he’s learned at every level—from pro ball to college to coaching his own son. He and Brett dive into what it really takes to help players grow: giving them reps, building confidence, and creating an environment where they can learn through action. They cover how to tailor coaching to each athlete,...

Send us a text Navigating the youth baseball development system can be challenging, with players balancing showcase events and skill growth. Brandon Oliver from Futures Training Center shares insights on creating the best environment for young athletes, emphasizing the importance of competition, resilience, and collaboration. This episode offers valuable takeaways for coaches, parents, and players...

Send us a text Brandon Oliver returns to the podcast for a deep dive into catching development, from stance adjustments to throwing mechanics. Brandon and Brett Thomas discuss how catchers are adapting to the modern game, the balance between comfort and efficiency in setups, and the best ways to train throwing. They break down the importance of feel over rigid mechanics and why some catchers are m...

Send us a text Seattle Mariners mental skills coach Kellen Lee sits down with Brett Thomas to discuss what it takes to master the mental side of the game. From his days as a catcher to coaching in professional baseball, Kellen shares his approach to helping players stay focused, build confidence, and perform under pressure. They dive into why mental training is just as important as physical skills...

Send us a text Erika Piancastelli, Olympian and pro softball catcher, joins The Backpick Podcast to break down elite catching techniques, training routines, and her journey from Italy to the U.S. to the Olympic stage. She shares insights on stances, blocking, receiving, and what it takes to play at the highest level. Subscribe for more in-depth interviews with top players and coaches!

Send us a text Join us on this week's episode of The Backpack Podcast as host Brett Thomas sits down with Stan Jurga, the Director of Product Development at All-Star. Explore the innovative designs behind All-Star catcher's gear and the thought process that goes into creating equipment trusted by players at every level. Stan shares insights into the company's rich history and how their gear has co...

Send us a text Join us on this week's episode of The Backpack Podcast as host Brett Thomas sits down with Jordan Comadena, the Pittsburgh Pirates' catching coach. Dive into Jordan's journey, his insights on catching techniques, and his experiences coaching at the highest level. Discover how one-knee-down stances are transforming the way you play and why mental fortitude is key to mastering the cat...

Send us a text Join us as we sit down with Todd Coburn, AKA "The Catching Guy," to explore his journey from player to coach. After playing at Cal Poly and the Phillies, Todd transitioned into a coaching career that has spanned over 25 years. Now a recognized catching specialist, Todd shares how his love for the position led him to coach catchers across 40 states. 

Send us a text In this episode of The Backpick Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Reagan Glanz, a rising star in the world of softball and a catcher for the Coastal Bend Tidal Wave in Women's Pro Fastpitch. Reagan takes us through her incredible journey as she opens up about the highs and lows of the recruiting process, the demands of travel ball, and the mental toughness needed to stay competitiv...

Send us a text Come listen as Cameron Rupp reveals the secrets to mastering the catcher position and building a winning culture. In this episode of the Backpck Podcast, former MLB catcher and College World Series coach, Cameron Rupp, shares invaluable insights into the heart of baseball. From the technical aspects of the one-knee-down stance to the importance of mental fortitude, Cameron dives dee...