In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with James Baker, a former professional pitcher turned coach, who takes us through his incredible baseball journey. From getting cut in high school to playing seven seasons of pro ball—including time with the San Diego Padres organization—James knows all about perseverance. Now, as the head coach at The Governor’s Academy and co-owner of Baker O'Flynn Sports, he’s mentoring the next generation of athletes.
We dive into everything from the grind of minor league baseball to coaching philosophy, player development, and what it takes to succeed at the next level.
Highlights Include:
• Overcoming setbacks in high school baseball • Making it to pro ball & minor league life • Coaching philosophy and training young athletes • Recruiting differences between college & prep school • The balance of coaching, business, and family
If you’re a baseball fan, coach, parent, or just love a great underdog story, this episode is for you!
Timestamps
00:00 Intro and Should Boston fans boo the Canadian anthem? (Four Nation's Face-off) 01:13 Introducing James Baker: From Boxford to Pro Baseball 04:55 Getting cut in high school & the turning point 12:23 The inspirational story of Tim Bransfield 16:26 Making it to the College World Series 23:20 Minor league reality: The grind of pro baseball 46:05 Coaching at Colby College (NESCAC) 50:56 Coaching at Governor's Academy 1:00:42 Velocity, control, or movement - which is most important? 1:07:28 James coaching philosophy 1:10:25 Favorite New England sports moments: Pedro & The Snow Bowl 1:12:10 Upcoming baseball camps & how to train with James
Links & Mentions:
A Life Interrupted - A Moving Memoir by Tim Bransfield Baker O'Flynn Sports on Facebook Baker O'Flynn Sports on Instagram BOS Program Guide Pedro Throws Don Zimmer to the Ground The 1999 All Star Game was Epic The Governor's Academy Baseball The Wall of Gaylord Wichita Baseball
Follow us:
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.