On this episode we are joined by professional hitting coach and Major League scout, Karl Carswell of the KC Barnstormers and Damage Hitter. We discuss one of the most important trends in the game of baseball – the travel baseball scene. We examine the impact that travel baseball is having on our young players, specifically addressing some of the negative outcomes, and we dig deep into some of the inner workings of travel and showcase programs and events. Find out why Karl believes it is important to define “winning” and why our players could be playing too much baseball. He also shares his ideas on how we might be able to improve this brand of baseball.
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Follow the guest on twitter: @KCBarnstormers @DamageHitter
Our guest’s website: Damage Hitter
Our guest’s recommended resource:The Baseball Drive Resources
Blog post that inspired the show – I Am to Blame
The Back of Karl’s Baseball Card:
Karl co-founded the now nationally recognized KC Barnstormers Baseball Program in 1996. Under Karl’s direction, he and his staff have helped over 1000 players obtain their dream of earning scholarships for and participating in baseball at the college level.
Also, Karl founded the Damage Hitter program, with the goal of helping players unlock the true potential of their swing through training on a mental, emotional and physical level.
Karl’s extensive background in professional and college baseball make him more than qualified to build better players and better hitters.
Coach Carswell has been a scout since 1996, and he is currently with the Chicago Cubs, He is also graduate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays’ Career Initiative Program.
As player, Karl was drafted by the NY Mets following his senior year of high school, however he decided to further his education and attended Butler County Community College and later NC State University. While at Butler he earned All-American honors, and was a two year stater for NC State, competing in two NCAA Regional championship games. Karl also played in the prestigious Cape Cod Summer League.