The Good Man Show
The Good Man Show
Joshua
From High School Dugouts To Travel Ball: How Don Erickson Built Teams, Culture, And A Field That Bears His Name
1 hour 12 minutes Posted Mar 10, 2026 at 5:00 am.
Cold Open & Warm Banter
Hosts Return And Set The Table
Welcoming Coach Don Erickson
Origin Story: Young Head Coach
Wearing Many Hats: Coach To AD
Mentors, ADs, And Evolving Roles
Players Becoming Peers And Coaches
Why Coach: Teaching, Purpose, Memories
Deep Playoff Runs And Tough Losses
Culture Over Scores: Bus Rides And Bonds
Parenting, Empathy, And Coaching Style
Diverse Teams And Staff That Complement
Practice Design And Minute-By-Minute Plans
Building Staff Loyalty And Continuity
Transition To Woodworking And Caliber Bats
Travel Ball Versus High School Ball
Tournaments, Records, And Rivalries
Leadership, Superteams, And Club Culture
Season Rhythm And Choosing High School
0:00
1:12:43
Download MP3
Show notes
Send us Fan Mail We sit down with IHSA Hall of Famer Don Erickson to trace a coaching life from a 23-year-old head coach to a field that now bears his name. Along the way we unpack culture, practice design, travel vs high school ball, and why memories beat medals. • starting at Revis at 21 and learning on the fly • mentors, AD dynamics, and evolving leadership • building empathy through parenting and diverse teams • assistants who complement, not clone • minute-by-minute practice planning an...