Everything Fastpitch - The Podcast

In this week's episode of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coaches Tory and Don record their 404th episode, packed with insightful content. The warmup segment reveals news about AUSL professional softball team locations, including the Durham Blaze, Portland Cascade, Chicago Bandits, Utah Talents, Texas Volts, and Oklahoma City Spark. Additionally, they celebrate Ames, Iowa, as the City of the Week and a Player of the Week. The equipment tip of the week highlights the square cuts training discs, praised for their ability to provide immediate feedback to players. The listener question addresses whether coaches are truly bad or just not meeting parental expectations, emphasizing the importance of aligning expectations with reality. In the lead-off segment, part two of Tory's interview with Justin McLeod from D1 Softball dives deep into the upcoming 2026 Division 1 season, discussing potential breakout teams, strong conferences, and the impact of key transfers, including Texas Tech's new a

In this episode of 'Everything Fast Pitch' by Fast Pitch Prep, Coaches Tory and Don discuss a variety of topics. They begin with a warmup segment that includes 'Did You Know?', city of the week, player of the week, equipment tip of the week, and a listener question that dives into the rise of elite Division I pitchers. The main segment features part one of an interview with Justin McLeod from D1 Softball, focusing on the upcoming college softball season and the state of professional softball. The discussion covers both Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) and the Professional Softball League (PSL), detailing their impacts and recent developments. Further segments include a talk on the recruiting evaluation period and a coaching tip on prioritizing team practices when practice time is limited. Support the show

In this week's episode of Everything Fast Pitch, Coach Tory and Coach Don connect to record episode 402, marking the beginning of the 2026 season. The discussion covers several key segments, including the warmup segment featuring City of the Week (Charlotte, NC), Player of the Week and an equipment tip about Square Cuts training discs, and an intriguing listener question. The lead-off segment focuses on players' preparation for the spring season, stressing the importance of self-care and conditioning. The clean-up topic addresses how a listener can get started in umpiring. The coaching tip of the week emphasizes coaching players to achieve their goals rather than focusing on avoiding mistakes. Support the show

In this New Year's Week mini episode of 'Everything Fast Pitch' by Fast Pitch Prep, the focus is on the outlook for 2026 in college softball. Coach Tory reflects on the growing viewership and success of the Women's College World Series and other softball events in the past year, questioning how much bigger the sport can get. Topics discussed include the impact of financial investment by schools, particularly around facilities and name, image, and likeness (NIL) money, on competing for championships. Speculation on how the escalation in spending correlates with success, mirroring trends in college football. Additionally, the episode covers the proliferation of softball games accessible via ESPN platforms, the role of podcasts like 'In the Circle' in keeping fans informed, and the influence of social media algorithms in disseminating softball-related content. Lastly, Coach Tory encourages listeners to support college softball at various levels and to engage with the sport through l

In this week's Christmas edition of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, the host reflects on the past year and expresses gratitude for the progress in women's sports coverage. The episode highlights significant improvements in the visibility of women's sports on major networks like ESPN. The host recalls personal experiences from 2007 and discusses challenges from earlier periods, emphasizing the importance of continued support for women's sports. Additionally, the host thanks Stan for his production efforts, acknowledges the audience's support, and looks forward to an exciting 2026.Support the show

In this week's edition of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tory and Coach Don celebrate their 401st episode and reflect on the significant milestone of having 700 total podcast episodes including mini-pods and prediction shows. They express gratitude to listeners, patrons, and contributors, particularly during the busy holiday season. The program highlights include 'Did You Know' on upcoming city announcements by AU Softball League, 'City of the Week' Las Vegas, 'Player of the Week', and a question on whether it's worthwhile to get a glove re-laced. Key segments include an interview with Steve Dickey from Better Ballgame, who discusses the complexities and challenges of youth sports, particularly in fast pitch softball, with topics like long-term development, the importance of having strong female role models, and the crucial role parents play. The episode concludes with the Action Coach coaching tip of the week, emphasizing the importance of involving pl

In the 400th episode of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tory and Coach Don celebrate their milestone and discuss a variety of topics. They highlight NiJaree Canady’s inclusion in Forbes' 30 under 30 list, celebrate Chicago, Illinois as the City of the Week, and recognize a Player of the Week. They provide an equipment tip for Christmas, answer a listener's question on coping with faster pitching, and discuss the challenges and solutions for long-term coaches contemplating retirement. They also emphasize the importance of helping players improve their overall athleticism and stress the value of punctuality with the core principle, 'If you're early, you're on time; if you're on time, you're late.' The episode includes thanks to their patrons and a call for continued support, player nominations, and listener engagement.Support the show

This episode of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, hosted by Coach Tory and Coach Don, covers various segments including City of the Week, Player of the Week, and Equipment Tip of the Week. The lead-off segment discusses recent incidents of athletes' misconduct and the impact it has on sports. The cleanup segment addresses considerations for switching teams, providing advice for players and their families. Finally, the action coach coaching tip emphasizes the importance of positive coaching over fear-based coaching. Support the show

In episode 398 of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tory and Coach Don discuss various topics via Zoom, as Coach Don is in Canada. The warmup segment includes a 'Did You Know' about record-setting TV ratings for softball events, Valdosta, GA as the city of the week, and a player of the week. Equipment tips include recommendations for holiday gifts for softball players, such as bats, gloves, and training aids. The listener question discusses the impact of financial investment on college sports success. In the lead-off segment, the show continues an interview with Scott Thomas from Gulf Coast State College, who talks about potential rule changes for junior college transfers and the overall state of college softball. The cleanup segment focuses on recommended holiday gifts for players and coaches. The action coach tip of the week addresses the importance of balancing physical and mental preparation in softball. The episode concludes with expressing gratitude towards patrons and urging lis

In this week's edition of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tory discusses the podcast agenda for episode 397, including segments such as 'Did You Know,' City of the Week, player of the week, equipment tip, and a listener question about the value of line drive hitters in recruiting. He and Don interview Scott Thomas, head coach at Gulf Coast State College, about the competitiveness and academic opportunities in junior college softball, as well as insights into his team and their fall season performance against top Division I programs. The episode also features a two-part Mount Rushmore project, listing the top softball players from both the past and present and concludes with a coaching tip on using technology in softball training.Support the show

In this episode of 'Everything Fast Pitch' by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tory and Coach Don discuss various segments including the warm-up section with the 'Did You Know?' fact featuring the Georgia Dugout Club's Senior All-Star Games at Truist Park, City of the Week, Player of the Week, and an equipment tip focusing on Square Cuts training discs. They address a listener's concern about a coach showcasing player versatility at the cost of playing primary positions during showcases. The episode also highlights the Mount Rushmore of influential fast-pitch coaches with separate lists for old school and new school coaches. In the cleanup topic, they discuss whether players should be made to finish the season even when unhappy and explore the growing importance of mental health in sports. Finally, they offer coaching tips on using video effectively without overwhelming players.Support the show

In this episode of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tory and Coach Don prepare for their 395th episode. The warmup segment includes City of the Week, Player of the Week, an equipment tip, and an intriguing listener question. A listener had some feedback about using stats from pool play to set the lineup in bracket play. The lead-off segment covers significant news about the AUSL announcing a three-year deal with ESPN and expanding to six teams. The cleanup segment emphasizes the importance of respecting and maintaining softball fields, using examples of parks becoming rundown. Finally, the action coaching tip focuses on managing difficult parent relationships in youth softball and the challenges volunteer coaches face.Support the show

In this week's edition of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tory and Don cover a variety of topics in episode 394. The show starts with a warmup segment featuring the City of the Week, Player of the Week, equipment tip, and an interesting listener question about large strike zones in youth leagues. A key highlight includes the story of a Dodger player demonstrating sportsmanship by cleaning the dugout. The cleanup segment introduces the 'Healthy Sports Parents' site, emphasizing the importance of fun over winning in youth sports. The episode concludes with a discussion on the value of requiring players to report their  training activities and how it can impact team dynamics and individual development.Support the show

In this episode of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Don and Coach Tory discuss several segments, including the City of the Week, Player of the Week, and an Equipment Tip of the Week. They address a listener's question about improving a 10U team's performance in games compared to their practices. They provide strategies such as using older players to pitch to younger ones for practice. The episode also highlights a continuing conversation on high school sports' longest winning streaks, focusing on a Wisconsin team's 108-game streak. In the Action Coach Coaching Tip of the Week, they explore a quote from Geno Auriemma of UConn Women's Basketball on demanding more from players to discover their true limits. They wrap up with details on their Mount Rushmore project for impactful fast-pitch college players and coaches, alongside encouraging listener engagement and Patreon support.Support the show

Welcome to this week's edition of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep with Coach Tory and Coach Don.  The episode covers various segments, including highlights like 'Did You Know?', which discusses the rapid changes in collegiate sports, specifically pointing out the firing of Penn State's James Franklin. The 'City of the Week' is Kansas City, Missouri, recognized for its active support in fast pitch softball. In the 'Player of the Week' segment, a team is highlighted for their teamwork and resilience. The equipment tip focuses on the benefits of Square Cuts training discs for better hitting efficiency. A listener question sparks a discussion on the importance of practicing hitting despite time constraints. The segment transitions into managing feedback from multiple coaches and instructors. An 'old softball dad' shares nostalgic insights on how travel ball has evolved, emphasizing that serious teams traditionally end their seasons in non-vacation spots.

In this week's edition of 'Everything Fast Pitch' by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tory and Coach Don cover a variety of compelling topics. The episode opens with updates on the Milwaukee Brewers' playoff status, delving into the legacy of Bob Uecker. Pittsburgh, PA is highlighted as the city of the week, and the Fort Worth Cats are celebrated as the team of the week with recognition to their dedicated players. Equipment tips feature the practical usage of Square Cuts training discs, emphasizing their importance in hitting training. The listener question segment addresses high school softball's longest winning streaks, the financial landscape of women's sports, and the critical need for post-game stretching to prevent injuries. Further discussion includes the challenges and strategies associated with being a lower-tier pitcher on a top-tier team, and effective bunting techniques. The episode wraps up with personalized coaching tips stressing the importance of genuine commitment to pract

In this week's edition of 'Everything Fast Pitch' by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tory flies solo as he records episode 390. The episode covers several segments: a warmup discussing the upcoming Mary Nutter Classic featuring the Japanese Olympic team, highlights Houston, Texas as the City of the Week, and celebrates a Player of the Week for her dedication and success in softball. An equipment tip highlights the Square Cuts Training Discs, and a listener questions the balance between encouraging multi-sport athletes and the practicality within the demands of travel ball. In the cleanup segment, Coach Tory addresses how to measure player development beyond traditional statistics. The action coach coaching tip discusses the difference between coaching to win versus coaching not to lose, drawing parallels between football strategies and fast pitch softball.Support the show

In this episode of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tory and Coach Don discuss various topics, starting with a historical segment about renowned softball pitcher Eddie Feigner. The episode highlights Duluth, Minnesota as the City of the Week and celebrates a Player of the Week for her dedication to improving her skills. An equipment tip featuring Square Cuts training discs is shared. Two listener questions are addressed: one about the importance of post-practice cool down routines and another offering advice on nurturing a young catcher's enthusiasm despite the challenges. Tory also shares his frustrations with coaching two talented but stubborn players, seeking Don's advice on how to help them progress. The episode concludes with a discussion on the drawbacks of relying solely on statistics for determining game lineups, urging coaches to take a more comprehensive approach.Support the show

In this week's edition of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Don and Coach Tory record episode 388. The show covers various segments, including 'Did You Know,' 'City of the Week,' 'Player of the Week,' 'Equipment Tip of the Week,' and a 'Listener Question.' Key topics discussed are strategies for handling adversity inspired by Amanda Scarborough, the issue of 'gentle sports parents,' and the importance of celebrating and documenting achievements in softball. The episode also features a segment on the importance of proactive practice in various challenging conditions. Support the show

In episode 387 of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tori and Coach Don cover a wide range of topics including player highlights, equipment tips, and listener questions. They start with the 'Did You Know' segment featuring Megan Wiggins, a former Georgia softball star now playing for the Savannah Bananas' opponent team, the Tailgaters. San Francisco is named City of the Week due to its historical significance in fast pitch softball. Player of the Week honors go to a player from Burlington, Iowa for her exceptional teamwork and leadership. The show discusses the utility of various hitting tools and gadgets, providing insights into their effectiveness for both novice and experienced players. They also address a listener's frustration with tournament scheduling inefficiencies and offer practical advice for coping with challenging schedules. Finally, the importance of taking teams to watch college games as a learning tool is highlighted, with an emphasis on the value of exposure t