Episode 220: It’s Not About You – Putting Athletes First With Doug Adams

In this episode, I sit down with Doug Adams — head baseball coach at Clark State College (JUCO) and owner of P413 Baseball / P413 Sports in Ohio. Doug brings over 20 years of coaching experience, including eight straight conference championships at Dayton Christian, and a deep passion for hitting development that spans baseball and softball. Doug shares his journey from a traditional, old-school coaching background to actively seeking out new ideas that actually help his players. He opens up about what it was like attending the first coaches retreat, what he expected (a sales pitch), and what he actually experienced — hands-on learning about movement, posture, pelvic tilt, fascial lines, and practical tools like water bags that have now become a staple in his program. We talk about:  Why it’s worth traveling to invest in your coaching education even during a busy season How one good idea or feel can dramatically improve your athletes — you don’t need to understand everything The power of networking, intimate conversations, and learning from other coaches in a low-pressure environment Shifting your mindset from “this is how I’ve always done it” to “what will help my players the most?” Why the retreat isn’t about gimmicks or overwhelming science — it’s about giving coaches tools they can actually use with their hitters  Doug also shares how these experiences have changed how he sees hitters (and even opponents) on the field, and why he believes coaches should stay curious and athlete-centered above all else. Whether you’re a high school, college, or travel ball coach who feels stuck in old habits or intimidated by “deeper” hitting conversations, this conversation will encourage you to keep learning, stay open, and remember: it’s not about us — it’s about the athletes we serve. If you’ve been on the fence about attending a coaches retreat or investing in your own development, Doug’s honest perspective might be exactly what you need to hear.