"If you're a 'D1 or Bust' guy, you might not ever play college with this current climate."

1. Coaching Philosophy: Simplicity and Fundamentals

DJ's coaching philosophy centers on simplifying the game. Whether it's teaching players to "hit the big part of the barrel" or guiding young pitchers to focus on direction and movement toward the catcher's mitt, the emphasis remains on mastering the basics.

2. Player Development: Building Strength and Versatility

A strong foundation in core and leg strength was highlighted as critical for developing arm strength and throwing harder. DJ stressed the importance of variety in pitches to disrupt batters' timing and the need for pitchers to prioritize throwing strikes and mastering location.

3. The Importance of Trust, Flexibility, and Individualization

Trust plays a central role in DJ's approach, both in the context of pitchers relying on their defense and coaches building relationships with players.

4. Navigating Challenges with a Competitive Edge

Despite acknowledging that the overall talent pool may be down, DJ expressed optimism that certain teams can overcome this through hard work and a competitive mindset.