The Road to the Big Leagues (with Coach James Baker)

In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with James Baker, a former professional pitcher turned coach, who takes us through his incredible baseball journey. From getting cut in high school to playing seven seasons of pro ball—including time with the San Diego Padres organization—James knows all about perseverance. Now, as the head coach at The Governor’s Academy and co-owner of Baker O'Flynn Sports, he’s mentoring the next generation of athletes.

We dive into everything from the grind of minor league baseball to coaching philosophy, player development, and what it takes to succeed at the next level.

Highlights Include:

• Overcoming setbacks in high school baseball
• Making it to pro ball & minor league life
• Coaching philosophy and training young athletes
• Recruiting differences between college & prep school
• The balance of coaching, business, and family

If you’re a baseball fan, coach, parent, or just love a great underdog story, this episode is for you!

 

Timestamps

00:00 Intro and Should Boston fans boo the Canadian anthem? (Four Nation's Face-off)
01:13 Introducing James Baker: From Boxford to Pro Baseball
04:55 Getting cut in high school & the turning point
12:23 The inspirational story of Tim Bransfield
16:26 Making it to the College World Series
23:20 Minor league reality: The grind of pro baseball
46:05 Coaching at Colby College (NESCAC)
50:56 Coaching at Governor's Academy
1:00:42 Velocity, control, or movement - which is most important?
1:07:28 James coaching philosophy
1:10:25 Favorite New England sports moments: Pedro & The Snow Bowl
1:12:10 Upcoming baseball camps & how to train with James

 

Links & Mentions:

A Life Interrupted - A Moving Memoir by Tim Bransfield
Baker O'Flynn Sports on Facebook
Baker O'Flynn Sports on Instagram
BOS Program Guide
Pedro Throws Don Zimmer to the Ground
The 1999 All Star Game was Epic
The Governor's Academy Baseball
The Wall of Gaylord
Wichita Baseball

 

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