Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/diviibaseball Join us as we sit down with Rick O’Dette, the new head coach of Florida Southern College’s baseball program. With over 24 years of coaching experience and more than 700 career wins at the Division II level, Coach O’Dette brings a wealth of knowledge, a blue-collar work ethic, and a fresh perspective to the Mocs. In this interview, we discuss: His vision for building a winning team culture at Florida Southern. The importance of "buy-in" from players and staff. How his experiences as a pro player with the Boston Red Sox shape his coaching philosophy. His practice strategies that prepare players for game-day challenges. The influence of his Southside Chicago roots on his coaching style. His ultimate goals for the program in this new era of Mocs baseball. Whether you’re a fan of Florida Southern, a baseball enthusiast, or someone who loves stories of leadership and hard work, this video offers a deep dive into what makes Coach O’Dette a game-changer. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more Division II Baseball content! 0:00 – Introduction 1:09 – Welcoming Rick O'Dette to the Program 1:44 – Transition from Saint Leo to Florida Southern 3:19 – Rich History of Florida Southern Baseball 6:02 – Coaching Philosophy and Adapting to Change 7:50 – Competing in the Sunshine State Conference 9:38 – Balancing Structure and Freedom in Coaching 12:04 – Year One Goals and Building Team Chemistry 14:46 – Fostering Accountability Among Players 17:50 – Continuity in Coaching Staff and Transition Benefits 19:31 – Balancing Family and Coaching Commitments 21:37 – Lessons from Professional Baseball Career 24:36 – Preparing Players for the Next Level 26:25 – High-Tempo Practices for Game Day Success 27:32 – Measuring Long-Term Success Beyond Wins 28:47 – Excitement for the Opportunity at Florida Southern 29:37 – Mentors and Influences in Coaching Career 30:43 – Closing Remarks and Looking Ahead
Feb 5 202522 min