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In this episode of 2025 Coaching Changes Series, Robert talks with Chris Rodriguez, the new Head Baseball Coach at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS). After serving as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator, Rodriguez discusses his smooth transition and how established relationships with the team created a level of trust.
Coach Rodriguez introduces the team's new mantra, "WAR", which stands for Work, Accountability, and Resilience. He draws on his diverse coaching background, which includes the Lithuanian National Team and the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, to share insights on development and analytics. He emphasizes the importance of player growth, citing former player Seth Masters as a testament to the program's long-term development philosophy, even in the age of instant gratification.
Rodriguez details his program's focus on pitching and defense, proudly noting the program's history of high national defensive rankings and the advantage of having a full turf infield to maximize defensive practice, even during tough Midwest weather. He also touches on how discipline is taught through the inspirational story of David Eckstein, encouraging players to "earn every opportunity" and prepare for the moment. Above all, fans can expect a competitive bunch of "ball players" ready to get after it this spring.