Episode 173: Add Value At A Major League Level w/ New York Yankees Coach Casey Dykes

Episode 173 of The Hitstreak, a podcast where we talk about anything and everything!  

This week we are joined by a Former College Baseball Player, turned Yankees Assistant Hitting Coach and Baseball Developer, Casey Dykes!

Episode in a Glance:
In this engaging conversation, Casey Dykes, assistant hitting coach for the New York Yankees, shares his journey from being a D1 athlete to coaching at the highest level in baseball. He emphasizes the importance of listening, building relationships, and maintaining a strong team culture. Casey discusses the challenges of transitioning from player to coach, the significance of family, and the necessity of setting short-term goals. He highlights the role of self-care and discipline in achieving success and the impact of first impressions in the coaching world. In this conversation, Casey shares his journey from college coaching to professional baseball. He discusses the challenges and expectations that come with coaching at such a high level, the importance of mindset and preparation for athletes, and the lessons learned from his experiences. Dykes emphasizes the significance of adapting, and maintaining a focus on what truly matters in both sports and life.

Key Points:
- Listen more than you speak to learn from others.
- Building relationships is crucial for success in any field.
- Culture is a living organism that needs daily attention.
- Every decision you make impacts your journey.
- Confidence comes from consistent work and preparation.
- Self-care is essential for maintaining high performance.
- Short-term goals help in achieving long-term success.
- Family support is vital in balancing work and personal life.
- Embrace challenges to grow.
- Being thrown into the fire can be the best way to learn.
- Hitting in the big leagues involves dealing with failure.
- Trusting your individual process is essential for success.

About our guest: 

Casey Dykes, a Franklin, TN native, played baseball at Western Kentucky University, earning a degree in Sport Management and a master’s in Athletic Administration. After his playing career, he coached at WKU, Virginia Military Institute (VMI), and Indiana University, where he helped lead IU to a Big Ten title. 

Dykes then joined the New York Yankees organization, coaching at Double-A, Triple-A, and, since 2021, as an Assistant Hitting Coach in the MLB. In 2024, the Yankees led the league in home runs, walks, and runs. 

Dykes is married to Chaney, a former WKU basketball player, and they have three children.

Follow and contact:

Instagram: @caseydykes1

https://www.mlb.com/yankees

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