The Hitstreak Episode 226: The Standard Isn’t Optional: Faith, Pressure & Coaching Yankees w/ Casey Dykes
Episode 226 of The Hitstreak, a podcast where we talk about anything and everything!
This week we are joined by an Assistant Hitting Coach for the New York Yankees, Casey Dykes!
Episode in a Glance:
In this episode of the Hitstreak, I get to welcome back Casey Dykes, assistant hitting coach for the New York Yankees. We discuss the balance between family and work, the impact of Southern roots on professional life, and the importance of faith. Casey shares insights on the dynamics of spring training, the evolution of baseball strategies, and the sneaker culture within the sport. We also delve into personal experiences, including meeting a sitting president and the role of analytics in modern baseball. The episode wraps up with advice for young coaches and reflections on family dynamics in a busy life, emphasizing the importance of intentional living and involvement in family activities.
Key Points:
- Family comes first, and work should not interfere with family life.
- Southern roots provide a calming foundation in a fast-paced environment.
- Faith is crucial for grounding and building relationships.
- The evolution of pitching and hitting strategies is significant in modern baseball.
- The Yankees clubhouse has unique personalities and swag.
- Analytics play a major role in coaching and player development.
- Loyalty and integrity are essential qualities for young coaches.
About our guest:
Casey Dykes is an MLB hitting coach and player development leader currently serving as an Assistant Hitting Coach for the New York Yankees. A Franklin, Tennessee native, Dykes was a standout multi-sport athlete at Franklin High School before playing four years of college baseball at Western Kentucky University. He earned a degree in Sport Management and a master’s in Athletic Administration while starting over 175 games and winning a conference championship.
Following his playing career, Dykes began coaching at WKU before moving to Virginia Military Institute, where he served as lead hitting and catching coach and recruiting coordinator. At VMI, he helped develop 14 All-SoCon players, five MLB Draft picks, multiple All-Americans, and offenses that set 32 program top-10 records. Dykes later joined Indiana University’s coaching staff, where the Hoosiers won the 2019 Big Ten regular season title, reached the NCAA Tournament, and led the nation in home runs. Six position players were selected in the 2019 MLB Draft—the most in school history.
In 2019, Dykes joined the New York Yankees organization, progressing through Double-A and Triple-A before joining the Major League staff. He has since been part of historic offensive production, including back-to-back Team Silver Slugger Awards, a World Series appearance in 2024, and league-leading marks in runs, walks, OPS, and home runs. Grounded in faith and family, Dykes lives in Middle Tennessee with his wife Chaney, a former WKU basketball player, and their three children.
Follow and contact:
Instagram: @caseydykes1
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