Sports Then and Now

Zephyr's Strength and Conditioning Coach, Gary McCoy talks about the Road to the Show

“Some of these guys are going to make it. Most won’t. But they all share a dream and passion for the game of baseball. Nobody tells their compelling stories of hard work, determination and sense of tradition better than the players themselves.”

That sums up the story of “The Road to the Show” the much awaited project of co-creator and producer, Larry Richards. “The Road to the Show” tells the real life stories of players as they fight their way through baseball’s minor leagues in hopes of getting their day in the sun as full-fledged Major Leaguers.

Richards, a graduate of Syracuse University, has been working on the “original baseball docuality” for better than two years and continues to work tirelessly to get it into the hands of those who will make his personal baseball dream a reality, as well.

As Richard’s states on the show’s web-site, “Somewhere in the minor leagues is the next legend”.

Richards recently released the following video and accompanying email to the media while sharing his interview with Gary McCoy, the strength and conditioning coach for the New Orleans Zephyrs, the Triple A affiliate of the Florida Marlins.

In the video, McCoy shares his views on life in the “bushes” as well as his thoughts on Richards’ project. And to steal a quote from Jimmy Scott of Jimmy Scott’s High and Tight, “Plus, Gary McCoy has a funny accent.”

From the desk of Larry Richards…

“On a chilly January evening in Orlando, I interviewed New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA, Florida Marlins) 1B and Strength & Conditioning Coach, Gary McCoy.

Gary gives an extremely well-spoken, educated and insightful look into the world of the minor leagues. Among the topics we cover: what the lives of the players and coaches are like, what his job entails, the sacrifices that are made and yes, why a show like ours, “Minor League: The Road to the Show”, can work – not only for the fans, but for the teams as well.

During our 45 minute interview, Gary said so many terrific things that I had a very difficult time trying to edit down the footage – so the final piece is a bit long but definitely worth it.

For those who love baseball and who want to hear some terrific first hand experiences and good, positive stories about minor league baseball – as well as those watching this to get a better sense of what our show will illustrate in terms of quality and depth of story-telling – on behalf of Road to the Show Productions and Cream Cheese Films, I invite you to watch this video in its entirety. It was a ‘down n’ dirty’ shoot and edit – nothing fancy – just the facts but the facts are pretty cool.

Please feel to contact us with any comments, suggestions or if you’d like more information about “Minor League: The Road to the Show.”

Enjoy and thank you for watching!

Sincerely yours,
Larry Richards
Co-Creator and Producer, “Minor League: The Road to the Show”, www.theroadtotheshow.com

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now and Seamheads, as well as, posting his best of on his new blog The xoxo of Sports. He is a supporter ofd the award winning children’s story, A Glove of Their Own, which teaches pay it forward through baseball.