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Article from 12/26/2021:

Troy Tulowitzki played his final major league game on April 3, 2019, at Yankee Stadium. He went 0-for-1 for the Yankees against Detroit.

Tulo was 34.

One might be tempted to think Tulowitzki might be lost, drifting. After all, the former Rockies shortstop was a tantalizing, five-time all-star, but a series of injuries, notably to his legs, cut short his brilliant career.

But there is no bitterness. He still has baseball.

“Right away, the day I retired, I knew what I wanted to do,” he said during a phone interview from his home in Austin, Texas. “I won’t say that I wanted to retire at that point because I still loved playing the game. Unfortunately, my body didn’t let me keep playing, but my mind and spirit needed to stay in the game. Because I love baseball so much and always will.”

Tulo, being Tulo, always had a plan.

Even in 2007, when he helped lead the Rockies to their only World Series and finished second in voting for National League rookie of the year, he had an inkling what his long-term future would be. After slugging 225 career home runs, he knew what he wanted to do after taking his final swing.

Meet Coach Tulowitzki.

“The day I announced my retirement, I had already decided I wanted to get started coaching at a major D-I school,” he said. “My sales pitch for the college game was this: ‘Look, I never saw myself as real, real talented. I was never supremely gifted like A-Rod (Alex Rodriguez); that wasn’t me.

“But because of all the work that I put in, and how focused I was on my craft, I made myself really good. I know how I got there, and that’s why I’ve always thought coaching was for me.”

Last week, USA Baseball honored Tulowitzki as its volunteer coach of the year for his work with the Collegiate National Team over the summer, and also for his involvement with the nation’s top 13-and-under and 14-and-under players in the Athlete Development Program.

For the past two seasons, he’s served as an unpaid, volunteer assistant coach for the University of Texas. In 2021, Tulowitzki, who coaches hitting and the infielders, helped lead the Longhorns to their first 50-win season since 2010. Texas came up just one game shy of the College World Series finals.

In Tulowitzki’s case, the term “volunteer coach” is a misnomer. The intensity that was his trademark with the Rockies is his trademark with the Longhorns.

“He had great expectations as a player and he does as a coach, too,” Texas coach David Pierce said. “He’s all in, all the time. He didn’t come here to just be ‘around the game.’ He puts in long hours and he’s totally committed. He’s been a great piece to our staff. I never have to worry about whether the infielders are working hard.

“There are many times when I will be in the bullpen working with the pitchers and I know I don’t have to worry about the offensive side because I know that Tulo and coach (Philip) Miller are taking care of it.”

* * *

Under the guidance of Miller and Tulowitzki, Texas had its highest team batting average (.275) and its most home runs (68) since 2010 this past year.

“Tulo added his mental edge to our game,” said Longhorns junior catcher Silas Ardoin, the son of former Rockies catcher Danny Ardoin. “He’s really great at the mental side of hitting.

“His big thing is competing. He doesn’t have any crazy philosophy about hitting, but when we get in the box, we know it’s just us against the pitcher and he helps us bring that edge we need.”

Ryan Spilborghs, Tulowitzki’s teammate in Colorado from 2006-11, is not surprised Tulo’s early foray into coaching has been a success.

“He’s always had that in him because he’s a baseball rat,” said Spilborghs, now a Rockies analyst for AT&T SportsNet. “He loved learning from other players and he loved the craft of being a shortstop.”

Spilborghs also points to Tulowitzki’s three seasons at Long Beach State, a school that has produced infielders Bobby Crosby, Evan Longoria, Matt Duffy and current Rockie Garrett Hampson, among others.

“The coaches at Long Beach worked Tulo’s (butt) off and taught him how to play the game the right way,” Spilborghs said. “Whoever was playing shortstop for Long Beach State, you just drafted him because you knew he was going to be good. I mean they’re called the ‘Dirtbags’ for a reason.

“I mean, if you take a guy like Tulo, who has talent, and then you constantly challenge him to get better, you’re going to get something special. Long Beach put that into him. And Tulo is arguably the most competitive guy you will ever meet.”

When Tulowitzki was called up by the Rockies late in 2006, he learned under Rockies veterans Todd Helton and Matt Holiday. It wasn’t long before Tulowitzki was a dominant presence in the clubhouse. He remained so until he was traded from the Rockies to Toronto in a blockbuster deal at the deadline in 2015.

“As a teammate, you knew there was something special about him,” Spilborghs said. “If he wasn’t playing baseball, you knew he was going to coach it, or manage it, or be a general manager.”

Tulo’s star pupil was Nolan Arenado.

During Arenado’s rookie season in 2013, Tulowitzki rode Arenado constantly, asking him, “What are you doing to get better today?” If Arenado was chilling out at his locker, Tulowitzki would tell him he should be utilizing his time by studying video or working on his swing.

In 2011, Arenado, only 20, knew he had to make some big changes if he wanted to evolve from a shiny prospect into a great player. Sure, Arenado hit .298 with 20 home runs at High-A Modesto. And yes, he hit .388 and won MVP honors in the Arizona Fall League, beating out future superstars Mike Trout and Bryce Harper.

But the Rockies’ third baseman was overweight, a bit sluggish on his feet, and in need of a mentor.

Enter Tulo.

In December 2011, Arenado went to Las Vegas for “Camp Tulo,” where Tulowitzki set up his own baseball offseason complex — and played drill sergeant. He made Arenado field grounders until Arenado’s quad muscles quivered. The duo spent hours in the batting cage. They talked baseball over dinner.

“It changed my life and who I was as a player,” Arenado recalled. “I was out of shape. I wasn’t eating right, and once I started doing that, a lot of things changed.”

Arenado also took up Tulowitzski’s challenge.

“I made a bet with Tulo that he would give me some big-league bats if I came to spring training at 210 pounds or under,” Arenado remembered. “I got to spring training and he weighed me and I came in at 209. So I got six big-league bats.

“That was a big deal for me because big-league wood is a huge deal compared to minor-league bats.”

* * *

Tulowitzki sees himself as a motivator and teacher.

“If you look back at my Rockies days, there were always a lot of kids I was helping,” he said. “Whether it was Nolan or DJ (LeMahieu) or Trevor (Story) … with all of those guys, I loved the part of teaching the game, especially the part of getting yourself better during the offseason.”

Tulowitzki, however, acknowledges that he’s a tough-love teacher.

“I was not always the kindest guy or someone who was going to pat you on your back all the time,” he said. “It was more of an intense conversation where I challenged you. But I felt like that’s how I got through to guys and that’s how I worked with guys like Nolan, to help them take that next step.”

Added Pierce: “Tulo is pretty blunt and honest. His words have meaning and he understands hard work. He had great expectations as a player and he does as a coach, too.”

Ardoin called Tulowitzki “brutally honest,” but added, “We like that. He cuts to the chase and gets to the heart of the matter. He helps us get better.”

At Texas, Tulowitzki not only works with the hitters and infielders on a daily basis, but also game plans for opponents.

“My favorite part is developing the young kids and showing them the ins and outs of the game,” he said. “My title is volunteer assistant but I do a lot more than that.”

Tulowitzki hits in the cage and often takes infield with his players.

“I try to stay in shape and I’m really active with them,” he said. “I think I can show the guys what I want them to do. Some of our guys are visual learners and it helps so much for them to see tips and technique.”

Tulowitzki has had nibbles from major league teams about possible coaching or working in the front office. For now, at least, he’s content coaching the Longhorns. He and his wife, Danyll, are busy raising their son, Taz, who will soon turn 8. Being an assistant in the college game is a good fit.

Bigger things, however, are in his future.

He’s leaving the door open to a career in pro baseball, but both Pierce and Ardoin believe Tulowitzki would be an excellent college head coach.

“If I’m respected enough in the industry, that might happen,” Tulowitzki said. “I just look at it like I did as a player. You just do your job every day and then if you have an opportunity that you like, then you think about it.”

Pierce predicts Tulowitzki’s passion and work ethic will take him far.

“I think he can do anything in the collegiate or professional level that he wants. He’s that good,” he said. “If one of my full-time assistants were to take a job somewhere else, Tulo will be the first guy I ask if he wants to step into that role.”

www.denverpost.com

Coach Tulo: Troy Tulowitzki’s journey from Rockies star to Texas teacher

In Troy Tulowitzki’s case, the term “volunteer coach” is a misnomer. The intensity that was his trademark with the Rockies is his trademark with the Texas Longhorns.
www.denverpost.com www.denverpost.com
 
stormsurge said:
Article from 12/26/2021:

Troy Tulowitzki played his final major league game on April 3, 2019, at Yankee Stadium. He went 0-for-1 for the Yankees against Detroit.

Tulo was 34.

One might be tempted to think Tulowitzki might be lost, drifting. After all, the former Rockies shortstop was a tantalizing, five-time all-star, but a series of injuries, notably to his legs, cut short his brilliant career.

But there is no bitterness. He still has baseball.

“Right away, the day I retired, I knew what I wanted to do,” he said during a phone interview from his home in Austin, Texas. “I won’t say that I wanted to retire at that point because I still loved playing the game. Unfortunately, my body didn’t let me keep playing, but my mind and spirit needed to stay in the game. Because I love baseball so much and always will.”

Tulo, being Tulo, always had a plan.

Even in 2007, when he helped lead the Rockies to their only World Series and finished second in voting for National League rookie of the year, he had an inkling what his long-term future would be. After slugging 225 career home runs, he knew what he wanted to do after taking his final swing.

Meet Coach Tulowitzki.

“The day I announced my retirement, I had already decided I wanted to get started coaching at a major D-I school,” he said. “My sales pitch for the college game was this: ‘Look, I never saw myself as real, real talented. I was never supremely gifted like A-Rod (Alex Rodriguez); that wasn’t me.

“But because of all the work that I put in, and how focused I was on my craft, I made myself really good. I know how I got there, and that’s why I’ve always thought coaching was for me.”

Last week, USA Baseball honored Tulowitzki as its volunteer coach of the year for his work with the Collegiate National Team over the summer, and also for his involvement with the nation’s top 13-and-under and 14-and-under players in the Athlete Development Program.

For the past two seasons, he’s served as an unpaid, volunteer assistant coach for the University of Texas. In 2021, Tulowitzki, who coaches hitting and the infielders, helped lead the Longhorns to their first 50-win season since 2010. Texas came up just one game shy of the College World Series finals.

In Tulowitzki’s case, the term “volunteer coach” is a misnomer. The intensity that was his trademark with the Rockies is his trademark with the Longhorns.

“He had great expectations as a player and he does as a coach, too,” Texas coach David Pierce said. “He’s all in, all the time. He didn’t come here to just be ‘around the game.’ He puts in long hours and he’s totally committed. He’s been a great piece to our staff. I never have to worry about whether the infielders are working hard.

“There are many times when I will be in the bullpen working with the pitchers and I know I don’t have to worry about the offensive side because I know that Tulo and coach (Philip) Miller are taking care of it.”

* * *

Under the guidance of Miller and Tulowitzki, Texas had its highest team batting average (.275) and its most home runs (68) since 2010 this past year.

“Tulo added his mental edge to our game,” said Longhorns junior catcher Silas Ardoin, the son of former Rockies catcher Danny Ardoin. “He’s really great at the mental side of hitting.

“His big thing is competing. He doesn’t have any crazy philosophy about hitting, but when we get in the box, we know it’s just us against the pitcher and he helps us bring that edge we need.”

Ryan Spilborghs, Tulowitzki’s teammate in Colorado from 2006-11, is not surprised Tulo’s early foray into coaching has been a success.

“He’s always had that in him because he’s a baseball rat,” said Spilborghs, now a Rockies analyst for AT&T SportsNet. “He loved learning from other players and he loved the craft of being a shortstop.”

Spilborghs also points to Tulowitzki’s three seasons at Long Beach State, a school that has produced infielders Bobby Crosby, Evan Longoria, Matt Duffy and current Rockie Garrett Hampson, among others.

“The coaches at Long Beach worked Tulo’s (butt) off and taught him how to play the game the right way,” Spilborghs said. “Whoever was playing shortstop for Long Beach State, you just drafted him because you knew he was going to be good. I mean they’re called the ‘Dirtbags’ for a reason.

“I mean, if you take a guy like Tulo, who has talent, and then you constantly challenge him to get better, you’re going to get something special. Long Beach put that into him. And Tulo is arguably the most competitive guy you will ever meet.”

When Tulowitzki was called up by the Rockies late in 2006, he learned under Rockies veterans Todd Helton and Matt Holiday. It wasn’t long before Tulowitzki was a dominant presence in the clubhouse. He remained so until he was traded from the Rockies to Toronto in a blockbuster deal at the deadline in 2015.

“As a teammate, you knew there was something special about him,” Spilborghs said. “If he wasn’t playing baseball, you knew he was going to coach it, or manage it, or be a general manager.”

Tulo’s star pupil was Nolan Arenado.

During Arenado’s rookie season in 2013, Tulowitzki rode Arenado constantly, asking him, “What are you doing to get better today?” If Arenado was chilling out at his locker, Tulowitzki would tell him he should be utilizing his time by studying video or working on his swing.

In 2011, Arenado, only 20, knew he had to make some big changes if he wanted to evolve from a shiny prospect into a great player. Sure, Arenado hit .298 with 20 home runs at High-A Modesto. And yes, he hit .388 and won MVP honors in the Arizona Fall League, beating out future superstars Mike Trout and Bryce Harper.

But the Rockies’ third baseman was overweight, a bit sluggish on his feet, and in need of a mentor.

Enter Tulo.

In December 2011, Arenado went to Las Vegas for “Camp Tulo,” where Tulowitzki set up his own baseball offseason complex — and played drill sergeant. He made Arenado field grounders until Arenado’s quad muscles quivered. The duo spent hours in the batting cage. They talked baseball over dinner.

“It changed my life and who I was as a player,” Arenado recalled. “I was out of shape. I wasn’t eating right, and once I started doing that, a lot of things changed.”

Arenado also took up Tulowitzski’s challenge.

“I made a bet with Tulo that he would give me some big-league bats if I came to spring training at 210 pounds or under,” Arenado remembered. “I got to spring training and he weighed me and I came in at 209. So I got six big-league bats.

“That was a big deal for me because big-league wood is a huge deal compared to minor-league bats.”

* * *

Tulowitzki sees himself as a motivator and teacher.

“If you look back at my Rockies days, there were always a lot of kids I was helping,” he said. “Whether it was Nolan or DJ (LeMahieu) or Trevor (Story) … with all of those guys, I loved the part of teaching the game, especially the part of getting yourself better during the offseason.”

Tulowitzki, however, acknowledges that he’s a tough-love teacher.

“I was not always the kindest guy or someone who was going to pat you on your back all the time,” he said. “It was more of an intense conversation where I challenged you. But I felt like that’s how I got through to guys and that’s how I worked with guys like Nolan, to help them take that next step.”

Added Pierce: “Tulo is pretty blunt and honest. His words have meaning and he understands hard work. He had great expectations as a player and he does as a coach, too.”

Ardoin called Tulowitzki “brutally honest,” but added, “We like that. He cuts to the chase and gets to the heart of the matter. He helps us get better.”

At Texas, Tulowitzki not only works with the hitters and infielders on a daily basis, but also game plans for opponents.

“My favorite part is developing the young kids and showing them the ins and outs of the game,” he said. “My title is volunteer assistant but I do a lot more than that.”

Tulowitzki hits in the cage and often takes infield with his players.

“I try to stay in shape and I’m really active with them,” he said. “I think I can show the guys what I want them to do. Some of our guys are visual learners and it helps so much for them to see tips and technique.”

Tulowitzki has had nibbles from major league teams about possible coaching or working in the front office. For now, at least, he’s content coaching the Longhorns. He and his wife, Danyll, are busy raising their son, Taz, who will soon turn 8. Being an assistant in the college game is a good fit.

Bigger things, however, are in his future.

He’s leaving the door open to a career in pro baseball, but both Pierce and Ardoin believe Tulowitzki would be an excellent college head coach.

“If I’m respected enough in the industry, that might happen,” Tulowitzki said. “I just look at it like I did as a player. You just do your job every day and then if you have an opportunity that you like, then you think about it.”

Pierce predicts Tulowitzki’s passion and work ethic will take him far.

“I think he can do anything in the collegiate or professional level that he wants. He’s that good,” he said. “If one of my full-time assistants were to take a job somewhere else, Tulo will be the first guy I ask if he wants to step into that role.”

www.denverpost.com

Coach Tulo: Troy Tulowitzki’s journey from Rockies star to Texas teacher

In Troy Tulowitzki’s case, the term “volunteer coach” is a misnomer. The intensity that was his trademark with the Rockies is his trademark with the Texas Longhorns.
www.denverpost.com www.denverpost.com
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Thanks for posting this. This is what I've been saying since his name got brought up. He loves the game and will get whoever he coaches to work and play their tails off every night. You know for sure he won't take a lot of money and would rather spend that money on a big time staff.
 
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stormsurge said:
One thing I liked in that article is the mention of his competitveness.

I feel this has been lacking a bit in this program of late.
Click to expand...
I really thought that was an area Gino would improve but it never happened. The overall intensity level in this program just hasn’t been there in a long time.
 
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JayCane20 said:
I'm sure. I don't think finances or commitment to fixing it is going to be any issue which may attract someone like Dan McDonnell from what he's dealing with at Louisville. I'd certainly go that direction if it was open to happening or someone along those same lines.

The tricky part will be selecting the right person. Tulo definitely has some risk just like Jon Jay would as well. I think either of them could get it done though. Texas players and assistant gave him a ton of credit for the drastic improvements they made hitting and fielding while he was there.
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Definitely a risk, though Tulo would be a true attention grabber for the program.

I would be ok by McDonnell, just haven’t heard his name yet
 
Pitcher in the Rye said:
Haire saw something in Zach Neto, 13th pick overall last year and the first of his draft class to make it to the Show. He went to high school just a couple of miles from UM and DiMare and Co. never gave him so much as a look.
Click to expand...
A lot easier to take Neto at Campbell than at Miami. Mid major guys get far too much credit for finding “diamonds in the rough” IMO. There’s always late bloomers in all sports. You just can’t afford to take a roster full of kids that need 2 years to be elite, at most P5 programs. I mean there’s a reason the kid ended up at Campbell, and not at one of the Big 3 schools.

I’m all for praising those guys for developing kids like that though.
 
All I can say is that you dont settle with a guy that has ZERO head coaching experience...our lesson should have been learned by doing so with our football program.

We are an exceptional D1 power 5 baseball program. No reason at all that we cannot lure a solid HC.

However if we make a move on Tulo, and he isnt surrounded by veteran coaches, we might be in trouble.
 
S.CarolinaCane said:
All I can say is that you dont settle with a guy that has ZERO head coaching experience...our lesson should have been learned by doing so with our football program.

We are an exceptional D1 power 5 baseball program. No reason at all that we cannot lure a solid HC.

However if we make a move on Tulo, and he isnt surrounded by veteran coaches, we might be in trouble.
Click to expand...
I don’t agree in terms of first time HC. Our football didn’t fall off because they hired first time coaches. They hired bad coaches who couldn’t lead a high level program. Butch Davis was a first time HC and he didn’t pretty good despite starting off in a highly difficult situation.

Kevin O’Sullivan was a first time HC at Florida. Scott Brown will be a first time HC somewhere at some point.

I want a good HC who can lead and I see no reason why Tulowitzki isn’t that type of guy. I see him as more O’Sullivan than Randy Shannon or Manny Diaz.
 
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A lot easier to take Neto at Campbell than at Miami. Mid major guys get far too much credit for finding “diamonds in the rough” IMO. There’s always late bloomers in all sports. You just can’t afford to take a roster full of kids that need 2 years to be elite, at most P5 programs. I mean there’s a reason the kid ended up at Campbell, and not at one of the Big 3 schools.

I’m all for praising those guys for developing kids like that though.
[/QUOTE]
It took Dom 2.5 seasons before he started hitting like an ACC shortstop though
 
aleahy said:
I don’t agree in terms of first time HC. Our football didn’t fall off because they hired first time coaches. They hired bad coaches who couldn’t lead a high level program. Butch Davis was a first time HC and he didn’t pretty good despite starting off in a highly difficult situation.

Kevin O’Sullivan was a first time HC at Florida. Scott Brown will be a first time HC somewhere at some point.

I want a good HC who can lead and I see no reason why Tulowitzki isn’t that type of guy. I see him as more O’Sullivan than Randy Shannon or Manny Diaz.
Click to expand...
That's not a bad observation. I would take an O’Sullivan...but at the same time a Bakich would be nice also...and let's not forget OSullivan had plenty of coaching experience..he was an assistant at Clemson for 8 years, albeit not a HC, and technically Tulo is still pretty inexperienced as a coach in general.
 
S.CarolinaCane said:
All I can say is that you dont settle with a guy that has ZERO head coaching experience...our lesson should have been learned by doing so with our football program.

We are an exceptional D1 power 5 baseball program. No reason at all that we cannot lure a solid HC.

However if we make a move on Tulo, and he isnt surrounded by veteran coaches, we might be in trouble.
Click to expand...
I see it different in baseball, especially with a guy like Scott Brown, etc. Tulo would be more a risk with no head coaching experience, but he has a LOT LESS coaching experience.
aleahy said:
I don’t agree in terms of first time HC. Our football didn’t fall off because they hired first time coaches. They hired bad coaches who couldn’t lead a high level program. Butch Davis was a first time HC and he didn’t pretty good despite starting off in a highly difficult situation.

Kevin O’Sullivan was a first time HC at Florida. Scott Brown will be a first time HC somewhere at some point.

I want a good HC who can lead and I see no reason why Tulowitzki isn’t that type of guy. I see him as more O’Sullivan than Randy Shannon or Manny Diaz.
Click to expand...
exactly…if we had an opportunity to be the first opportunity for Brown, I would be ecstatic to be his first stint.

Risk? Sure..like with ANY other coaching candidate, but with his wealth of experience in a winning private program, it easily lessons the concern for me anyway.
 
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Fightinibis said:
I see it different in baseball, especially with a guy like Scott Brown, etc. Tulo would be more a risk with no head coaching experience, but he has a LOT LESS coaching experience.

exactly…if we had an opportunity to be the first opportunity for Brown, I would be ecstatic to be his first stint.

Risk? Sure..like with ANY other coaching candidate, but with his wealth of experience in a winning private program, it easily lessons the concern for me anyway.
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Football decided after Coker/Shannon to “do the opposite” and only consider prior HC’s. That got us Al Golden. He sucked too.

Point being, experience matters, but you have to also look at the entire picture. I think Tulowitzki checks a bunch of boxes which overrides his lack of HC experience.
 
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