Red Sox Legend Mo Vaughn Talks Power and Perseverance on ‘And That’s The Game’ with Wayne Mazzoni
Welcome to this edition of the ‘And That’s The Game’ blog, presented by ProBatter Sports! In this episode, I, Wayne Mazzoni, had the privilege of sitting down with none other than Red Sox legend Mo Vaughn. Known for his powerhouse presence at the plate and unwavering determination on the field, Mo shared stories that go far beyond the stats and game highlights.
Mo Von Feld was a true all-around athlete, diving into football, basketball, and baseball with each season. But his father, a former Colts player and high school coach, spotted something special in the way his son connected with a baseball.
Let’s take a look at some of the most powerful moments from our conversation with Mo Vaughn, as he reflects on the highs, the challenges, and his journey to becoming a true Red Sox icon.
Playing Every Sport with a Ball
Growing up in Connecticut, Von embraced a multi-sport approach. While baseball ultimately became his path, he participated in football, basketball, and baseball throughout the seasons. His father, a former Colts organization player, and high school coach, recognized Mo’s exceptional ability to strike the baseball early on.
The Seton Hall Dream Team Days
At Seton Hall University, Von was part of an extraordinary roster that included future MLB players Craig Biggio, John Valentin, and Kevin Morton. The team’s success stemmed from a combination of tough-minded players from inner-city New Jersey and an excellent coaching staff. Von credits this environment with teaching him how to play hardball at a high level.
Breaking Into The Big Leagues
Von’s transition to the major leagues came with valuable lessons. He emphasizes that the biggest jump in sports is from minor league to major league baseball. In the minors, a 90 mph fastball might be the primary challenge, but in the majors, an 85 mph breaking ball becomes the true test. This adjustment required him to adapt his approach and develop new skills.
Baseball Today – What’s Working and What Needs Work
While embracing many changes in today’s game, Von maintains some traditional perspectives. He appreciates the pace-of-play improvements but suggests that analytics shouldn’t completely override a manager’s in-game observations. Von also emphasizes the importance of proper batting order structure and the art of pitching beyond just velocity numbers.
From Player to Coach – Building the Next Generation
Now running VSA Academy in Florida, Von has found a new passion in youth development. His facility offers comprehensive training, including:
- Hitting and fielding instruction
- Strength and conditioning
- Speed and agility training
- Mental game development
Want Your Kid to Succeed? Focus on This
Von emphasizes the importance of structured programming for young players. He advocates for:
- Consistent defensive skill training
- Age-appropriate strength and conditioning
- Regular hitting practice
- Focus on quality practice over excessive game play
Above all, Von stresses that development comes through dedicated practice rather than just playing in tournaments. His approach focuses on maximizing repetitions in practice settings to build fundamental skills effectively.
For Von, returning to baseball through coaching has been deeply rewarding. His experience as both an MVP-caliber player and now as a youth instructor offers unique insights into player development. Through VSA Academy, he continues to shape the future of baseball, one young player at a time.
