There is a major difference between working hard and playing hard. Often you hear people say of a baseball player that “they will outwork anyone” as if that trumps everything else when it comes to their baseball success. But does it? And should it?

On this episode of Baseball Recruiting Confidential, Host Justin Musil is joined by Xavier Head Coach Billy O’Conner. Coach O’Conner has an impressive resume, and some interesting philosophies when it comes to “working hard.”

Coach O’Conner has been the head baseball coach at Xavier University since 2017. During this time, the Muskateers have posted three 30-win seasons, made three appearances in the NCAA Tournament and had eight players selected in the MLB First Year Player Draft.

Prior to being the head baseball coach, Coach O’Conner spent time as an assistant at Xavier, and one year as an assistant at Northern Kentucky. He also managed the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League’s Cincinnati Steam for three summers, leading the team to a first-place finish in 2012.

As a player, Coach O’Conner stood out both on and off the field. He started his collegiate career at Indiana University, where he earned a Big Ten Scholar-Athlete award. He then had two outstanding seasons at Xavier University where he was named Most Outstanding Player of the A-10 Tournament.

After graduating from Xavier, Coach O’Conner spent one year as a member of the Texas Rangers organization, playing for the AZL Rangers and Spokane Indians, before playing one season for the Frontier League’s Washington Wild Things.

Coach O’Conner’s extensive coaching and playing experience has shaped how he recruits players. He has a saying “Give me the guy who plays hard over the guy who works hard.”

Check out this episode of Baseball Recruiting Confidential to hear Coach O’Conner explain this saying. Justin Musil and Coach O’Conner discuss what he means with his saying and what he has experienced in his baseball coaching career.

This is a can’t-miss discussion on what he wants in his baseball players. Coach O’Conner’s advice will set listeners apart in their college baseball career.