Figure It Out Baseball

In this podcast, host Jeff Stanek talks with Clay Cox about how he got his start in coaching, the coaches who have shaped his coaching style (and him), why gaps in talent levels often begin and end with a commitment to the weight room, how to be who you are as a player to maximize your own abilities, why "grind" and "relentless" are two main ingredients to their offensive identity, using a 2-strike approach as a slump buster, recruiting blue collar hard-nosed players to build a roster, What "O.K.G." means for Paris Junior College, sending players on to the 4-year level and much more!

Our website consists of more than 900 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring collegiate and professional and players. And we're now bringing our platform to YouTube! Through our channel, you can find expert coaching and teaching points in the areas of Hitting, Pitching, Defense, Baserunning, Recruiting, Strength and Speed Training, Mental Strength and so much more. Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve a better educational baseball resource. FIOB is that resource.

www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

In this podcast, how Jeff Stanek talks with the New York Yankees pitching coach, Matt Blake, about the differences between being a pro coordinator and pitching coach, taking time for family amidst the season, the flaw of watching too much video, how (and when) to use pitch data and analytics, how to close the gap between your goals and your current reality, the importance of understanding your players as individuals, conversations with players who don't like to look at the data, everything that happens between MLB starts, how to properly assess the success of a bullpen, what the goals of a high school pitching staff should be, steps that can be taken to get into coaching pro ball, how his interview with the Yankees went and much more!

Our website consists of more than 900 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring collegiate and professional and players. And we're now bringing our platform to YouTube!  Through our channel, you can find expert coaching and teaching points in the areas of Hitting, Pitching, Defense, Baserunning, Recruiting, Strength and Speed Training, Mental Strength and so much more. Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve a better educational baseball resource. FIOB is that resource.

www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

In this conversation, host Jeff Stanek talks with UMBC Head Baseball Coach Liam Bowen about the future outlook of the UMBC Baseball program, UMBC's timeline in recruiting high school players, how college teams fill immediate roster needs, why recruits need to be such a specific fit to the university, the three difference makers when evaluating PSA's, things that a first-time head coach can expect, how player / coach relationships evolve as coaches move up the ladder, and much more!

Our website consists of more than 900 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring collegiate and professional and players. And we're now bringing our platform to YouTube!  Through our channel, you can find expert coaching and teaching points in the areas of Hitting, Pitching, Defense, Baserunning, Recruiting, Strength and Speed Training, Mental Strength and so much more. Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve a better educational baseball resource. FIOB is that resource.

www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

In this podcast, host Jeff Stanek talks with Jason Colleran about a lot of hot-button topics in the baseball world including the issues with weighted and plyo balls, how the baseball world is in love with creating too much shoulder and elbow stress, questioning whether the quick results that you're seeing will be sustainable, learning how to make the body function optimally using positional isometrics, the mistakes made by coaches and players who rely on motion capture cameras, why stretching too much can make you worse and more susceptible to injuries (and a great alternative to stretching), the myth of running to get rid of the lactic acid and much more! 

This podcast is not for the faint of heart in the baseball world. If you're afraid to hear a qualified individual tell you that what you've been doing might be wrong, this podcast is not for you. However, if you're open minded and interested in learning better ways to train athletes as a coach (or a self-coached player), this is a MUST-LISTEN!  

Our website consists of more than 900 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring collegiate and professional and players.

www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

In this podcast, host Jeff Stanek talks with Matt Parker about how to handle being a highly ranked team and playing with a target on your back, playing vs. yourselves (instead of playing vs the other team), setting crazy expectations to win, "If you'd just score one more run than the other team, you'd win every game!" as an offensive philosophy, why you should want to see good players play badly, being up front in the recruiting process so there are no surprises, a blueprint for building a successful JUCO roster, getting better by playing a lot at JUCO (instead of sitting the bench at a D1), the JUCO recruiting timeline and much more!  

Our website consists of more than 900 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring collegiate and professional and players. And we're now bringing our platform to YouTube!  Through our channel, you can find expert coaching and teaching points in the areas of Hitting, Pitching, Defense, Baserunning, Recruiting, Strength and Speed Training, Mental Strength and so much more. Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve a better educational baseball resource. FIOB is that resource.

www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

One of the most incredible stories you will ever hear in professional sports, this is the full story (so far) of Wynton's Bernard's against-all-odds, faith-filled journey through baseball. It starts with Bernard hardly having any college baseball opportunities, transferring twice, being a 35th round pick as a senior and being released after only two part-time years of pro ball. It continues with his unlikely free-agent signing with a new team followed by his stunning emergence into baseball relevance. Now playing in AAA for the Colorado Rockies, Bernard is on the precipice of getting his first MLB call-up at age 31, and it couldn't happen to be a better man with a brighter smile. You wouldn't believe his story if you didn't hear it from his mouth, so take a listen as Wynton Bernard tells his story like no one else could!  

Our website consists of more than 900 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring collegiate and professional and players. And we're now bringing our platform to YouTube!  Through our channel, you can find expert coaching and teaching points in the areas of Hitting, Pitching, Defense, Baserunning, Recruiting, Strength and Speed Training, Mental Strength and so much more. Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve a better educational baseball resource. FIOB is that resource.

www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

In this podcast, host Jeff Stanek and Coach Jeff Calhoon talk about his first steps into coaching, working odd jobs to make coaching work, what a "grind" really is, improving situations on his coaching staff, learning to budget money both for the team and for his own finances, how his former head coaches prepared him to be a first-time head coach, the value of being around people who make you better, developing critically thinking young men and much more!  

Our website consists of more than 900 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring collegiate and professional and players. And we're now bringing our platform to YouTube!  Through our channel, you can find expert coaching and teaching points in the areas of Hitting, Pitching, Defense, Baserunning, Recruiting, Strength and Speed Training, Mental Strength and so much more. Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve a better educational baseball resource. FIOB is that resource.  

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

Jerry Edwards is an Assistant Coach with Jacksonville University, a NCAA Division I program located in Jacksonville, Florida. A quick background on Jerry, he is a graduate of N.C. Wesleyan and began his collegiate coaching career there as an assistant coach in 1998.  Then, from 2000-2001 he spent two seasons as the pitching coach at Eastern Kentucky.  He then ended up at Lander University for one season in 2002, from 2003-2005 he was the Head Coach at Hiwassee College, and from 2006-2008 coached at Louisburg College.  Then Coach Edwards went back to Eastern Kentucky from 2009-2012, from 2013-2019 he coached at UNC Greensboro, and in 2020 he was hired on at Jacksonville University.

In this podcast, we start off talking about his experiences coaching at the different levels of collegiate baseball, including Division I, II, III, and JUCO.  We than discuss how players can use JUCO as a springboard to a higher level, why Coach Edwards recruits JUCO players and the process of recruiting them.  

Coach Edwards and I also talk about college coaches evaluating players (and other coaches) a their on-campus camps, the art of mentoring young coaches on his staff, and how technology has changed the way you coach pitchers. We also dive into why Coach Edwards still considers himself and old-school pitching coach, how to keep pitchers locked in for a complete bullpen session, and why commanding the fastball is still the most important aspect of pitching in college baseball.  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from Division I assistant coach, Jerry Edwards.

Aaron Leasher is a Minor League Baseball Left-handed Pitcher in the San Diego Padres Organization.  A quick background on Aaron, he played collegiately at Morehead State University, a Division I program in Morehead, Kentucky.  Following his junior year there he was drafted in the 6th round of the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft by the San Diego Padres.  In 2021, his most recent season he split time between Double A and Triple A, pitching a totaled 64 2/3 innings with 62 strikeouts.  Aaron is currently starting his 5th season with the San Diego Padres Organization.

In this podcast, we start off looking back and discussing his freshman year at Morehead State University, and how he overcame and learned from his struggles on the mound.  We also discuss what led to his big velocity jump on the mound and the process it took to make it happen.  

Aaron and I also talk about what his path to the MLB looks like, learning from and collaborating with other professional pitchers, and why and how baseball turns into a job once in pro ball.  We than dive into a conversation about his professional baseball offseason, looking at his offseason plan in the weight room and his offseason throwing program with how he’ll use it to become more consistent on the mound.  We finish off this podcast talking about his first invitation to Big League Spring Training and what that experience was like, as well as what Aaron believes he would be doing if he wasn’t playing baseball. Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from Minor League Baseball Pitcher, Aaron Leasher. 

Dan Bertolini is the Head Coach at Youngstown State University, a Division I program in Youngstown, Ohio. He is a 2008 graduate of Mercyhurst University where he was a four-year starting shortstop.  After graduating he played professional baseball for a few years before deciding to turn in his cleats and begin a coaching career.  Dan’s first coaching position was at Mercyhurst North East, a JUCO in Pennsylvania where he spent 8 years as the Head Coach.  Then, in 2017 he took over the Head Coaching position at Youngstown State University where he still remains.  

We start off this podcast with Coach Bertolini answering the question, “what makes up a successful college baseball program?”, as well as what he believes will help make the Youngstown State University baseball program what he wants it to be.  

Coach Bertolini and I also dive into a conversation about recruiting and what kind of players he looks for to join his Program.  We also talk about the importance of playing showcase baseball, devaluation of winning, recruiting off of the field, nutrition, and much more! Lock into this podcast to learn and hear from Division I Youngstown State Universities Head Coach, Dan Bertolini. 

Mike Gambino is the Head Baseball Coach at Boston College, a Division I program in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.  A little background on Coach Gambino, he played his collegiate playing career at Boston College, graduating in 1999.  The following two years he played professional baseball in the Red Sox Organization.  After deciding to end his playing career he jumped straight into coaching, in 2002 he split the year as a Special Assistant to the Boston Red Sox coaching staff and a Coach for the Single-A Lowell Spinners.  Next, he dove into College Baseball, spending 2003-2005 as an Assistant Coach at Boston College.  Following that, he spent two seasons as a Regional Scout for the Detroit Tigers Organization, and then from 2007-2010 the Recruiting Coordinator at Virginia Tech University.  In July of 2010 he became the Head Coach at Boston College where he still remains. 

In this podcast, we start off talking about what his mindset and goals were going into taking over the baseball program at Boston College. We than dive into a conversation about the future of Boston College Baseball and what’s to be expected, as well as Coach Gambino explaining the fun in building a program.

Coach Gambino and I also discuss the value in analytics along with the limitations it brings, his thoughts on recruiting super competitive multi-sport athletes and how to successfully interview and hire assistant coaches.  We also dive into the importance of helping your players reach their potential in life, adapting to changing life situations, and much more.  We finish off this podcast with Coach Gambino explaining how he balances family priorities with coaching in the ACC.  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from Boston College Head Coach, Mike Gambino.  

Rob Fournier is the Head Coach at Wabash Valley Community College, a Junior College in Mount Carmel, Illinois.  A little background on Coach Fournier, he started his collegiate playing career at Ventura Community College from 1991-1992 and then transferred to MacMurray College, graduating in 1994.  One year after graduating he started his collegiate coaching career, spending 1995-1996 as a hitting coach and recruiting coordinator at MacMurray College.  In 1997, he was given the head coach position at Wabash Valley Community College, where he still remains.  

We start off this podcast discussing how Coach Fournier, as an Ojai, California native ended up playing his collegiate baseball career in Illinois.  We than dive into his journey of getting a head coaching job at such a young age, as well as his first season with Wabash Valley. 

Coach Fournier and I also talk about what he does to make Wabash Valley a consistent winner year in year out, he explains why his coaches have played such an important role in that and his take on coaching coaches.  Coach Fournier explains his hiring process, as well as what tools he uses to help himself and his fellow coaches learn and grow.  We also dive into “The Happy Moment”, Junior College Baseball 101, and multi-sport athletes.  Lock into this podcast to learn from one of the most successful JUCO Coaches, Rob Fournier. 

Jason Burke the Head Coach at Lander University, a Division II program in Greenwood, South Carolina. He began his collegiate baseball playing career at Lander University and finished it at Southern Wesleyan University in 2004. Not soon after graduating he began his coaching career, spending 2006-2007 as an Assistant Coach at Wofford University. Then, from 2008-2011 he was Assistant Coach at Gardner Webb University and from 2012-2016 returned back to Wofford University as an Assistant Coach. In August of 2016 he was officially hired on as the Head Coach at Lander University, where he still remains. 

We start off this podcast asking Coach Burke if he thinks it’s smart for a pitcher, at any level, to take a break from throwing and what he believes is the recommended time period.  Also, diving into a conversation about what it looks like for one of his pitchers to ramp up and get prepared for the long season.  

Coach Burke and I also discuss in-season throwing plans and the difference between starting and relief pitchers, as well as in-season lifting.  We finish off this podcast talking about picking an instructor and why Coach Burke finds it so important.  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from Southern Wesleyan University Head Coach, Jason Burke. 

Toni Langhans is the Sports Dietician at Oregon State University, a very well-known Division I school in the Pac-12 Conference.  She graduated from Indiana State University in 2014 with a degree in dietetics, there she also competed on the Track & Field team.  Not long after graduating she completed a performance nutrition internship at Baylor University and then received a job at Washington State University as sports dietician.  Next, she spent time in Okinawa, Japan on a Military Base helping United States and their families with their nutritional needs.  Then in 2019, she was hired at Oregon State University as the Director of Sports Nutrition.  

We start off this podcast discussing the videos that Toni has on the Figure It Out Website and what they entail.  Then, we dive into a deep discussion about different nutrition-related topics, talking about eating before workouts, proper preparation for those early morning lifts, and pre-workout supplements and whether student-athletes should use them.  We also cover caffeine’s effect on athletes, protein after workouts and as a meal replacement, and much more!

Toni and I also discuss “food fear” in today’s society and her thoughts on the topic, as well as what she recommends in terms of sleep for athletes and how lack of sleep has a domino effect on an athlete’s day.  We finish off this podcast talking about proper hydration for a student-athlete and what dehydration does to the body. Lock into this podcast to learn and hear about everything sports nutrition with the Director of Sports Nutrition at Oregon State University, Toni Langhans. 

Eric Valent is a former Major League Baseball player, now National Scouting Supervisor for the Miami Marlins.  He was drafted out of High School by the Detroit Tigers in the 26th round of the 1995 Major League Baseball Draft, but decided to go to college instead.  He spent his collegiate playing career at UCLA and was drafted at the end of his junior year by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1st round of the 1998 MLB Draft.  Eric had his MLB Debut in June of 2001 and spent the next 5 seasons in the MLB and one more playing professionally in Japan before putting up his cleats and retiring.  He quickly jumped into coaching and spent time as a Minor League hitting coach in the Phillies organization.  He then began his scouting career and in 2017 was hired by the Miami Marlins as their National Scouting Supervisor, where he still remains.

We start off this podcast asking Eric what his best memory was in his time as an amateur baseball player.  Then, diving into a conversation about building his love for the game, as well as playing multiple sports and when to stop and focus on one.  

Eric and I also talk about listening to Regional and Area Scouts, variables that separate professional prospects from one another, professionals’ ability to overcome failure and the new difficulties of being a part-time player. We finish of this podcast discussing how important velocity is when drafting pitchers and what goes into drafting non-Division I college baseball players.  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from former MLB player turned MLB National Scouting Supervisor, Eric Valent.  

Andrew Wantz is a right-handed pitcher with the Los Angeles Angels.  He played collegiately at UNC Greensboro, a NCAA Division I program in Greensboro, North Carolina.  He began to stand out his Sophomore year, being named 1st Team All-Conference and Conference Co-Pitcher of the year.  In 2018, following his Senior year he was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 7th round of the Major League Baseball Draft.  Three years later on July 4th, 2021 he made his Major League Baseball Debut.  In that 2021 season he made 21 Big League appearances, striking out 38 batters with a 1.24 WHIP.  

We start off this podcast talking about his collegiate baseball experience, more specifically his experience transitioning from the starting rotation to the bullpen and everything that came out of that.  We than dive into a conversation about Arm Care and what Andrew does to help him bounce back and recover between outings, as well as what his focus is for in-season workout.  

Andrew and I also discuss his off-field support system, how he gained velocity and developed his secondary pitches, the improvement he made thanks to the development process in college and trusting catchers to call his game.  We finish off this podcast talking about the “wow” moment he experienced from his debut as well as Andrew answering a number of fun baseball questions.  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from Major League Baseball Pitcher, Andrew Wantz. 

Deskaheh Bomberry is the Pitching Coach, Recruiting Coordinator and Mental Skills Coach at Sacramento City College, a Junior College in Sacramento, California.  In this Real Dirt Podcast, Coach Bomberry and I will be diving into the important question of “why do you practice?”.  

Too often practice is seen by players as less than the game, not as important, and something that doesn’t require a certain level of focus.  In this Real Dirt podcast, we discuss the right and wrong reasons for wanting to practice, the goals of practicing, and much more! Lock into this podcast to hear Junior College Coach, Deskaheh Bomberry share his thoughts and that of his team on the matter.

Dr. Kevin McGovern is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, as well as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Owner of Perfect Motion Sports Therapy.  Throughout his time as a Physical Therapist he has founded two other Physical Therapy practices: McGovern Physical Therapy and Game 7 Physical Therapy.  He invented G.A.M.E or Graded Active Movement Exam, a system of evaluation and corrective exercises for athletes. Dr. McGovern is also the founder of Velocity RX and a Podcast named Prove It Live. He has worked with many different athletes across many different sports throughout his career, but in this podcast, we will be diving into his experiences with Baseball.

We start off this podcast with Dr. McGovern addressing controversial topics in youth baseball and what he believes are issues and what needs to be changed for players of that age group.  Also, diving into a conversation about injury prevention and what Dr. McGovern believes are the best ways to combat them.

We also thoroughly discuss the fact that injury prevention is often an afterthought in baseball today, whereas velocity is the focus.  Dr. McGovern believes it is possible to safely make velocity gains on the mound and he shares his thoughts on why.  Lock into the podcast to learn about injury prevention in baseball with Physical Therapist, Dr. Kevin McGovern. 

Jon Shehan is the Head Coach at Millersville University, a Division II Program in Millersville, Pennsylvania.  As the Head Coach at Millersville he has won 8 Eastern Division Conference Championships, made 9 NCAA tournament appearances, and won 2 NCAA Regional Championships.  In this Real Dirt Podcast, Coach Shehan and I will be diving into the timing of recruiting.

We start off this Real Dirt Podcast discussing what “timing in recruiting” means and how it can affect a prospective player.  Also, discussing Coach Shehan’s thoughts on creating deadlines for recruits and why college programs can’t always wait for a player to make a decision. We finish off this podcast talking about a typical timeline of the recruiting process and what that looks like.  Lock into this Real Dirt Podcast to learn all about the timing of recruiting with Coach Jon Shehan. 

John Merkh is the Head Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Immaculata University, a Division III school in East Whiteland Township, Pennsylvania.  He began his collegiate playing career at Junior College, Camden County College and then transferred to Penn State Abington University.  He began his collegiate coaching career in 2013 as the Pitching coach at Camden County College.  He was than promoted to the Head Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator and then in 2017 promoted to the Head Coach.  In 2019, he left Camden and accepted the Pitching coach position at Stockton University.  Then, in 2020 he accepted the Head Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator position at Immaculata University, where he still remains. 

In this podcast, we start off talking about Coach Merkh’s time spent at the Junior College level and his experiences there as a player and a coach.  Next, we discuss recruiting at the JUCO and Division III levels, diving into when that recruiting calendar begins. 

We also talk about balancing baseball and academics, priorities of a college athlete, the changing speed of the game at higher levels.  We finish off this podcast discussing the mental side of the game and addressing academic struggles.  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from Head Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, John Merkh.

Wayne Mazzoni is the Pitching Coach at Sacred Heart University, a Private Division I school in Fairfield, Connecticut.  He is a 1991 graduate of Gettysburg College where he played his collegiate baseball career. Coach Mazzoni started his collegiate coaching career in 1992 as a Graduate Assistant for Nova Southeastern University.  From 1993-1996 he was the Pitching Coach at Fairfield University and from 1997-1999 took a break from coaching and spent that time as an author and speaker.  He then got back into coaching in the year 2000, spending 2000-2005 as the Head Coach at Post University and 2006 as the Pitching Coach at Holy Cross University.  Then, in 2007 he accepted the Pitching Coach position at Sacred Heart University, where he still remains. 

In this podcast, we start off talking about Coach Mazzoni’s time at Gettysburg College, and why he switched from playing football his freshman year to baseball the rest of his time there.  Also, diving into a conversation about his thoughts on the different levels of college baseball. 

We also talk about sport specialization, recruiting pitchers, paring your college list and experiencing failure.  We finish off this podcast discussing successful habits and how Coach Mazzoni has changed throughout his Collegiate Coaching career.  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from Division I Pitching Coach, Wayne Mazzoni.  

Zach Kokoska is a Minor League Baseball Outfielder in the Colorado Rockies Organization. In his Senior year of High School, Zach was voted the Gatorade Pennsylvania Player of The Year, as well as the USA Today Pennsylvania Player of The Year.  He stated his Collegiate playing career at Virginia Tech and then transferred to Kansas State University.  Then, Zach was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 10th round of the 2021 Major League Baseball Draft.  He made a name for himself in his first season of professional baseball, hitting with a .395 AVG and a .993 OPS. 

In this podcast, we start off talking about Zach’s collegiate career and what helped him put up consistent numbers on the field.  Here, we dive into creating success through routine and work ethic, as well as pre-game physical and mental preparation.  Also, discussing opposite gap approach and why that works, and the importance of a proper hitting approach.  

We than dive into Zach’s offseason training program, making the best of daily opportunities, and mental toughness through a long baseball season.  We finish off this podcast with a conversation about Zach’s path to the MLB.  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from Minor League Baseball Player in the Colorado Rockies Organization, Zach Kokoska. 

Steve Smith is a Pitching Coordinator in the Detroit Tigers Organization.  A little background on Coach Smith, starting with his collegiately playing career.  He played at Mississippi College for one year before transferring to Baylor University where he spent the next three years of his career.  He was then drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 5th round of the 1983 Major League Baseball Draft.  He spent a few years in professional baseball, making it as high as Triple A in the Giants Organization.  He then retired from playing and started his Collegiate Coaching career.  From 1988-1989 he was an Assistant Coach at Texas A&M and then from 1990-1994 he coached at Mississippi State University.  Next, he was given a Head Coaching position at Baylor University, where he spent 1995-2015.  While at Baylor, in 2012 he was named the All-Time Winningest Coach and at the end of his career there accumulated an impressive 744 wins.  Then, he coached collegiately for a number of years before entering into the Professional Baseball Coaching world in 2021 as a Pitching Coordinator in the Detroit Tigers Organization.  

In this podcast, we start off with Coach Smith discussing his mentors and the biggest influences on his Coaching Career, as well as talking about the three principles to coach by.  We than talk about Coach Smith getting fired from Baylor Unexpectedly and his healing years at Auburn.

Next, we dive into a conversation about his new position with the Detroit Tigers and his passion to grow as a coach and a person.  We finish off this podcast discussing how coaching is connecting, the fine line between being needy and being coachable, and coaching as a means to a bigger end.  Lock into this podcast to learn and hear from lifelong College Coach and newly MLB Coach, Steve Smith.  

Hunter Hubbard is the Interim Head Coach at Southern Wesleyan University, a NCAA Division II School in Central, South Carolina.  He played collegiate baseball at The University of Akron, a Division I school in Akron, Ohio.  Upon graduating in 2017 he spent 2018-2020 at East Georgia State as an Assistant Coach.  Then, in 2021 he was an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Southern Wesleyan University and on September 10th, 2021 he was promoted to Head Coach.

In this podcast, we start off talking about Coach Hubbard’s influence on social media, Twitter in specific.  Also, discussing what makes college baseball so different from other collegiate sports.

We than dive into everything recruiting, first, discussing going all in on a recruit and what kind of talking points Coach Hubbard uses when a player visits Division II Southern Wesleyan University.  We than discuss negative recruiting, what that means and how Coach Hubbard deals with it, as well as organizing the recruiting calendar and what that entails.  Coach Hubbard than explains what he looks for when recruiting players, what the most important tool is, and much more! Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from Southern Wesleyan University Head Coach, Hunter Hubbard.  

Danny Perez is the Pitching Coach at Hillsborough Community College, a Division I Junior College in Tampa, Florida.  In this Real Dirt Podcast, Coach Perez and I will be diving into a conversation about in-season bullpens.  

We start off this Real Dirt Podcast by discussing real life examples of what Coach Perez’s players might be working on during an in-season bullpen session. We than discuss how to get the most out of bullpen sessions, Coach Perez believing that having a specific plan and creating competition is the best way to maximize focus and intent of every pitch.  Lock into this Real Dirt Podcast to get your hands dirty with a conversation all about maximizing in-season bullpen sessions with Danny Perez.   

Cedric Mullins is an All-Star Center Fielder in the Baltimore Orioles Organization.  He started his collegiate playing career from 2013-2014 at Louisburg College, a Junior College in North Carolina.  He then transferred and spent 2015 at Campbell University, a Division I college in North Carolina.  In 2015, he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles Organization in the 13th round, only spending a few seasons in the Minor Leagues.  On August 10th, 2019, he was officially called up to the Major Leagues.  In the 2021 season Cedric was named an All-Star, awarded a Silver Slugger and became the first player in Baltimore Orioles history to have a 30 homerun/30 stolen bases season.   

In this podcast, we start off with a conversation about what life was like for Cedric coming into the 2021 season, diving into what he was thinking and expecting from himself.  Also, discussing switch hitting and then his choice to stop switch hitting.  

We than dive into Cedric’s reasons for going JUCO and when he believed playing professional baseball became a real option.  Also, discussing why he decided to incorporate a leg kick into his swing, his optimal bat path and his adjustments to get there, and consistency through a consistent approach.  We finish off this podcast talking about the League’s adjustment to him and what his Big-League Debut entailed.  Lock into this incredible podcast with Baltimore Orioles Center-Fielder and Major League Baseball All-Star, Cedric Mullins.  

Tony Cougoule is the Pitching Coach at Westmont College, an NAIA Division II program in Montecito, California.  He started out his collegiate baseball playing career at Division III Ponoma Pitzer College, then got injured and transferred to JC Cañada College, then was recruited to play at NAIA Division II Mount Mercy University.  After graduating from Mount Mercy University, he went on to coach collegiately, starting out at his alma mater in 2005.  Then, from 2006-2007 he was the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator at Azusa Pacific University and from 2008-2009 the pitching and defensive coach at Southeastern Community College.  In 2010, he was hired on at Westmont College, where he still remains.  

In this Podcast, we start off talking about Coach Tony Cougoule’s interest in Figure It Out Baseball, what about FIOB made him want to be a part of it, and what types of videos he has shot for the website.

We than dive into everything pitching.  Discussing what a proper warm up looks like, how to create an efficient arm, and the use of weighted balls and plyo balls. We finish off this podcast talking about NAIA baseball, being blessed, and much more!  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from the Pitching Coach at Westmont College and FIOB Contributor, Tony Cougoule.  

China McCarney is the Vice President and CFO of Jaeger Sports, as well as the Founder of Athletes Against Anxiety and Depression.  He played baseball collegiately at three different colleges and was drafted twice throughout his career, first in 2008 in the 29th round and second in 2009 in the 33rd round.  He has been a part of Jaeger Sports in some capacity since 2008.  In 2014, he was named the companies Vice President and in 2019 was named the Chief Financial Officer.  China McCarney is also an author of several books, including Tell your Story and Off the Field.  

In this podcast, we start off talking about how he got involved with Allen Jaeger the founder of Jaeger Sports and how he became such an integral part of the company.  We than dive into a conversation about why J-bands work and how they help to keep baseball players arms healthy. 

We than talk about individual throwing programs within a team, the “What, Why, How” approach to player development, and real-world and accessible mental health.  Also, discussing Athletes Against Anxiety & Depression (AAAD’s) beginnings and much more!  Lock into this podcast to learn and hear from Vice President/CFO of Jaeger Sports and Founder of AAAD, China McCarney.  

Shane Davis is an Assistant Coach at Youngstown State University, an NCAA Division I School in Youngstown, Ohio.  He played collegiate baseball at Eastern Michigan University and graduated in 2007. Post-graduation he has spent the last 12 years as a Division I Baseball Coach.  From 2007-2008 he was an Outfield and Catching Coach at Eastern Michigan University and in 2009 was a Catching Coach at the United States Air Force Academy.  Then, from 2010-2011 was a Catching and Bullpen Coach at Cleveland State University and from 2012-2018 was a Hitting and Outfield Coach than transitioned to a Pitching Coach at Western Illinois University.  In 2019, he was hired on at Youngstown University, where he still remains.  

In this podcast, we start off talking about Coach Davis’s experience with Figure It Out Baseball, as he has many different teaching videos on our website.  We thank talk about the importance of “mastering something”, in other words, being great at one thing over being good at many.  Also, diving into Coach Davis’s thoughts on throwing breaking balls at a young age.  

We than talk about the importance of having command while on the mound and pitching to contact, as well as only worrying about what you can control.  Also, discussing future videos, starting 0-17, suddenly unemployed, and much more! Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from a longtime contributor to Figure It Out Baseball and Coach at Youngstown State University, Shane Davis. 

Chris Gresham is an Assistant Coach at D’Youville College, an NCAA Division II Private School in Buffalo, New York.  He played baseball collegiately at Virginia Wesleyan College and then transferred and graduated from SUNY Buffalo State College.  Next, he went to the University at Buffalo School of Law, graduating in 1994.  He then spent the next 20 years as a prosecutor before receiving an opportunity to coach collegiate summer baseball in 2015.  Then, in 2016 he was an Assistant Coach at Clarion University and from 2017-2019 was an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Finger Lakes Community College.  During the Spring of 2020 he was an Assistant Coach at Hilbert College and in January 2021 he was hired on at D’Youville College, where he still remains. 

In this Podcast, we start off with Coach Gresham sharing what it’s like to be a minority coaching collegiate baseball.  We than continue that conversation, talking about being in the right place at the right time as a player or coach and increasing minority involvement in baseball.

We than talk about the importance of playing alongside and against talent and the impact that can have in recruiting, as well as the importance of travel organizations that develop their players.  Also, discussing coaching competitiveness into players, scouting players when nothings at stake, learning from accomplished coaches, and much more!  Lock into this podcast to learn and hear from Prosecutor turned Baseball Coach and Assistant Coach at D’Youville College, Chris Gresham. 

Joe Oliveira is the founder and owner of Oliveira Baseball Consulting. His company focuses around helping amateur baseball players reach their potential, market their abilities’, and overall help them find and choose the college that best fits their future baseball careers. Joe played collegiately at the University of Pacific, a NCAA Division I school in Stockton, California. He was then drafted in the 15th round of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft and played within the Baltimore Orioles Organization for a number of years. Then, in 2013 he started his collegiate coaching career as a coach in the Northwoods Summer League and spent the next 8 years as a coach at San Diego State University. At San Diego, he had many different roles working with hitters, catchers, outfielders as well as spent time as the recruiting coordinator. On June 16th, 2021, he officially resigned from San Diego State University and started up his company; Oliveira Baseball Consulting.

In this podcast, we start off talking about what the decision-making process was like for Joe when thinking of stepping away from on-field coaching. We than dive into discussing his company, Oliveira Baseball Consulting, Joe explains the ins and outs as well as how he helps these players and their families find their perfect college fit.

We than talk about his time as a collegiate baseball coach, discussing his coaching goals when he first started his career and how those changed throughout his career. Also, thoroughly talking about the Division I coach and recruiting coordinator lifestyle and everything that it entails. Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from Joe Oliveira, a Division I Coach turned into baseball company owner.

Tyson Blaser is a catching coach within the New York Yankees Organization, specifically their Minor League system. He played collegiately at the University of Iowa, a NCAA Division I program.  Upon graduating in 2011 he was drafted and played in the New York Yankees Organization from 2011-2015, making it as high as Double A.  Next, in 2016 he coached baseball and taught U.S. History at United Township High School in East Moline, Illinois.  Then, in January 2017 he was hired on by the New York Yankees as a Bullpen Coach for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders a Triple A team in their organization.  From 2018-2019 he was the defensive/catching coach for the Staten Island Yankees a Single A team in the Yankees Organization.  Currently, Tyson remains within the New York Yankees Organization as a Minor League Catching Coach.  

In this podcast, we start off talking about his experience when receiving “The Call” from the New York Yankees offering him the coaching position within their organization.  We than thoroughly discuss the MiLB coaching lifestyle.

Next, we dive into Coach Blaser’s coaching goals and if he wants to move up within the New York Yankees Organization, as well as where his passion for catching came from.  Also, discussing his coaching style, talking about establishing trust with his players, daily prep work, borderline pitches, and much more!  Lock into this podcast to learn and hear from New York Yankees Minor League Catching Coach, Tyson Blaser.  

Bryan Torresani is the Head Coach at Arcadia University, a NCAA Division III School in Glenside, Pennsylvania.  He began is collegiate baseball playing career at Penn State Abington and then transferred to Elizabeth Town College, graduating in 2006.  In 2007, he began his coaching career, teaching Social Studies and coaching at Hatboro High School.  Then in 2008, he began his collegiate coaching career at Chestnut Hill College as an assistant coach.  Upon leaving Chestnut Hill in 2012 he was hired on at DeSales University as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.  Then, from 2013-2017 he was the Head Coach at Immaculata University and in the Spring of 2017 was hired on as Head Coach at Arcadia University.

In this podcast, we start off talking about Coach Torresani’s thoughts on having a Master’s Degree and if it can help your coaching career.  We than jump into a conversation about the winning culture that Coach Torresani has helped develop upon at Arcadia University, as well as what team culture means to him and how he has been able to establish it there.  

We than dive into Coach Toressani’s process of hiring assistants and what he looks for to be a great fit in his program.  Also, discussing the correlation between grades in the classroom and statistics on the field, high velocity batting practice, and much more!  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from the very successful Head Coach at Arcadia University, Bryan Torresani.  

Nick Zaleski is the Associate Head Coach and Hitting Coach at McNeese State University, a NCAA Division I School in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  He played baseball collegiately at Sam Houston State and upon graduating signed a free agent contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.  Later, in the Spring of 2013 he began his collegiate coaching career at the University of Texas at San Antonio.  Then, in 2016 he was hired on at McNeese State as an Assistant Coach and in August of 2019 was promoted to Associate Head Coach. 

In this podcast, we start off talking about what it was like playing for Coach Hill at Sam Houston State and now coaching alongside him at McNeese State.  We than discuss Coach McNeese’s role in rebuilding the Lake Charles community following the pandemic and hurricanes they have endured.  

We than dive into the fundamentals of hitting at the Division I level and what Coach Zaleski looks for when recruiting hitters for his program.   Also, discussing redefining success at higher levels of baseball, stepping up in big moments, and much more!  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from Division I Associate Head Coach at McNeese State, Nick Zaleski.  

Mike Deegan is the Head Coach at Denison University, a NCAA Division III program in Granville, Ohio.  He is a 2001 graduate from Marietta College, where he also spent four seasons playing baseball.  He began his coaching career at his alma mater, spending 2004-2012 at Marietta College as an Assistant Coach.  In his time there, the baseball team won three National Championships, in 2006, 2011 and 2012.  Then, in 2013 he was hired on as the Head Coach at Dennison University, where he still remains.  

In this podcast, we start off talking about his time at Marietta College as an Assistant Coach and what he learned in his time there that helped prepare him for being a Head Coach at Dennison University.  Also, discussing how he has changed as a Head Coach in his time at Dennison University.  We than touch on his website and how Coach Deegan uses writing as an outlet. 

We than dive into why too much of a “future focus” is bad for the game and developing players through game-play.  Also, going into depth on recruiting, discussing recruiting players that find joy in and have a true love for the game of baseball, coaches being transparent, being vulnerable and authentic as a secret weapon in recruiting, and recruiting multi-sport athletes.  We finish off this podcast talking about the irreplaceable “compete” factor within players and the gift and curse of obsessive improvement.  Lock into this podcast to learn and hear from the Head Coach at Dennison University, Mike Deegan.  

TJ Wharton is the Recruiting Coordinator, Sports Performance Coordinator and Hitting Coach at Maryville College, a Division III program in Maryville, Tennessee.  He has a very interesting background, starting his collegiate baseball playing career at UNC Greensboro, transferring to Guilford Tech Community College, and transferring again to Catawba College.  He officially graduated from Catawba College in 2017, but in 2015 coached and worked out at Catawba and in 2016 played professional baseball for several different Independent League teams.  After officially graduating in 2017 he also officially became an Assistant Coach at Catawba University.  Then, in 2018 he was an Assistant Coach at Eckerd College and in 2019 an Assistant Coach at St. Petersburg University.  In August of 2020 he was hired on at Maryville College, where he still remains. 

In this podcast, we start off talking about TJ Wharton’s unique life, from childhood to coaching collegiate baseball.  We than discuss the importance of having connections in baseball and how that has helped TJ in his coaching career.  Also, talking about TJ’s blog, why he started it and how it has helped in his coaching career.

We than talk about different types of baseball technology, going in depth into Rapsodo and others.  Also, talking about spin efficiency, attack angle, and much more!  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from ex professional baseball player and Maryville College Baseball Coach, TJ Wharton.

Chris Lemonis is the Head Coach at Mississippi State University, a very well-known Division I program in the SEC.  He was a 1992 graduate at Citadel University and began his coaching career there, spending 12 seasons as an Assistant Coach.  He then spent the following 8 years as an Assistant Coach at Louisville University. Next, from 2015-2018 he was the Head Coach at Indiana University and in 2019 was officially hired on as the Head Coach at Mississippi State University.  In 2019, he set an NCAA record as the Winningest First-Year Coach, leading his team to a 52-15 record.  

In this podcast, we start off talking about Coach Lemonis’ background in recruiting and how it is for him now as a Head Coach to put trust into his assistant coaches when dealing with the recruiting process.  We than discuss the type of player Coach Lemonis looks for during the recruiting process, as well as the type of Coach he looks for to join his program at Mississippi State. 

We than dive into what he believes separates a good recruiter from a great recruiter.  Also, talking about college coaches going pro, the evolution of baseball, quick hitters, and much more!  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from very successful Division I Head Coach, Chris Lemonis. 

Rob Nelson is the inventor of the world’s most nostalgic gum, Big League Chew.  He went to Nassau Community College and then NCAA Division I Cornell University, where he was a left-handed pitcher.  After graduating from college, he played professionally in Cape Town, South-Africa, and then found himself in Portland Oregon.  There in Portland he became a part of the Portland Mavericks Independent Baseball Team, which is also where Big League Chew was born.  

In this podcast, we start off with Rob telling the story of how and where he got the idea for shredded gum.  We than discuss how Big League Chew went from an idea to an actual on-the-shelf item, including Rob explaining how he cooked the first batch himself in a borrowed kitchen.  

We than continue our conversation with what life was like for Rob before Big League Chew became a household name and how he stays humble now that his gum has entered “Hall of Fame” status.  Do yourself a favor and lock into this special podcast to hear from Rob Nelson, the inventor of every baseball players favorite gum, Big League Chew.  

Jason Burke is the Head Coach at Lander University, a Division II program in Greenwood, South Carolina.  He began his collegiate baseball playing career at Lander University and finished it at Southern Wesleyan University in 2004.  Not soon after graduating he began his coaching career, spending 2006-2007 as an Assistant Coach at Wofford University.  Then, from 2008-2011 he was Assistant Coach at Gardner Webb University and from 2012-2016 returned back to Wofford University as an Assistant Coach.  In August of 2017 he was officially hired on as the Head Coach at Lander University, where he still remains. 

This podcast is all about Developing Collegiate Pitchers.  We start off talking about Coach Burke’s velocity formula and how he helps his pitchers throw harder.  

We than continue our conversation about Pitcher Development, discussing comp’s with Big Leaguers, teaching spin, creating a 90 mph arm and much more!  Lock into this podcast to hear an in-depth conversation about everything pitcher development with Division II Head Coach, Jason Burke.  

Ross Trachtenberg is the Recruiting Coordinator at West Chester University, a Division II program in West Chester, Pennsylvania.  He graduated from Lehigh University in 2002 and quickly started his coaching career in 2004.  From 2004-2013 he was the Head Coach at Friends Central School, a High School in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.  Then, in 2014 he was the Recruiting Coordinator at Newman University and in 2015 an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Ponoma Pitzer College.  In 2016, he began his time at West Chester University where he still remains.  Coach Trachtenberg has also been an Associate Scout for the Pittsburg Pirates Organization since 2011.  

In this podcast, we start off talking about the success Coach Trachtenberg and his program has had at West Chester University and whether he believes that is due to recruitment or development.  

We than go in depth into everything recruiting, discussing academics in relation to collegiate recruiting, travel baseball, recruiting videos, and much more!  Lock into this podcast to hear an in-depth conversation about everything recruiting with National Champion Recruiting Coordinator, Ross Trachtenberg. 

JJ Edwards is a Hitting and Infield Coach as well as Recruiting Coordinator at Wofford College, a Division I program in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  He played baseball collegiately from 2007-2011 at Sacred Heart University, a NCAA Division I program.  Shortly after graduating he was hired on at Wofford College.  He started out as a Volunteer Coach in 2011 and later on in 2013 was promoted to a Second Assistant position.  Then, in 2016 he was promoted to the Recruiting Coordinator position at Wofford College, where he still remains. 

We start off this podcast talking about his experience as a Division I Recruiting Coordinator, as well as discussing how important recruiting is to having a successful baseball program.  

We than continue our conversation about Collegiate Recruiting and discuss tools that fit your programs system, Division I running times, in-game emotions, looking the part, the OBP tool, and much more! Lock into this podcast to learn about everything recruiting from Division I Wofford College Recruiting Coordinator, JJ Edwards.   

Ryan Brownlee is the Assistant Executive Director of Coaching Outreach within the America Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA).  He played collegiately at Evansville University from 1994-1997.  Upon graduation, he played professionally for the Evansville Otters of the Frontier League in the Summer of 1997.  Soon after he began his coaching career as an Assistant Coach at his alma mater, Evansville University from 1998-1999.  Then, from 2000-2003 he was an Assistant Coach at James Madison University and from 2004-2012 he was the Recruiting Coordinator for the University of Iowa.  Next, from 2013-2019 he was the Head Coach at Western Illinois University.  Following the end of the 2019 season he retired after an impressive 21 years of collegiate level coaching.  

In this podcast, we start off talking about his playing career at Evansville, where he was originally from and where his Father coached and the fact that he did not originally commit to that college.  Also, Coach Brownlee tells a few stories about what it was like playing for his Father at the collegiate level.  

We than dive into the infamous “sophomore slump” and Coach Brownlee’s thoughts on it.  Also, discussing TV deals, donating plasma, making sacrifices, and much more! Lock into this podcast to hear some amazing stories and learn from Coach Ryan Brownlee.

Dusty Blake is the Pitching Coach at Duke University, a Division I program in Durham, North Carolina.  He graduated from Appalachian University in 2003 and soon after began his coaching career at Pfeiffer University as the Outfield Coach from 2004-2005.  From 2006-2007 he was the Pitching Coach at Catawba College and from 2008-2011 he was the Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Wofford College.  Next, in 2012 he was the Pitching Coach at USC Upstate University and then returned to Pfeiffer University as the Head Coach from 2013-2017.  In December of 2017 he was on at Duke University as their Pitching Coach, where he still remains.  

In this podcast, we start off talking about his quick transition from being a Head Coach at Division II, Pfeiffer University to Pitching Coach at Division I, Duke University.  We than dive into baseballs transition to using data and analytics and how Coach Blake believes this is affecting the game.  Coach Blake also explains which points of data he believes is the most useful to him when coaching his pitchers as well as which points are not as relevant.   

We than dive into the art of creating movement and how a players’ specific arm slot can affect that.  Also, discussing failure before success, seeking resources, defining a quality pitch, and much more!  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from Duke University Pitching Coach, Dusty Blake.  

Tyler Anderson is a MiLB Pitching Coach in the Los Angeles Angels Organization.  He began his collegiate playing career in 2007 at Glendale Community College.  Shortly after, in 2008 he transferred to Southeastern Community College to continue his playing career.  Then, from 2009-2010 he finished his playing career at William Woods University, a NAIA school in Fulton, Missouri.  Soon after, from 2010-2012 he played professional baseball in the Australian Baseball League, being a part of the Perth Heat team.  Once deciding to retire from playing, he began his coaching career as an Assistant Coach at Dartmouth University from 2015-2016.  In 2017, he was an Assistant Coach at St. Louis University and in the Fall of 2017 he went on to Lindenwood University to be an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator.  In January of 2018 he was on hired on by the Los Angeles Angels as a Pitching Coach. 

In this podcast, we start off talking about baseball in Australia and Tyler explains how it impacted his playing career.  We also go over Junior College Baseball and why it is so important for Australian baseball players.  

We than dive into Driveline Baseball, talking about the paper that Tyler published in October of 2017 called, “Implementing a Driveline Program in a Division I College”.  Discussing why he decided to write it and what the experience was like when he implemented the Driveline program while coaching at St. Louis University. We also discuss twitter hires, collegiate versus professional coaching, creating buy-in, gap years and much more!  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from ex Professional Baseball player and current MiLB pitching coach, Tyler Anderson. 

Lukas Ray is an Assistant Coach at Charleston Southern University, a Division I program in the Big South Conference.  He played collegiately at USC Lancaster and upon graduating also started his coaching career there.  He was there up until 2018 when he accepted an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator position at Florence-Darlington Tech, a Junior College in South Carolina.  Then, in 2019 he went back to USC Lancaster as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator up until 2020 when he accepted the assistant coaching position at Charleston Southern University, where he still remains. 

In this podcast, we start off talking about what he does for our website and what made him want to be a part of Figure It Out Baseball.  

We than dive into everything Catching, discussing 1-knee receiving, winning strikes, stance advantages, catching the “ball” side, and much more! Lock into this podcast to learn all about catching at a high level from Charleston Southern University Catching Coach, Lukas Ray.  

Addison Rouse is the Head Coach at Salem University, a NCAA Division II school in Salem, West Virginia.  He started his playing career at Ohio Valley University, a Division II program in Vienna, West Virginia and finished it at Brescia University, a NAIA program in Owensboro, Kentucky.  In 2010, he was a volunteer coach at his alma mater, Brescia University and from 2011-2012 he was a graduate assistant at Henderson State University.  In 2013, he went back to his alma mater and was the recruiting coordinator, then from 2014-2016 he was the Head Coach for the East Nazarene University baseball program.  In 2017, he received the Head Coaching position at Salem University, where he still remains.  

In this podcast, we start off talking about how quickly Coach Rouse got into a Head Coaching job and what it was like for him to take over a program at such a young age.  We also dive into the shoestring budget that Coach Rouse had to find a way to take advantage of and give his players a true college baseball experience while at East Nazarene University. 

We than jump into what the Salem University baseball program looked like when he first got the Head Coaching job in 2017 and how he went about transforming the program.  Also, discussing cold weather baseball and over-coaching.  We finish off this podcast talking about success elements and what Coach Rouse believes those are to have a successful collegiate baseball program.  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from Salem University Head Coach, Addison Rouse.  

Jamie Serber is the Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for North Carolina A&T, a Division I baseball program in the Big South Conference.  He played collegiately at High Point University, a Division I program in the Big South Conference.  He graduated in 2010 and became a Volunteer Coach at High Point from 2011-2013.  In the summer of 2013 he coached the Wilson Tobs baseball team, a program in the well-known Coastal Plains summer league.  Then, from 2014-2015 he was the Pitching Coach at Presbyterian College, a Division I program.  In 2016, he was hired on as the Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at North Carolina A&T, where he still remains.  

In this podcast, we start off talking about the 3.72 earned run average (ERA) that Coach Serber’s pitching staff was able to establish, and what that accomplishment meant to him and the school.  We also dive into recruiting at all levels and the selling points used by Coach Serber to get players to North Carolina A&T.  

We than jump into what Coach Serber did with his pitching staff to create the turnaround they had, jumping from a 9.16 ERA to a 3.72 ERA in just a few years.  Also, talking about velocity versus pitch ability, adjacent talent, and the importance of a strike-throwing mindset.  We finish off this podcast discussing what Coach Serber believes is truly important as a baseball coach.  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from North Carolina A&T pitching coach and recruiting coordinator, Jamie Serber.  

Michael Mckenry is a former Major League Baseball Catcher and current Studio and Color Analyst for the Pittsburgh Pirates Organization.  He played collegiately at Middle Tennessee State, a Division I program.  He was then drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 7th round in 2006.  Later, in 2010 he made his Major League Baseball Debut with the Colorado Rockies.  Throughout his 11-year professional baseball career he played on many different teams, including: Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, Texas Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, and Tampa Bay Rays.  He officially retired from professional baseball in 2017 and in 2018 accepted a job at his alma mater, Middle Tennessee State as the Director of Player Development.  Not long after, in 2019 he accepted a position within the Pittsburgh Pirates Organization as a Studio and Color Analyst, where he still remains. 

In this podcast, we start off talking about his baseball journey, discussing overcoming struggles that helped make him the player he was.  We also dive into his path to the MLB, talking about his life in the Minor Leagues and MLB debut. 

We than jump into the mentors in his life that helped him in his journey to having a successful Major League Baseball career.  Also, talking about the injuries he endured in his career and how he overcame those, transitioning from player to analyst, and much more!  Lock into the podcast to hear and learn from MLB Player turned Analyst, Michael Mckenry.  

Johnny Cardenas is the Head Coach of Stephen F. Austin University, a Division I program Nacogdoches, Texas.  He began his playing career in 1989 at Seward County Community College and finished at Texas Christian University.  He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 46th round in 1993.  He played professional baseball from 1993-1998 for the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox.  He began his coaching career soon after retiring from professional baseball, spending his first five years as a High School Coach in Texas and Oklahoma.  Then, in 2006 he was hired on as the Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Stephen F. Austin University.  Not long after, in 2009 he was given the Head Coach position.  He has been coaching at Stephen F. Austin University for 12 years and is their all-time winningest Head Coach.

In this episode, we start off talking about his college coaching career and why he has decided to stay apart of the Stephen F. Austin baseball program for so long.  We also dive into what Coach Cardenas expects from his players at the college level and how he creates honesty and trust in his program. 

We than jump into how Coach Cardenas learns from his players, in return making him a better coach, as well as his thoughts on putting trust in assistant coaches.  Also, discussing black and white coaching, new technology in baseball, family sacrifices and much more! Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from Johnny Cardenas, a very successful coach at the Division I level.  

Steve Springer is a Mental Performance Coach and Owner of qualityatbats.com.  He played his first two years of collegiate ball at Golden West Junior College before transferring to the Division I University of Utah.  In 1982, he was drafted by the MLB New York Mets in the 20th round. Steve made his MLB debut in 1990 with the Cleveland Indians and then after being placed back down into the Minor Leagues made another MLB appearance in 1992 with the New York Mets.  Overall, he spent 14 seasons in the Minor Leagues and Major Leagues.  After retiring he stayed in professional baseball, scouting for the Arizona Diamondback and Toronto Blue Jays as well as spent some time as an Agent.  He was also a Performance Coach in the Toronto Blue Jays Minor League System for many years.  Overall, Steve spent more than 35 years in professional baseball, now traveling around the country talking about the mental side of hitting. 

In this podcast, we start off with Steve telling the story of his baseball journey, starting at high school to when he played in the MLB.  We than dive into competing with confidence and why that is so important. 

We also talk about the trap of statistics and why focusing on those can be so dangerous to your game.  Also, diving into having an approach at the plate, the mental side of the game, instincts, parents’ roles and much more!  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from a legend in his field and owner of qualityatbats.com, Steve Springer.  

Xan Barksdale is the founder and CEO of Catching-101.com.  He began his collegiate playing career at Holmes Community College, a Junior College in Goodman, Mississippi.  He then transferred to Ole Miss University, a Division I Program in the SEC.  After graduating he went onto play in the MLB Braves Organization for three years.  Soon after he began his coaching career, spending 2007-2011 as an Assistant Coach at Louisville University.  While at Louisville he started his company, Catching 101.  Then, from 2012-2015 he was an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at East Tennessee University.  In 2016, he was brought onto the USA Baseball 14u National team development program as the catching coordinator.  He also spent time as the USA Baseball 15u catching coach.  Currently, he is focusing on running his website Catching-101.com.  

In this episode, we start off talking about Coach Barksdale’s website Catching-101.com, what it contains and what it’s all about.  

We than jump into everything catching, starting off with what Coach Barksdale believes makes a good catcher and what will help make them elite.  Also discussing, catcher communication, calling your own game, changes in catching, receiving, and much more! Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from one of the top names in Catching and owner of Catching-101.com, Xan Barksdale.   

Liam Bowen is the Head Coach at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County a NCAA Division I Program.  He played his collegiate career at Macalester College, a NCAA Division III school in the MIAC.  He graduated in 2006 and immediately started his coaching career at St. Mary’s College as an Assistant Coach, being there from 2006-2009.  Next, in 2011 he was the Pitching Coach at Lincoln Memorial University.  Then, in 2012 he went to coach at UMBC, being an Assistant Coach from 2012-2019.  In May of 2019 he was named Head Coach at UMBC where he still remains.  

In this episode, we start off talking about the effect that pandemic had on his baseball team.  Discussing how his team handled it and what they tried to get out of it. 

We than dive into everything pitching, talking about the new technology available, velocity versus command, repeat a rhythm, short drills, pressure pitches, 65 percent strikes, and much more!  Lock into this podcast to learn all about pitching from the Head Coach at UMBC, Liam Bowen. 

Addison Rouse is the Head Coach at Salem University, a NCAA Division II school in Salem, West Virginia.  He started his playing career at Ohio Valley University, a Division II program in Vienna, West Virginia and finished it at Brescia University, a NAIA program in Owensboro, Kentucky.  In 2010, he was a volunteer coach at his alma mater, Brescia University and from 2011-2012 he was a graduate assistant at Henderson State University.  In 2013, he went back to his alma mater and was the recruiting coordinator, then from 2014-2016 he was the Head Coach for the East Nazarene University baseball program.  In 2017, he received the Head Coaching position at Salem University, where he still remains.  

In this episode, we start off talking about the culture that Coach Rouse tries to cultivate at Salem University and how he goes about creating an embodying family atmosphere within his program.  We also dive into how the recruiting process and what Coach Rouse believes is the best way to sell your baseball program. 

We end this podcast discussing player development and how Coach Rouse goes about that with his players.  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from Salem University Head Coach, Addison Rouse.

Tom Riley is the Head Coach at Goldey-Beacom College, a NCAA Division II Program in Pike Creek Valley, Delaware.  He played collegiately at Hanover College a Division III program, finishing his career in 1998.  Soon after he began his coaching career as an Assistant Coach at Dominican College, a Division II program from 2001-2004.  Later, from 2008-2012 he was the owner and personal trainer at Riley Performance Training.  Then, from 2013-2015 he was an Assistant Coach at Delaware State University, a Division I program. On November 30, 2015, he was given the opportunity to reinstate the Goldey-Beacom College baseball program as the Head Coach.

In this episode, we start off talking about the opportunity he was given to reinstate the Goldey-Beacom College Baseball Program and why he decided to take on this challenge.  Also, discussing how he went about starting this first-year program, focusing on the recruiting aspect.  We than dive into the importance of team culture and how Coach Riley went about creating a team culture at Goldey-Beacom.  

Coach Tom Riley and I also discuss hiring assistants and what makes someone an attractive candidate when going through the hiring process.  We finish off this podcast talking about what Coach Riley believes makes a good teammate, what it was like for him to leave college coaching and then dive back into it, and much more!  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from the Head Coach of Goldey-Beacom College, Tom Riley.  

Bill Mosiello is the Associate Head Coach at Texas Christian University, a NCAA Division I program in Fort Worth, Texas.  He played collegiately at Fresno State University, finishing his career in 1986.  Jumped straight into coaching, spending his first 15 years as assistant coaches at a number of different collegiate programs.  Those include; Cerritos Junior College, Cal State Fullerton University, University of Tennessee, Ole Miss University, Oklahoma University, and Arizona State University.  Then, from 2003-2006 he was a part of the New York Yankees Organization.  From 2007-2008 he was back into the college ranks, coaching at the University of South Carolina and Auburn University. From 2009-2011 he was back into professional baseball, coaching in the Los Angeles Angels Organization, then back to college from 2012-2013 as the recruiting coordinator for the University of Tennessee. In 2014, he was hired on at Texas Christian University where he still remains as the Associate Head Coach.

In this episode, we start off talking about his coaching journey, how he first got into coaching and how he was able to move up so quickly in the ranks.  We also dive into how Coach Mosiello goes about working with his hitters, discussing making hitters uncomfortable and “hitting in the air”.  

Coach Mosiello and I also talk about the art of hitting, and the fact that it has not changed throughout the years, but the tools available have evolved. Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from long-tenured Collegiate and Professional Baseball Coach Bill Mosiello.  

Tyler Pill is a former Major League Baseball Right Handed Pitcher and MiLB Outfielder, now Undergrad Assistant at Cal State Fullerton.  He was drafted in the 38th round by the Colorado Rockies out of High School, but elected to go to college instead, ending up at Cal State Fullerton.  Later, in 2011 he was drafted by the New York Mets in the 4th round.  Tyler made is MLB debut in 2017 with the New York Mets, then in 2018 he elected into the Free Agency.  Signed with the Arizona Diamond Backs in the offseason, then traded to the Los Angeles Dodger later in 2018.  He then elected into the Free Agency again in 2019, and later signed with the Texas Rangers later in 2019 as a two-way player; Pitcher and Outfielder.  He was released in July of 2019 and is now an Undergrad Assistant, finishing his degree at Cal State Fullerton. 

In this episode, we start off talking about what it was like for Tyler when he got the call up to the Big Leagues.  Also, what it was like mentally his first year in the Major Leagues, being called up and down multiple times.  We than dive into the process of converting from a Right-Handed Pitcher to an Outfielder, as well as playing through injuries. 

Tyler and I also discuss Minor League Baseball pay and what that’s like throughout the different levels and much more!  Lock into this podcast to hear from former MLB Pitcher, Minor League Outfielder and Undergrad Assistant Tyler Pill.  

Sean Buchanan is an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Albright College, a Division III program in Reading, Pennsylvania.  He played collegiately at Dutchess Community College, then transferred to SUNY New Paltz, where he tragically suffered a career ending back injury.  He then started his coaching career as a Student Assistant Coach at SUNY New Paltz in 2012 and an official Assistant Coach in 2013.  Then in 2014 he was an Assistant Coach at Dutchess Community College. Later, from 2015-2017 he was a Hitting Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Ave Marina College, an NAIA program and in 2019 an Assistant Coach at Desales University.  In the midst of all that, he also spent 5 years coaching in the Perfect Game Summer League.  In 2020, he was officially hired on as the Recruiting Coordinator at Albright College where he still remains. 

In this episode, we start off talking about his career ending back injury and how he got through that as a 20-year-old college student, also how that jumpstarted his coaching career.  We than discuss what Coach Buchanan believes to be the most challenging thing he has faced as a College Coach so far in his career.  

We than dive into developing players for life and how Coach Buchanan goes about that in his programs.  Also, diving into the DIII baseball division and how the level of competition is not so far off from the other levels, as well as late recruiting and low-budget tech you have to work through at this level.  Lock into this podcast to learn from Sean Buchanan, a Recruiting Coordinator and assistant Coach at Albright College. 

Tim DeJohn is an MiLB Coach in the Baltimore Orioles Organization.  He played collegiately at Western Connecticut State University, a Division III program.  He began his coaching career in 2007 as an assistant coach at his alma mater WCSU.  He then coached at Plainville High School for 2008-2010 as an Assistant Coach and Southington High School from 2011-2015 as an Associate Head Coach. Next, he spent 2016-2017 as an Assistant Coach at Hartford University and 2018-2019 as an Assistant Coach at Memphis University.  In the Summer of 2019 he was an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Milkmen and Independent League team in the American Association.  Than on November 1st, 2019 he was hired by the Baltimore Orioles Organization as a Minor League Coach.  

In this podcast, we start off talking about his Father and the fact that he spent 49 years in professional baseball.  We than discuss Coach DeJohn’s own personal coaching journey and his time throughout the different levels.  Also, we dive into his infield defensive philosophy and what he believes is the most important thing for a player to be able to do in order to play at a high level.  

We than talk about Coach DeJohn’s daily plan for his MiLB infielders and how they maximize it in the short period of time they are given each day.  We also discuss his personal struggles and triumphs throughout his coaching career.  Give this podcast a listen and learn from Minor League Baseball Coach, Tim DeJohn.  

Anthony Williams is the Head Coach of the baseball program at Frostburg State University, a Division II school in Frostburg, Maryland.  He played collegiately at Slippery Rock University, a Division II program out of Pennsylvania.  He began his coaching career in 2009 as a graduate assistant at Frostburg State.  While there from 2009-2010 he was also a recruiting coordinator, hitting and infield coach.  Then, in 2011 he spent one season as an assistant coach for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).  Next, from 2012-2016 he was the Head Coach at Pittsburgh Greensburg, a Division III program.  While there, he was also a part of the Pittsburg Pirates Video Advanced Scouting Department.  From 2017-2019 he was the Head Coach at Clarion University, a Division II program based in Pennsylvania.  Then, in 2020 he was hired on at Frostburg State as the Head Coach, where he still remains. 

In this episode, we start off talking about what it was like for Anthony as he stepped into his first Head Coaching position at such a young age, focusing on the challenges that he faced throughout that time.  We than dive into Coach Williams thoughts on assistant coaches and how he goes about assigning them responsibilities in his program.  

We also discuss networking and the different ways to go about that, Coach Williams believes camps are still the best way to get yourself out there and meet other coaches.  Next, we talk about building relationships with your players and fellow coaches and the importance of that as a baseball coach.  We finish off this podcast discussing the influence that being a part of the Pittsburg Pirates Video Advanced Scouting Department has had on his coaching career, specifically creating scouting reports for his team at Frostburg State.  Also, what advice Coach Williams would give a young first year Coach.  Lock into this podcast to learn from Frostburg State University Head Coach Anthony Williams.  

Brandon Golden is the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at East Carolina University, a Division I program in Greenville, North Carolina.  He graduated from ECU in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology.  After graduating, he spent 2012-2013 as a volunteer at High Point University.  Than in the spring of 2014 he was a volunteer at Mississippi State and during the summer of 2014 volunteered at Wake Forest University.  Next, from the fall of 2014 through the summer of 2016 he spent his time as a volunteer at Saint John’s University, while there he also got his Master’s Degree in Sports Management.  Also, in the summer of 2015 he was a strength and conditioning coach for the USA Baseball team.  For one semester after graduating from Saint Johns in 2016, he was a strength and conditioning coach at Charleston Southern University.  Than in January of 2017 he was officially hired at East Carolina University, where he still remains.  

In this episode, we start off talking about his Journey up to being hired at ECU and what he had learned throughout that time.  We also talk about lifting at the High School level and what Coach Golden believes to be the best route throughout that.  Specifically, he explains movement patterns, which he believes to be the most important thing to focus on at that age.  Then, we dive into mobility and why that is so important for a baseball player.  

We also discuss foods versus supplements, and what Coach Golden as learned through his time working with nutritionists.  Next, we dive into the recovery process, focusing on sleep and what he recommends as the best amount to recover properly.  We finish off this podcast talking about the importance of warming up and stretching to give yourself the opportunity to be at your best on the field.  Listen to this podcast to learn how to optimize your time in the weight room and train to play at a higher level.     

Ryan Fitzgerald is a player in the Red Sox Organization.  He played collegiately at Creighton University, a Division I program in the Big East Conference.  He graduated from Creighton University in 2016 and was undrafted.  He then played a season of Independent baseball and was a part of the Gary SouthShore RailCats based out of Gary, Indiana.  Ryan Fitzgerald was then officially drafted by the Red Sox Organization on May 8th, 2018.  He spent 2018-2019 playing Minor League baseball as a Shortstop and then in 2020 he was a part of the Red Sox Spring Training team.  As of right now, he is still a part of the Red Sox Organization, playing in the MiLB.  

In this episode, we start off talking about the offensive side of Ryan’s game.  Specifically, what he believes happened to him his Senior year on the field after a very positive Junior year.  We also dive into how Ryan developed the power in his swing throughout the years, going from a more singles guy, to gaining more extra base hits.  

We also discuss his approach at the plate and what he has learned as well as the changes he has made throughout his career.  We than talk about his journey from not being drafted out of college, to playing Independent Ball, to eventually being drafted into the MLB.  Lock into this podcast to learn and hear from Professional Baseball player, Ryan Fitzgerald.

Edwin Thompson is the Head Coach at Eastern Kentucky University, a Division I program in the ASUN Conference.  He began his collegiate playing career at Howard University, but upon them dropping the program he transferred to the University of Maryland and then finished his career at Weber International.  After that he played one season of Independent baseball.  He started his collegiate coaching career in 2005 as the Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Maine at Farmington, a Division III program.  Than from 2009-2010 he was the Head Coach at Bates College, next he was hired on to be the Recruiting Coordinator at Duke University.  Later on, from 2013-2015 he was an Assistant Coach at Georgia State, spending his first two seasons as the Pitching Coach and then his final season as the Recruiting Coordinator and Defensive Coach.  In July of 2015 he was hired as the Head Coach for the Eastern Kentucky Baseball program where he still remains. 

In this episode, we start off talking about his Coaching journey thus far, and his experiences moving from a Division III baseball program to a Division I program.  We than discuss his preferences when hiring assistant coaches to be a part of his program, focusing on the resumes. Also, diving into the effect of social media on the hiring process as well as the recruiting process.

We than discuss what Coach Thompson has done at Eastern Kentucky to help him increase the programs win totals and progress in the right direction.  We also talk about how he talks to his players and give them a positive mindset when things aren’t going their way.  We finish off this podcast with Coach Thompson explaining what he believes to be the difference in collegiate baseball divisions and what he believes is the most common misconception about Division I baseball.  Listen to this podcast to learn from a Division I Head Coach.   

Eddie Smith is a hitting coach for the Louisiana State University Tigers a Division I program in the SEC.  He started his collegiate playing career at Centralia Community College, then transferred and graduated from Notre Dame a Division I school in the ACC.  Later, he began his coaching career at the University of Virginia as the Director of Baseball Operations.  Soon thereafter in 2012 he coached at Santa Clara University, then in 2013 at Notre Dame.  From 2014-2017 he was the Head Coach at Lower Columbia College, then from 2018-2019 he was the hitting coach and recruiting coordinator at Tulane University, a well-known Division I program in the AAC.  In 2020, he became a hitting coach at Louisiana State University, where he still remains. 

In this episode, we start off talking about where Coach Smith found the foundation for his teachings in hitting.  We also discuss the important aspects of evaluating hitters and their ability to perform.  Coach Smith breaks down what it takes to become a useful hitter and describes his offensive philosophy.  

We also talk about, the multiple realms of coaching, including; player relationships, diversity of coaching techniques, and the importance of individuality.  We finish off this podcast talking about how Coach Smith breaks down his practices, focusing on the hitters’ strengths and weaknesses.  Lock into this podcast to listen the stories and experiences that helped Coach Smith find his understanding of the game of baseball. 

Pat Bailey is the recruiting coordinator and assistant coach at Oregon State University, a Division I school in the Pac-12 Conference.  He graduated from the University of Idaho in 1978, where he was the Captain of the school’s baseball team.  After that he spent a total of 17 years coaching High School Baseball.  Than from 1996-2007 he was the Head Coach at George Fox University, a Division III program in Newberg, Oregon.  From there he began coaching at Oregon State in 2008, where he still remains. 

We start off this podcast episode talking about Coach Bailey’s jump from a Division III baseball program to a Power 5 Division I baseball program. We than dive into coaching men of character and how Coach Bailey makes that a priority for himself and his team.  Also, he explains his process of finding the character of a player on and off the baseball field.  

We also thoroughly talk about In-state recruiting and recruiting priorities that Coach Bailey focuses on during his recruiting process.  Lock into this podcast to hear and learn from long-tenured baseball coach and recruiting coordinator Pat Bailey.  

Dr. Bryan Moses is the Head Coach at McPherson College, an NAIA school in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. His collegiate playing career started at Santa Rosa Junior College, he then transferred and graduated from Sonoma State University a Division II school in Rohnert Park, California.  After graduation, he began his coaching career at Skyline High School in Idaho.  Than from 2011-2012 he was an assistant coach at Simpson College an NAIA program, shortly after than from 2013-2015 he was the Head Coach at Antelope Valley another NAIA program.  From there, he went on to be an assistant coach at Cal State Northridge in 2015, then in 2016 he was hired on as an assistant coach at Brown University.  Than in 2017 he was hired on as the Head Coach for McPherson College where he still remains.  

In this podcast episode, we start off talking about why Dr. Bryan Moses decided to get his doctorate degree and how he managed that while being a collegiate baseball coach.  We then discuss his coaching journey, diving into the fact that he has coached in many different states around the US.  

We also go over the challenges of recruiting as an NAIA school and how that has affected their recruiting process.  With that, Coach Moses also describes the NAIA baseball atmosphere and how it isn’t much different from any other collegiate level.  We finish off this podcast talking about what Coach Moses believes is good about baseball today.  Lock into this podcast to learn from an experienced coach who has turned his knowledge into success within his team.  

Graham Sikes is a recruiting coordinator and assistant coach at Michigan State University, a Division I program who’s a part of the well-known Big 10 conference.  He played collegiately at Liberty University a Division I program located in Lynchburg, Virginia.  He graduated from there in 2002 and obtained his first coaching job at Independence Community College in 2004.  Than from 2005-2007 he coached at Nicholls State, Young Harris College, and James Madison University.  From 2008-2010 he was a volunteer for the Notre Dame baseball program before joining Michigan State University in 2011 where he still remains.  

In this episode, we start off talking about his coaching journey and why he went from jumping from school to school to staying at Michigan State for now 11 years.  Than coach Graham explains what it’s like to coach in a college baseball program as well as everything that goes into it.  

We also talk about thoroughly about catching and the art of receiving at the college versus professional level.  Than we dive into what makes a good college level hitter today and has the thoughts of that changed in his time coaching.  Give this podcast a listen to hear from long-tenured college baseball coach, Graham Sikes of Michigan State University.  It can be beneficial whether you’re a player or a coach.  

Bob Mclaughlin is the Head Coach at Coker University, a Division II baseball program a part of the South Atlantic Conference.  He started his collegiate playing career at Hudson Valley Community College and finished it in 2013 at Alderson Broaddus University a Division II program in West Virginia.  Than in the Summer of 2013 he played Independent baseball before volunteering at his alma mater, Alderson Broaddus in 2014. Later, from 2015-2016 he coached at Adrian University, then from 2017-2019 he was an assistant coach as well as strength and condition coach at Coker University.  In November of 2019 he was named the Head Coach at Coker University, where he still remains.

In this episode, we start off talking about what Coker baseball players do off of the field and what helped them to receive a team 3.48 gpa in the classroom.  We than dive into player relationships and the importance of those to run a good college program.  

Coach Mclaughlin and I also talk about his thoughts on personal goals and team goals.  He uses smaller, weekly goals in order for his players to see the process behind those bigger goals.  Additionally, we talk thoroughly about the day to day life of a college level baseball player and what goes into that.  As well as the importance of an approach when hitting at a higher level. 

Justin Schulte is the Head Coach at Southeastern Community College, a Junior College in Iowa.  His collegiate playing career is pretty interesting, Justin started at Division III Simpson University, then went to Junior College Southeastern Community College, eventually making his way to Division I University of Iowa.  Overall, Coach Schulte’s has been a college coach for 25 seasons, a head coach for 22 seasons, and spent 15 seasons at Southeastern Community College.  Throughout that time, he has accumulated a very impressive 836 wins, never having a losing season. 

In this episode, we start off talking about Coach Shulte’s journey at Southeastern Community College and why he has decided to stay.  We than dive into what journey college is all about and what it can do for you as well as the stigma behind it being a place for players with poor academics.  Additionally, we talk about how Coach creates a competitive atmosphere in everything his team does.

We also talk about fall evaluations and the importance behind those.  Coach Shulte’s believes putting players in tough situations during practice is the best way to find out what kind of baseball player they are.  We finish on a different note, talking about the importance of a resume when looking for a coaching job and Coach Shulte’s explains what he personally likes to see on a resume. If you want to hear from one of the most winningest Junior College coaches than lock into this conversation between Justin Schulte and I. 

Matt Pierpont is a Pitcher in the Colorado Rockies Organization.  He was drafted in 2013 in the 26th round to the Colorado Rockies out of Winthrop University. 

In this episode, we start off talking about Matt’s journey through Minor League baseball within the Rockies organization and how he dealt with the positives as well as the negatives. We also dive into the mental side of the game and Matt explains his take on it.  

Matt and I also talk about his transition from a third baseman to a pitcher and how that affected his game.  Matt explains how he dealt with not only the physical transition of changing positions, but also the mental transition. Additionally, we talk about the use of scouting reports and how it depends on the player, but if used correctly it can help change your game.  Give this podcast a listen if you want to hear and learn from a Minor League Baseball player.  

Paige Knussman is an Assistant Softball coach at William Peace University a Division III program in Raleigh, North Carolina.  She played her collegiate softball career from 2013-2016 at Salisbury University a Division III program on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. While playing there she was named first team all-conference all four years and had a career .448 batting average.  In 2017, she began her coaching career at her alma mater, Salisbury University up until 2020 when she became an assistant coach at William Peace University. 

In this episode, we start off talking about her transition from being a collegiate player to coach and how she handled it.  As well as how Coach Knight, the Head Coach at her alma mater helped form and impact Paige as a coach.  

We also talk about her experiences with the division III collegiate recruiting process and how she connects with recruits.  If you want to hear a fun and exciting podcast, hosting our first ever softball coach than lock into this conversation between Coach Paige Knussman and I.  

Marty Sutherland is the Assistant coach at the University of Iowa, a Division I program in the Big 10 conference.  He played the first two years of his collegiate baseball career from 1999-2000 at Kirkwood Community College, a Junior college in Iowa.  He then finished his career at Northern Iowa from 2001-2002.  Later, in 2003 he began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Wofford College.  Than from 2004-2009 he went back to the University of Northern Iowa and was an assistant coach, but in 2009 UNI dropped their baseball program.  From there Coach Sutherland went to the High School level and coached at Cascade High School as well as worked at Bases Loaded Academy.  He then went back to the collegiate level in 2013 and was the recruiting coordinator for the University of Iowa up until 2017 when he was promoted to Associate Head Coach, where he still remains. 

In this episode, we start off talking about his relationship with Coach Heller, the Head coach for the University of Iowa baseball team, as well as his time playing for and coaching alongside him.  We then dive into how Coach Sutherland plans his daily hitting plans and the teams use of technology during practice.  

We also talk thoroughly about the science of launch angle a new topic to the baseball world.  As well as the art of squaring the ball up and the importance behind it.  If you want to hear and learn from an Assistant coach at the highest level of collegiate baseball than listen to this conversation between Coach Marty Sutherland and I.  

Gabe Grinder is the Head Coach at Ottawa University, an NAIA school in Ottawa Kansas.  He played collegiately at Indiana University of Pennsylvania from 2007-2008, and finished up his college career graduating from Southeastern University in 2011.  Coach Grinder started his coaching career in 2012 at first-year program Florida Christian College, now known as Johnson University.  From 2013-2018 he was a pitching coach and recruiting coordinator at many different colleges including: Southeastern University, Morningside College, West Virginia Wesleyan College, and Oklahoma Wesleyan College.  Then in 2018 he was hired as the Head Coach at Ottawa University where he still remains.  

In this episode, we start off talking about all of the traveling Coach Grinder has done, moving from program to program and leaving his mark.  We also talk heavily about how he brings faith and ministry into his programs, including why and how he prays over his players.  Coach Grinder views coaching a baseball team as a chance to develop young men, and allow them to grow their faith if they have already encountered it and offer a chance to encounter it for those guys who have not.  He believes winning baseball games is a byproduct of focusing on growth and relationships. 

We also talk about the high-level speed of their practices and why that is a huge part of their success, as well as why his team competes in everything they do.  Additionally, Coach Grinder and I discuss athletic directors and administrators and why his expectations of those led him to Ottawa University.

Kayla Baptista is a current sophomore softball player at UNC Chapel Hill.  In the summer of 2021 she interned with the Wareham Gateman of the Cape Cod Summer Baseball League, which for decades has been known as the top wood bat summer league for college baseball.  

In this episode, we start off with Kayla explaining why she chose to intern with the Wareham Gateman of the Cape Cod League.  We also go in depth on what is Step 1 for Kayla in terms of making it in the world of baseball. 

If you want to listen to a fun and unique podcast, then lock into this conversation between Kayla Baptista and I.  

Marty Smith is the Head Coach at the College of Central Florida, a Junior college in Ocala, Florida.  He played his collegiate baseball career at the College of Central Florida and finished at Saint Thomas University a than Division II school in Miami, Florida.  Later, he began his coaching career, being a part of the Miami Dade College baseball program and then the Florida State College at Jacksonville program.  In 1991, he started his career at the College of Central Florida as an assistant coach, then in 1995 he took over as the Head Coach where he still remains. 

In this episode, we start off talking about his incredible 800 career wins at the College of Central Florida.  Coach Smith also explains the level of play in Junior College and the impact it can have on a young baseball player, as well as the coaching side of JUCO.  

We also talk about true player development at the Junior College level and what goes into getting players prepared for the next level.  Coach Smith believes one of the biggest parts of player development is the weight room, explaining the impact it can make on a player.  Additionally, we talk about controversial topics around Coach Smith’s way of coaching, and much more! If you want to hear from one of the most winning college baseball coaches ever, then lock into this conversation between Coach Marty Smith and I.  

Deskaheh Bomberry is the pitching coach, recruiting coordinator, and mental skills coach at Sacramento City College a Junior College in the CCAA. Prior to becoming a coach Deskaheh played at Cosumnes River College, a Junior College in Sacramento, California. He then finished his playing career at Sonoma State University, a Division II college. Later, in 1997 he began his coaching career at Eastern Kentucky where he spent two seasons at Division I Eastern Kentucky as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator. Then in 1998 he was hired at Sacramento City College. There he has personally helped 50 pitchers go to NCAA DI schools, 18 pitchers go on to play professional baseball and 5 MLB players.

In this episode, myself and Deskaheh talk about incredibly in-depth topics on pitching as well as other team concepts. First, we discuss Coach Bomberry’s loyalty to the baseball program at Sac City as well as the level of play at the Junior College level. We also go into depth on brutally honest peer reviews within his baseball program and how his pitchers go about balancing a season-long work load.

We also talk about pre-game throwing on game day, how to get relief pitcher prepared on game day, and much more. If you want to hear from a long-tenured, experienced, and tremendously successful pitching coach than lock into the conversation between Coach Bomberry and I.

Tanner Rockwell is the Head Baseball Coach at Southern Arkansas University Tech, a Junior College in Camden, Arkansas. His college playing career started at Arkansas Baptist College where he played two seasons and then finished his career at the Division I University of Arkansas Little Rock. In his playing career, he was a standout two-way player putting up incredible numbers in both hitting and pitching. He graduated from the University of Arkansas Little Rock in 2015 and began his coaching career just a few years later, accepting the Head Coaching job at Arkansas Baptist College in 2018. Then, from 2019-2021 he was the hitting coach and recruiting coordinator for Division II Ouachita Baptist University. In April of 2021, he accepted the Head Coaching position at Southern Arkansas University Tech.

In this episode, we start off talking about Coach Tanner’s decision to become the Head Coach of a JUCO baseball program that is brand new. As well as the JUCO recruiting process, specifically his experiences selling his JUCO program to recruits. Coach Tanner also goes into depth on the value of playing multiple positions as a high-school athlete, giving players the analytics they want, and evaluating infielders and which tools are the most important in this process.

We also talk about the process of how to find the right fit when choosing a college and its baseball program. Coach Tanner believes that you should find a school that you’re valued and wanted rather than somewhere where you’re fighting for a roster spot.

Ty Neal is a former NCAA Division I pitching and head Coach. He played collegiately at Miami Ohio University, a Division I program in Oxford, Ohio. In the spring of 2000 he began his coaching career at Miami Ohio as an assistant coach. A year later in 2001 he accepted a pitching coach position at Division I Southern Illinois. Later in 2004 he became an assistant coach at Division I Cincinnati University and then in 2005 he went back to Miami Ohio University. Than from 2006-2013 he was an Assistant Coach focused on the pitching staff at Division I Indiana University. During his time there he personally coached two pitchers who became the number 1 and 2 on the all-time wins leaderboard at Indiana University as well as in the 2013 season helped coach the baseball team to a College World Series. Than from 2014-2017 he took over the head coaching job at Division I Cincinnati University and in 2018 was a quality control analyst at Arizona State.

In this episode, we start off talking about how to throw healthy as a pitcher, which is backed up by the fact that not ONE player received Tommy John surgery while under Coach Neal. We also go into depth on simplifying pitching at the youth levels, teaching players to throw 80% 1st-pitch strikes, and developing High School players for College baseball.

We also talk about his thoughts on prioritizing recruits with a competitive mentality and de-prioritizing velocity when recruiting pitchers. If you want to learn from a guy with a tremendous amount of experience in many different levels of the baseball world than lock into this conversation between Ty Neal and I.

Steve Appel is the head baseball coach for the University of Southwest. Steve started his collegiate baseball career at Fort Scott Community College and ended up finishing his career at Division II University of Bridgeport. Upon graduating he started coaching at Bridgeport and was there from 2007-2009. In 2010, he accepted an assistant coaching position at Division II Oklahoma Panhandle State University and the following year took over as Head Coach. He was there until 2014 when he left and accepted the head coaching position at the NAIA Division I University of Southwest. In his career there he has accumulated 125 wins and in 2019 his team won 30 games which was the 3rd most in school history and most in 15 years.

In this episode, we discuss the programs Steve has been a part of and specifically how they were all in the rebuilding phases. Was it a coincidence, or his choosing? Steve talks about how he enjoys the rebuilding process and embracing the challenges and hardships that come along with it. He explains how he runs his programs and has brought them success during these rebuilding phases.

We also talk about the recruiting process he uses not only on players, but also on his assistant coaches and graduate assistants. As well as what he does to help them all excel once they’re apart of his program.

Heath Stover is the Head Coach of the baseball team at Division II Lock Haven University. He graduated from Lock Haven University in 1997 where he was a baseball and football player. Soon after graduating he accepted an assistant coaching job and stayed with the Lock Haven baseball program. In the 2017 season Coach Stover helped the baseball team set a school record for wins, produce a tenth round MLB draft pick, and personally coached three pitchers who went on to play professional baseball. The following year in 2018 he was hired to be the head coach. 

In this episode, we discuss Coach Stover’s journey through his 23-year coaching career and why he has decided to stay in the same program. He believes if you find the right program and surround yourself with great people as well as great coaches to learn from, then there is no reason to put an age on becoming a head coach. We also discuss the competition that the Division II level and how the level of play is not so far off from Division I as well as the recruiting resources and process used at this level. 

We also cover the aspects of the game that most players are lacking once reaching higher levels, focusing on situational play. Coach Stover talks about situational play and a lot more knowledge he’s gained throughout his coaching career that can help you elevate your game and reach the next level.

Bobby Valentine, better known as “Bobby V” is a former Major League Baseball Player and Manager, who is now the current Athletic Director at Sacred Heart University. He was drafted 5th overall in the 1968 MLB draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers and only a year later had his MLB debut. He retired in 1979 with the Seattle Mariners and not too long after became the Manager for the Texas Rangers in 1985. He was a manager in the MLB for collectively 16 years with the Texas Rangers, New York Mets, and Boston Red Sox. Bobbly also had a stunt of years where he coached professional baseball in Japan. He retired from managing in 2012 and a year later became the Athletic Director for Sacred Heart University, where he still remains.

 In this episode, we discuss Bobby’s time coaching professional baseball in Japan and why he chose to coach there for a number of years. We also talked about his past years as a player, analyst, as well as his current life as a college Athletic Director. 

If you want to hear from a Baseball LEGEND than lock into this podcast and enjoy the conversation between myself and Bobby V!

John Patrick is a strength and conditioning coach at George Walton Academy. John is a graduate of Mount Union College where he earned his bachelor degree Exercise Science in 1999. Within just a few years he earned his Masters degree in Kinesiology from Georgia Southern and has been within the strength and conditioning realm of sports ever since. He is a longtime NCAA Division I strength and conditions coach, working at Kennesaw State University, Youngstown State University, Jacksonville University, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 

In this episode, we discuss John’s thoughts on youth and high-school players lifting weights and the long time perception that it is not safe for the athletes. However, John talks about how he believes it is, if done the right way which you can learn more about in this podcast. 

We also discuss off-season and in-season strength training specifically for baseball players. John explains the differences that go into training in those seasons and what he finds to be the most beneficial. In this episode, you’ll gain knowledge first-hand from a very experienced strength and conditioning coach that can benefit baseball players and coaches.

Today we have Graham Johnson joining us on our podcast from the Houston Astros organisation. Coming out of North Henderson Illinois, Johnson began coaching in 2008 starting at Culver-Stockton College, where he is also an Alum. In 2012-2017, Johnson became the pitching coach at Morehead State, a division one program where he helped lead the program to great success on the hill with his staff leading the strikeout category for three straight years. In 2015, his pitchers also set the school record for wins (38) and saves (18) as well! 

Even with this already impressive resume, Johnson's success didn't stop there with his staff also putting up impressive numbers in 2016. The team set a school and conference record for strikeouts (554) during that season. In 2017, Johnson also saw a 6th round draft pick come out of Morehead State, the highest draft pick to come out of the school to date. 

In 2018, Johnson made his way to become the pitching coach for the Astros then Low - A team, the Quad Cities River Bandits where his staff yet again impressed leading the league in strikeouts and ERA. The staff's 1514 strikeouts is also the all time single season record in minor league baseball. In 2019, Johnson was promoted to the Astros Double-A team, the Corpus Christi Hooks where he is currently coaching.  

This conversation is fantastic and a must listen for any pitcher trying to take their game to the next level. Johnson's journey is one you don't want to miss and one that has seen significant success as mentioned above. Please join us in listening to Johnson's story and how it has lead him to where he is today. 

Tony Cappuccilli, a minor league coach coming out of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, joins us today. Tony has an extensive background in baseball, having played college baseball at Nevada before playing a year of independent ball in the Frontier League. From there Tony transitioned into coaching, starting at Edison High School in California, and culminating in a role with the Dodgers Rookie level team beginning in 2020.

This was a really insightful conversation covering his journey, what he has learned, and what he looks for when doing his job. This podcast is one you can’t miss if you are looking to improve your mindset and understanding of the game, and where it can take you both on and off the field.

Tony’s story is one of the best having been around all levels of the game. Please join us in listening to this episode to hear Tony's journey and what he offers the baseball community!

Zach Jarrett was drafted in the 28th round after playing for four years at UNC-Charlotte. He is currently an outfielder in the Baltimore Orioles' organization. In this podcast he very descriptively explains his hitting approach and how he trains year round.

This was a great conversation and we cover his experience in college, being drafted, and now his time in the pros. Getting on top of the baseball is key for his success, as he was an All-Star in his first Minor League season. Because he is a true student of the game, he has learned a lot of great stuff that has helped him improve through the years as a player, and his experiences can definitely help you elevate your game.

Zach has had a lot of baseball experience at high levels. Listen to this episode to hear his story and what he has to offer to people in the baseball community like you!

Tim Miller is the Head Coach of the baseball team at Davis & Elkins College. His career as a baseball coach extends through Division II and III, and also high school baseball. His experience as a pitching coach has been tremendous, especially at Frostburg State when his pitching staff led the nation in strikeouts per nine innings.

In this episode we discuss many components of college baseball from a coach's perspective. We talk about the difference in recruiting pitchers and hitters in terms of what Coach Miller looks for and what he tries to identify in a guy before bringing them into the program. There is a plan when recruiting players and Coach's experience with it is a great conversation to listen to that can benefit players and coaches tuned into the podcast.

We also cover other aspects of the game including what PLAYERS should be looking for with coaches the same way coaches should look for in players. Coach Miller talks about having an approach and a lot more takeaways from his career that can help you elevate your game.

Chad Rhoades is the Pitching Coach of the Florence Y'alls, even though he doesn't like being called that by his players. Florence is a member of the Frontier League, and Independent Professional Baseball League.

Rhoades played at Oklahoma Baptist University and was then an undrafted free agent in the Red Sox organization. He has obviously had a lot of experience in the game and learned that his ability to go hard cleared the path for him to make it where he did. However, there is a fine line between where he was and going to the next level, which he describes in this episode.

Rhoades learned upfront that the game is 90% mental. He coaches his players the same way he played the game, which was to go hard. 

Listen to this episode to hear what a professional coach has to say about how a player should carry himself, what attributes can get you on a roster, and how to elevate your game beyond your ability. 

Sam Gjormand is the Team Manager at James Madison University. She, among many women in the world, are beginning to break the barrier in sports and is proving that she can be a part of the game she loves.

In this episode we discuss her experience with a Division I baseball team, the tasks she has on hand, and her mentality on working in baseball.

"Anywhere I can get my foot in the door, I know I can succeed." Sam mentions how much she loves baseball and she is proving that by believing her work ethic, she can attain the positions she wants.

Listen to the full episode and find out what the game is like from a Team Manager perspective and the things Sam does everyday to take care of the team and make sure they are in a position to achieve what they want to achieve.

Brian McCabe is the Head Coach at Benedictine University at Mesa, an NAIA school in Arizona. He coached the team to a 44-13 record during his first season with the Redhawks which set the tone for what they have been since he stepped into the program.

In this episode we discuss the competition at the NAIA level and how he has helped create consistent success with the baseball team. He talks about what it means to put pressure on in practice and what he focuses on to make his players better every day.

Coach McCabe believes in finishing out every play no matter where you are. He teaches his players to play the game the right way, and listening to the full episode can help you learn as well. Hearing coach's experience at the college level can help you or your team improve and take the next step.

Aaron Swick is the Head Coach at Division III Willamette University and finished his playing career at DI Cal with a sub-two ERA. 

Coach Swick understands the baseball community and that being at the Division III level is less than ideal for a high school athlete in the moment. He goes into detail about the competition and the grind for success at the college level and that you shouldn't overlook it. We begin the conversation by going into detail about the true aspects of a college you should look at before you decide where you want to play.

Swick has a unique points system in which he uses to evaluate his players. Thus, there are no assumed roles for recruits coming into the program and every inning on the field is earned for position players and pitchers.

Coach has a very cool perspective on baseball and his coaching style has led Willamette to be a successful Division III program that has had 31 players advance to the professional level during his career. 

Sam Freeman is a reliever and has pitched for nine seasons in the Major Leagues. Freeman has pitched for the Cardinals, Rangers, Brewers, Braves, Angels, and Nationals during his career and has truly learned what it takes to get over the hump and make it to The Show.

Freeman has played with and against some of the best players in the game and his relationships with them helped him develop his abilities, but it took pure dedication and recognizing the truth to get where he was.

He has been through the ups and downs during his career and has had moments where he's even questioned his love for baseball. Freeman tells a few incredible stories about how he struggled and then learned to emerge into the pitcher he is.

Every prospect will face a challenge when entering the Major Leagues, and the hard work made it worth it for Sam.

Freeman discusses his personal experience as a Division I player shooting for the league and what he had to learn to take the right steps. 

Listen to what a Major League player has to offer to help you elevate your game.

Robin Lund is the pitching coach at the University of Iowa. While also having a background as a hitting coach and a youth baseball coach, Lund has blended his coaching styles at every level together to become the version of who he is now.

Coach Lund has an educational background in Kinesiology and his experience learning and using it has helped him understand pitching a whole lot more. Even he was surprised how much he was able to gain from this education. Listen to the full episode to find out how Lund's learnings can help you elevate your game on the mound.

We also go into depth about youth baseball issues and how to properly manage the game for younger players.

Being a good coach starts at every level.

For more free content and podcast episodes, visit our website!

www.figureitoutbaseball.com

Janae Shirley is the Head Coach of the softball team at East Texas Baptist University. She has posted a 443-130 record since being at the helm of the program and has changed her players' lives throughout. 

Coach Shirley shares her experiences and stories with us and how it has all taught her to become a better winner. Her deep understanding of the game allows her to extend the knowledge to her team.

We discuss what it means to win the war and how important it is to know and trust your own capabilities on the field. We also go into detail about what it means to make sacrifices, how to respond to situations, and what it's like to coach an All-American athlete.

Listen to the full episode to hear the stories of success. 

Visit our website for more content that can help you elevate your game!

www.figureitoutbaseball.com

Enrique Celedon is the Senior Executive of Global Sales for True Temper Baseball. True Temper bats are designed specifically for the  type of hitter they are intended for.

Not every bat is what the manufacturer says it is and not every popular bat is good for every player. Having a bat that's true to your swing and right for your body wil only help you in the batter's box. 

Find out why the specifications of a baseball bat are important for you or your player.

Our website consists of over 500 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring professional and collegiate coaches and players.   

Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve to know what it takes to make it to the next level and how to win.    

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out!  

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

Jack Dahm is the Head Coach at Mount Mercy University (NAIA). Through his experience as a coach and a former Division I player at Creighton, he has learned that certain team traits like trust and accountability have great impacts on team success.

Coach Dahm reached the College World Series as a player so he knows what it takes for a team to reach upper levels of success. 

In this episode, we interview Coach Dahm as he answers questions regarding the story of his baseball career, his experience as a player, and his path as a college coach.

This episode features Skylar Meade, Pitching Coach at the University of South Carolina. Coach Meade KNOWS success at the Division 1 level from the pitching perspective. This discussion entails mental dominance as well as having the ability to beat the best hitters in the country. 

Coach talks about the development of his pitchers and how the never-ending process of moving forward is important to being a consistent staff. 

It is good to pitch with your best stuff, but challenging yourself in tough situations establishes confidence in your own ability.

Pitching is the most important role on the field in the realm of control. Elevate your control and increase your consistency!

Let Coach Meade help you figure it out.

www.figureitoutbaseball.com

Dave Serrano is at the helm of the California State University, Northridge baseball team. Coach Serrano has experienced success as a collegiate coach and player and he knows what kind of teams can produce winning seasons.

Serrano is a returning guest on our podcast and this discussion goes into detail about investing in individual players to make the team better. His perspective on baseball is a success-oriented approach.

Find out how winning can be a habit and how you or your team can invest their time into becoming a winning club.

Our website offers over 500 FREE videos and podcast episodes that can help you elevate your game as a player or a coach.

The recruiting process and the speed of the game can be misleading or confusing. Let us help you figure it out!

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real, honest answers.

Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com

Michigan State Head Coach and Lansing native Jake Boss joins us for a podcast episode to discuss many team based topics. What does it take to make it to the next level and how to you succeed there?  

Coach Boss answers these questions from his perspective and the truth is eye-opening.   

We also talk about the nature of team trust and what it means to understand your role on the team. To learn more about Coach Boss' experience as a Division I Baseball Coach, listen to the full podcast episode!  

Our website consists of over 500 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring professional and collegiate coaches and players.   

Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve to know what it takes to make it to the next level and how to win.    

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out!  

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

Chase Rowe has a very successful background as the Head Coach at La Roche College. Rowe spent last year as a hitting coach in the Detroit Tigers organization, and his opportunity to coach and learn professional baseball equipped him with more tools to coach at the college level.   

Coach Rowe's experience as a coach has helped him learn the significance of creating relationships with players. Rowe also goes into depth on identifying man-made problems within a swing and how he educates himself every chance he gets to become a better coach. 

Listen to the full podcast to hear Rowe's success first hand and how it has allowed him to elevate in the baseball community.  

Our website consists of over 500 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring professional and collegiate coaches and players.   

Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve to know what it takes to make it to the next level and how to win.    

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out!  

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

On this episode of our podcast, we are joined by Gary Sheffield Jr. to discuss the game of baseball and what we are able to learn from such an incredible sport.  

Growing up with his father in the MLB, Gary was introduced to the game at an early age, which greatly impacted his experience.   

Through his own experience, Gary was able to find his own love for the game and embrace it. He was able to create his own path within baseball so he can pursue a life within the game.  

This episode also goes into depth about the evolution of the game and how making adjustments can help you create success for yourself!  

Check out Gary's website! www.athleteswire.com  

Our website consists of over 500 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring professional and collegiate coaches and players.   

Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve to know what it takes to make it to the next level and how to win.    

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out!  

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

On this episode, we are joined by Laura Berg, Head Coach at Oregon State University. Also a former player, Coach Berg knows that the game of softball is far from being black and white. She works to improve the grey areas of the game and creating a winning mentality.

We go into a discussion about the characteristics of a successful college athlete and what it takes to be a winner. Coach describes the attributes of players that she is willing to recruit and how it impacts the team. 

Find out how Coach Berg learned to be a person that moves forward and leads others to do the same. Also, listen to the full episode to find out why it's important to have "Picassos on the field".

The full episode goes even more into depth on Coach Draghi's extensive coaching career and his story!

Our website consists of over 500 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring professional and collegiate coaches and players.

Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve to know what it takes to make it to the next level and how to win.

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out!

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

Training your abilities and reconstructing mechanics is a very valuable part to becoming a better player, but there is a time and a place. Coach Mike Draghi teaches his players to focus on the simplicity of the game: reacting to the ball. 

Working on mechanics can be useful if they become second nature by game time, and Coach Draghi has created success within his organization by knowing that not all players are the same. His perspective on the individual player and wanting to know what's best for each person has allowed him to be the experienced coach that he is.

The full episode goes even more into depth on Coach Draghi's extensive coaching career and his story!

Our website consists of over 500 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring professional and collegiate coaches and players.   

Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve to know what it takes to make it to the next level and how to win.    

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out!  

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

Hitting a baseball is no easy task, but that doesn't mean it can't be simple. Stop overcomplicating your swing and approach!

We are joined by Eddie Smith, Hitting Coach at LSU, who talks to us about how he works with individual hitters. Coach Smith has worked with many ball players that have been drafted to the MLB and his methods create consistency. Each player has their own swing and their own ability.

Understanding how to be on the barrel and control the strike zone can simplify your game in the batter's box. Production needs to happen to advance to the next level. Let us help you figure that out!

Coach Smith also tells stories of his experiences with players, his philosophy of the game, and even how graduating with a degree in Spanish helped elevate his coaching game!

Our website consists of over 500 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring professional and collegiate coaches and players.   

Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve to know what it takes to make it to the next level and how to win.    

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out!  

Our Podcast is also available on YouTube and our website!

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

Paul Rozzelle has experienced a lot of success on the baseball field as a coach at Catawba Valley CC and Team USA. He has been a part of winning organizations and knows how to maintain that. Coach Rozzelle has a good relationship with his players and is a true believer in personal development.

Because he understands the college game so well, his guidance as a coach helps his team improve by example. The term 'relentless' carries a meaning with his team and self-accountability plays a huge role in their success.

Mechanical ability creates a good fundamental baseball player, but how do you know you're ready to perform at a high level every game? Listen to Coach Rozzelle's story and his experience and let it help you elevate your game!

Our website consists of over 500 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring professional and collegiate coaches and players.   

Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve to know what it takes to make it to the next level and how to win.    

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out!  

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. 

Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

On this episode, we are joined by Gardner-Webb Head Coach, Jim Chester. Coach Chester has an impressive resume and has experienced success at various levels of baseball.

Before accepting his position as a DI Head Coach, Chester turned a 21-win Lock Haven team into a 38-win team in his first season with them.

On the episode we discuss Coach's philosophies and how he leads his player and has led his players in the past. His perspective on winning sustaining success is very interesting as well as his ability to know players.

Give the discussion a listen to learn about Coach Chester's path to becoming a Division 1 Coach, what he's learned on the way, and how it can elevate your game! 

Our website consists of over 500 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring professional and collegiate coaches and players.   

Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve to know what it takes to make it to the next level and how to win.    

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out!  

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. 

Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

On this podcast episode, we are joined by Nick Puccio, Assistant Coach at Northeastern University. His perspective of the game has allowed his players to grow based on their own skills.  

His experience with coaching and recruiting has opened his eyes to see facets within the game he never knew.  

We discuss the importance of having an approach at the plate and what it does for a hitter's consistency.  

Coach Puccio also goes into detail about translating hard work into the game and the significance in fully understanding statistical value.  

Hear the stories and hear the truth from Coach Puccio by listening to the full episode.  

Our website consists of over 500 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring professional and collegiate coaches and players. Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve to know what it takes to make it to the next level and how to win. 

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out!  Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers.

Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

Grand Canyon University Head Coach Andy Stankiewicz joins us on a very interesting podcast episode about his experience as a coach and a player. As youth baseball players grow up, the game evolves right in front if their eyes; are they evolving with it?

In the Major League, Coach Stankiewicz played middle infield for the New York Yankees, Montreal Expos, Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Houston Astros. While there, he was able to learn not only what it takes to make it there, but to stay there. 

Andy knows the way of the game and how to play it well, listen to the full episode to learn about it and how it could help you!

Our website consists of over 500 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring professional and collegiate coaches and players.   

Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve to know what it takes to make it to the next level and how to win.    

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out!  

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

Mike Armstrong is at the helm of the Alfred State College Baseball program and has had the ability to implement and establish a culture of center out leadership. This practice allows his players to learn from themselves and be in the present moment.

Through his own studies and mentorship, Armstrong has been able to develop his own personal practices to lead his team in a better manner. 

The practices done within his program are life-changing as well as they are tools to become a better baseball player. How has this impacted his team and how can it play a major role for success for your team? Listen to the full episode to learn!

Our website consists of over 500 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring professional and collegiate coaches and players.   

Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve to know what it takes to make it to the next level and how to win.    

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out!  

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. 

Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

Tyler Simmons is the Director of Player Development for UNC Charlotte Baseball; it is his job to use and understand modern baseball technology and translating it into proper development. New technology such as Rapsodo and Blast Motion are becoming more popular every day.

Coach Simmons breaks down topics such as bat speed, launch angle, ball spin, and exit velocity. Due to his experience and knowledge within the game of baseball, he is able to use modern technology to acquire data and help players improve.

Listen to this Figure It Out Baseball episode to develop an understanding of new technology in baseball and how useful it can be!

Our website offers over 500 free videos and podcasts that can elevate your game as a coach or a player. If you are seeking truthful answers that will help you and your team, visit our website!  

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

Billy Barker is an Assistant Coach at Paradise Valley Community College and he has learned a lot of great things early on. As a young coach, he now understands that communication and making relationships with players are keys to a successful program. Coaching without an ego is one of his strong suits and it allows him to assist players through the transition from high school to college baseball. 

Listen to the full podcast to hear about other topics such as using constraints on hitters and how each role as a catcher, receiving, blocking, and throwing, impacts the run game.

What is Figure It Out Baseball? We serve as your insider's guide to the path from "talented high school baseball player" to "prepared, successful college baseball player." We are driven to help you (or your son) reach his goal of playing college baseball by taking the real questions that you have about the recruiting process, and having those questions answered by real live college baseball coaches. 

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out!  

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

Coaches! This Figure It Out Baseball podcast features Dave Serrano, Head Coach at the California State University Northridge. Coach Serrano has coached at multiple schools where he created a winning environment, including California State University Fullerton, UC Irvine, and the University of Tennessee. Not only has he learned how to make achievements on the field, but also as a coach. From a coaching standpoint, Dave discusses the importance of displaying a strong attention to detail. Doing the little things correctly is a key component to consistency.

From his long experience in baseball, he has learned tools that can help players and coaches make strides and create opportunities. How does this happen? Listen to the full podcast to hear what Coach Serrano learned about making connections and how it translates to his diverse and successful baseball background.

What is Figure It Out Baseball? We serve as your insider's guide to the path from "talented high school baseball player" to "prepared, successful college baseball player." We are driven to help you (or your son) reach his goal of playing college baseball by taking the real questions that you have about the recruiting process, and having those questions answered by real live college baseball coaches. 

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out!  

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

What does it take to re-model a hitter who has played the game for so long? As a hitting instructor with an extensive background in baseball, Dave Kiriloff established The Language of Hitting. Dave offers content regarding the neuroscience and biomechanics that come with being in the batter's box. On this podcast we discuss multiple facets of hitting, including timing, focusing in the box, and even the importance of taking batting practice with intent. What does he teach and why does he teach it? Listen to find out and to hear the influence Coach Kiriloff has had on countless hitters.

What is Figure It Out Baseball? We serve as your insider's guide to the path from "talented high school baseball player" to "prepared, successful college baseball player." We are driven to help you (or your son) reach his goal of playing college baseball by taking the real questions that you have about the recruiting process, and having those questions answered by real live college baseball coaches. 

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out! 

 Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

Coach Franklin is a very versatile baseball coach, at all levels of the game, Jared has gained knowledge and experience that has re-shaped his perspective of baseball. Now coaching at Fordham University, his experience has made his baseball mind a lot more wealthy. Everybody wants to win, but its the actions done before game day that builds the success. Being good requires practice and attention, and repetitively doing both can help us build an identity as a player or coach. Listen to the full podcast to understand why knowing yourself as a player and coach can positively change the way you perform.

 What is Figure It Out Baseball? We serve as your insider's guide to the path from "talented high school baseball player" to "prepared, successful college baseball player." We are driven to help you (or your son) reach his goal of playing college baseball by taking the real questions that you have about the recruiting process, and having those questions answered by real live college baseball coaches. 

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out! 

 Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

At Widener University, Mike LaRosa has experienced a decade of college baseball as the head coach. During his time, he has made realizations about the culture of his organization and the players/coaches within. On this podcast, Coach LaRosa discusses the actions he took to create a hard working core of dedicated individuals and turned it into the team's identity. 

Listen to the full episode to hear a vast amount of knowledge and experience from the viewpoint of a college baseball coach and how it translates to responsibility on and off the field.

What is Figure It Out Baseball? We serve as your insider's guide to the path from "talented high school baseball player" to "prepared, successful college baseball player." We are driven to help you (or your son) reach his goal of playing college baseball by taking the real questions that you have about the recruiting process, and having those questions answered by real live college baseball coaches. 

The recruiting process can be very confusing. 

Let us help you to Figure It Out!  Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

Nick Bredeson, assistant coach at Ohio University joins us on this podcast to discuss multiple topics within the catcher position. Nick coaches the catchers primarily at OU and also played for the team before joining the coaching staff. Being behind the plate consists of a lot of awareness and athleticism, and Coach Bredeson explains the qualities and traits needed to embody success.

What is Figure It Out Baseball? We serve as your insider's guide to the path from "talented high school baseball player" to "prepared, successful college baseball player." We are driven to help you (or your son) reach his goal of playing college baseball by taking the real questions that you have about the recruiting process, and having those questions answered by real live college baseball coaches. 

The recruiting process can be very confusing.

 Let us help you to Figure It Out!  Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

On this podcast, Figure It Out Baseball's Jeff Stanek talks to the head coach of San Francisco State, Tony Schifano about leadership, athleticism, and many more topics within the game of baseball. Coach Schifano goes into depth about his process of recruiting and developing players, aiming for success, and being open-minded. With success comes an abundance of diligence and attention, and Schifano knows this well. Along with this podcast comes a great story based on true experience of coaching competitive baseball at the collegiate level. 

Coach Schifano's perspective on baseball allows him to understand the value of team unity. After years of coaching and listening to his players, he has been able to implement a culture of success on and off the field. Listen to the full podcast episode to learn more!

What is Figure It Out Baseball? We serve as your insider's guide to the path from "talented high school baseball player" to "prepared, successful college baseball player." We are driven to help you (or your son) reach his goal of playing college baseball by taking the real questions that you have about the recruiting process, and having those questions answered by real live college baseball coaches. 

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out!  

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

In this Figure It Out Baseball podcast, Trevor Burmeister answers questions using his experience as a professional coach and a former college player. The topics covered in this podcast are great for young players and coaches at all levels regarding the process of being a successful hitter and a smart player.  

What is Figure It Out Baseball? We serve as your insider's guide to the path from "talented high school baseball player" to "prepared, successful college baseball player." We are driven to help you (or your son) reach his goal of playing college baseball by taking the real questions that you have about the recruiting process, and having those questions answered by real live college baseball coaches. The recruiting process can be very confusing. 

Let us help you to Figure It Out!  Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

On this episode, we are joined by Tom Walter, Head Coach at Wake Forest. We talk about the significance of building trust with the team and the players in order to produce hard-working individuals that play hard for the team. The conversation leads us into a great team-building exercise that presents truth and opportunity; you don't want to miss it!

Coach Walter also talks about the reality of Division I Baseball and how much work it takes to maintain success on and off the field.

Listen to the full episode to hear more about the atmosphere of the Deacons Baseball program, including their $14 Million Pitching Facility that strengthens and keeps their pitchers healthy and ready to compete at the highest level.

Our website consists of over 500 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring professional and collegiate coaches and players.

Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve to know what it takes to make it to the next level and how to win.

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out!

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

Frye goes into depth about playing the game the right way and evolving as your own player rather than evolving with the game. What's Jeff's message to all kids playing baseball?

Just play and have fun.

Our website consists of over 500 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring professional and collegiate coaches and players.

Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve to know what it takes to make it to the next level and how to win.

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out!

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.

On this episode of the Figure It Out Baseball, we are joined by Divison I UMBC's Head Coach, Liam Bowen. Coach Bowen entered the program at the helm of the pitching staff, and lowered their combined ERA by 6 points in his first 3 years.

Coach Bowen's perspective on the game of baseball is different from the average coach and his immense knowledge on pitching has allowed him to craft a great foundation for his team. 

Listen to the full episode to hear everything pitching, including strength, velocity, ball flight, process, mentality, and so many more topics that can help you or your players elevate performance on the mound.

Our website consists of over 500 FREE videos and podcast episodes featuring professional and collegiate coaches and players.

Baseball players and coaches like YOU deserve to know what it takes to make it to the next level and how to win.

The recruiting process can be very confusing. Let us help you to Figure It Out!

Figure It Out Baseball. Real college coaches. Real honest answers. Visit www.figureitoutbaseball.com.