New England Baseball Journal’s The Base Path

Dan Guttenplan interviews Belmont Hill head baseball coach David Cunningham, who is entering his fourth season. Cunningham discusses preseason anxiety, returning players and using early March tryouts and scrimmages to build toward an ISL title after reaching last year’s championship game. He explains Belmont Hill’s intentional choice to stay north instead of taking spring trips, relying on indoor cages, turf fields and local scrimmages, and he describes his mentorship under legendary coach Mike Grant and his own emphasis on the mental side of the game. They cover the hectic ISL schedule, recruiting for Belmont Hill (including reclassifying), collaborating with club coaches and camps for college placement, ISL parity and the tournament format, and the value of multisport athletes. A “Three Up, Three Down” segment debates cold-weather baseball, Hall of Fame standards, and loudest stadium memories. Topics 01:10 Preseason Mindset 02:25 Motivation After Finals 03:43 Staying North For Prep 04:51 Indoor Turf Workarounds 06:05 Coach Mike Grant Legacy 07:56 Mental Game Coaching 09:46 In-Season Weekly Grind 11:18 Recruiting For Prep 13:29 College Recruiting Help 15:48 ISL Parity and Prep 18:24 Thoughts On ISL Tournament 20:10 Standing Out In ISL 20:56 Belmont Hill Values 21:38 Baseball Culture and Support 22:01 Boarding Limits Explained 22:39 Why Multi-Sport Matters 24:39 Recruiting Where to Watch 26:01 Video and Evaluation Tips 27:20 "Three Up, Three Down" 28:04 Is Baseball Too Cold? 30:52 Hall of Fame Standards 34:18 Loudest Stadium Memories 37:55 Final Thanks and Wrap

Dan Guttenplan interviews Central Connecticut State coach Charlie Hickey, the longest-tenured Division 1 coach in New England, about how college baseball has changed with the transfer portal, NIL, and accelerated recruiting. Hickey discusses CCSU’s late February start, training indoors during winter, and the challenges of recruiting in the Northeast. He shares what he looks for in players, balancing freshman development with experienced transfers, and replacing key pitching innings. They cover fall practice benefits, conference title expectations, and the difficulty mid-majors face in NCAA regionals vs. SEC/ACC depth. Hickey also critiques showcase velocity culture and injury risk. “Three Up, Three Down” explores fandom, clutch hitters and baseball’s golden age. Topics 01:00 30-Plus Years in College Baseball: What’s Changed (Portal, NIL, Longevity) 02:28 Opening Day Prep in New England: Snow, Travel and Gym Workouts 04:16 Recruiting in the Northeast: Finding the Right Fit 05:33 Showcases vs. Real Baseball: Traits Coaches Still Value 07:54 Transfer Portal Strategy: Balancing Older Transfers and Freshmen 09:59 Where to Evaluate Players: High School Coaches, Visits and Practices 11:35 Recruiting Timeline and Identifying Undervalued Prospects 13:30 What a D-1 Year Really Looks Like: Fall Ball, Winter Build-Up, Early Starts 17:43 Sustained Success at CCSU: Conference Titles, Scheduling and Replacing Stars 20:15 Can Mid-Majors Compete in Regionals in the NIL Era? 22:24 Velocity Obsession and Arm Injuries: Mixed Messages in Modern Pitching 25:53 Three Up, Three Down: Why We Root for Teams 29:20 Game 7 Pinch-Hit Draft: Who Gets the Clutch Base Hit? 31:15 The Golden Age of Baseball (and Can We Get It Back?) 35:16 Wrap-Up, Thanks, and Where to Subscribe

Dan Guttenplan speaks with Andrew Dickson, the coach at Choate Rosemary Hall, about his successful efforts to build a competitive baseball program in the Founders League. Coach Dickson shares insights into his priorities when he first took over the program, including increasing the number of college-bound players and establishing a strong team culture. They discuss the recruitment process, the impact of the transfer portal on college baseball, and the importance of player development. Additionally, Dickson talks about his experiences and mentors from his previous coaching roles and how these have influenced his coaching style.  Topics 00:40 Building a Competitive Program at Choate Rosemary Hall 03:03 Recruitment Strategies and Challenges 08:14 Establishing a Winning Culture 09:15 Personality Assessments in Coaching 12:06 Mentors and Influences in Coaching 14:03 Sustaining Success and Future Goals 25:04 "Three Up, Three Down": Fun Baseball Questions 30:31 Conclusion and Farewell

Dan welcomes assistant coaches James Simboli and Dylan Sanchez from the Salisbury School coaching staff. They discuss the legacy of their late coach Kevin Huber, who recently passed away. The conversation covers Kevin’s impact on players, his coaching style, and reminiscences from both coaches’ experiences. They also talk about how the team will move forward while honoring Kevin’s memory and the values he instilled in the program. The episode highlights the importance of togetherness and the continued support needed to uphold the program's foundation.   GoFundMe page for Kevin Huber: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-coach-kevin-john-huber   Topics 00:20 Remembering Coach Kevin Huber 00:47 Memorial Service Reflections 01:53 Personal Stories and Impressions 03:23 Coaching Style and Impact 12:51 Interactions with Assistant Coaches 15:42 Continuing the Legacy 18:02 Looking Ahead to the Season 24:02 Final Thoughts and How to Help

Dan Guttenplan interviews Pat Moriarty, head coach of the Deerfield Academy baseball team. Moriarty discusses his journey from coaching at Springfield Cathedral to Deerfield, where he turned a struggling program into a championship contender. The conversation covers recruiting strategies, building a strong team culture, and the importance of player development both on and off the field. Moriarty also reflects on the mental and physical preparation required for youth baseball players and shares his personal experiences with coaching his son's youth baseball teams. The episode concludes with insights into Deerfield's outlook for the upcoming season. Topics 01:12 Pat Moriarty's Coaching Journey 03:27 Building a Winning Program at Deerfield 05:57 Recruiting Strategies and Challenges 16:40 Player Development and Training 26:51 "Three Up, Three Down" Segment 34:40 Conclusion and Farewell

Dan Guttenplan sits down with Marc Deschenes, the new owner of the Lowell Spinners, a Futures Collegiate Baseball League team. Mark shares his journey from nearly missing out on baseball in Lowell to reviving the Spinners with a focus on community engagement and player development. He discusses the strategic assembly of the new ownership group, which includes notable baseball figures like Johnny Damon and Jonathan Papelbon. Mark also delves into his professional baseball career, touching on his experiences with the Cleveland Indians and his transition into business with Pison Technologies, a company that develops wearable cognitive training tools. The episode wraps up with a fun segment of baseball trivia and memorable moments. Topics 00:40 Background of the Lowell Spinners 01:33 Formation of the New Ownership Group 03:03 Building the Team and Community Engagement 04:36 Roster Development and Recruitment 08:49 Promotions and Fan Experience 14:31 Professional Baseball Journey 21:19 Career Decisions and Transition from Baseball 22:22 Introduction to Pison Technologies 23:44 How Pison Technologies Enhances Baseball Performance 26:56 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball Memories and Trivia 37:04 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

Dan is joined by Scott Patterson, founder of Northeast Baseball, who discusses the intricacies and evolution of travel baseball programs in New England. Scott shares his experiences and insights from the recent WWBA tournaments, the pivotal Fort Myers and Jupiter events, and explains how these tournaments serve as major recruiting platforms. The conversation delves into the challenges of modern-day baseball recruiting, the importance of relationships in the recruiting process, and the impact of new recruiting rules. Scott also narrates the development processes for his players, touching on their off-season training, the significance of finding the right college fit, and the role of relationships with college coaches. The episode concludes with a fun segment 'Three Up, Three Down,' discussing quirky baseball moments, knuckleball pitchers, and memorable MLB events.   Topics 00:29 Overview of WWBA Events 01:37 Recruiting Focus at Fort Myers 02:12 Changes in Jupiter Event 04:37 Importance of Relationships in Recruiting 08:08 Challenges in High School Recruiting 16:49 Assembling Fall Rosters 19:57 Winter Preparations at NEB 22:54 NEB Facility and Culture 24:52 Developing Better Baseball Players and Human Beings 25:09 Prime Location and Diverse Training Opportunities 26:04 Success Stories of Young Athletes 28:42 Vision for a Travel Baseball Program 31:13 Three Up, Three Down Segment 31:54 Memorable and Unlikely Baseball Moments 39:05 The Art of the Knuckleball 43:19 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Dan speaks with Chris Costello, head coach at Walpole High School and coach for the Northeast Gators travel ball team. They discuss Walpole's successful season, the team's journey and challenges, and Costello's coaching influences. The conversation also touches on Costello's perspective on high school baseball development, the role of travel baseball, and recruiting strategies. The episode concludes with a segment featuring controversial baseball rules and their implications, offering deep insights and personal anecdotes from Costello's extensive experience in the sport.   Topics 00:42 Reflecting on the Championship Season 01:36 Overcoming Past Challenges 03:01 Coaching Journey and Influences 04:22 The Talent of 2019 and the Super Eight Tournament 05:28 Cam Schlittler's Development 07:55 Northeast Gators and Travel Baseball 09:10 Recruiting Challenges and Advice 16:35 Team Massachusetts and the Omaha Experience 21:08 Specialization vs. Multi-Sport Athletes 24:14 The Importance of Playing Multiple Sports 25:56 Transitioning from Professional Baseball to Coaching 26:46 Building a Coaching Career in Walpole 28:15 Rivalries and Traditions in Massachusetts Baseball 29:22 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball's Controversial Rules 33:42 The Chase Utley Rule and Player Safety 36:53 The Ghost Runner Debate 41:19 Conclusion and Farewell

Dan dives into the remarkable story of Dom Driscoll, a sophomore baseball prospect from Middleborough High School, and his father, Bill Driscoll. Dom shares how he overcame a congenital heart condition, underwent multiple surgeries from birth, and defied medical expectations to become one of the top baseball prospects in the class of 2028. The episode delves into the emotional journey from diagnosis to recovery, the importance of support from family and mentors, and Dominic's unwavering determination to excel despite his condition. Also featured are discussions on favorite batting stances and memorable baseball cards, adding a touch of nostalgia and fun to the conversation.   Topics 00:23 Dom Driscoll's Early Life and Diagnosis 05:13 Overcoming Adversity: Dominic's Surgeries and Recovery 09:32 Dom's Passion for Baseball 10:52 Joining the Team and Early Challenges 13:57 Building a Home Gym and Batting Cage 18:27 Inspiring Others: The Greg Olsen Connection 19:55 A Dream Come True: Fenway Park Experience 20:49 Unexpected Banquet Surprise 21:10 Make-A-Wish Journey 24:04 NEB and Training Commitment 27:31 Three Up, Three Down Segment 37:27 Conclusion and Farewell

Dan talks to David Cataruzolo, head coach at Roxbury Latin, discussing various aspects of Independent School League (ISL) baseball. Topics include changes to the ISL fall season rules, the introduction of post-season tournaments, and a review of Roxbury Latin’s performance in previous seasons. Razo highlights the team's young roster and returning key pitchers for the upcoming season. The conversation covers coaching strategies across different sports, the balance between academic and athletic excellence at Roxbury Latin, and the recruitment challenges both for the school and for players aiming to play college baseball. Razo also shares personal insights into his coaching philosophy, influenced by his upbringing with legally blind parents, and discusses the importance of fostering team unity and player development.   Topics 00:37 ISL Fall Season Changes 01:38 ISL Post-Season Tournament 02:56 Reflecting on Last Season 04:05 Team Dynamics and Key Players 05:06 Fall Season Activities and Philosophy 06:14 Coaching Hockey vs. Baseball 08:33 Transition to Coaching 11:11 Recruiting for Roxbury Latin 15:28 ISL Competitors and Season Outlook 16:47 Personal Background and Coaching Philosophy 20:52 Three Up, Three Down Segment 28:36 Conclusion and Farewell

Dan interviews Sean Callahan, the new Head Coach of Stonehill College's baseball team. Callahan discusses his transition from assistant to head coach, his recruiting philosophy, and his approach to building a cohesive team. He shares insights about the differences in recruiting from the transfer portal versus high school prospects, and the importance of loyalty and culture in his program. Callahan also reflects on his previous coaching experience at Framingham State and his time with the Cape Cod League's Hyannis Harbor Hawks. The podcast concludes with a segment called 'Three Up, Three Down,' where Callahan and Guttenplan answer questions about baseball stadiums, underrated players, and memorable postseason moments.   Topics 00:14 Meet Sean Callahan: New Head Coach at Stonehill 00:30 Transitioning to Head Coach: Challenges and Strategies 01:09 Recruiting Philosophy and Strategies 02:10 Balancing High School and Portal Recruits 04:09 Building a Competitive Team: Offense and Defense 05:35 Success at the Division One Level 06:45 Sean Callahan's Journey Back to Stonehill 09:41 Advice for Aspiring Stonehill Players 12:03 Strength and Conditioning Program 13:41 Summer Communication and Player Development 16:01 Team Cohesion and Mental Health 17:47 Coaching Experience in the Cape Cod League 19:43 Sean Callahan's Playing Career and Transition to Coaching 21:43 Three Up, Three Down: Fun Q&A Segment 28:17 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

Dan welcomes the manager of Shrewsbury Legion Post 397, Frank Vaccaro. The discussion covers the recruitment of top players, the benefits of Legion baseball over AAU programs, and the holistic development offered by Legion's team-oriented environment. Vaccaro emphasizes the importance of teamwork, life lessons, and realistic college placement goals rather than the costly promises often associated with AAU baseball.    Topics 00:17 Guest Introduction: Frank Vaccaro 00:31 The Rise of American Legion Baseball 00:57 Recruitment and Team Philosophy 01:47 The Importance of Teamwork 04:21 Player Development and College Recruitment 07:16 Challenges of College Transfers 08:55 Coaching and Costs in Legion vs. Travel Baseball 14:19 Legion Baseball Schedule and Player Development 18:03 Advice for Aspiring College Players 19:58 College Recruitment and Scholarships 21:27 Realistic Expectations in Baseball 22:28 Life Lessons from Baseball 23:22 Three Up, Three Down Segment Introduction 23:52 First Baseball Memories 25:50 Most Iconic Baseball Records 28:30 Players to Remember 33:32 Concluding Remarks

Dan interviews Coach Mike Glavine from Northeastern Baseball. The discussion covers the team's achievements, including 17 shutouts and 49 wins, the role of senior leadership, and the impact of new and transfer players. Coach Glavine emphasizes the importance of a strong support staff and teamwork. They also talk about recruiting strategies, player development, and the balancing act between traditional coaching methods and new technologies. The episode concludes with a segment on baseball strategy, including the intentional walk, pitching changes, and the resurgence of small ball in modern baseball.   Topics 00:41 Recap of an Incredible Season 02:33 Challenges and Strategies 05:21 Coaching Staff Changes 07:47 Player Turnover and Recruitment 11:07 Recruiting Philosophy and Process 16:39 Summer Recruiting and Future Prospects 22:14 Navigating the Recruitment Process 23:18 The Competitive Landscape of New England College Baseball 24:39 The Impact of Pitcher Velocity and Injuries 28:57 Embracing Technology in Baseball Training 33:16 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball Strategy Discussion 44:22 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Dan is joined by newly appointed Brown University baseball coach Frank Holbrook to discuss the whirlwind process of his recent hiring, transitioning from his previous role at Northeastern University, and his vision for the future of Brown's baseball program. Holbrook shares insights into the recruiting landscape, the development of facilities, and his coaching philosophy, emphasizing a dynamic and relentless playing style. He also highlights the support and encouragement from his former colleagues at Northeastern and provides a sneak peek into the aggressive approach Brown will undertake to build a robust and competitive team.   Topics 00:27 Frank Holbrook's Hiring Process 02:06 Coaching Journey: From Wheaton to Northeastern 08:33 Recruiting Philosophy and Strategy at Brown 10:01 Building a Coaching Staff 15:37 Future Plans and Vision for Brown Baseball 27:55 Conclusion and Farewell

Dan and Pat Donnelly offer a comprehensive recap of the MIAA State Baseball Tournament as it heads into its final weekend. They delve into notable performances and players from the tournament, discussing state championship matchups across divisions, including standout teams like Braintree, Chelmsford, and Walpole. The discussion also covers predictions for the finals, player injuries, and candidates for MIAA Player of the Year. The episode closes with a segment on stolen bases' value in modern baseball and personal reflections on memorable rookie seasons. Additionally, a touching tribute to Cape Cod League Hall of Famer Sol Yas.   Topics 01:10 Division 1 Tournament Recap 03:32 Braintree's Journey to the Finals 06:24 Chelmsford's Impressive Run 11:58 Division 2 Tournament Highlights 17:24 Division 3 Tournament Surprises 20:56 Division 4 and 5 Tournament Insights 25:26 MIAA Player of the Year Discussion 25:53 Shoutouts to Top Performers 26:44 State Tournament Highlights 29:54 Narrowing Down the Finalists 35:07 Three Up, Three Down Segment 35:43 Memorable Rookie Seasons 39:34 Underachieving Teams Discussion 44:53 The Value of Stolen Bases 47:56 Heartfelt Tribute and Closing Remarks

Todd Mathewson, the champion coach of the Western New England Prep Baseball League from Canterbury School, joins to discuss his team's recent championship victory over Cheshire Academy. Mathewson shares insights into the emotional journey of achieving the win after years of close calls, breaking down game strategies and key moments of the season. He also talks about the selection process for Post-Graduate players, the rising interest in Canterbury's baseball program, and the impact of a strong supporting community. The episode wraps up with a fun segment, 'Three Up, Three Down,' where favorite baseball stances, intimidation on the mound, and fiery managers are discussed. Topics 00:32 Championship Game Emotions and Highlights 02:23 Western New England Prep Baseball League Overview 04:25 Tournament Strategy and Key Players 06:54 Celebration and Community Support 08:29 Recruitment and Program Growth 11:15 Postgraduate Year Insights 16:32 Coaching Philosophy and Personal Journey 22:49 Three Up, Three Down Segment 30:47 Closing Remarks

Dan and guest Pat Donnelly provide immediate and in-depth reactions to the freshly released MIAA baseball brackets. Recorded just half an hour after the brackets were unveiled, they discuss teams to watch, potential upsets, and who they believe will make it through to the later rounds, including final four predictions and eventual champions across various divisions. The episode particularly focuses on Division One and Two, with key insights on teams like Taunton, Xaverian, St. John's Shrewsbury, Plymouth North, Redding, and several others. Lesser-covered divisions like Three, Four, and Five are also briefly discussed.    Topics 00:00 Introduction and Instant Reactions to MIAA Baseball Brackets 00:54 Division One Breakdown: Top Seeds and Key Matchups 03:11 Teams to Watch: Dark Horses and Potential Upsets 08:55 Final Four Predictions and Key Players 14:34 Division Two Overview: Defending Champions and Top Contenders 15:06 Top Teams and Key Players in Division One 15:55 Underdogs and Lower Seeds to Watch 18:04 Predictions for Final Four and Potential Upsets 22:41 Division Three Highlights and Contenders 28:15 Division Four and Five Overview 31:14 Closing Thoughts and Podcast Wrap-Up

The guest is ISL champion Lawrence coach Chris Margraf. Dan and Chris discuss his team’s journey to winning the ISL tournament, the strategic decisions made during games, the evolution of high school baseball with more specialized athletes, and the importance of team chemistry. They also delve into the nuances of field management, decision-making under pressure, and the changing landscape of youth sports. The episode concludes with a 'Three Up, Three Down' segment featuring baseball dilemmas and Hall of Fame debates. Topics 00:14 Reflecting on the ISL Championship 01:01 The Evolution of Prep School Baseball 02:13 Challenges and Strategies in the Playoffs 03:56 Pitching Decisions and Game Dynamics 05:06 Coaching Decisions and Game Management 06:24 The Impact of Key Players 06:56 Navigating the DH Rule and Game Scenarios 08:22 The Emotional Rollercoaster of the Championship Game 13:27 Post-Game Reflections and Umpire Decisions 17:44 Player Development and Future Prospects 21:41 The Changing Landscape of High School Sports 26:30 The Importance of Nuances in Baseball 27:33 The Evolution of Multi-Sport Athletes 28:38 Specialization and Its Impact on Players 29:19 The Role of AAU Programs 30:39 Team Dynamics and Baseball IQ 34:19 Three Up, Three Down Segment Introduction 34:51 Hall of Fame Dilemmas 40:15 Ethical Dilemmas in Baseball 46:29 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Dan and co-host Pat Donnelly provide a comprehensive mid-season review of prep baseball in New England. The discussion focuses on various leagues, including the ISL, NEPSAC, and independent teams. Key highlights include favorited teams like St. Sebastian's, Roxbury Latin, and Lawrence Academy and predictions for awards and championships. The podcast also explores noteworthy statistics and emerging talents, offering in-depth insights into the current prep baseball scene.     Topics 01:06 ISL Favorites: St. Sebastian's, Roxbury Latin, and Lawrence Academy 06:13 ISL Contenders: Nobles, Tabor, and Belmont Hill 10:48 ISL Bubble Teams: Milton Academy, BB&N, and Others 14:19 ISL Awards Predictions 18:02 NEPSAC Founders League 20:21 Central New England: Deerfield's Dominance 21:48 Western New England League Dominance 22:58 Fairchester Athletic Association Showdown 23:58 Independent Teams Spotlight 26:53 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball Insights

A midseason review of New England high school baseball with beat reporter Pat Donnelly. Dan and Pat discuss the performance of Catholic conference schools, standout teams, and key players. Topics include the unpredictable top 10 rankings, the competitive nature of the Catholic and Bay State Conferences, dominant individual performances, and predictions for state championships.  Topics 00:30 Catholic Conference Teams Overview 02:18 Xaverian's Strong Season 03:49 BC High's Challenges and Comebacks 06:01 St. John Shrewsbury's Performance 07:56 Braintree and Bay State Conference 09:39 Taunton and King Philip Highlights 13:21 Newton South's Turnaround 14:39 Mid-Season Questions and Predictions 20:21 Brody's Recovery and Future Plans 21:03 State Championship Predictions 23:18 Three Up, Three Down Segment 24:00 Catching a Foul Ball at a Major League Game 27:32 Unusual Baseball Moments 34:05 Judging a Ballpark's Quality 36:19 Conclusion and Credits