ABCA Podcast

We’re closing the book on the 82nd Annual ABCA Convention with a special post-convention wrap-up episode featuring several key ABCA member leaders who helped make the week such a success. In this episode, we check in with several ABCA Officers: Chris Pollard – NCAA Division I Committee Chair Jim Cahill – ABCA Second Vice President and 2026 Main Stage Clinics coordinator Jordan Baltimore – Newly-elected ABCA Youth Committee Chair Jeff Willis – Junior College Committee Chair Together, they reflect on the energy, education, and impact of Convention Week, share takeaways from their respective areas, and discuss what made this year’s event so special. A huge thank you to everyone who attended in person or participated online. The feedback from coaches, committee members, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors has been overwhelmingly positive and we can’t wait to do it again. See you January 7–10, 2027 in Chicago! If you run a baseball facility, Swift is the only piece of software you need to manage & grow your business. From scheduling and payments to memberships and retail - Swift takes care of it all. Your coaches can use the app to manage their schedule on the go. And your customers have a sleek & fast way to book online. Lessons, rentals, camps, packages, and more - all in one spot. That’s why hundreds of the best baseball facilities across the country rely on Swift. And now, with their upcoming “AI Front Desk”, you can literally put your business on autopilot. Get started in minutes at runswiftapp.com/abca. Spend less time behind the screen, and more time on the field. The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more. Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:https://abca.castos.comhttps://www.abca.org/podcastOnline: https://www.abca.orgABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

For the first time ever the World’s Largest Baseball Convention will be heading to Columbus, OH for the 82nd annual ABCA Convention. Today’s episode covers everything you need to know about the convention hearing from Craig Keilitz, Jon Litchfield, Kurt Birkins, Juahn Clark, Zach Haile and Ryan Brownlee. Our goal every year is to make this a wonderful experience for our attendees, guests, sponsors and exhibitors. I hope you enjoy, and we look forward to seeing everyone at the 82nd ABCA Convention on January 8th through the 11th. Thanks again for your support and trust. Here is to a great show for everyone! If you run a baseball facility, Swift is the only piece of software you need to manage & grow your business. From scheduling and payments to memberships and retail - Swift takes care of it all. Your coaches can use the app to manage their schedule on the go. And your customers have a sleek & fast way to book online. Lessons, rentals, camps, packages, and more - all in one spot. That’s why hundreds of the best baseball facilities across the country rely on Swift. And now, with their upcoming “AI Front Desk”, you can literally put your business on auto-pilot. Get started in minutes at runswiftapp.com/abca. Spend less time behind the screen, and more time on the field. The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more. Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:https://abca.castos.comhttps://www.abca.org/podcastOnline: https://www.abca.orgABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

Safe travels to all the coaches headed to Columbus this week! The ABCA is excited to welcome everyone for the 82nd annual ABCA Convention. Stay tuned as the Convention Preview Episode drops this Wednesday, January 7th to help make your trip and on-site experience as smooth as possible! Kicking off convention week on the ABCA Podcast is Lyndon Coleman, head coach at Pasco-Hernando State College and the 2025 ABCA/ATEC NJCAA Division II Coach of the Year. Coleman led the Bobcats to their first-ever NJCAA National Championship this past spring, capping a remarkable rise since taking over as head coach in 2019. This March, he was also named Athletic Director, following in the footsteps of PHSC legend Steve Winterling—adding another chapter to a career deeply rooted in the program as a former player, assistant coach, and now leader. Under Coleman’s leadership, PHSC owns a 219-125-1 overall record, including 126-75 as head coach. He earned his 100th career win in just his third full season (March 7, 2022) and has guided the Bobcats to five NJCAA DII Region 8 titles and five trips to the NJCAA DII Southeast District 10 Tournament in North Carolina. Despite spending the first six years without a conference affiliation, Coleman still built a national contender. When PHSC joined the Sun-Lakes Conference, the Bobcats immediately won the regular season title. In Coleman’s first season as head coach, PHSC also finished third at the NJCAA DII World Series in Enid, Oklahoma—earning him NJCAA and ABCA Southeast District Coach of the Year honors. In this episode, Coach Coleman breaks down program building, championship culture, leadership growth, and the lessons learned along the journey to a national title.

Brian Johnson is the founder of the social training platform Heroic, a Public Benefit Corporation focused on helping people flourish by embodying their "best, most Heroic self" through integrating ancient wisdom and modern science, with a goal for 51% of humanity to flourish by 2051. Johnson is the author of the book Areté and has worked with the Navy Seals, Notre Dame Football and the European Rider Cup Team. Johnson has a philosophy background and is known for distilling down complex ideas into practical tools, promoting themes of self-mastery, wisdom, courage, love, and helping individuals activate their potential. Johnson will be presenting on the main stage at the upcoming ABCA convention in Columbus, OH. In this episode, we cover a wide array of peak performance topics that will help everyone become the best version of themselves. Johnson also just released Philosopher’s Notes which he personally, not AI generated, condensed over 700 books to save reader’s time. Allowing leaders to focus on eight domains of wisdom which are energy, habits, stoicism, mental toughness, purpose, productivity, relationships and leadership. ABCA Podcast listeners can sign up at philsophersnotes.com/ABCA. If you run a baseball facility, Swift is the only piece of software you need to manage & grow your business. From scheduling and payments to memberships and retail - Swift takes care of it all. Your coaches can use the app to manage their schedule on the go. And your customers have a sleek & fast way to book online. Lessons, rentals, camps, packages, and more - all in one spot. That’s why hundreds of the best baseball facilities across the country rely on Swift. And now, with their upcoming “AI Front Desk”, you can literally put your business on auto-pilot. Get started in minutes at runswiftapp.com/abca. Spend less time behind the screen, and more time on the field. The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more. Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:https://abca.castos.comhttps://www.abca.org/podcastOnline: https://www.abca.orgABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

Next up on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by two of the most trusted voices in arm care and throwing development: Alan Jaeger and Randy Sullivan. Jaeger is the CEO and Founder of Jaeger Sports and has been at the forefront of arm health and mental performance in the baseball community for more than 30 years. Sullivan is the CEO and Founder of the Florida Baseball ARMory, author of eight books on pitching, and brings over three decades of experience in rehab, recovery, and high-performance development for throwing athletes. Together, Jaeger and Sullivan join the podcast to break down their free resource, the “Return to Throwing Manual & Schedule 2.0.” This conversation covers the why and how behind proper return-to-throwing protocols, common mistakes coaches and athletes make, and how to better protect arms while still preparing players to compete at a high level. This episode is packed with practical insight for coaches, players, parents, and trainers looking to better understand arm care, recovery timelines, and long-term development. If you run a baseball facility, Swift is the only piece of software you need to manage & grow your business. From scheduling and payments to memberships and retail - Swift takes care of it all. Your coaches can use the app to manage their schedule on the go. And your customers have a sleek & fast way to book online. Lessons, rentals, camps, packages, and more - all in one spot. That’s why hundreds of the best baseball facilities across the country rely on Swift. And now, with their upcoming “AI Front Desk”, you can literally put your business on auto-pilot. Get started in minutes at runswiftapp.com/abca. Spend less time behind the screen, and more time on the field. The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

We wrap up our 2026 ABCA Hall of Fame Class interviews with one of the most influential figures in college baseball history—Pat Casey. Over a coaching career that spanned more than three decades, Casey built programs defined by toughness, consistency, and championship standards. Casey began his head coaching career at George Fox University from 1988–1994, compiling a 171-113-1 (.602) record before taking over at Oregon State in 1995. During his 24 seasons in Corvallis, Casey transformed the Beavers into a national powerhouse, posting a 900-458-6 (.662) record and becoming the winningest coach in any sport in Oregon State history. He finished his collegiate career with 1,071 wins, a mark that places him among the all-time greats. Under Casey’s leadership, Oregon State made six College World Series appearances and became just the fifth program in NCAA history to win back-to-back national championships, capturing titles in 2006 and 2007. After adding a third national championship in 2018, Casey announced his retirement, closing one of the most accomplished coaching tenures the sport has ever seen. His impact has been recognized at every level, including: Three ABCA National Coach of the Year awards, Five Pac-10/12 Coach of the Year honors, Baseball America's College Coach of the Decade (2000–2009), and induction into the College Baseball Hall of Fame and Oregon State Athletics Hall of Fame (2024). In this episode, Coach Casey reflects on building a championship culture, sustaining excellence, and the leadership lessons that shaped Oregon State’s rise to the top of college baseball. New ABCA Podcast sponsor, Driveline, are long time friends and I have used many of their products when I was coaching and in youth camps now. If you want to truly optimize your pitchers' workload? PULSE from Driveline Baseball takes simple pitch counts to the next level. PULSE is a wearable sensor that precisely measures every throw your pitchers make on a daily basis. PULSE tracks both throw count and throw intensity.Trusted by MLB orginizations like the Cincinnati Reds, elite college programs, and individual athletes at all levels, PULSE is changing the way throwing workload is managed. With the PULSE Team Dashboard, you'll be able to make data-driven usage decisions to optimize training and injury prevention for your entire team. Visit drivelinebaseball.com/pulse to revolutionize your pitching staff's development and health today. The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Continuing our 2026 ABCA Hall of Fame Class interviews, this week’s ABCA Podcast features one of California’s most influential and respected baseball minds: Sam Piraro. With a career spanning high school, junior college, and NCAA Division I baseball, Piraro forged a legacy defined by program-building, competitive excellence, and lasting impact. Piraro’s head coaching journey began at Mission College (Calif.) from 1980-1986, where he took a brand-new program and turned it into a powerhouse. Over seven remarkable seasons, the Saints won two state championships (1981 & 1983) and five Coast Conference titles, laying the foundation for Piraro’s reputation as a transformative leader. In 1987, Piraro took over at San José State, where he led the Spartans for two stints (1987-2002, 2004-2012). His tenure produced the program’s first-ever College World Series appearance in 2000, and he became the school’s all-time wins leader, finishing with an 806-632-6 (.558) record at SJSU and a 996-702-9 (.583) overall collegiate mark. Along the way, he earned four WAC Coach of the Year awards and guided the Spartans to two NCAA Tournament berths, cementing his reputation as one of the nation’s top collegiate coaches. Piraro closed his head coaching career with a successful four-year stint (2015-2018) at Willow Glen High School, continuing to mentor young players and contribute to the California baseball community he helped shape. His accolades reflect a life spent elevating programs and people, including his induction into the California Community College Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame (second-youngest ever), inaugural inductee into the Mission Athletics Hall of Fame, and San José Sports Hall of Fame inductee. In this episode, Coach Piraro reflects on building programs from scratch, leading teams to the game’s biggest stages, and the lessons learned across a lifetime in baseball. Do you want to truly optimize your pitchers' workload? PULSE from Driveline Baseball takes simple pitch counts to the next level. PULSE is a wearable sensor that precisely measures every throw your pitchers make on a daily basis. PULSE tracks both throw count and throw intensity.Trusted by MLB organizations like the Cincinnati Reds, elite college programs, and individual athletes at all levels, PULSE is changing the way throwing workload is managed. With the PULSE Team Dashboard, you'll be able to make data-driven usage decisions to optimize training and injury prevention for your entire team. Visit drivelinebaseball.com/pulse to revolutionize your pitching staff's development and health today. The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more. 

Joining us this week on the ABCA Podcast is the 2025 ABCA/Soldier Sports High School Div. III Assistant Coach of the Year Saint Thomas Aquinas (KS) assistant coach, Michael Jacobs. Aquinas is coming off back-to-back Kansas Class 5A State Championships and fifth overall for the school. The Saints finished the season with a 27-4 record. Jacobs is a Kansas City native, Aquinas alum and pitched collegiately for the University of Iowa, graduating in 2010. Jacobs worked in banking before going back to get his teaching degree in 2014. Jacobs has great feel for developing amateur pitchers, so this is a deep dive into pitching development and arm health. New ABCA Podcast sponsor, Driveline, are long time friends and I have used many of their products when I was coaching and in youth camps now. If you want to truly optimize your pitchers' workload? PULSE from Driveline Baseball takes simple pitch counts to the next level. PULSE is a wearable sensor that precisely measures every throw your pitchers make on a daily basis. PULSE tracks both throw count and throw intensity.Trusted by MLB orginizations like the Cincinnati Reds, elite college programs, and individual athletes at all levels, PULSE is changing the way throwing workload is managed. With the PULSE Team Dashboard, you'll be able to make data-driven usage decisions to optimize training and injury prevention for your entire team. Visit drivelinebaseball.com/pulse to revolutionize your pitching staff's development and health today.The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more. Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:https://abca.castos.comhttps://www.abca.org/podcastOnline: https://www.abca.orgABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Terry Gobert, the legendary head coach at Jasper High School (IN) and one of the winningest high school baseball coaches in state history. Across 38 seasons, Gobert has built a true dynasty in Jasper, compiling an extraordinary 912-249 (.786) career record and becoming just the fifth coach in Indiana history to surpass the 900-win milestone. Gobert’s run of excellence includes six IHSAA state championships—tied for fourth all-time—along with four state runner-up finishes, 12 semi-state titles, 17 regional championships, and an incredible 27 sectional titles. His sustained success on the field is matched by the output of talent from his program, developing 15 players who went on to play NCAA Division I or professional baseball, including MLB Hall of Famer Scott Rolen and former NFL quarterback Matt Mauck. Inducted into the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007, Gobert’s place among the state’s coaching legends is cemented not only by wins and trophies but by his commitment to player development, competitive standards, and the long-term success of his athletes. In this episode, Coach Gobert reflects on nearly four decades of high-level consistency, the pillars of Jasper’s culture, and the lessons he has learned guiding one of the nation’s most respected high school programs. Do you want to truly optimize your pitchers' workload? PULSE from Driveline Baseball takes simple pitch counts to the next level. PULSE is a wearable sensor that precisely measures every throw your pitchers make on a daily basis. PULSE tracks both throw count and throw intensity.Trusted by MLB organizations like the Cincinnati Reds, elite college programs, and individual athletes at all levels, PULSE is changing the way throwing workload is managed. With the PULSE Team Dashboard, you'll be able to make data-driven usage decisions to optimize training and injury prevention for your entire team. Visit drivelinebaseball.com/pulse to revolutionize your pitching staff's development and health today. The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Jordan Schwellenbach, assistant coach at LSU Shreveport and the 2025 ABCA/Soldier Sports NAIA Assistant Coach of the Year. In his first season with the Pilots, Schwellenbach served as Recruiting Coordinator and Pitching Coach, helping steer LSUS to one of the greatest accomplishments in college baseball history — a perfect 59-0 season and the program’s first NAIA National Championship. Under his direction, the Pilots’ pitching staff delivered video-game numbers and shattered program and national records: 2.38 ERA (No. 1 nationally) .192 opponent batting average (No. 1 nationally) 0.98 WHIP (No. 1 nationally) Schwellenbach’s ability to develop arms, prepare game-ready plans, and instill mound presence was a key ingredient in LSUS’s undefeated run. Before arriving in Shreveport, he spent seven seasons at Central Methodist (Mo.), helping the Eagles to seven straight Opening Round appearances and a 2021 national runner-up finish. He previously spent three seasons at Saginaw Valley State University, continuing to refine his craft and build a reputation as an elite pitching mind. This episode dives deep into pitching development, building trust, recruiting philosophy, and the behind-the-scenes work that fuels a 59-0 championship season. Do you want to truly optimize your pitchers' workload? PULSE from Driveline Baseball takes simple pitch counts to the next level. PULSE is a wearable sensor that precisely measures every throw your pitchers make on a daily basis. PULSE tracks both throw count and throw intensity.Trusted by MLB organizations like the Cincinnati Reds, elite college programs, and individual athletes at all levels, PULSE is changing the way throwing workload is managed. With the PULSE Team Dashboard, you'll be able to make data-driven usage decisions to optimize training and injury prevention for your entire team. Visit drivelinebaseball.com/pulse to revolutionize your pitching staff's development and health today. The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more. 

Next up on the ABCA Podcast is Sam Mote, assistant coach at Angelo State University and the 2025 ABCA/Soldier Sports NCAA Division II Assistant Coach of the Year. Since joining the Rams’ coaching staff in 2018, Mote has helped elevate Angelo State into one of the premier hitting programs in the country. Under his guidance, the Rams have led the Lone Star Conference in batting average in four of his seven seasons and ranked among the top offensive teams in NCAA Division II year after year. During the 2023 National Championship season, the Rams hit .342, ranking fifth nationally, while also finishing third in on-base percentage (.454) and runs scored (597). That same year, Angelo State held the top fielding percentage in Division II (.985). The 2022 season was historic as well — the Rams’ 677 runs led all of Division II, paired with a .357 team batting average, .470 on-base percentage, 166 doubles, and 763 hits, while making their second straight College World Series appearance. Across his tenure, Mote has coached eight NCAA Division II All-Americans, including 2019 NCAA Division II Player of the Year Josh Elvir, and continues to develop balanced, disciplined, and explosive offensive units. Prior to joining ASU, Mote served as a volunteer assistant at Texas A&M - Corpus Christi, spent two years at the University of Northwestern Ohio, and three seasons at Iowa Western Community College, where he helped lead the Reivers to the 2014 NJCAA National Championship. Do you want to truly optimize your pitchers' workload? PULSE from Driveline Baseball takes simple pitch counts to the next level. PULSE is a wearable sensor that precisely measures every throw your pitchers make on a daily basis. PULSE tracks both throw count and throw intensity.Trusted by MLB organizations like the Cincinnati Reds, elite college programs, and individual athletes at all levels, PULSE is changing the way throwing workload is managed. With the PULSE Team Dashboard, you'll be able to make data-driven usage decisions to optimize training and injury prevention for your entire team. Visit drivelinebaseball.com/pulse to revolutionize your pitching staff's development and health today. The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.   

Joining us this week on the ABCA Podcast is Adam McGinnis, Heartland Community College Recruiting Coordinator and the 2025 ABCA/Soldier Sports NJCAA Division II Assistant Coach of the Year. Since rejoining the Heartland staff in 2021, McGinnis has helped guide the Hawks to four straight NJCAA World Series appearances, highlighted by a National Championship in 2023. On the field, he oversees the hitters and catchers, two groups that have become pillars of Heartland’s success. The 2025 Hawks’ lineup was among the best in the country, hitting .347 as a team, averaging over nine runs per game, and racking up 267 extra-base hits. Behind the plate, Heartland’s catchers threw out runners at a 35% clip, showcasing the detailed development that’s become McGinnis’ trademark. In addition to his on-field role, McGinnis leads the Student Success Program at Heartland and manages operations at the Corn Crib in Normal, Illinois — home of the Hawks. A former standout at Western Illinois University (2014–17), McGinnis went on to play professionally in the Chicago White Sox organization for two seasons. This episode dives into hitting and catching development, the balance between recruiting and culture, and what it takes to sustain excellence year after year. The ABCA Podcast is sponsored by Driveline. If you want to truly optimize your pitchers' workload? PULSE from Driveline Baseball takes simple pitch counts to the next level. PULSE is a wearable sensor that precisely measures every throw your pitchers make on a daily basis. PULSE tracks both throw count and throw intensity.Trusted by MLB organizations like the Cincinnati Reds, elite college programs, and individual athletes at all levels, PULSE is changing the way throwing workload is managed. With the PULSE Team Dashboard, you'll be able to make data-driven usage decisions to optimize training and injury prevention for your entire team. Visit drivelinebaseball.com/pulse to revolutionize your pitching staff development and health today. The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more. Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:https://abca.castos.comhttps://www.abca.org/podcastOnline: https://www.abca.orgABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

Next up on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Matt Williams, the ABCA's 2025 NCAA Division I Assistant Coach of the Year and pitching coach for Coastal Carolina University. In just his second season with the Chanticleers, Williams helped guide Coastal Carolina to its second appearance in the College World Series Championship Series, cementing the program’s place among college baseball’s elite. Before arriving in Conway, Williams spent four seasons as the associate head coach and pitching coach at Liberty University, leading the Flames to NCAA Tournament appearances in both 2021 and 2022. His 2021 staff set a program record for Division I winning percentage at 41-16 and finished as the runner-up in the Knoxville Regional. Williams also brings experience from the professional ranks, having served as an International Scout and Minor League Pitching Coach for the San Diego Padres. Prior to his time at Liberty, he spent five seasons as pitching coach at UNC Wilmington, where his staffs set multiple strikeout records and helped the Seahawks reach three NCAA regional finals. Earlier in his career, Williams spent eight seasons at Spartanburg Methodist College, where his pitching staffs consistently ranked among the nation’s best and helped send 34 pitchers to Division I programs. In this episode, Coach Williams dives into the process of developing elite pitching staffs, building confidence on the mound, and sustaining success across every level of the game. New ABCA Podcast sponsor, Driveline, are long time friends and I have used many of their products when I was coaching and in youth camps now. If you want to truly optimize your pitchers' workload? PULSE from Driveline Baseball takes simple pitch counts to the next level. PULSE is a wearable sensor that precisely measures every throw your pitchers make on a daily basis. PULSE tracks both throw count and throw intensity.Trusted by MLB orginizations like the Cincinnati Reds, elite college programs, and individual athletes at all levels, PULSE is changing the way throwing workload is managed. With the PULSE Team Dashboard, you'll be able to make data-driven usage decisions to optimize training and injury prevention for your entire team. Visit drivelinebaseball.com/pulse to revolutionize your pitching staff's development and health today. The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more. Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcastOnline: https://www.abca.orgABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

Continuing our 2026 ABCA Hall of Fame Class podcasts, this week’s ABCA Podcast features Steve Ruzich, the legendary head coach of South Suburban College (IL). For more than 40 years, Ruzich has been the face of the Bulldogs’ baseball program, building one of the most successful legacies in NJCAA history. With a career record of 1,385-817 (.629) through 2025, Ruzich ranks fifth all-time in wins among NJCAA coaches. Under his leadership, South Suburban has claimed 15 regional championships, made two NJCAA World Series appearances, and earned nine regional runner-up finishes. The Bulldogs’ best season came in 2005, when they posted a school-record 51 wins and a .823 winning percentage. Ruzich has been named NJCAA Region IV Coach of the Year 14 times and has coached numerous players who advanced to professional baseball, including Tony Cingrani and Rob Mackowiak. A 2014 NJCAA Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame inductee, Ruzich was also recognized among the inaugural recipients of the NJCAA Coaches Legacy Awards in 2025—honoring the all-time winningest coaches in NJCAA history. In this episode, Coach Ruzich reflects on four decades of building teams, developing players, and leaving a lasting impact on the game and community he’s served so passionately. New ABCA Podcast sponsor, Driveline, are long time friends and I have used many of their products when I was coaching and in youth camps now. If you want to truly optimize your pitchers' workload? PULSE from Driveline Baseball takes simple pitch counts to the next level. PULSE is a wearable sensor that precisely measures every throw your pitchers make on a daily basis. PULSE tracks both throw count and throw intensity.Trusted by MLB orginizations like the Cincinnati Reds, elite college programs, and individual athletes at all levels, PULSE is changing the way throwing workload is managed. With the PULSE Team Dashboard, you'll be able to make data-driven usage decisions to optimize training and injury prevention for your entire team. Visit drivelinebaseball.com/pulse to revolutionize your pitching staff's development and health today. The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more. Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:https://abca.castos.comhttps://www.abca.org/podcastOnline: https://www.abca.orgABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

Kicking off our 2026 ABCA Hall of Fame Class interviews is Florida Atlantic University head coach and ABCA First Vice President, John McCormack. McCormack completed his 17th year at Florida Atlantic University as head coach in 2025, and 35th season with the program. He had previously served 11 years as associate head coach and seven years as an assistant coach, beginning in 1991. The Owls finished 37-21 overall and fourth in league play in their second year as a member of the American Athletic Conference. Coach Mac has led FAU to four regular season conference championships (C-USA: 2016 & 2019, SBC: 2010 & 2012) and one postseason conference championship (SBC: 2013). The Owls have qualified for NCAA Regionals six times (2010, '13, '15, '16, '18, '19) in the McCormack era. Since 2009, 13 Owls have earned All-American honors, and 21 have earned All-Region honors and a total of 105 FAU players that McCormack has recruited or coached at FAU have continued their professional careers. Additionally, 33 of the 36 draftees were not drafted out of high school, continuing McCormack’s outstanding track record of developing players after they come to Boca Raton. A big part of FAU’s success has been that passion for the Boca Raton area and the university, allowing the program to attract some of the best players in Florida. FAU’s baseball program has been built around the premise that McCormack would find athletes with the desire to win, the coaching staff would develop talent and the players would become better. This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com. The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more. Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:https://abca.castos.comhttps://www.abca.org/podcastOnline: https://www.abca.orgABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Kermit Smith, head coach at Appalachian State University, whose leadership and steady influence have made him one of the most respected coaches in collegiate baseball. Smith recently completed his ninth season at App State (2025), where he continues to guide the Mountaineers with integrity and purpose. Before arriving in Boone, he led programs at Lander University (S.C.) and Belmont Abbey College (N.C.), taking both to the NCAA Division II College World Series—a rare accomplishment that speaks to his ability to build successful cultures wherever he goes. With over 600 career victories and three ABCA Regional Coach of the Year honors, Smith’s influence stretches beyond wins and losses. He’s served in leadership roles across his programs and conferences, including chairing the coaches’ council at Belmont Abbey, and was recognized with the 2024 App State FCA Influence Award for his mentorship and faith-driven leadership. In this episode, Smith shares insights on culture, consistency, and connection—plus his experience coaching in USA Baseball’s Prospect Development Pipeline League in 2022. It’s a conversation filled with heart, humility, and practical takeaways for coaches at every level. This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com. The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more. Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcastOnline: https://www.abca.orgABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Tom Griffin, one of the most respected catching instructors and collegiate coaches in the game. Griffin just completed his 20th season leading the Carson-Newman program and has amassed 746 career wins over his 28 years in college coaching. A true authority in catching instruction, Griffin is a staple at national events such as CatcherCon and has been a featured clinician at four ABCA Conventions. He also contributed his expertise as a coach in the Prospect Development Pipeline League from 2021 to 2023. Beyond the diamond, Griffin serves as Assistant Athletic Director for Coaching Development at Carson-Newman, reflecting his commitment not only to players but to advancing the craft of coaching itself. In 2024, his career was recognized with induction into the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. This episode is packed with wisdom on player development, leadership, and the art of catching. Get your pen and notebook ready—Coach Griffin embodies what it means to be a lifelong learner who continues to evolve with the game. This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com. The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Pat Doyle, the distinguished recipient of the 2026 ABCA/Wilson Lefty Gomez Award. Named after the legendary Lefty Gomez, this honor is presented annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to baseball locally, nationally, and internationally—and Doyle’s career epitomizes that standard. Doyle’s coaching journey began while still a student at Fresno State, where he took a medical hardship year and stepped into coaching. He went on to lead programs at Lodi and Tokay High Schools before spending 23 seasons at San Joaquin Delta College, guiding the Mustangs to 17 3C2A playoff appearances. Beyond the U.S., Doyle has left a tremendous mark internationally through the MLB Envoy program, as well as coaching and managing the national teams for Ireland, Great Britain, and Israel. His impact has been recognized at the highest level—he was inducted into the ABCA Hall of Fame in 2019, and now receives one of the association’s most prestigious honors. This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com. The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more. Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcast

Joining us this week on the ABCA Podcast is Oscar Reed, Recruiting Coordinator and Pitching Coach at Alcorn State University. Reed joined the Braves’ staff this summer after two seasons at Alvin Junior College, continuing a coaching career that has spanned high school, junior college, travel baseball, and now the NCAA Division I level. Reed’s path has taken him from Crescent City Baptist High School in 2010 to Prairie View A&M, Leesville High School, and on the travel side with Twelve Baseball and the Houston Wildcatters. He’s also navigated time in the corporate world, working at Eaton Corporation, Richard Wayne & Robert, and NBC affiliate KPRC2, before fully committing to life in baseball. In this episode, Reed opens up about the challenges and sacrifices of staying in coaching, while offering valuable insight on recruiting, pitching development, and building opportunities for players at every level. This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com. The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more. Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcastOnline: https://www.abca.orgABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

Baltimore Orioles Minor League Hitting Coach, Jake Ratz, joins the ABCA Podcast this week. Ratz joined the Orioles Organization in December of 2022 coaching in the Dominican Summer League. This past season Ratz coached in the Florida Coast League. Ratz got his coaching start collegiately where he started his collegiate playing career at Ellsworth Community College. Other stops along his coaching journey were Southwestern Community College, Iowa Western, Butler University and Upper Iowa University. Ratz also spent summers coaching in the Northwoods, Prospect and MINK Leagues. This episode is a deep dive in to coaching this generation of hitters. This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com. The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more. Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:https://abca.castos.comhttps://www.abca.org/podcastOnline: https://www.abca.orgABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945