Dugout Dish Baseball Recruiting Podcast powered by EMD Baseball

In this episode, we break down the latest D1 college baseball data on run scoring, ERA, and run prevention — and what it means for the recruiting process. We discuss why coaches are prioritizing athletes at every position, players who can not only hit but also defend at an elite level. We also cover what it really takes to pitch at the Division 1 level — because velocity and stuff alone won't cut it. College baseball coaches want pitchers who can field their position, hold runners, and compete. College baseball is getting more athletic across the board, and we're using the data to break down exactly what recruits and their families need to know to navigate the college baseball recruiting process. Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com 

In this episode, we break down the growing debate around transfer rules in college athletics and why many coaches and athletic departments believe the current NCAA transfer portal system needs reform.   Over the past several months, frustration has been building across college sports as coaches and administrators deal with the reality of athletes transferring multiple times with immediate eligibility. Combined with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, the system has increasingly started to resemble free agency at the highest levels of college athletics.   We discuss how the current transfer portal landscape has drifted from the original intent of transfer waivers and athlete mobility. Our proposed solution is a one-time transfer rule, where student-athletes can transfer once and play immediately, but would need to sit out a year of competition if they choose to transfer a second or third time.   In the episode we also discuss:   Why coaches across college sports are raising concerns about the current system   How unlimited transfers impact roster stability and program development   The role NIL money is playing in player movement   Potential rule changes the NCAA could implement to restore balance   How college sports might create a more sustainable transfer model moving forward   If you're interested in the future of the college transfer portal, NIL in college sports, and the evolving landscape of NCAA athlete movement, this episode offers a thoughtful conversation on where things stand and what changes may be coming. Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com  Chapters (00:00:02) - One-Year Transfer Rule(00:10:58) - College Athletes Push for Salary Increase(00:19:28) - Give Student Athletes More Flexibility

In this episode, we sit down with former MLB infielder Kevin Smith for an in-depth conversation on elite infield defense, footwork, positioning, and baseball development. Since retiring from professional baseball, Kevin has launched Kali Gloves and built a strong presence on social media, where he teaches modern infield play and shares insights to help the next generation of players improve their defensive game.   This episode dives deep into the value of defense in baseball and why infield play can be the key to getting — and staying — on the field. Kevin breaks down actionable infield drills and defensive training strategies that players at all levels can apply immediately.   We cover:   The importance of quality catch play and how proper throwing routines translate directly to game performance   How to train “game throws” during warmups to improve arm strength, accuracy, and body control   Pre-pitch positioning and first-step quickness to increase range   How to move efficiently off the baseball to field more balls cleanly   Why the traditional advice to “get in front of the ball” can be misleading — and how reading hops from the side can lead to better reactions and truer reads   Whether you're a youth infielder, high school baseball player, college athlete, or coach, this episode is packed with practical defensive tips, infield mechanics, and baseball IQ insights that will help elevate your glove work and overall game. Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com  Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith(00:04:35) - Do Defensive Skills Matter in the College Baseball Process?(00:11:08) - Baseball Recruitment: Can You Tell A Kid From His(00:18:07) - All the Defensive Focus(00:19:33) - Do Defensive Players Need Pre-Pitch?(00:27:15) - Diamond College Showcase(00:33:47) - Throwing Routine for Minors(00:40:57) - Defense Lessons Learned Through Long Toss(00:47:51) - Throw Harder For Catchers(00:55:20) - Catchers on Their Aim Points(01:02:54) - Defense Lessons for Kids(01:08:02) - Get in Front of the Ball(01:15:28) - Don't Get Behind The Ball(01:20:28) - Outfielders on Defensive Runs(01:25:53) - Kevro on His Catches(01:29:18) - How To Catch A Baseball Ball!

In this episode, we sit down and talk about the Quiet Period ending and the evaluation period starting on March 1st and dive into what players should be doing in preparation for the spring and summer. Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com  Chapters (00:00:00) - The Quiet Period Effect on Prospects(00:07:11) - How to Reach Out to College Coach's(00:13:34) - A player's quiet period(00:22:31) - How to Get Recruited in High School Baseball

In this episode, we sit down with Knoxville Smokies player development coach Joe Curci to break down modern hitting development in Minor League Baseball. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in data science, Curci blends traditional baseball knowledge with cutting-edge technology to develop hitters in the Chicago Cubs minor league system.   We dive deep into hitting mechanics, approach, timing, swing decisions, pitch recognition, and in-game adjustments. Coach Curci explains how today’s minor league players use advanced baseball technology like TrackMan and HitTrax to analyze swing data, pitch metrics, and performance trends. From understanding attack angle and bat speed to building a consistent pre-pitch process, this episode covers how data-driven player development is shaping the future of hitting.   Whether you’re a baseball player, hitting coach, recruiter, or fan interested in baseball analytics, this conversation delivers actionable insights on improving swing decisions, being on time, making adjustments, and leveraging technology to maximize offensive performance. Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com  Chapters (00:00:02) - Keith Glasser on The Dugout Dish Podcast(00:07:39) - Cubs assistant coach gets the chance to lead(00:12:59) - Batting Lessons Learned From High School, College and Pro(00:22:14) - Joe Glass on Brandon Bourne's Maturation(00:31:37) - Pitchers and Catchers: On-field metrics(00:36:28) - How Much of a Learning Curve is There for Baseball Prospects?(00:46:35) - Joey Munoz on His Approach(00:51:04) - Joe McDonald on Dominating His Own Talent(00:54:43) - How to Salvage the Minor League Season(01:03:45) - Joe DiMaggio on Swing Adjustments(01:12:53) - Understanding Your Swing(01:19:27) - Joe DiMaggio on the Recruiting Process

In this episode, we break down exactly what 2026 graduates committed to play college baseball should be doing before arriving on campus this fall. If you're a future freshman preparing for Division I, II, III, or JUCO baseball, this episode outlines a plan for the summer.   We cover a detailed roadmap for pitchers, including innings management, pitch counts, summer ball decisions, strength and conditioning priorities, arm care routines, and how to communicate effectively with your college pitching coach.   For position players, we discuss how to structure summer competition, maximize quality at-bats, improve defensive consistency, build strength in the weight room, and maintain overall health leading into fall baseball.   We also emphasize the importance of consistent communication with your future college coaching staff, setting performance expectations, and preparing physically and mentally so you can show up to campus ready to compete from day one.   If you're a 2026 commit looking to make an immediate impact in fall baseball, this episode gives you a complete summer preparation blueprint. Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com  Chapters (00:00:02) - In the Clubhouse: College Gives Way to Baseball(00:11:13) - Summer Baseball Training(00:21:13) - How To Recruit Your Child

In this episode, we sit down with Monroe Community College Head Baseball Coach Dave Brust to discuss his coaching journey and the principles that guide his approach to teaching and player development. Coach Brust breaks down what he believes in as a coach, how he connects with his players, and why college coaching is far more layered than just teaching the fundamentals of the game.   We dive into the importance of JUCO baseball within the college baseball landscape, what it takes to compete at a high level in junior college baseball, and how the JUCO route prepares players to successfully transition to four-year college programs.   Coach Brust also shares insight on academics at the junior college level, explaining how JUCO programs can open doors for student-athletes by helping them earn strong GPAs and create more opportunities at the next level. We discuss the current state of college baseball, including transfer portal rules and how junior college players maintain year-round eligibility to be recruited or drafted.   To wrap up, Coach Brust offers practical recruiting advice for families, highlighting what players and parents should consider during the recruiting process to find the right academic, athletic, and personal fit. Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com  Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith on Junior College Baseball(00:06:41) - Coach Andy Rossi on Becoming a Coach(00:11:40) - Bob Ley on Coaching in the NBA(00:17:51) - Diamond College Showcase: Figure It Out(00:26:42) - Are You Ready to Play College Baseball?(00:33:19) - How to Build a College Hit Team(00:40:25) - Baseball Coach on College Baseball(00:46:28) - Is Junior College a good option for guys?(00:52:47) - A Taste of JUCO Baseball(01:00:59) - Monroe Community College Baseball(01:10:09) - Baseball scholarships available to juniors and seniors(01:18:05) - JUCO Baseball: An Easier Evaluation(01:28:13) - Pitchers on Summer Baseball(01:37:31) - George Bell on Catchers Advice(01:44:43) - JUCO Baseball Coach on Recruiting

In this episode, we break down the truth about baseball camps and showcases for the 2030 class and younger players. If you’re a parent or player wondering whether 12U, 13U, or 14U athletes should attend recruiting showcases right now, this episode is for you.   We explain the current NCAA recruiting rules, who is actually allowed to attend showcases this time of year, and what college coaches can (and cannot) do when it comes to early recruiting. We also cover realistic college recruiting timelines and why most college baseball coaches are not focused on the 2030 class or younger prospects.   Finally, we share our honest thoughts on early showcasing, the pros and cons of playing in recruiting events at a young age, and what we believe is the best long-term development plan for youth baseball players who want to play college baseball.   If you’re trying to navigate youth baseball recruiting, travel ball decisions, and showcase strategy for middle school players, this episode will help you make smarter, more informed decisions. Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com  Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith's Gloves(00:01:11) - In the Clubhouse: The Value of Exhibitions for 2030(00:09:49) - 7-Year-Old Baseball Prospects Getting Ranked(00:16:14) - 7th Grade Baseball Recruiting: Do They Care?

In this episode, we break down our annual Division I college baseball season preview with Jonathan Grosse, getting you ready for the 2026 college baseball season. We dive into the biggest storylines entering opening weekend, including major coaching changes across the SEC and ACC, where several programs will feature new—and first-time—head coaches.   We also take a close look at mid-major college baseball programs that could break out this season and make a postseason run, before sharing our preseason College World Series picks, including who we think will reach Omaha and compete for the national championship in June.   To wrap things up, we highlight must-watch games from Opening Weekend as the Division I college baseball season begins Friday, February 13. Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com  Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith Gives Kids the Right Glove(00:01:10) - Dugout Dish: College Baseball Episode 8(00:11:07) - St. Thomas Baseball: An Interesting Story to Follow this Year(00:21:03) - Expectations for Coach Elander and Coach Pollard(00:30:12) - Mid-Majors and Sleepers(00:37:32) - Charleston on the NEA Conference Split(00:46:36) - Sleepers or Underdogs?(00:52:04) - Fourth Pick: Mississippi State(00:58:14) - Top 10 College Baseball Picks(01:05:28) - Andy: Southern Miss Could Run the Championship Game(01:12:36) - Opening Weekend Baseball Matchups(01:17:29) - Opening Weekend: St. John's Ball State vs Gonzaga

*re-release from 1-20-25 In this episode, we talk about where high school players focus should be right now in January. Making the variety team should be your goal, however, we also talk about what to do if you don’t.  Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com  Chapters (00:00:00) - In the Clubhouse With EMD Baseball(00:00:47) - You Need to Be Recruited Before You're Selected

In this episode, we sit down with Murray State pitching coach Steve Adkins to break down how one of college baseball’s top pitching staffs is built. Coach Adkins shares his coaching background, reflects on Murray State’s historic College World Series run in 2025, and explains how his staff identifies resilient, competitive pitchers in the recruiting process.   We dive into what Coach Adkins looks for when recruiting pitchers in the 2026 class, including the ability to get outs, swing-and-miss metrics, pitch ability, and overall stuff. He also outlines what a typical week looks like for a pitcher in the Murray State program—covering throwing schedules, weight training, nutrition, sleep, and recovery.   The conversation also breaks down the development process for starters vs. relievers, why college teams need more relievers than starters, and how pitchers can earn opportunities at the college level. Coach Adkins closes with practical recruiting advice and actionable tips for families navigating the college baseball recruiting process.   If you’re a high school pitcher, parent, or coach looking to understand what college programs value and how to prepare the right way, this episode is a must-listen.  Presented by: Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com  Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith's Gloves(00:01:10) - Keith Glasser(00:01:49) - Murray State Assistant Coach Steve Atkins on the Podcast(00:08:37) - Can You Handle The Day-to-Day of Baseball?(00:13:49) - Offense Recruiting: Strength, Weight, and More(00:24:44) - Murray State Pitcher Discusses His College Path(00:33:06) - Tyler Thornburg on His Changeup Shift(00:42:41) - Pitchers Need a Routine(00:49:57) - Pitchers on the New Era(00:55:28) - Pitching as a Freshman(01:01:41) - Leading with resiliency(01:08:22) - Pitchers on College Baseball(01:12:41) - ESPN College Baseball: Advice for High School Recruits(01:22:11) - How To Sit Down With a Coach During the Recruiting Process

In this episode, we deliver our annual PSA on why high school baseball players and families should be watching college baseball. We talk about how much the college game has grown, why it’s more accessible than ever, and where to watch college baseball throughout the season.   If your goal is to play college baseball, watching games—both live and on TV—is one of the easiest and most effective ways to understand what level you realistically fit in at and how good you need to be to compete. Seeing the speed of the game, the quality of play, and the overall environment provides valuable perspective for the recruiting process.   We also emphasize why getting out to see college baseball games in person this spring is a must, how to find local schedules, and how to follow games nationally on platforms like ESPN. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about college baseball recruiting and player development. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by: Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith's Gloves(00:01:11) - College Baseball Recruitment: How to Watch College Baseball(00:12:15) - College Baseball

In this episode, we break down our top five college baseball recruiting tips for the Class of 2028 as the high school season approaches. We start in the weight room and with nutrition, explaining why physical development matters early, how it helps keep players healthy, and why it impacts performance and recruiting throughout your entire baseball career.   Next, we dive into the high school baseball season and why having a productive, developmental season is more important than simply making the varsity roster. Consistent **playing time and skill development—whether on varsity or JV—**are critical for long-term growth and future recruiting opportunities.   Our third tip focuses on getting an honest evaluation of your current ability, and how that assessment should guide your training, summer schedule, and decisions around college visits, camps, showcases, and clinics. Fourth, we emphasize the importance of academics in college baseball recruiting, including why strong grades expand opportunities and keep more programs on the table.   Finally, we discuss on-campus camps and exposure opportunities, including proper timing, recent recruiting rule changes, and why the recruiting process is slowing down earlier commitments. This episode is a must-listen for 2028 baseball players and parents looking to prepare for the high school season and build a smart, long-term recruiting plan. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by: Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith's Gloves(00:01:10) - 5 Tips for the 28 Class(00:11:30) - How to Make the College Baseball Team in 2028(00:18:32) - Top 25 MLB Prospects: The 2028s(00:27:06) - Diamond College Showcase Baseball Camp(00:28:29) - Offseason Baseball Coach: Academic Focus(00:38:26) - Pitching Prospects: How to Plan Out the Summer(00:48:05) - Reasons Not to Recruit a 0-Star Player

In this episode, we break down why evaluating the high school pitcher has become easier in today’s college baseball recruiting landscape. We discuss how the explosion of data, analytics, and player-tracking technology has transformed the way college coaches evaluate and recruit pitchers compared to a decade ago.   We dive into how tools like TrackMan, Rapsodo, and other pitch-tracking technologies give coaches a complete picture of a pitcher’s profile—from velocity and pitch movement to how pitches play in and out of the strike zone. Metrics such as swing-and-miss rate, strike percentage, and overall pitch efficiency now allow coaches to make more thorough and confident evaluations.   Combined with in-game scouting and player development knowledge, this data makes it easier for coaches to assess where high school arms currently stand, how they project, and how they compare to the needs of their program. This episode is a must-listen for pitchers, parents, and coaches looking to understand how modern analytics impact pitching evaluations and recruiting decisions. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by: Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith's Gloves(00:01:10) - Why It's Much Easier to Evaluate High School Pitchers(00:11:03) - Outliers in Baseball(00:18:35) - How To Recruit Your Child

In this episode, we break down our top five college baseball recruiting tips for the Class of 2027 as the high school season approaches and summer recruiting ramps up. We start with the importance of an honest evaluation of your current skill set and how that assessment helps you build a realistic, informed recruiting plan and identify the right college baseball programs to target.   We also dive into the weight room and nutrition, explaining why physical development plays a major role in the recruiting process and long-term performance. From there, we discuss the high school baseball season—why setting clear goals, competing daily, and showing growth over the course of the season is critical to being prepared for the summer recruiting window.   Next, we cover how to build an effective target school list, what actually makes a school list useful, and how to pair it with efficient and professional college coach outreach. Finally, we break down how to supplement your summer schedule, including which showcases, camps, and clinics are worth attending to get in front of the right college coaches and programs.   If you’re a 2027 baseball player or parent navigating the recruiting process, this episode provides a clear roadmap for maximizing the high school season and positioning yourself for a successful summer. Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith's Gloves(00:01:11) - Top 10 College Recruitment Tips For The 2027 Class(00:11:01) - Do Division 1 Pitchers Need to Lose Weight?(00:19:10) - Do You Need to Be Physical to Play Division 1 Baseball?(00:25:30) - Do You Need to Be Recruited? (4 of 5(00:34:05) - 4 Things to Do To Build a Recruitment List(00:43:29) - 5 Things You Need To Focus On To Recruit In 2020

In this episode, we break down why evaluating the high school hitter has become one of the biggest challenges in today’s college baseball recruiting landscape. We discuss the key factors that make it difficult for college coaches to get a true evaluation of high school position players, including the level of competition hitters face, recruiting calendar timing, limited in-game exposure, and the lack of reliable data on at-bats and opposing pitchers.   We also dive into how the transfer portal has shifted the timing of high school recruiting and why the data now available to college coaches makes evaluating college hitters far easier than evaluating high school hitters. From advanced analytics to larger sample sizes, we explain why college hitters often present less risk in the recruiting process.   This episode covers the many variables impacting high school hitter evaluations in 2026 and is designed to educate players and parents on why the recruiting process can feel challenging—and what that means for hitters trying to get recruited. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by: Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith's Gloves(00:01:12) - It's Very Difficult to Evaluate High School Hitters(00:12:36) - Diamond College Showcase(00:22:21) - How To Evaluate High School Hitters

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Murphy, Head Baseball Coach at Merrimack College and a longtime mentor of Andy, to break down how college baseball recruiting really works. Coach Murphy shares how his staff evaluates talent, which positions are the most difficult to assess in the recruiting process, and what he truly values when identifying potential college baseball players.   We dive into the importance of networking in college baseball recruiting and discuss how Merrimack builds its roster each year in today’s evolving recruiting landscape. Coach Murphy explains how his program balances high school recruiting, the transfer portal, and JUCO baseball to meet roster needs and stay competitive.   We also cover the role of on-campus camps in the recruiting process, how Merrimack utilizes camps to evaluate prospects, and practical recruiting advice for families navigating college baseball recruiting right now. This episode is a must-listen for high school players, parents, and coaches looking to better understand what college coaches are looking for and how to stand out in the recruiting process. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by: Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith's Gloves(00:01:13) - Former Merrimack College Coach Brian Murphy on The Dugout Dish(00:06:07) - Merrimack Baseball Coach on the Recruiting Process(00:14:59) - Leading with a Harder Heart(00:21:09) - High School Baseball: The Expectations(00:29:55) - Transfer Portal and the Recruiting Process(00:36:48) - Offense: Let's See How Good We Can(00:42:08) - How To Evaluate a Prospect?(00:48:40) - ESPN College Baseball Recruiting Tips

In this episode, we break down winter baseball showcase timing and what high school players and parents need to know before showcasing early in the year. We dive into the Division I recruiting calendar and explain why, during the winter months, only Division II and Division III college coaches are permitted to attend showcases. We also discuss why attending a winter showcase may not be the right move if you haven’t been throwing, hitting, or training consistently leading up to the event. Showcasing too early without proper preparation can hurt your recruiting process more than it helps. Finally, we get into the key differences between pitchers (arms) and position players when deciding whether a winter showcase makes sense. From physical readiness to recruiting timelines, we outline how each position should approach winter showcases strategically Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by: Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith's Gloves(00:01:12) - In the Clubhouse With The MD Baseball(00:01:35) - Timelime of the January/February Showcase(00:12:15) - Seamstress Timing: Baseball Recruitment

In this episode, we sit down with Greg Mamula, Head Baseball Coach at the University of Delaware, for an in-depth conversation on college baseball recruiting and player evaluation. Coach Mamula breaks down how Division I programs evaluate high school baseball players, what Delaware looks for in recruits, and how recruiting needs change year-to-year with the transfer portal.   We also dive into the role of junior college baseball in the recruiting process, the high level of competition in Division II and Division III baseball, and take a detailed look at how college coaches evaluate high school hitters. Coach Mamula discusses the Blue Hens’ conference transition from the CAA to Conference USA, what the academic track looks like for college baseball players, and offers practical advice on how families can find success navigating the college baseball recruiting process. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by: Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith's Gloves(00:01:12) - Coach Manuel Mamula(00:07:11) - Delaware Coach Greg Knows How To Recruit Players(00:17:29) - Reaching the Right Fit for a Recruit(00:25:52) - Transfer Portal(00:35:31) - Do Division 2 Baseball Programs Matter?(00:43:45) - Batting Coach: Swing and Miss(00:47:45) - Delaware coach on the transition from CAA to Conference USA(00:56:50) - Does Playing Baseball Affect Your Admissions Process?(01:06:41) - Keith and Andy on the Baseball Recruiting Process(01:14:36) - Coach Rick Pitino on Recruiting

In this episode, we break down a recent study highlighted in Ohio State News by Jeff Grabmeier about parental expectations for their children’s athletic futures — research conducted by Chris Knoester and Christopher McLeod and published in the Journal of Sport and Social Issues. Ohio State News   The study found that 34% of parents believed it was somewhat or very likely their child would become a small-college athlete, 27% thought their child would earn a college athletic scholarship, and 17% believed their child would become a professional or Olympic athlete. Ohio State News   We take time to discuss these numbers and share our thoughts on how high they may be relative to the real odds. Then we explore possible reasons why parents may overestimate these outcomes, including cultural expectations, athletic identity, and the impact of youth sports pressure. Ohio State News   Finally, we talk about what it truly takes to make it to college in any sport, how difficult it is to become a professional athlete, and why there needs to be broader education for families about the realities of competing at the next level and planning for life beyond sports. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith's Gloves(00:01:12) - Report: 27% of Baseball Parents Think Their Child Will Play Division(00:12:12) - Do College Athletians Expect Their Kids to Play Division 1 Sports?