Dugout Dish Baseball Recruiting Podcast powered by EMD Baseball

In this episode, we break down what high school baseball players in the 2027 class should be doing right now to get noticed by college coaches. This is the time of year when programs are finalizing their 2026 commitments and shifting their focus toward identifying priority 2027 recruits for the spring and summer evaluation periods.   We dive deep into Division II and Division III recruiting, including how coaches at those levels build their follow lists, what they look for at winter camps, and which players they plan to see during next year’s high school and travel seasons.   We also share actionable strategies on how to reach out to coaches, what questions to ask, and the steps players can take to move up recruiting boards. If you’re a 2027 recruit—or a parent helping guide the process—this episode is packed with insights you can use right away to gain real recruiting momentum. 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) - It's Division 2 and 3 Baseball Recruitment(00:10:02) - How to Get In Front of Division 1 Coaches

In this episode, we sit down with former college baseball coach Joe Raccuia — now a National Scout and Minor League Hitting Coordinator for the Kansas City Royals. We dive into his playing career, his path into coaching, and what his current role looks like inside a Major League Baseball organization.   Coach Raccuia shares valuable insight into the college baseball recruiting process, offering perspective from both sides: as a longtime coach and as a parent navigating the journey with his own family. He also delivers powerful stories about development, setbacks, and the importance of persistence for players chasing their dreams.   Whether you’re a player, parent, or a fan of the game, this episode provides real-world advice and inspiration for anyone involved in baseball. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith's Cali Gloves(00:01:12) - Former Mariston Baseball Coach Keith Glasser on The Dugout Dish(00:09:20) - Choosing the Right College for You(00:16:44) - How to Sell Camps to Your Parents(00:23:18) - Offering a Freshman an Offer(00:29:47) - Be Dedicated to Your Goal(00:37:29) - Scouts on Prospects: Makeup Can't Deter You(00:43:05) - Reasons for College Baseball Recruiting(00:50:36) - How to Get Out of Struggles in Baseball(00:57:44) - Bat Coach: Can We Fix Our Kids'?(01:04:26) - Tyler Schwarber on His Hit Skills(01:12:26) - Should You Bring a Prospect Up to the MLB?(01:20:54) - Timothy Howey on the Defensive Side of Prospects(01:29:52) - Andy Wells on High School Baseball(01:34:52) - All About It

In this episode, we dive into the first-ever NCAA Division I roster finalization deadline taking place today, December 1. This new rule, driven by the House Settlement decision, requires programs to lock in their rosters for the 2026 season by December 1, 2025 — marking a major shift in college baseball.   We break down what this rule means, why it matters, and what athletes should do if they don’t make the roster. We also discuss the potential long-term impact on player movement, recruiting timelines, and the overall landscape of college baseball in 2026 and beyond. If you’re a recruit, parent, or college baseball fan, this is a must-listen episode for navigating the future of the game. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com

In this episode, we sit down with Marist University Head Baseball Coach Lance Ratchford to discuss all things Marist Baseball and the college recruiting process. Coach Ratchford shares insights into how the program identifies and recruits top student-athletes. We dive into the role of on-campus camps, what a typical recruiting timeline looks like for prospective players, and how the new NCAA recruiting rules are shaping the future of college baseball. Whether you’re a high school athlete, parent, or coach, this episode offers valuable advice on what it takes to play college baseball and stand out in the recruiting process. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith's Gloves(00:01:13) - Marist Baseball Alumni on The Dugout Dish Podcast(00:03:00) - Marist Baseball Player on His Journey to Marist(00:07:39) - Marist Coach on The Recruitment Process(00:14:34) - Offering the College Where the Fit Is(00:21:51) - High School Recruitment Camps(00:27:14) - Lance Berkowitz on Recruiting Process(00:33:32) - Demetrius Monaco on His College Decision(00:39:49) - Reasons Why 16 Year Old Boys Should Get An Offer(00:46:45) - Transfer Portal: What It's Doing for Coaches(00:52:11) - Getting to the Major Leagues Is Hard(00:57:56) - High School Prospects: The Cape Cod League(01:06:02) - Pitchers on the College Game(01:13:37) - Pepsi on Baseball Advice For Parents(01:21:25) - Andy Touched: We Don't Recruit An Offerment Boy(01:27:27) - How To Recruit Your Child

Confused about how JUCO eligibility works? In this episode, we break down the current NCAA rules for junior college baseball players transferring to four-year schools. We cover the 2025–26 eligibility waiver, the impact of recent court rulings, and what players need to know about how their JUCO years count toward total college eligibility. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith Gives Kids the Right Gloves for Catch(00:01:12) - In the Clubhouse: Junior College Athletics eligibility(00:06:24) - Should You Play Junior College Baseball?

In this episode, we sit down with Erik Kratz — former Major League Baseball catcher, author, coach, and current host on Foul Territory TV. Erik shares his inspiring journey from not starting in high school baseball to playing at Division III Eastern Mennonite University and eventually making it to the MLB for an eleven year career. We talk about player development, the art of catching in 2025, and his approach to coaching high school baseball. Erik also shares how he fosters competition with his sons as they pursue college baseball opportunities. Plus, we dive into recent MLB front-office hires and the current state of ownership spending across professional baseball. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith Gives Kids the Right Glove(00:01:12) - Quadrunk Box(00:03:42) - Adam Jones on His Path to the Big Leaguer(00:11:15) - Erickson on Playing as a Freshman(00:17:00) - Bradley Manning on grinding out the minor leagues(00:24:16) - The Catcher-Pitcher Relationship(00:30:22) - Joe Maddon on His Relationship With the Umpires(00:34:36) - Tyler Flowers on One-Knee Catcher(00:41:12) - Adam Jones on Catcher Training(00:47:21) - Phillips on Having Multiple Sports on the Field(00:53:42) - Andy Pederson on His Competitiveness(00:59:29) - Adam Jones on Drew Waters' Struggles(01:08:11) - Teammates on the Try Hard(01:14:34) - Tony Vitello's San Francisco Giants Contract(01:20:55) - Tony Watson on San Francisco's new manager(01:29:12) - Tom Savage on the Dodgers Not RUINING Baseball(01:36:15) - Paul Skeens Needs to Be traded(01:42:42) - O' Neill Cruz on the Milwaukee Brewers(01:44:42) - Eric Kratz on The Tao of the Backup Catcher

In this episode, we discuss the desire and drive to play college baseball — and what it truly takes to get recruited. With just 8% of high school players earning a college roster spot, we break down the recruiting process, the level of commitment required, and how to stand out to college baseball coaches. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith Gives Kids the Right Glove(00:01:12) - How Bad Do You Want to Play College Baseball?(00:12:22) - College Baseball: The Pros and Cons(00:20:53) - What Separates Good Players From Bad?

*Re-release of ep. 39* In this episode we sit down with University of Arkansas Pitching Coach Matt Hobbs and talk player identification, player development, competition, data, and much more.  Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:00) - Coach Matt Hobbs on The Dugout Dish Podcast(00:07:24) - Arkansas Coach Tim Gotten on Leaving Wake Forest(00:14:52) - Be humbled as a coach(00:19:40) - How Do You Find A Recruitment Candidate?(00:27:13) - Arkansas Coach on Recruiting(00:35:33) - Arkansas freshman Brandon Moore on playing as a freshman(00:43:01) - "Edge of the Lineup"(00:50:11) - Arkansas baseball players: Well-rounded players(00:57:06) - What Do You Need To Do To Get Better?(01:04:12) - Starting Prospects: How Do You Lay the Ground for Them?(01:08:52) - How to grow a pitcher's repertoire(01:17:28) - Pitching Coaches: Data-driven Development(01:24:35) - Reasons Why You Shouldn't Bring a Recruit to Campus(01:30:27) - Reasons Missouri coaches recruit Californians(01:36:23) - NCAA Recruiting Rule 2(01:44:26) - Reveal: Recruiting at the College Level(01:50:21) - Pitching Prospects: Do Your Homework on Colleges

In honor of Veteran’s Day, this episode features Air Force Head Baseball Coach Mike Kazlausky. Coach Kazlausky shares insights from his time in the Air Force, what he values in student-athletes, and the mission that drives Air Force Baseball. We also dive into the transfer portal, the challenges and rewards of coaching college baseball, and how he defines success both on and off the field. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith Gives Kids the Right Glove(00:01:12) - Air Force Baseball Coach Kaz Kaz on Dugout Dish(00:05:43) - Air Force Coach Phil Knight on Military Service(00:12:15) - Paul Skeens on Being an Icon(00:12:42) - Air Force Baseball Recruiting(00:19:42) - Service Academy Baseball Coach on Athletes Leaving the School(00:26:20) - Baseball Coaches: The Definition of Success(00:31:49) - Nick Durand on Serving in the Military(00:37:32) - Leading Future Fighters: The Military Academy(00:42:39) - Andy Had This Same Conversation With His Wife(00:47:51) - Baseball Coach on Leading(00:50:12) - The 4-Year Window(00:57:37) - Transfer portal discussion(01:03:15) - College Baseball Recruiting

In this episode, we sit down with TeamMatch Sports founder and CEO Nelson Verbit. We talk about why he founded TeamMatch, his journey as a father through the process with his son, how this business fulfills a need in the youth sports industry and more.  Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith Gives Kids the Right Glove(00:01:12) - Andy Kutis on The Dugout Dish Podcast(00:02:53) - Team Match Sports: Elite National Recruitment(00:10:29) - Elite National Baseball Program on Team Match(00:20:04) - Team Match(00:27:34) - Team Match Sports(00:34:30) - How To Recruit Your Child

In this episode, we break down what players should focus on over the next five months to prepare for a successful high school baseball season. From hitting in the cages to strength training in the weight room, throwing programs, and bullpen work — we cover everything you need to stay game-ready and improve your performance. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith Gives Kids the Right Gloves(00:01:12) - In the Clubhouse With EMD Baseball(00:11:33) - How To Play College Baseball

*Re-release of ep. 38* In this episode we sit down with Elite National Founder and Director Baseball and Former Brown University Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Jonathan Grosse and talk about all things high academic recruiting including showcasing, on campus camps, level of play, exclusivity, transcripts, the admissions process & more. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:11) - Dugout Dish: Academic Recruiting Podcast(00:02:16) - Jayhawk on High-Academic Recruiting(00:12:55) - Is it More Exclusive to Play Division 1 Baseball in the Ivy League(00:19:39) - SEC vs Ivy League: How Does It Affect the Players?(00:25:25) - Annie on the Admissions Process(00:37:34) - The Ivy League Baseball Admissions Process(00:43:54) - Offering a Catcher to an Ivy League School(00:51:02) - How Do You Get In Front of Your High School Players?(01:01:25) - Pitchers on the National Recruiting Schedule(01:09:45) - Top 25 Baseball Prospects: Don't Get Committed Just Yet(01:16:03) - High-Academic Baseball Team

In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about redshirt rules in college baseball across Division I, Division II, and Division III levels. We explain what redshirting means, how college programs use redshirts to develop players, and what the process looks like for student-athletes navigating their college baseball careers. Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, this episode helps you understand how redshirting can impact eligibility, development, and long-term success. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:00) - Kevin Smith's Cali Gloves(00:01:10) - Do Red Shirts Count Against Roster Roster?

In this episode, we answer listener questions about the college baseball recruiting process. We cover key topics for the 2027 recruiting class, including recruiting timelines, how to build an effective target list, and the best ways to get on a college coach’s radar. We also discuss whether tournament play alone is enough for your recruitment and share expert advice on how to choose the right school and baseball program for your future. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:00) - Kevin Smith Gives Kids the Right Glove(00:01:10) - Dugout Dish: Compass Cycle and Flow Sweathirt(00:03:25) - The Typical Recruiting Timeline for a 2027 Graduate(00:08:02) - Five Things to Consider When Building Out Your Recruiting Plans(00:18:36) - How Do You Get On The Coach's Radar?(00:24:10) - High School and Travel Ball Stats(00:29:28) - What Metrics Do Coaches Value?(00:37:36) - College Baseball Recruiting: 3 Pieces of Advice For Players(00:45:44) - College Recruiting: The Process, Academic Decisions

In this episode, we break down what student-athletes and families need to know about attending college baseball camps during the NCAA Division I quiet period. We discuss the best timing, how to prepare effectively, and what players should focus on to make the most of every camp opportunity. Whether you're navigating the recruiting process or planning your next showcase, this episode gives you the insights to stand out and succeed. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:00) - Kevin Smith's Gloves(00:01:12) - Quiet Period Camps

In this episode, we dive into the state of youth baseball and share our honest opinions on where the game stands today. We discuss what should truly matter at the youth level — quality practice time, player development, and keeping the joy of baseball alive. We also break down some of the biggest challenges facing the sport, including too many games, not enough practice, and the growing “win-at-all-costs” mentality. Our goal is simple: to help more kids stay in the game, develop safely, and learn how to compete the right way. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:00) - Kevin Smith Gives Kids the Right Glove(00:01:10) - In the Clubhouse: Youth Sports(00:10:50) - Billy Joel on His Son's Baseball Recruiting(00:17:42) - Tyler Dunlap on Youth Baseball(00:25:02) - Former MLB player on coaching athletes' goals(00:33:51) - The Best 12 Year Old Is Rarely the Best 18 Year Old(00:41:43) - Walter Payton on Baseball at 11(00:48:40) - Back to School: Recruiting Podcast

In this episode, we discuss the realities of the college baseball recruiting timeline and why most players cannot control the pace of recruitment. Every program and coach moves at their own speed—some use quick deadlines to secure commitments, while others may take months without a set decision timeline. We break down how to navigate these differences, understand offer timelines, and stay prepared until roster spots are officially filled. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:00) - Kevin Smith Gives Kids the Right Glove(00:01:11) - Decision Timelines(00:11:11) - Deciding on a College Baseball Offer

In this episode, we sit down with Arcadia Head Coach Chuck Thielmann and talk all things baseball. We cover how he recruits in his program, what they talk about in the recruiting process, and what they value as a program in potential recruits. We also talk about the value of communication, being low maintenance, how to be coachable, what it takes to succeed in college baseball and more. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:00) - Kevin Smith Gives Kids the Right Glove(00:01:12) - Arcadia Head Coach Chuck Thielman on The Dugout Dish(00:05:25) - Arcadia Athletics: The Recruiting Process(00:12:39) - Andy Polizzi on College Baseball Development(00:20:18) - "You're Never the First Year"(00:26:07) - High School Baseball Roles vs College Baseball(00:33:37) - Starting Pitchers Get a Break(00:40:52) - Punisher on Coaching(00:44:39) - Transfer baseball players(00:50:50) - Coach Philbin on Communication With Recruits(00:55:33) - Andy Pederson on His At-Bat(01:02:39) - Transfer Portal: A Hard Place to Sit(01:10:22) - Transfer Portal(01:13:54) - Top MLB Coach's Advice on the Recruiting Process(01:20:18) - D Baseball: On-Air With Keith and Andy

In this episode, we break down MLB’s newly announced scouting dead period and its impact on high school baseball prospects, the MLB Draft, and player development. Learn why scouts can’t evaluate players this fall and how it ties to rising arm injuries. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:00) - Kevin Smith's Gloves(00:01:11) - Major League Baseball: No Scouting Events From October 15th to January(00:11:18) - NCAA Baseball: No Recruiting Dead Period

In this episode, we explore how college baseball coaches are adapting their recruiting strategies under the new NCAA rules. We break down why recruiting timelines are slowing, what coaches are prioritizing in prospects, and how these changes impact the 2027 class and beyond. Whether you’re a high school player, parent, or coach, this episode offers key insights into navigating NCAA recruiting in today’s evolving landscape. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:00) - Kevin Smith's Cali Gloves(00:01:11) - The Current State of 2027 Recruiting(00:13:20) - The Portal Effect on College Baseball(00:24:40) - Transfer portal: Can High School Recruiting Stay the Same?(00:31:56) - Reasons to Play Division 1 Baseball(00:40:31) - Transfer Class of 2019