ABCA 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

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by John Vodenlich, head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, member of the 2024 ABCA Hall of Fame Class, and the 2025 ABCA/ATEC NCAA Div. III Coach of the Year. Vodenlich has turned UW-Whitewater into a perennial powerhouse, leading the Warhawks to three national championships (2005, 2014, 2025). His 2025 squad was one of the most dominant in program history, finishing 49-6 while posting video game numbers with a .364 team batting average and a 3.36 ERA. In this episode, Coach Vodenlich shares the culture and coaching principles that have fueled Whitewater’s success, along with invaluable lessons for both life and baseball. 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

Next up on the ABCA Podcast, we’re highlighting another of our ABCA/ATEC Coaches of the Year with John Knott, head coach at Mount San Antonio College and the 2025 ABCA/ATEC Pacific Association Division Coach of the Year. Knott guided Mt. SAC to a historic season in 2025, capturing the 3C2A Championship for the first time in 60 years. The Mounties finished with an incredible 45-6 record, including 22-2 in conference play, cementing themselves among the best teams in the country. Since taking over the program in 2016, Knott has built Mt. SAC into a consistent contender, carrying over his winning pedigree from Bonita High School, where he led the team to its first CIF Championship since 1951 and six straight league titles from 2009–2014. In this episode, Knott reflects on his program-building approach, the culture behind Mt. SAC’s title run, and lessons learned from both the high school and college levels. 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 Jim Koerner, USA Baseball’s Director of Player Development. In his role, Koerner oversees on-field programming for six national teams and three national development programs. Since taking over the position in 2021, Koerner has brought a wealth of coaching experience from his time leading and assisting collegiate programs at North Carolina Central University, University of Buffalo, Marshall University, Monmouth University, and Medaille University. In this episode, Koerner shares practical development tips from training approaches to mental skills and long-term growth that can help players, coaches, and parents at any 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

Next up on the ABCA Podcast, we spotlight another ABCA/ATEC Coach of the Year—Joe Giummule, head coach at Jupiter High School (FL) and the 2025 ABCA/ATEC High School Division I Coach of the Year. In his first season at Jupiter, Giummule led the Warriors all the way to the Florida Class 7A state championship game, falling just short in a tight 3-2 battle against national powerhouse Stoneman Douglas. With more than 20 years of coaching experience, Giummule has earned a reputation as a true program builder, having led and developed teams at Taravella, Deerfield Beach, Coral Glades, Sebastian River, South Broward, and Pompano Beach. In this episode, he reflects on his coaching journey, the keys to establishing a winning culture, and his guiding mantra of being “Fair and Consistent.” 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 continue highlighting our ABCA/ATEC Coaches of the Year with Josh Raney, head coach at Blanchard High School (OK) and the 2025 ABCA/ATEC High School Division III National Coach of the Year. Raney has been at the helm for 19 seasons and has built one of the premier programs in Oklahoma high school baseball. His Blanchard Lions have captured four state titles in the last 10 years, including a dominant 35-1 run in 2025 that ended with the Oklahoma 4A State Championship. Known for his philosophy of mastering the fundamentals and being elite at the small things that win games, Raney has compiled a career record of 510-122. With this honor, he becomes the second Oklahoma coach to receive this award, joining ABCA Hall of Famer Larry Turner. 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

It’s that time of year on the ABCA Podcast when we spotlight our ABCA/ATEC Coaches of the Year, and this week we’re joined by Chris Roof, the 2025 ABCA/ATEC High School Division II Coach of the Year. Roof has served as head coach at Governor Livingston High School (NJ) for the past 25 years and has built a powerhouse program in the Garden State. After capturing the New Jersey State Championship in 2024, his squad followed it up with a perfect 28-0 season in 2025, securing back-to-back state titles in dominant fashion. In this episode, Roof shares the foundation of his program’s success, his leadership philosophy, and how he’s impacted baseball in New Jersey beyond just the field. Recruiting is time-consuming — but what if you could filter through the noise and find the right players in minutes for FREE? With ProLook, athletes create detailed profiles with verified stats, academics, and highlight videos, so you can search for exactly what you need and connect with top talent instantly. And it's FREE for college coaches. Download ProLook today to start searching for your next recruit among many other coaches features. Available for both Apple and Android devices. For more info visit www.ProLook.app. 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

Joining us this week on the ABCA Podcast is Zach Sorensen, Mental Performance Coach for the Cincinnati Reds. A former three-time All-American at Wichita State and second-round MLB Draft pick by the Cleveland Guardians, Sorensen brings a unique perspective shaped by his own professional playing career and his deep passion for helping athletes master the mental game. After 10 years as a pro player, Sorensen transitioned into medical sales before rediscovering his purpose in performance coaching. He’s since worked with the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, and now the Reds, helping athletes train their minds like they train their bodies. Sorensen is also the host of The Hard 90 Podcast, where he shares strategies for maximizing mindset, and he's currently collaborating with Pison on a cutting-edge cognitive training app for athletes. This episode dives into what it takes to perform mentally at the highest level and how coaches can better equip their players with the tools to succeed beyond mechanics. Recruiting is time-consuming — but what if you could filter through the noise and find the right players in minutes for FREE? With ProLook, athletes create detailed profiles with verified stats, academics, and highlight videos, so you can search for exactly what you need and connect with top talent instantly. And it's FREE for college coaches. Download ProLook today to start searching for your next recruit among many other coaches features. Available for both Apple and Android devices. For more info visit www.ProLook.app. 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 sit down with Clint Hurdle, longtime MLB manager and current hitting and bench coach for the Colorado Rockies. Hurdle has been part of professional baseball since 1977, serving the game as a player, coach, and manager over the past five decades. Hurdle spent 17 seasons as a Major League manager—leading both the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates, and totaling nearly 1,300 career wins. This conversation flows into discussions on leadership, resilience, player connection, and the deeper lessons that come from a lifetime in baseball. Hurdle also delivered a phenomenal presentation at the 2025 ABCA Convention, which you can go back and watch now in the Videos section of the app or online in the ABCA Video Library. It’s well worth your time and full of the same energy, perspective, and honesty he brings to this episode. Recruiting is time-consuming — but what if you could filter through the noise and find the right players in minutes for FREE? With ProLook, athletes create detailed profiles with verified stats, academics, and highlight videos, so you can search for exactly what you need and connect with top talent instantly. And it's FREE for college coaches. Download ProLook today to start searching for your next recruit among many other coaches features. Available for both Apple and Android devices. For more info visit www.ProLook.app. 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 Brad Neffendorf, head coach of LSU Shreveport, who just led his program to a historic and unprecedented season. Under Neffendorf’s leadership, the Pilots went a perfect 59-0, capturing the first national title in school history. It marked the third NAIA World Series appearance for Shreveport during Neffendorf’s tenure and the fourth consecutive Red River Athletic Conference regular season title. As expected, the accolades followed: Neffendorf was named ABCA/ATEC NAIA National Coach of the Year, the College Baseball Foundation (Skip Bertman Award), Perfect Game, and NAIA Ball. In this episode, Neffendorf breaks down the culture, preparation, and mindset behind the perfect run, and how he’s built a consistent NAIA powerhouse since taking over in 2019. Also be sure to check out the July/August issue of Inside Pitch Magazine (mailing soon!)—Coach Neffendorf is on the cover with an even more in-depth interview on this once-in-a-lifetime season! Recruiting is time-consuming — but what if you could filter through the noise and find the right players in minutes for FREE? With ProLook, athletes create detailed profiles with verified stats, academics, and highlight videos, so you can search for exactly what you need and connect with top talent instantly. And it's FREE for college coaches. Download ProLook today to start searching for your next recruit among many other coaches features. Available for both Apple and Android devices. For more info visit www.ProLook.app. 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/benefitsBecome 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

We’re back to one-on-one interviews this week on the ABCA Podcast with a true coaching veteran—Dave Serrano, head coach at Johnson University and one of the most respected baseball minds in the game. Serrano’s journey through college baseball spans over three decades and includes stops at some of the game’s premier programs: Tennessee, Cal State Fullerton, UC Irvine, West Virginia, and Cal State Northridge. He got his start in 1988 under George Horton at Cerritos College and went on to become the 2007 Baseball America National Coach of the Year after leading UC Irvine to the College World Series. Now with over 600 career wins as a head coach, Serrano is in the midst of a remarkable turnaround at Johnson University. After taking over a 5-win program in 2023, he’s led the team to back-to-back record-breaking seasons in both single-season and conference wins. In this episode, Serrano reflects on the mentors who shaped him, the lessons he’s carried from Omaha to his current rebuild, and what it takes to lead with both passion and purpose. Recruiting is time-consuming — but what if you could filter through the noise and find the right players in minutes for FREE? With ProLook, athletes create detailed profiles with verified stats, academics, and highlight videos, so you can search for exactly what you need and connect with top talent instantly. And it's FREE for college coaches. Download ProLook today to start searching for your next recruit among many other coaches features. Available for both Apple and Android devices. For more info visit www.ProLook.app. 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 recorded in Cary, North Carolina at the NCAA Division II World Series. We sat down with all eight head coaches who led their teams to this year’s championship stage to discuss postseason preparation, team culture, and the experience of competing at the highest level in Division II baseball. Featured in this episode: Brad Baldwin (Northwood University),  Brent Porche (UT Tyler),  Chris Langan (Felician University),  John Kochmansky (East Stroudsburg University),  Adam Skonieczki (Lenoir-Rhyne University),  Joe Schaeffer (Northwest Nazarene University),  Kyle Crookes (University of Central Missouri),  Joe Urso (University of Tampa). Huge congratulations to Joe Urso and the University of Tampa on capturing their second consecutive National Championship, winning seven games in eight days in an incredible postseason run! Recruiting is time-consuming — but what if you could filter through the noise and find the right players in minutes for FREE? With ProLook, athletes create detailed profiles with verified stats, academics, and highlight videos, so you can search for exactly what you need and connect with top talent instantly. And it's FREE for college coaches. Download ProLook today to start searching for your next recruit among many other coaches features. Available for both Apple and Android devices. For more info visit www.ProLook.app. 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/benefitsBecome a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we bring you a special episode recorded on location at the NJCAA Division III World Series in Auburn, New York. We sat down with all eight head coaches competing for a national title to talk about their programs, postseason preparation, and what it means to be part of one of the most competitive events in junior college baseball. Featured in this episode: Mark Tucker – Surry Community College (NC);  Johnny Johnson – Brookdale Community College (NJ);  Bill Fratto – Oakton Community College (IL);  Matt Clingersmith – SUNY Niagara; Jimmy Brenneman – Dallas College Richland (TX);  Jeff Mejia – Northern Essex Community College (MA);  Matt Erzar – Century College (MN); and Rob Valli – RCSJ-Gloucester (NJ). A special congrats to Valli and RCSJ-Gloucester on capturing their third straight NJCAA DIII National Championship! Recruiting is time-consuming — but what if you could filter through the noise and find the right players in minutes for FREE? With ProLook, athletes create detailed profiles with verified stats, academics, and highlight videos, so you can search for exactly what you need and connect with top talent instantly. And it's FREE for college coaches. Download ProLook today to start searching for your next recruit among many other coaches features. Available for both Apple and Android devices. For more info visit www.ProLook.app. 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 bring you an episode recorded on location during the NCAA Division II Regional hosted at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina. We sat down with the four head coaches who were leading their programs through postseason play and captured their insights right in the heart of the action. Featured in this episode: Adam Skonieczki (Lenoir-Rhyne University),  Chris Anderson (Belmont Abbey College),  Tom Cantrell (University of North Georgia), and  Tom Griffin (Carson-Newman University). These coaches share their thoughts on playoff preparation, in-season growth, player development, and what it means to compete on the national stage. It's a great inside look at high-level DII baseball from the dugouts of a regional battle. Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcastOnline: https://www.abca.orgABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefitsBecome a Member: https://www.abca.org/applyX/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Barry Davis, assistant coach at Princeton University and former longtime head coach at Rider University. Davis brings more than three decades of coaching experience to the conversation, with a track record of sustained success at every level of college baseball—NJCAA, NAIA, and NCAA Division I. Over 20 seasons at Rider, Davis led the Broncs to four conference tournament championships, two regular season titles, and 12 conference tournament appearances. In 2023, his team tied a program record with 36 wins. Prior to his time at Rider, Davis also built winning programs at Georgia Southwestern State (NAIA) and Gloucester County College (NJCAA), amassing over 1,000 career wins across his head coaching stops. Now coaching in the Ivy League at Princeton, Davis reflects on his coaching journey, leadership philosophy, and what it takes to build successful programs across different levels of the game. Get the pro treatment and design your very own custom Rawlings glove just like your favorite big-league stars! Choose from countless patterns, web types, lace colors, and more to showcase your unique, personal style. Start with a pro design and change it up with your team colors or build yours completely from scratch with your name, number, and state flag! Visit Rawlings.com to design your custom glove 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

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Luke Wilkins, a lecturer at La Trobe University and former sport scientist and lead skill acquisition specialist with the New York Yankees. Wilkins brings a unique perspective to player development, blending cutting-edge academic research with experience in professional baseball. In this episode, we take a deep dive into his recent research paper, “A Framework for Using Virtual Reality to Enhance Psychological Performance in Baseball,” and explore how perceptual-cognitive training, gaze behavior, and VR tech can be used to elevate on-field performance. Originally from the UK, Wilkins holds a PhD from The University of Birmingham and currently teaches in the Sport and Exercise Science department at La Trobe, focusing on motor behavior and talent development. He’s also involved in international research collaborations across baseball and cricket. Want even more from Dr. Wilkins? Check out Episode 280 of the ABCA Podcast from January 17, 2022, where he breaks down the principles of skill acquisition in baseball. Get the pro treatment and design your very own custom Rawlings glove just like your favorite big-league stars! Choose from countless patterns, web types, lace colors, and more to showcase your unique, personal style. Start with a pro design and change it up with your team colors or build yours completely from scratch with your name, number, and state flag! Visit Rawlings.com to design your custom glove 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

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by former MLB All-Star, longtime broadcaster, and pitchLogic CBO, Lary Sorensen. A veteran of 11 big-league seasons, Sorensen won 93 games and was selected to the 1978 American League All-Star team as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. After his final MLB appearance in 1988, Sorensen transitioned into the broadcast booth, calling games for ESPN, the Detroit Tigers, and most recently, Wake Forest University baseball and football. But behind the scenes, Sorensen battled substance abuse—a struggle that nearly cost him everything. In 2014, he turned his life around and has been thriving ever since, using his platform to support others and continue growing the game through pitchLogic’s cutting-edge technology. In this powerful episode, Sorensen reflects on the highs and lows of his career, his passion for the game, and the importance of second chances. Get the pro treatment and design your very own custom Rawlings glove just like your favorite big-league stars! Choose from countless patterns, web types, lace colors, and more to showcase your unique, personal style. Start with a pro design and change it up with your team colors or build yours completely from scratch with your name, number, and state flag! Visit Rawlings.com to design your custom glove 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

This is our final installment of on location interviews from Cary, NC and USA Baseball’s NHSI Tournament coaches. Today we are joined by Venice’s Craig Faulkner, Corona Del Sol’s David Webb, Collierville’s Jeff Munier, Wesleyan Christian’s Mo Blakeney and Stony Brook’s Jon Brewer. Congrats to Coach Faulkner and Venice High School on bringing home this year’s championship. Get the pro treatment and design your very own custom Rawlings glove just like your favorite big-league stars! Choose from countless patterns, web types, lace colors, and more to showcase your unique, personal style. Start with a pro design and change it up with your team colors or build yours completely from scratch with your name, number, and state flag! Visit Rawlings.com to design your custom glove 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

The second part of our special National High School Invitational series brings you more on-the-ground conversations recorded in Cary, North Carolina. This premier event once again showcased elite talent and exceptional coaching from across the country. This week, we continue our series with five more outstanding high school coaches who led their teams at NHSI 2025: Andy Wise – Corona High School (CA) Benji Medure – Huntington Beach High School (CA) Joe Weber – Christopher Columbus High School (FL) Matt Rovantini – Poly Prep (NY) Rod Whitesell – Holly Springs High School (NC) These coaches reflect on the NHSI experience, discuss program-building strategies, and talk about preparing their players for top-level competition while representing their school and community on the national stage. Get the pro treatment and design your very own custom Rawlings glove just like your favorite big-league stars! Choose from countless patterns, web types, lace colors, and more to showcase your unique, personal style. Start with a pro design and change it up with your team colors or build yours completely from scratch with your name, number, and state flag! Visit Rawlings.com to design your custom glove 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/benefitsBecome a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945