The Dugout

Known for it's high academics and competitive baseball program, Grinnell College represents a unique opportunity for those players that want to get a terrific liberal arts opportunity coupled with playing the sport they love. Caleb Cline, an assistant coach at the NCAA Division III program, knows this. We discuss the ins and outs of the recruiting process and drill down what Grinnell looks for in it's student-athletes. 

Tyler Smarslok knows a thing or two about college recruiting. It wasn't too long ago that he himself went through the process. During that time he sent over 60 personalized emails to programs of all levels. He only heard back from one, Kean University. That's all he needed though as he is now a Volunteer Assistant Coach for NCAA Division I, Seton Hall. We spoke at length about the recruiting process and what Seton Hall looks for in their recruitment classes. 

Head Coach Mike Leonard knows a thing or two about the NESCAC conference. Considering he's been a head coach for both Bates College and now Middlebury, he's had success at both stops. Mike also knows a thing or two about evaluating talent and creating successful recruiting classes, considering he himself played D1 baseball at UConn and was signed with the Boston Red Sox. On today's episode we talk recruiting and the academic rigors of this top liberal arts college. 

Imagine playing in beautiful Santa Barbara with a competitive NAIA program in Westmont College. Head Coach Rob Ruiz has had great success in the GSAC and has maintained a talented and dedicated assistant coaching staff. Combine the location and program success with strong Christian values and you have a baseball destination that is a strong fit for hardworking players looking to grow both on and off the field. 

It's almost every high school player's dream to play competitive baseball at the collegiate level. While most assume that means at a NCAA Division I program, it's safe to say that playing for a baseball team that consistently makes the postseason would satisfy the desire for competition. Trinity University in San Antonio does just that. Consistent postseason berths and a current preseason ranking of 4th overall in NCAA DIII makes this an attractive spot. Couple the program competitiveness with top tier academics and it's easy to see why Head Coach Tim Scannell fosters strong recruiting classes. 

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Today's episode features another NCAA Division III, Northwest Conference program in University of Puget Sound. Head Coach Jeff Halstead makes a case from an academic and athletic standpoint of why Puget Sound is perfect for raw baseball players that have yet to fulfill their potential. Situated near Seattle, and recently updated facilities makes this attractive destination in a VERY competitive conference. 

US News and Review released their 2019 Rankings. Princeton University is #1. That's right. The university beat out the usual suspects of top universities and after our conversation with Assistant Coach, Alex Jurzynski, it's easy to see why. On this episode of The Dugout we highlight Princeton baseball's storied history, their rigorous academic standards and the makeup of a quintessential Tiger. 

Becoming a UC Davis Aggie means making a commitment to excellence both on and off the field. The Top 40 university is a stones throw away from both the Bay Area and Sierra Mountain Range. We had the pleasure of discussing the NCAA Division I program with Volunteer Assistant Coach, Ben Cordy. Ben discussed his own recruiting experience, what it was like watching his younger brother play at UC Davis, and why UC Davis may be the best choice for you. 

Chapman University is a terrific NCAA Division III program with a successful past. In our interview with Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, Geoff Fox, we discuss the players that the Panthers look for, why playing in beautiful, Orange CA, is a plus offering when pitching Chapman to potential recruits and how Chapman is an excellent place to study if you're interested in pursuing sports media. 

Andrew Dickson is entering his 6th season as a collegiate head coach and his 2nd as the Assistant Coach with NCAA Division I Lafayette College. We discuss the perks of playing for a program that has famous alumni, such as Chicago Cubs Manager, Joe Maddon. The Leopards are celebrating their 150th anniversary and play in the highly competitive Patriot League.  

Today we featured a Top-50 academic program that plays a competitive brand of baseball in a supportive environment. The University of Rochester baseball program has a new assistant coach in Justin Johnson. Justin has thus far had a successful career as a coach within the competitive Texas baseball circuit. He's made the jump to college and we had the chance to learn what makes the Yellowjackets a competitive NCAA Division III team. 

Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, Kevin Kopple, is entering his 13th season at NCAA Division III George Fox University. Located in beautiful, Newberg, Oregon, the program plays in the competitive Northwest Conference. On this episode Kevin discusses George Fox's recruiting philosophy, the importance of reaching your true playing potential, and what makes a Bruin.  

Oberlin College is a private institution that was founded in 1833. It's a top liberal arts institution that competes at the NCAA Division III level. In our conversation with the Oberlin's Lead Assistant Coach and Hitting Instructor, Brandon Jossey. We discuss Brandon's coaching and playing background, Oberlin's recruiting philosophy and the type of player that would make a good Yeoman. 

Does warm sun, a picturesque ballpark and a supportive Christian college sound like your kind of environment? If so, then Point Loma Nazarene University may be right for you. We spoke with Jeff Calhoon, the new assistant coach for the NCAA Division II, Sea Lions. 

What's it like to attend a top liberal arts college based in Lewiston, Maine? We find out during our interview with Bates College assistant coach, Tony Deshler. Tony has coached at various levels and even spent time playing in Australia. We discuss how the recruiting experience has changed over the years as well as the type of player that Bates College looks for. 

Sophomore year is critical on your recruiting journey. You must develop a plan to make sure you reach your dream of playing college baseball. Tune in to determine your best course of action.

Have you ever had a desire to serve a higher purpose? Does flying fighter jets and working in careers with cutting-edge technologies fire you up? Do you want to be career-ready AND have the ability to play NCAA Division I baseball? If yes, then the Air Force Academy is the right place for you! Check out our conversation with Volunteer Assistant Coach Jimmy Roesinger. Learn what Air Force looks for and what it takes to play for their program. 

The NCAA Division III, Bard baseball program is a fairly modern development, but that doesn't stop it from being an attractive landing spot for academic-forward players.  Today we spoke with Head Coach Andy Salvatore. He gave us the inside scoop on the program, the type of players that thrive at the school and why Bard College might be the perfect place for you!

This is an insightful episode where we highlight Kansas University Baseball and Head Coach Ritch Price. We discuss what makes a KU baseball player, Coach Price's recruiting philosophy and the importance of high school coach validations. So if you think you have the toughness, the talent, and the grades to play in a competitive Big 12 conference under a beloved coach, this episode is for you!