Baseball Bluebook Podcast

In this episode of Are You in the Book?, host Eric Wubbena sits down with Westmoreland Community College head coach Michael Draghi to talk about the power of JUCO baseball, navigating today's recruiting landscape, and why finding the right fit matters more than ever. With decades of experience coaching at the JUCO level, Coach Draghi shares why playing time, development, and preparation for the real world should be the top priorities for student-athletes. As college baseball undergoes massive changes, from NIL deals to transfer portal chaos and shrinking Division I rosters, JUCO baseball is becoming an even stronger pathway for players who want real opportunities to play and grow.

In this episode of Are You in the Book?, host Eric Wubbena sits down with Wagner College pitching coach Eric Reardon to discuss the journey from player to coach, the evolution of baseball development, and what makes Wagner a rising force in the NEC. Reardon, a Rutgers alum with deep roots in college baseball, shares his unique path into coaching, from growing up around the Rutgers program to mentoring pitchers at the Division I level. He opens up about the transition from player to coach, the intangible skills needed to lead a team, and how analytics are changing the way athletes train.

In this episode of the Are You In The Book? podcast, host Eric Wubbena sits down with Wilkes College head coach Mike Guy to discuss his journey from community college player to head coach and how the landscape of college baseball is rapidly evolving. Coach Guy shares insider knowledge on recruiting, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit for student-athletes, especially with major changes like the transfer portal and roster size reductions. He breaks down why academics, financial considerations, and campus culture should play a crucial role in a player's decision-making process.

n this episode of Are You In The Book?, host Eric Wubbena sits down with Texas A&M-Texarkana head coach Chase Brewster to talk about his first year leading the program, the unique grind of NAIA baseball, and what it takes to build a winning culture. A TAMU-Texarkana alum himself, Brewster brings a deep connection to the program and a track record of success—having founded Sticks Baseball in Arkansas, one of the nation's premier travel organizations. He shares his vision for player development, what makes NAIA baseball different, and the blueprint for building a championship team.

In this episode of Are You in the Book?, Eric sits down with Rob Henry, head coach of Kentucky State University, to explore his 30-year journey in baseball and how he's built a thriving program at an NCAA Division II HBCU. Coach Henry shares lessons learned through adversity, the importance of finding your voice as a coach, and how to balance metrics with character in recruiting. From insights gained at the 2025 ABCA Convention to stories of transformation in his players, this conversation highlights what it takes to develop a team culture rooted in discipline, selflessness, and constant improvement. Plus, hear about Kentucky State's exciting program updates, including new facilities and their commitment to player development on and off the field. Tune in for a powerful discussion on leadership, growth, and the future of college baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the "Are You in the Book?" podcast, host Eric welcomes Julio Godinez, head baseball coach at Lake Land College. Coach Julio shares his journey from the south side of Chicago to leading a storied NJCAA program in Mattoon, Illinois. He discusses his philosophy of recruiting players with "feel," the importance of relationships in building a cohesive team, and how JUCO baseball adapts to the changing landscape of collegiate athletics. Learn about the competitive culture at Lake Land, the legacy of its baseball program, and tips for aspiring college players. A must-listen for players, parents, and fans of the game! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Are You in the Book?, Roanoke College's new head baseball coach, Brett Kaminsky, shares his journey from Tampa, Florida, to leading a top-tier Division III program in Virginia. Kaminsky dives into his passion for recruiting, the importance of character-driven players, and the lessons he learned from mentors and coaching stops along the way. He discusses his philosophy on team culture, the critical role of strength training for young athletes, and the unique advantages of Roanoke's facilities, academics, and community spirit. This inspiring episode offers valuable insights for players, parents, and coaches looking to understand what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 2 of this bonus episode, Eric continues the conversation with legendary coaches Tom Callari and Jeremy Sheetinger to explore the foundational elements of successful baseball programs. The trio dives deep into creating a culture of discipline, trust, and consistency to navigate adversity on and off the field. Through engaging stories and actionable insights, they discuss the importance of little details, building player accountability, and fostering a failure-free environment that pushes athletes to unlock their full potential. This episode is packed with invaluable lessons for players, parents, and coaches aiming to develop leaders for life through baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Are You In The Book? podcast, Eric sits down with Mick Simpson, the new head coach of Calvary University's baseball program in Kansas City. Simpson shares his journey from running the 643 KC Academy to launching a collegiate program from the ground up. He dives into the challenges and rewards of building a team culture, navigating modern recruiting landscapes, and fostering personal growth in players. Learn how Simpson plans to combine faith, competitive spirit, and community impact to create a powerhouse program in the heart of Kansas City. This episode is packed with inspiration for players, parents, and coaches alike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Are You in the Book? podcast, Eric sits down with coaching heavyweights Tom Callari, former head coach of Penn State DuBois, and Jeremy Sheetinger from Georgia Gwinnett. The discussion takes listeners beyond baseball fundamentals, exploring how these coaches instill values like resilience, accountability, and selflessness in their players. With laughs and insights, they cover the importance of culture, the role of mentorship, and how to prepare young athletes for life beyond the game. This episode is packed with practical wisdom for coaches, parents, and players alike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Are You In The Book, Eric sits down with Coach Addison Rouse of St. Xavier University to discuss his journey through various coaching roles and how he has shaped a family-centered baseball program at St. Xavier. From recruiting and player development to balancing life as a husband and father, Coach Rouse shares his philosophy on building relationships and creating a close-knit team environment. He also talks about the unique advantages of NAIA programs, emphasizing the personal connections and development opportunities that can sometimes get overlooked at larger schools. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in college baseball and the values that shape successful teams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Are You In The Book, we are joined by Joey Centanni, founder of C3 Recruits and a former college baseball player and coach. Joey shares his insights on how high school athletes can navigate the often overwhelming college recruiting process. From understanding how to evaluate potential schools to checking the right boxes for academics, finances, and athletics, Joey provides practical advice for players and parents. You can tune in to learn how to find the best fit for your college baseball career and why staying open-minded can lead to better opportunities and experiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Are You In The Book, we sit down with Coach Darrel Handelsman, a highly respected figure in baseball development with over 30 years of experience. As the head coach at Olney Central College and field manager for the Waterloo Bucks, Coach Handelsman shares his journey through the world of baseball, the evolution of the sport, and what it takes to succeed as a player today. From the importance of physicality and mental toughness to the value of being a selfless, team-first athlete, Coach Handelsman's wisdom provides a wealth of advice for aspiring players and their families. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with valuable lessons for anyone passionate about baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Are You in the Book, we sit down with Dr. Lauren Bailey from the Sports Vision Institute to explore how vision training can optimize athletic performance. Dr. Bailey discusses the critical role that dynamic vision plays in baseball, going beyond just 20/20 eyesight to enhance skills like reaction time, depth perception, and focus. She shares practical tips for parents and players, revealing how vision training can help athletes at any age improve their game. This episode dives deep into the impact of screen time, the importance of awareness, and how foundational exercises can transform performance on the field. Download the Baseball Bluebook app to access free vision training resources and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the "Are You in the Book?" podcast, Eric Wubbena sits down with Coach Gyorkos, head baseball coach at Culver-Stockton College. Coach Gyorkos shares his journey from playing at his alma mater to becoming the head coach at just 26 years old. They discuss the challenges of rebuilding a program, the importance of creating a strong culture, and why he emphasizes recruiting four-year players committed to both the team and the college experience. Coach Gyorkos also highlights his involvement in summer collegiate leagues and how it has helped grow his program. If you're interested in player development, building a winning culture, and what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level, this episode is a must-listen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Are You In The Book podcast, Eric Wubbena sits down with Stock Ramirez, a part-time area scout for the Milwaukee Brewers and a dedicated mentor to young players. Stock shares insights into his lifelong passion for baseball, his mentorship philosophy, and what he looks for in players both on and off the field. From understanding the importance of competitive drive to evaluating the tools players possess, Stock dives deep into the qualities that separate future stars from the rest. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on mentorship, scouting, and the evolving game of baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the "Are You In The Book" podcast, Eric Wubbena sits down with Coach Tim Montez, the head coach of Ottawa University Arizona. Coach Montez shares his extensive journey through various levels of baseball, from Division I to the NAIA, and his experience building Ottawa's program from the ground up. He offers valuable insights on finding the right fit for student-athletes, emphasizing the importance of academic, athletic, social, and spiritual alignment. Coach Montez also discusses the evolving role of coaches in developing young men both on and off the field. This conversation is packed with practical advice for parents, players, and coaches alike, highlighting the true essence of sports beyond just winning games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the "Are You In The Book?" podcast, we welcome Joey Greany, the head strength and conditioning coach for the Tampa Bay Rays. Joey shares his insights on developing elite athletes, the importance of tailored training programs, and the role of mental toughness in professional baseball. We dive into the unique challenges and strategies involved in keeping players at their peak performance throughout a grueling MLB season. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of strength and conditioning with one of the best in the game. 4o Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Are you in the Book Podcast, Eric Wubbena sits down with Darren Everson, the hitting coach for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies - AA affiliate of the New York Mets. Darren shares his journey through the ranks of professional baseball, from playing in the minors to coaching at various levels, including his role as a hitting coordinator. He discusses the impact of technology on hitting strategies, the importance of observation and communication, and how he tailors his coaching approach to individual players. Joseph Guzman from Empowerment Sports Group also joins the conversation, offering insights on navigating advice from different hitting coaches and staying true to one's own strengths. Whether you're a player, coach, or baseball fan, this episode provides valuable perspectives on developing effective hitting techniques and understanding the game at a deeper level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Are You in the Book podcast, host Eric Wubbena sits down with Cory Goff, the Head Coach at Riverside High School and a passionate advocate for American Legion baseball. Coach Goff dives into what makes the American Legion program special, from its deep-rooted traditions to its role in developing young athletes. He shares his insights on how to grow the program, the importance of community involvement, and why American Legion baseball continues to be a vital part of the sport. Tune in to hear Coach Goff's strategies for nurturing the next generation of players and keeping the legacy of American Legion baseball alive and thriving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Are You in the Book podcast, host Eric Wubbena sits down with Sam Jones, the newly hired Head Coach at Evangel University. Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with starting fresh in a new role and the importance of building a faith-based baseball program. Coach Jones shares his vision for integrating faith and sports, offering insights on how he plans to lead and inspire his team both on and off the field. Whether you're interested in coaching, faith, or new beginnings, this episode is full of inspiration and practical advice for creating a program grounded in strong values. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this exciting episode of the "Are You In The Book?" podcast, presented by Baseball Bluebook, Eric sits down with Coach Traywick, the new Head Coach at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain. Get to know Coach Traywick as he shares his vision for the baseball program, his plans for developing talent, and his approach to creating a winning culture from the ground up. Whether you're a player, coach, or fan, this conversation offers a unique look at the challenges and opportunities of starting fresh in collegiate baseball. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about the future of UARM baseball and the journey ahead with Coach Traywick! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Eric for a compelling episode of the "Are You In The Book?" podcast, brought to you by Baseball Bluebook, as he interviews Coach Punches, the new Head Coach at Olivet Nazarene University. In this episode, Coach Punches discusses his aspirations for the team, his strategies for player development, and his vision for building a strong, competitive program. Whether you're an athlete aiming to improve your game, a coach looking for fresh insights, or a fan of college baseball, this episode provides a deep dive into the exciting journey of a new coach taking the helm. Don't miss this opportunity to hear about the future of Olivet Nazarene baseball and Coach Punches' plans to lead the team to success! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the "Are You In The Book?" podcast, brought to you by Baseball Bluebook, Eric interviews Coach Kutelik, the Recruiting Coordinator at Mission University in Springfield, MO. Dive into the world of collegiate baseball recruiting as Coach Kutelik shares his expertise on identifying talent, the recruitment process, and what it takes to succeed at the next level. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring college athletes, coaches, and baseball enthusiasts eager to understand the intricacies of building a competitive team. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with valuable tips and insider knowledge on the path to baseball success! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the "Are You In The Book?" podcast, brought to you by Baseball Bluebook, Eric sits down with Coach Grinder of the University of Texas Permian Basin. Tune in as we explore Coach Grinder's journey in baseball, his approach to developing young talent, and his vision for the future of UTPB's baseball program. Whether you're an aspiring player, a dedicated coach, or a passionate fan, this insightful conversation offers valuable takeaways and inspiration. Don't miss this chance to get an insider's perspective on what it takes to succeed on and off the diamond! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Eric on this episode of the "Are You In The Book?" podcast, proudly presented by Baseball Bluebook, as he interviews Coach Nasby, the Head Coach of Drury University Baseball. Discover Coach Nasby's coaching philosophy, his commitment to player development, and the strategies he employs to build a winning team culture. Whether you're a player looking to elevate your game, a coach seeking inspiration, or a fan of collegiate baseball, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge and motivation. Tune in to hear firsthand what it takes to cultivate champions both on and off the field! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Are You in the Book? we have an engaging conversation with Matt Riser, the head coach of University of Memphis baseball. Coach Riser delves into his coaching journey, sharing the philosophies and strategies that have propelled his teams to success. He discusses his approach to player development, the importance of fostering a strong team culture, and how he navigates the challenges of collegiate baseball. Whether you're a coach, player, or passionate about the sport, Coach Riser's insights and experiences offer valuable lessons on building and sustaining a winning program. Tune in for a motivational and informative episode that highlights what it takes to excel in the world of college baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Are You in the Book? we sit down with Phil Shallenberger, the acclaimed head coach of Messiah University and the MAC Coach of the Year. Coach Shallenberger shares the secrets behind his success, discussing his coaching philosophy, player development strategies, and the journey that led to his recognition as one of the top coaches in the conference. Learn how he has built a winning program at Messiah University, the challenges he has overcome, and the values that drive his coaching approach. This episode is packed with insights and inspiration for coaches, players, and baseball fans alike. Join us for a compelling conversation with Coach Shallenberger, a leader dedicated to excellence both on and off the field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Are You in the Book Podcast, we chat with Cam Hamsley, the new head coach at Roane State Community College. Coach Hamsley discusses the exciting journey of building a program from the ground up, sharing his vision and strategies for developing a successful team. Learn about the support he received from the NABF, his approach to player development and the challenges of stepping into a new coaching role. Whether you're a coach, player, or fan of the game, Coach Hamsley's experiences and insights offer valuable lessons on leadership, perseverance, and the art of coaching. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about new beginnings and the drive to create a winning culture at Roane State. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Are You in the Book?" podcast, where we bring you inside the world of baseball with insightful interviews and lively discussions. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Head Coach Michael McCarry from Lackawanna College in Scranton, PA, as our special guest. Join us as Coach McCarry shares his journey, from the fundamentals of coaching to the strategies behind leading a successful collegiate baseball program. Get ready to gain valuable insights into player development, game tactics, and the unique challenges of the sport at the collegiate level. Whether you're a baseball enthusiast or simply curious about the game, this episode promises an engaging look into the heart of coaching and the passion that drives it forward. Tune in and discover what it takes to thrive in the dugout with Coach McCarry at Lackawanna College. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for a lively episode of "Are You in the Book?" podcast as we sit down with Head Coach Josh Merrill from NIACC (North Iowa Area Community College). Get ready to dive into the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of collegiate baseball as Coach Merrill shares his insights and experiences from the helm. From game-winning plays to fostering teamwork, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the dynamic world of coaching and the dedication it takes to succeed on and off the field. Tune in for a playbook of inspiration and wisdom from one of the game's finest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In his sixth season as a Fairfield assistant coach, Brian Fay has helped guide the Stags to one of the most successful stretches in school history with three straight regular season championships, four 30-win seasons, and a program record 39 victories in 2021. In total, the Stags have won 143 games and 68 percent of their contests in three full seasons.  Fay was also a part of the most historic regular season in conference history, helping guide the Stags to a 35-1 record and a .972 winning percentage, the highest in NCAA Division I history. That success put the Stags in the national spotlight as Fairfield was awarded their first-ever ranking in a national Top-25 poll as they reached No. 23 in Baseball America. The Stags were also in the top 30 in the Baseball Writers and Collegiate Baseball Newspaper national polls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Landon Powell begins his 10th season as the head coach of North Greenville University baseball in 2024. During his nine seasons in Tigerville, the former Major League Baseball player and University of South Carolina standout has amassed a record of 350-116-1 (75.1%), including five Conference Carolinas Tournament Championships, four regular season conference championships, six Southeast Regional appearances, three Southeast Super Regional appearances, and the 2022 NCAA Division II National Championship. For four consecutive seasons, the Crusaders were ranked #1 nationally in Division II at some point during each season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coach Ryan Hunter joins the Phantoms athletics team as Head Baseball Coach at Delaware County Community College,bringing with him a wealth of experience and passion to the baseball field. With a background deeply rooted in both playing and coaching, Coach Hunter has made an impact on the local baseball community through his founding of the Michael K. Ingram II Baseball League in Delaware and his nonprofit organization, Blue Demon Athletics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin Brooks has guided the Angelo State baseball program to six NCAA Division II College World Series appearances with six South Central Championships and has compiled an impressive 742-333 overall record since starting the ASU program in 2005. In 2023, the Rams claimed the Division II National Championship for the first time in program history. The only coach in ASU baseball history, he has recorded 10 trips to the NCAA postseason. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baseballbluebook/support

Lee Lipinski enters his sixth season as an assistant coach for the Broncos. This is Lipinski's 11th consecutive year as a member of the Broncs Baseball Program, playing five years and captaining two teams. Lipinski was a part of two regular season championships (2013 & 2015) and played in three MAAC tournaments during his tenure as a player. Lipinski joined the staff for the 2018 season after leading the Broncos to their first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Tournament win since 2013. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baseballbluebook/support

Steve Murry assumed the Head Coaching job at Neosho County in June of 1986. He succeeded Carl Robb and became only the second coach in Neosho Baseball history. During his 37 year stint, the Panthers have won 1176 games,Jayhawk Conference Championships in 1994, 2003, 2006 and 2016 and Jayhawk Conference Eastern Division Sub-Regional Championships in 1999, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, & 2016. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baseballbluebook/support

Coach Miller's goal is to help players learn more about themselves, train to their strengths, reduce their weaknesses, increase their opportunities, and diminish risks to take their game to the next level utilizing science and technology. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baseballbluebook/support

Anthony Plá enters his 12th season as Head Baseball Coach at Lincoln University. In May of 2015, Coach Plá is also the Assistant Athletic Director of Facilities moving the Lions to new heights as a program.Plá is looking to further the progression of the already-growing baseball program as they look to improve on each year's success.  The transition from NCAA Division III to NCAA Division II has been tough, but the challenge is what has pushed him to work hard to build a stellar program. This is Plá's first Head Coach position at the collegiate level but with the knowledge, energy, and synergy he brings in his work ethic the Lions will reach new heights. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baseballbluebook/support

Joseph Guzman graduated from Florida Memorial University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Minor in Aviation. He graduated with Cum Laude Honors and part of the National Honor Math Society Mu Alpha Theta. He has over 6 years' experience as adviser, mentor, and talent recruiter. His coaching positions include work with the Kansas City Royals organization at their Dominican Academy giving instruction, as well as mentoring their recently signed Latin American prospects. He was also an assistant Cultural Development Coordinator with the Royals, teaching the young prospects English. Following the opportunity with the Royals, Joseph was an assistant coach for the Covington Lumberjacks of the Valley League where he helped them to a playoff appearance. During the same time, he worked on coaching many players who ended up signing professional baseball contracts. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baseballbluebook/support

At just 27 years old, Austin Szemacs crossed one major item off his bucket list. The Streetsboro graduate was recently named baseball coach at Bryant & Stratton College in Solon. Szemacs is quick to dole out credit for his quick rise, including to longtime Rockets baseball coach Chris Scisciani, who he said helped inspire him to become a coach. Szemacs also notes how Jake Plata, his predecessor at Bryant & Stratton, and Ben Simon helped push his coaching career along since he graduated from Malone University. “Playing for Coach Scisciani was the big start for me wanting to pursue this after high school and after college,” Szemacs said. “Then between Jake and Ben, my career has taken off because of those people, and I give a lot of credit to them and the selflessness that they had. They didn't have to do what they did. and all that kind of stuff just is the reason my career is kind of taking off the way it has.” --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baseballbluebook/support

Head Coach Bennett has been leading the RU Baseball team for 2 years. After a difficult regular season, RU finished 3-2 in regionals and are looking to build on the success in 2024. Randall University is a School in Moore, OK, that competes in the NCCAA. Please get to know Coach Bennett and his program. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baseballbluebook/support

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring story of Mark and his son Cole, who, with the guidance of Walter Beede, embarked on a remarkable journey through the baseball recruiting process. Join us as we explore the challenges, victories, and the impact on their entire family. Discover the dedication and hard work that led Cole to become the best baseball player he could be. It's a testament to the resilience and passion that define the world of baseball recruitment. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baseballbluebook/support

A baseball mom's perspective of the recruiting process and working with Walter Beede. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baseballbluebook/support

Coach Vinny is back on the program to discuss the portal, recruiting and the benefits of a smaller school as well as joining the NCAA. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baseballbluebook/support

The Boston Red Sox drafted Frank Rodriguez out of high school with their 2nd round pick in the 1990 amateur draft, but he elected to go to junior college in 1991. Rodriguez led the JUCO ranks in home runs (26) and pitching strikeouts (139), and was named MVP of the Junior College World Series, when Howard College beat Manatee Community College in the title game. The Red Sox signed him nine hours before they would lose his rights and he would enter the 1991 amateur draft. Boston promised to let him start his career as a shortstop. Rodriguez's other 1991 major career highlights include being named college player of the year by Baseball America; being the Texas state regional tournament MVP; being named MVP of Howard College's baseball team; receiving an invitation for the Team USA Pre-Olympic tryouts; establishing new records for victories and strikeouts in a single season; establishing new records for home runs and RBI's at Howard College; leading the nation in homers with 26 and RBI's with 90; being nominated for the Dick Howser Trophy. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baseballbluebook/support

Coach Dane Fujinaka is in his third season as the Sharks skipper. The 2023 season marked the best conference finish since 2016, tied for 6th place with a 14-17 conference record. The Sharks had one of the top offensive seasons leading the conference in triples and stolen bases. They were also 2nd in the PacWest in batting average and 3rd in runs per game scored. Coach Fujinaka's offense in 2023 was led by PacWest newcomer of the year, Kota Suzuki, 2nd team All-Conference pick, Nick Jio, and 3rd team picks, TJ Smith and DJ Stephens.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baseballbluebook/support

Ben Jones was named Head Baseball Coach December 17, 2021, after the retirment of Hall of Fame Coach Bryan Cave.  Jones, a native of Lawrenceville, VA, graduated as an outside machinist apprentice and played baseball for The Apprentice School from 2003 to 2006.  During Jones' career, he was named a three time USCAA All-American. He is the winningest pitcher in the modern era of Apprentice School baseball with 39 wins and a Virginia College Division record of 501 strikeouts.  Jones was selected to the 2006 USCAA National All-Academic Team and the CoSIDA Academic All-District.  He was also selected VaSID All-State Division II-III in 2004 and 2006 and was honored as Apprentice School Athlete of the Year in 2006 when he went 13-3 with 166 strikeouts.  After his playing career, Jones joined the Apprentice School coaching staff as a pitching coach in 2007.  Jones was a part of the Builder baseball team that won the USCAA Small College World Series in 2007 and 2015.  Ben Jones was selected to the USCAA Hall of Fame – Class of 2018. He is starting his 16th season as a coach. In 2020, Jones was inducted into The Apprentice School Builder Athletic Hall of Fame. He is a member of the Builder wing, which recognizes outstanding accomplishments of former apprentice-athletes and coaches during the timeframe of 1990-current.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baseballbluebook/support

James Grandey, a 2011 inductee into the Muskingum University Athletic Hall of Fame, is entering his 20th year as head baseball coach at Bluffton University. He is confident that the Beavers are moving in the right direction. "We have worked extremely hard as a program during the past 15 years," explained Coach Grandey. "We have a strong foundation for the future. Through continued hard work and improvement, we will be able to take the next step." Grandey was named Deputy Director of Athletics in August of 2020 after serving as Associate Director of Athletics for several years. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baseballbluebook/support

Landon Hutchison is entering his third season as the head coach of the Storm baseball program in 2024.Hutchison, a Baltimore, Ohio native took over the Storm baseball program after serving as the pitching coach of the UIndy Greyhounds of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) from 2018-2021. Hutchison helped lead the Greyhounds pitching staff to the 2020-21 GLVC semifinals and the number two seed in the division. As a team, the Greyhounds pitching rotation combined for a 5.26 ERA, 343 strikeouts, and a 23-21 record in 2021. Additionally to his pitching coach duties, Hutchison was in charge of player development and players' mental development.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baseballbluebook/support

Coach August joins the program for the second time to talk about player development, recruiting advice, and what he is doing for his own kids to prepare them to play at the next level. Don't miss this great episode! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baseballbluebook/support