Baseball Recruiting Confidential

There is a major difference between working hard and playing hard. Xavier Head Coach Billy O’Conner joins host Justin Musil to discuss his saying “Give me the guy who plays hard over the guy who works hard.” The two discuss what Coach O’Conner means with his saying and what he has experienced in his coaching career.  This is a can’t miss discussion on what he wants in his players.

Many players and parents have little direction on what camps and showcases to attend. They are often just wandering through crucial months with uncertainty. In this episode, host Justin Musil is joined by Kent State University Recruiting Coordinator Barret Serrato. Justin and Barrett lay out their advice, for players and parents, on how to decide what camps and showcases to attend.

Great leaders can change a program. Great leaders can impact lives forever. In this episode, host Justin Musil is joined by Northwestern University Head Coach Spencer Allen. The two discuss Coach Allen’s leadership philosophies and the principles he strives for as a leader. This episode is for anyone wanting to make an impact as a leader.

Alan Jaeger and Jaeger Sports have become the gold standard for arm development, arm health, and mental training. Host Justin Musil is joined by Alan Jaeger, as the two discuss a variety of topics. Alan Jaeger gives his advice and recommendations on these topics and every player, parent, and coach should hear them.

Playing in some conferences come with a different level of pressure and attention. The Southeastern Conference is one of those. The large crowds, the media attention, and the pressure that comes with that. In this episode, Host Justin Musil is joined by Louisiana State University Recruiting Coordinator Nolan Cain. Coach Cain is one of the top recruiting coordinators in the country and gives great insight on what it is like to perform in the SEC.

Understanding why players fail at the college level can help future players better prepare themselves. College baseball isn’t easy and there are common reasons why players fail, both academically and on the baseball field. Host Justin Musil is joined by Florida Atlantic University recruiting coordinator Greg Mamula. Coach Mamula has coached at various levels, in college, and is now at one of the best programs in the country.

Competition is rising and opportunity is scarce. College baseball rosters are crowded and will be for a while, due to the pandemic and NCAA eligibility waivers. Picking the right school is more important now, than ever before. Host Justin Musil is joined on this episode by Lipscomb University Assistant Coach Brian Ryman. Justin and Brian give their advice on how to pick the right school in this environment.

Playing professional baseball isn’t contingent on the level of college baseball a player plays. In this episode, Host Justin Musil explores this topic with Chapman University Head Coach Scott Laverty. Coach Laverty has had players drafted in three straight MLB drafts. He talks about his process at Chapman and how players can become a draft prospect at the D3 level.

A player’s tools are under a microscope for college and professional baseball. If a player is loaded with tools, they gain a lot of attention and are likely to be highly sought after. The powerful grip a player’s tools has on scouts and college coaches cannot be denied. On this episode, host Justin Musil is joined by University of Kentucky Head Coach Nick Mingione. Justin and Coach Mingione discuss tools and why they are so important to being successful playing high level baseball. 

One of the hottest subjects in college baseball is over-recruiting. What does it mean and why do schools do it? More importantly, how does this impact incoming players? Those are a few major questions every player and parent should want to know. Host Justin Musil is joined on this episode by Wright State University Associate Head Coach Nate Metzger. Justin and Coach Metzger take on this tough topic and give it clarity. 

There are a lot of misunderstandings with the power 5 vs mid-major conferences. This episode dives into the similarities and differences of the conferences. Host Justin Musil is joined by William & Mary Associate Head Coach Brian Casey. Justin and Coach Casey explain more about mid-majors and the benefits in choosing them.

With all of the different training programs available to players, it is difficult to know what direction to take. Becoming a better athlete helps every baseball player. It may help with speed, velocity, and/or power. This episode focuses on those training tactics and what every player should consider. Host Justin Musil is joined on the podcast by TCU baseball renowned strength and conditioning coach Zach Dechant. This podcast will give you clarity on how to train as a baseball player.

When the lights are on it is easy to see who performs well. What most people don’t see is the behind the scenes work big league hitters do to prepare. Winning at bats starts with a focus, a routine, and a process. It doesn’t just happen. Host Justin Musil is joined on this episode by Chicago Cubs MLB Hitting Coach Anthony Iapoce. Justin and Anthony discuss his process and how hitters win at bats in the big leagues.

The Division 3 level in college baseball is very misunderstood. Most have little knowledge on talent level, many have never seen a D3 baseball game, and some players even scoff at the idea of playing at that level. All without knowing much about it. In this episode, host Justin Musil is joined by Tufts University Head Coach and Coaching Hall of Famer, John Casey. If anyone knows D3 baseball it is Coach Casey, who has coached at that level for nearly 40 years.

Failure is inevitable as players move from high school to college baseball. Imagine moving from high school to the University of North Carolina? As one of the top programs in the country, there are many players who have never seen the consistent competition they will have upon arrival. It is an experience filled with failure. On this episode, host Justin Musil is joined by University of North Carolina Associate Head Coach Scott Forbes. The two take on this subject and how it can impact future success.

The NCAA dead period keeps getting pushed back. Coaches cannot evaluate players in person and players cannot make campus visits. How does anything happen in recruiting when the dead period is in place? Will coaches still make offers? Should players commit without seeing a school? Host Justin Musil and University of Washington Recruiting Coordinator Elliott Cribby, discuss these questions and more on this episode.

College coaches and pro scouts clamor over players who love to compete. They want players who can lift up others around them and make the team better. Competition is also a key factor to preparing and working in other facets of a player’s game. In this episode, Host Justin Musil is joined by the young, passionate, Head Coach from the University of Maine, Nick Derba. Justin and Nick give clarity on this important topic.

Many of the most talented baseball players are good as a position player and as a pitcher. If a player can do it at the high school level, why not at the collegiate level? It’s possible, but isn’t easy. On this episode, Host Justin Musil is joined by University of Cincinnati Recruiting Coordinator JD Heilmann. The two discuss the complexities of being a two way player, but how great it can be for a staff and a player, if it works.

Having the right training program is one of the first steps to maximizing offers. Players and parents often miss this opportunity. On this episode, Host Justin Musil is joined by Tread Athletics Founders Ben Brewster and Coan McAlpin. Ben and Coan have transformed baseball player development and are two of the leading experts in the world. The three discuss this loaded topic and give guidance on how to build a program that takes players to another level.

There are many components of being a student-athlete in college. Responsibility can ramp up at an Ivy league school due to the academic demand. Players have to meet high baseball demands, along with matching the demands at the highest academic institutions in the world. In this episode, Host Justin Musil is joined by Columbia University Recruiting Coordinator Dan Tischler to discuss Ivy League school's academic and baseball rigor. 

Justin Musil has asked many questions as the host of the BRC Podcast. This episode flips that around and he is the one who gets interviewed. Justin is interviewed by Creighton University Recruiting Coordinator Connor Gandossy. Coach Gandossy asks him about evaluating players, why he started the podcast, his advice to players on recruiting, and much, much, more. 

Tools and metrics are often talked about with scouting and evaluating. They are very important, but they are not everything in the recruiting process. In this episode, host Justin Musil goes in depth on other recruiting variables with Fairliegh Dickinson University Head Coach Rob DiToma. The two discuss on field performance and other major factors with college coaches' decision making process.

Every college staff recruits based on their strengths and personality. That means that every coaching staff has their own style. Many players and parents misunderstand coaching staffs because they can be so different with how they recruit. This episode sheds light on the various styles and what to expect from coaches.

This is from a player’s perspective with the major transition from High School to College. This is a raw and honest conversation with Aidan Maldonado. Aidan is a highly touted player at the University of Illinois. With a mid 90’s fastball he was a phenom out of high school. This is what he learned in his transition as a student-athlete at a D1 program. It can be challenging, no matter how talented a player is. You will learn a lot from someone who has experienced a lot.

In this bonus episode, host Justin Musil is joined by Northern Illinois University Head Coach Mike Kunigonis. Justin and Coach Kunigonis cover all types of questions related to COVID-19 and the impact it will have on college baseball and the recruiting process.

Winning a World Series is the pinnacle of professional baseball. Craig Counsell has reached that pinnacle twice. Counsell, a long time MLB player and 2019 MLB Manager of the year of the Milwaukee Brewers, joins Host Justin Musil on the podcast. Justin and Craig discuss his journey to the pinnacle and the lessons he learned in winning two world series rings.

Many lessons can be learned from people who have made it to the big leagues. In this episode, Host Justin Musil talks to former 19 game MLB winner Shawn Estes. Shawn continues to be around the game today as a San Francisco Giants commentator. From a small town kid to the big leagues, this is his story and the lessons he learned along the way.

Leadership is a key ingredient to winning and building a great culture. Many people think of the coaching leadership in a program,  but player leadership is equally as important. Host Justin Musil is joined by PITT baseball pitching coach Jerry Oakes. Justin and coach Oakes discuss leadership and what qualities are sought after by college coaches. The key qualities that make an impact on a program.

Adversity strikes frequently in the sport of baseball and in life. Success often follows challenges and overcoming difficult circumstances, so how does a player overcome it? The ability to handle adversity can define a player's career. Host Justin Musil is joined by University of Louisiana-Monroe Head Coach Mike Federico. Justin and Coach Federico discuss strategies on how players can use adversity to make them better players and people.

Players are always looking for ways to separate themselves. This episode features the communication aspect and how players can effectively communicate to gain an edge in the recruiting process. On this episode, host Justin Musil has a conversation with Ohio University Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Mitch Mormann. Justin and Mitch take on this important topic so players understand how coaches want them to communicate.

Recruiting at a high academic D3 school has major challenges for coaches. On this episode, host Justin Musil is joined by Middlebury College Head Coach Mike Leonard. Justin and Coach Leonard talk through many key topics. Are high academic D3 coaches able to help players get into school? How do they assess their potential recruits? What type of talent do they recruit? What is the time commitment for student-athletes, when they play at a high academic D3? These questions and more are answered on this episode.

One of the Colorado Rockies top prospects, Terrin Vavra, joins the podcast to discuss his unique journey to the University of Minnesota and to MiLB. Once a small, undersized high school player, he became an All-American and a 3rd round draft pick in the MLB draft. Also joining Host Justin Musil on this episode is Jeremy Musil, the scout that fell in love with Terrin’s ability early in high school. It’s a story of family, growth, belief, and persistence.

The stakes are high. Every offer a college coach makes, comes with major risk. The offer is a calculation of many different components that help coaches make that decision. Coaches have a job on the line and they have to get the majority of their offers right. On this episode, host Justin Musil is joined by University of Iowa Recruiting Coordinator Marty Sutherland. Justin and Coach Sutherland give a more detailed look with what is at stake with the offers they make.

This episode exposes the major challenges personally, academically, and athletically, for players making the jump from high school to college. This transition is often overlooked or unknown to players and their parents. On this episode, host Justin Musil is joined by UMASS Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Nate Cole. Justin and Coach Cole share their thoughts and give rare insight to help players prepare for these challenges. 

Host Justin Musil is joined on this episode by former Southern Miss and current Minnesota Twins outfielder Matt Wallner. Matt’s journey to get to Southern Miss is one of the most unique recruiting stories you will ever hear. He went from uncommitted in May of his senior year, to a three time all-american and the 39th overall pick in the MLB draft. It is a story you don’t want to miss. This is Matt’s story, in his words.

Making an immediate impact as a freshman is a tall task for any player. Why is it so difficult and what can players do to prepare themselves before they leave for school? It’s a huge challenge but knowledge is power and this episode gives players the information they need. Host Justin Musil is joined on this episode by University of New Mexico baseball recruiting coordinator Jon Coyne. Justin and Coach Coyne share their game changing insight to help kids build a great plan prior to getting to campus.

Successful college players can come from anywhere. Many are late bloomers, from remote locations, or simply overlooked. Every college coach wants to find the great players that others missed out on. On this episode, Host Justin Musil is joined by Miami (OH) University Assistant Coach Justin Dedman. Justin and Coach Dedman take listeners through this rarely talked about subject and how college coaches find the diamonds in the rough that are out there.

Hitting is one of the hardest things to do in sports. Evaluating those hitters is equally as difficult for college coaches and pro scouts. On this episode, host Justin Musil is joined by Vanderbilt University Hitting Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Mike Baxter. Justin and Coach Baxter take a deep look into what hitters can do to impress college coaches. It’s much more complicated than you may think.

Players and parents often go through the recruiting process trying to gain clarity by reading into coaches actions and words. Coaches do their best to be transparent but decision making can also be difficult. It can become a guessing game that is difficult for players to understand. Host Justin Musil is joined on this episode by Bryant University Head Baseball Coach Ryan Klosterman. If you are trying to understand coaches better, this episode is a great listen.

College coaches recruit players based on their academic and ability level. The most challenging part of evaluation is the physical ability. However; it is more than the player’s ability, it is also the coach believing their developmental strengths fit the player. On this episode, Host Justin Musil is joined by Abilene Christian University Assistant Coach Craig Parry. The two take this subject deeper and provide details on why this is such an important piece of recruiting.

Most people think of off-field habits and decisions as the main evaluation piece for player character and make up. There is some truth to that. However; in this episode host Justin Musil gets into on-field make up and how that impacts a player’s recruiting process. Justin is joined on this episode by Citadel baseball Recruiting Coordinator Aaron Gershenfeld. Justin and Coach Gershenfeld look at the key components to impressing with on-field behavior.

Every college coach in the country wants to be around players they enjoy working with on a regular basis. Coaches each have their own definition of what that looks like to them. On this episode, host Justin Musil breaks this down with University of Central Florida Assistant Coach Nick Otte. Justin and Coach Otte take a look at what this means and how players can become a player every coach wants to coach.

College coaches at high academic schools have the challenge of finding talented players who also meet their academic standards. High academic schools take different strategies in the process and still aim to land the most talented players they can. Host Justin Musil scans this topic and gives his advice to players and families going through the process. Justin is joined on this episode by Davidson Head Baseball Coach Rucker Taylor. Coach Taylor brings the perfect experience to speak on this subject.

Players and parents going through the recruiting process need to understand how to build positive relationships with college coaches. Host Justin Musil gives his tips on how to build those relationships and how they can be a major asset in the process. Also discussed is why players need to surround themselves with people who are highly respected in college baseball. Justin has Loyola Marymount University Recruiting Coordinator Tony Asaro on the episode to give his perspective and advice on this topic.

It’s episode number 50! Host Justin Musil reflects back on the 49 episodes prior to this one. He has learned a lot from the guests he has had on and from the people he works with on this series. He has also learned a lot about himself through this series so far. This podcast reveals more of Justin’s personal side and gives the listeners more insight on who he is.

It is next to impossible to go through the recruiting process without players comparing themselves to others. It often starts when someone else commits to a school. It can create tension and stress for a family to see other players committing, while they are still uncommitted. This episode focuses on the problems and solutions with the comparison game. Host Justin Musil is joined by University of Akron Recruiting Coordinator Jordon Banfield. Justin and Jordon provide rarely heard insight on this topic.

Radar guns have been an integral part of scouting pitchers for decades. College coaches and pro scouts rely heavily on them for evaluating. It’s not just about velocity, they provide data on spin rates too. The radar gun has been vital to scouting pitchers but there is more to it. On this episode, Host Justin Musil takes on the other keys to evaluating pitchers that rarely get talked about. Justin is joined by Georgetown University Pitching Coach Eric Niesen and they bring unique insight to this topic.

One of the biggest challenges any coach faces is trying to build a program into a powerhouse. It takes talented players, but also players who fit the culture and coaching style. On this episode, Host Justin Musil is joined by University of Tennessee Head Baseball Coach, Tony Vitello. Justin and Coach Vitello go in depth on how he turned the program around. They also talk about the players he looks for moving forward, to continue to build it into a powerhouse.

There are many differences in what pro scouts look for in comparison to college coaches. They evaluate countless high school players but they do so from different lenses. Not all great college prospects are pro prospects. There are key similarities and differences and they are explored on this episode. Host Justin Musil, who has experience scouting in MLB and college baseball, is joined by University of San Diego Recruiting Coordinator, and former St. Louis Cardinals scout, Brock Ungricht.

Host Justin Musil breaks down the complex process of schools making offers to the commitment of the player. This episode breaks this down from start to finish to simplify it. When do schools typically offer? How long does a player have to decide when a school offers? Can a player take visits to other schools when a school has already offered? How can a player turn off coaches during this part of the process? Justin takes on these questions and more with Nicholls State University Recruiting Coordinator Zach Butler.

In the recruiting process players and parents can feel like they are not valued as individuals. They feel like a commodity and their feelings do not matter. It’s a challenging process but with all of the hoopla, coaches do value the players involved. University of Arkansas pitching coach Matt Hobbs joins Host Justin Musil on the podcast. The two discuss this deep topic and why the people they are recruiting are so important to coaches.