Jersey Baseball Show - powered by NJ College Baseball Nation

The nation's No. 1 high school baseball player, Indiana's Max Clark came on our show in April and talked about his goal of playing (and winning Gold) for Team USA in international competition. Max returns because it's no longer a bucket list item - he and the USA won the U-18 World Cup on US soil in September. Max takes us through the experience of what it's like to play for your country from tryouts to the exhilaration of winning the Gold Medal and hearing the National Anthem after the title game. This was one bucket list item that actually exceeded the hype Max had created! An incredible interview and you can still hear the emotion more than two months later. We also talk briefly about signing day as Max put pen to paper to attend Vanderbilt. Clearly, Max has a lot to be thankful for as we enter the holidays.

Part 2 of our Garden State Baseball Coaches Clinic PREVIEW is today and we have a fantastic time talking to two of the speakers and learning about their stories. Stetson head coach Steve Trimper is ALWAYS running at game speed. The North Jersey native has built championship programs at Manhattan and Maine and taken Stetson to the brink of the College World Series and has a rather large contingent of Jersey guys on his squad. Watch for his awesome story of recruiting Astros ALCS and WS MVP Jeremy Pena to Maine. Mary Hardin-Baylor's Mike Stawski built a powerhouse at Concordia of Chicago before moving down to Texas and has a great shot to do the same at one of the top athletic programs in all of D3. COACHES - Make sure you're registered for the Clinic - Friday 12/9 at Gamers Baseball & Softball in Kenilworth.

Friends, rivals, some former teammates, now all future teammates. These "Four From The Shore" are ready to ride up to South Orange, where they hope to help Seton Hall's baseball program restore its place at the top of the Big East Conference. Today we talk with Ryan Frontera (Middletown North), Frankie Scrivanic (Red Bank Catholic), Alex D'Ambrosio (Marlboro), and Gabe Cavazzoni (Wall) as these four stars reflect on signing day, playing with friends, and the excitement about heading off to college together.

Rutgers head coach Steve Owens and Seton Hall HC Rob Sheppard are the two biggest names in NJ baseball. They join us here to talk about their programs AND discuss the Garden State Baseball Coaches Clinic which will be held Dec. 9 in Kenilworth, from 9 AM to 2:30 PM at Gamers BA. This is a must watch program for coaches of all ages and sizes, for fans of Rutgers and Seton Hall, of college baseball in general, of New Jersey baseball. These two have combined for more than 1,500 wins as college head coaches. Owens is just 15 away from 1,000, while a Sheppard has run Seton Hall for more than 50 consecutive seasons!

Today we visit with Rutgers' All-American center fielder Ryan Lasko, who enjoyed one of the best seasons in Scarlet Knights history in 2022 as he earned first-team all-Big Ten, first-team all-Region, and second team national honors for a team that set a school record with 44 wins. We talk about how important it is to him to do it will staying in New Jersey and how important it was for the Jackson Memorial grad to finish his HS career with the Last Dance during the COVID summer of 2020. Ryan gives us the vibe around practice this Fall - looking forward to a season of promise, as well as a season of newcomers, as Rutgers welcomes a huge recruiting class as well as a number of new players from the portal. He also shares how the sting of being snubbed by the NCAA Tournament added fuel to the fire for him and his teammates. Throw in Life in the Cape last summer AND Ryan's favorite beach towns, and enjoy this interview with a guy who is living his dream of taking Rutgers to the top.

2022 was a year to remember for Cherokee Baseball. The Chiefs got on a roll at the end of the season and scored a series of dramatic wins to take the South Jersey Group 4 title. Some of the key returning players from that squad drop by to dish on that run and the future of Cherokee Baseball, and all things Orange. Epic conversation with Brandon Prince, Jason Schooley, and Evan Brown as we talk everything from college commits to postgame celebrations to who looks the best in the team's signature Orange Jacket (everyone agrees on the answer). Great half hour of HS baseball talk that you won't want to miss.

It took Connor Staine two years to go from our COVID Sandlot League to the pros, as he was drafted in the 5th round this year by the Colorado Rockies. We connect with the West Morris Central grad and Central Florida standout for an always open, always interesting, always fun talk about life in pro ball, new rides, and some exciting plans for the offseason. Get some great insights on the process and playing at the next level and enjoy this great episode of JBS.

Zach Fronio and Andrew Parisi were a devastating punch for Rutgers Prep last year, with Fronio pitching to a sub-2 ERA and throwing well in big games and Parisi hitting 11 bombs and driving in a state-best 54 runs. And that was just the start - literally - as the two were just freshmen a season ago. Two of the best in the class of 2025, Fronio and Parisi figure to torment Somerset County and the rest of NJ for the next three years. Already a commit to Big Ten regular season champ University of Maryland, Fronio boasts a complete array of pitches from his 6-4 lefty frame, while Parisi is a must-watch AB every time he steps to the plate. They join us for a special episode of the Future as we profile some of the best players in New Jersey's sophomore class.

Gavin Cohen and Jake Lodgek have been through a lot of baseball together. They teamed up last year as freshmen at Holy Spirit and there are a ton of Baseball Performance Center days, but these two young stars will be friendly rivals in 2023 as Jake is now at Mainland, another team with legitimate title goals. These two Class of 2025 stars drop by for Vol 3 of our Future series. Both have some footsteps to follow. Gavin played last year with his older brother Trevor, one of the top players in the Class of 2022 and now a promising freshman at emerging national power Rutgers. Jake comes from a great baseball family himself, with his uncle and grandfather both playing ACC baseball, and his father, Scott, a star pitcher at UNC, who was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 7th round and pitched professionally until injuries ended his career. Expect to see a lot of these guys over the next few years and enjoy today's edition of JBS.

One of the top players in the Shore Conference last year has moved inland a bit for 2023. Alexey Stout, a mainstay in the CBA infield the last few years, is taking the Postgraduate path to college, as he's now a part of the New Jersey prep battles at the Peddie School in Hightstown. He's traded Red Bank Catholic and Middletown South as rivals for Hun and Lawrenceville. The extra time also enabled Alexey to get his college choice in order and the hard-hitting second baseman recently committed to attend Gettysburg College, a team with designs on building a power in the always-tough Centennial Conference under new coach Cory Beddick, who has the deserved reputation as one of the bright young stars in the D3 coaching world. Great talk with Alexey as we mix past and present, talk about competing in the Shore, favorite summer hangouts, life at Peddie and much more on a great edition of JBS.

NJIT senior Ryan Fischer took the only D1 offer he had coming out of high school. He bet on himself. He bet on NJIT, a program that for years had been an afterthought in D1. And it couldn't have worked out any better. He worked. Hard. Got stronger. 82-85 and a very good career at Hunterdon Central became low 90s, two other plus pitches, and consistent strikes at the college level. Only pitcher at a New Jersey D1 to win an NCAA Tournament game since 2011. Cape Cod League champ. Draft prospect if he can take the FINAL step to his fastball. All amazing things. But he's still Fisch, still the King of Friday nights in Union. And the best part - he's done it all with catcher Luke Longo by his side, from way back to 6th grade when they first joined forces in middle school, to a state title in high school, to NCAA magic in college. We bring Fisch on for a special JBS - catch up with Fisch AND Luke at The Hynes, and talk to Ryan's pitching coach Anthony DeLeo. Don't miss it!

Two of the best young arms are stars of the 2025 class from North Jersey. Seton Hall Prep's MARCELO HARSCH drew raves over the summer, made a verbal commitment to Wake Forest and outstanding pitching coach Corey Muscara, and is poised to continue the long line of pitching excellence from the Non-Public powerhouse. Governor Livingston's MATTHEW DISKIN burst on to the scene a year ago, enjoyed a strong freshman season at the plate and on the mound, and maintained that spot over the summer. Ranked 1-2 by Perfect Game in the NJ 2025 class, these guys are locked in - and today's guests on a special episode of THE FUTURE.

Busy, hectic, exciting, incredible. Great words to describe the summer of New Jersey's top ranked 2025 star, Bergen Catholic's JAMIE ZEE. The North Jersey stud lit it up at the WWBA and then also PBR's Future Games and committed shortly thereafter to 2022 College World Series participant Notre Dame and new head coach Shawn Stiffler. No. 1 week concludes as we talk to Jamie, hear about the impact that the Wladyka program has had on his journey, talk about his love of the Yankees, leadership, Bergen Catholic, video games, and much more. Catch our interview with one of New Jersey's rising star NEXT.

No. 1 week continues on JBS with the consensus Top ranked 2024 player in New Jersey. The Pennington School's Bryce Meccage is one of our favorite interviews, because the University of Virginia commit's interests are so diverse. Today we discuss his summer - from tourney trips to Florida and Georgia to the Area Code Games in San Diego and 10 days in Montana immediately following. We also check in on the Landscaping business and his boat and the Backyard Baseball Lab, as well as some time spent with his Uncle Justin, a highly regarded coach with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Check it out - another edition of JBS starts NEXT.

We kick off No. 1 week with a look at the dude who spent most of 2022 as the top ranked player in New Jersey's Class of 2023. Ryan Jaros, the Cranford High third baseman and Georgia Tech commit, had an awesome summer on the travel circuit with the Canes National squad that dominated in major events. He spent a week at East Coast Pro down in Florida, living the life of a young minor leaguer and performing in front of numerous pro scouts. He turned in an impressive performance out in San Diego at the Area Code Games and topped it off with one of the best single moments at the event - a LOUD home run that got the attention of everyone. Ryan talks about all that and more - including his Last Dance coming up at Cranford this year. Great episode of JBS - and fantastic way to start the week.

It's been quite a 2022 for Cherry Hill West's Jon Young Jr. - starting with his verbal commitment to dream school UNC, continuing with a strong sophomore campaign for CHW, and moving forward with a strong summer on the circuit that saw Young emerge as perhaps the top hitting prospect in the Class of 2024. So what comes next for this South Jersey dude who will talk Phillies and Eagles with you all day? Find out as we sit down with the fiery middle infielder. Driven to be his best, Jon plans to work hard in the offseason to make 2023 even better! Hear those plans and more on this edition of JBS Back to School!

A recent commit to "The U," Tate DeRias takes us through his incredible summer experience, which was highlighted by his trip to the Hank Aaron Invitational and appearance in the event's All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta, and shown globally via the MLB Network. DeRias pitched a scoreless inning and struck out two. See his selfie with the legendary Ken Griffey Jr, learn about his commitment to the University of Miami, and hear about his plans for 2023 and beyond. We also get a special visit from one of Tate's best friends - Allentown HS star Jack Sweeney. DeRias is one of the top players nationally in the Class of 2024 and has a bright future, so we hope you enjoy this special edition of JBS.

Back to school week kicks off with a look at one of the premier 2024s in New Jersey. Bishop Eustace's Landon Mack used the summer to further his claim as one of the best two-way players you'll see, as he put up gaudy numbers at the plate AND on the bump in a number of key Perfect Game events. He truly emerged as a pitcher and became a reliable ace in both the spring and summer and last April made a verbal commitment to emerging power Rutgers and we know Coach Owens just loves Mack's competitive spirit. Landon also discusses his diagnosis at age 3 with Type 1 diabetes and tells us about the impact a former Eustace star - Minnesota Twins lefty Devin Smeltzer - had in his development. Check out Landon's story as we go Back to School on JBS!

September means a new school year. It also means it's time for the future, as we start our profiles with some of the top 2025 stars in New Jersey. Today we kick it off with three of South Jersey's finest rising sophomores, who accomplished big things in their freshman campaigns. Cherokee's Brett Gable came on strong and earned the victory as the Chiefs won the prestigious South Jersey Group 4 title. He followed that up with an awesome summer campaign and a verbal commitment to one of the Top 10 programs in the country in Virginia Tech. Chase Kroberger is an electric two-way at Moorestown HS, who can run in the 6.6s and bring it up to the high 80s on the mound. And Nate Sofield is a budding star catcher down at Pinelands. He's the Pitcher's Best Friend and a runner's worst nightmare with quick hands and pinpoint accuracy. Check these guys out - and get ready for a lot of fun following their dreams.

We look back at the recently completed 2022 ACBL season. Historic year in the ACBL, as the league grew to 15 teams, played in two divisions. First-year Bergen Metros won the league title, with a strong roster of returning ACBL players and impressive newcomers. Ethan Young - who homered in all 3 rounds of the playoffs - comes on to share his thoughts on the Metros title. We also talk to Hitter of the Year Phil Bernstein (.473 batting average), Darrin Winston Pitcher of the year Joe Valenti (0.19 ERA), and Santy Gallone MVP/Slugger of the Year/Wolff Division Triple Crown winner Owen Petrich.Talented cast of characters for this episode! Check them out here.

Our end of summer SPECTACULAR comes through the eyes of Perfect Game USA's Northeast Region crosschecker John McAdams. He sits down with us to talk about some of the Garden State players who really impressed him during summer vacation. (DISCLAIMER - This is NOT the Perfect Game rankings list for New Jersey - go subscribe to PG for that!) We talk about guys who stood out in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 class - as well as some of the top Uncommitted players still on the board. Who did JMac think really improved their stock? Find out here! Catch up on some of the great baseball players in NJ on an awesome edition of JBS.

NJ 2024 stars Sean Griggs (Red Bank Catholic, Alabama commit) and Luke Dickerson (Morris Knolls, Virginia commit) talk about their experience at the Underclass Area Code Games earlier this month in San Diego. Both players - ranked by Prep Baseball Report among the top 5 2024s in the state - impressed many and opened the eyes of numerous MLB scouts in attendance. Sean and Luke talk about their first-ever experience playing ball on the West Coast - AND getting to play at Fenway Park - on a great Back to School edition of JBS.

One of the best pitchers we've seen in our years of doing this is sharing his knowledge and experiences with the next generation. Three-time state champ Michael Rogers - a Steinert High Hall of Famer, NC State All-American, and 2nd round draft choice of the Oakland A's - is the new Director of Youth Baseball for Centercourt, including its facilities in Lawrence, Marlboro, Gillette, and Morristown. So we take this time to sit down with one of the best ever to play in the Garden State. Michael was a D1 Pitching Coach for a major program before the age of 30 - we talk about what brought him back home to NJ and led him to his current path of impacting younger players. Great edition of our show and we hope you enjoy it!

Ben Watson may be the best unknown player in the country, but after what the Elizabethtown College star did this summer, he shouldn't be unknown much longer. Watson - one of the top players in the ACBL for Quakertown in 2021 - went down to Morehead City, NC, and CRUSHED the Coastal Plains League this summer, one of the top prospect leagues in the nation. He set an all-time CPL record with a .427 batting average against big-time prospects from some of the top conferences in the nation. The Landmark Conference Tournament MVP does it all on the field and does it all WELL. He's certainly on the radar of MLB Scouts and could also potentially be one of the most sought after grad transfers in the country after this spring. Plus - he's a CORNHOLE LEGEND - participated in the National College championships, just missing a TV appearance on ESPN. We highlight the awesomeness of Ben Watson on today's episode of JBS.

JBS returns from some summer down time and we catch up with three of the stars from last season's Somerset County champion Ridge squad to talk about last spring and see how they've been getting ready for 2023 - catcher George Busnach, infielder Brendan Callanan, and pitcher Connor Byrne. The biggest news comes from recent grad Busnach, who committed to Top 25 Charlotte and also visited his grandparents' home in Greece for the first time in years. Callanan (Iona) and Byrne (Siena) have another year of HS together before the best friends become MAAC rivals. We talk about big games, legendary live ABs with another Nation friend Greg Bozzo, and playing for one of the most highly regarded programs in NJ. Plus a few -- special -- musical interludes thrown in. Fun interview with 3 of NJ's best - check it out.

In the series finale of the Trenton Generals Manager Show, host Aaron Arnstein and head coach Mike Coryell discuss the Gens' playoffs run, which Gens players impressed this summer, what Coryell told the team after their series loss to Quakertown and more.

In the season finale of the South Jersey Kings Manager Show, host Aaron Arnstein sits down with head coach Myles Taylor to discuss the playoff series loss to the Metros, Jayson Hoopes' complete game shutout in game one, the memories Taylor will take away as Kings' head coach and more.

Hosted by Aaron Arnstein, Arnstein sits down with Generals head coach Mike Coryell to discuss the team's one-hitter against the Blazers, their home playoff matchup with the Matrix, their quest for back-to-back ACBL titles and much more.

Since we last spoke to him over the winter, Mainland's John Wood has - played his senior season of high school baseball, dropped a Top 25 country charting song ("Here She Comes," playing everywhere and produced by Lamon Records), graduated from Mainland Regional, searched for the perfect waves, kept a busy summer touring local establishments in South Jersey, written songs, and basically reinforced that the decision to go from D1 recruit to aspiring country music artist was indeed a passion he can't do without. A few weeks away from his arrival in Nashville (Belmont University, August 17, but who's counting?) we talk again with John on a special edition of JBS.

Hosted by Aaron Arnstein, Arnstein and Kings head coach Myles Taylor talk about last Thursday's thrilling rematch against the Blazers, what makes Jayson Hoopes so dominant, the team's mindset headed into the postseason and more.

Hosted by Aaron Arnstein, Arnstein and Gens head coach Mike Coryell discuss the key to Trenton's four-game win streak, the emergence of Matt Wright, Scotty Young's outstanding all-around performance during Tuesday's doubleheader plus much more.

In the third episode of the South Jersey Kings Manager Show, Aaron Arnstein talked to head coach Myles Taylor about his experience at last week's ACBL All-Star festivities, the dominance of right-hander Jayson Hoopes, the wild finishes to the Generals' and Blazers' doubleheader last Sunday night plus much more.

We push the border of New Jersey juuuuuuust a little bit for our final Draft Preview episode to update you on the story of our former intern RYAN MCCARTY. When we last left Ryan, he was become the second player in NCAA history (and first at the D3 level) to win a Triple Crown. Since then, he's earned Golden Spikes semifinalist status (Top 31 amateur players in the nation), been named to the Rawlings/ABCA national first team, hit a HR during a stint in the Cape Cod League, and more. We always love talking with The Intern and this edition with Ryan McCarty is one of our favorites.

In today's draft preview, we talk with Cam Leiter, the Central Regional grad who is doing a fantastic job of maintaining the Leiter family name as he charts his own path. Already the best HITTING Leiter (his all-state recognition came in part because of his record-setting season at the plate), Cam draws the attention of pro scouts due to the projectability of his athletic 6-foot-5 frame that already gets it up to the mid-90s. Did we mention, Cam went 1-0 as a guest starter for the South Jersey Kings in the ACBL? Regardless, it's been a lot of fun following Cam through the year and we know this young man has an amazing future whether the next step is the pros or UCF, one of the top college programs in the country.

Trey Dombroski's starts were like events for Monmouth this spring. Trey Day. Get out and watch the Hawks' ace and one of the best college pitchers in America, the local boy who made great and continued to dominate opponents. A second-team All-America selection, Dombroski - the 2021 Cape Cod League Pitcher of the Year - performed well in front of scouts all year long. The 2019 Wall HS grad positioned himself to hear his name called early in next week's 2022 MLB Draft and as always, we love catching up with Trey and hearing his unique perspective. If he doesn't bump into Sunday's Top 2 rounds, Trey figures to hear his name called early Monday. Either way, we'll be excited to see the next step in the journey for the kid whose goal is to outwork them all.

Today's edition of MLB Draft Week Previews focuses on Moorestown High grad Max Martin, another potential 1st Day / early 2nd Day choice in next week's draft. We talk to Max about his MLB Combine experience, playing alongside his brother Samson, the future of baseball at Moorestown, his favorite shortstops to watch, and that he's getting closer to realizing a dream.

In the inaugural episode of the South Jersey Kings Manager Show, Aaron Arnstein talks with Manager Myles Taylor about Sunday's 16 run outburst, the importance of hitting to the opposite field, the Kings' trio of All-Stars ahead of Wednesday's All-Star Game and much more.

In the second installment of the Trenton Generals Manager Show, Aaron Arnstein sits down with Gens Manager Grant Neary to discuss the team's performance over the past week, the transition from metal to wood bats for college players, the club's five All-Stars and much more.

Less than a week away from the 2022 MLB Draft and we start our previews of some of New Jersey's TOP DRAFT PROSPECTS with a look at Connor Staine, the UCF star from West Morris Central who lit it up this season and established himself as one of the top pitching prospects in the country. Connor is a possible first day selection who exploded onto the national scene on March 5 - the day he blanked eventual CWS champ Ole Miss over seven innings, allowing just 2 hits and a walk, striking out 10, and touching 98 on the gun. Hear from Connor as he talks about draft prep, about getting ready to realize his dreams, and about plans to start his platform for Tourette's Awareness.

Hosted by Aaron Arnstein. Arnstein and Gens Manager Grant Neary discuss the team's offensive turnaround, California newcomer and instant sensation Scotty Young, the team's top arms and much more.

Our JBS profiles return as we look at rising Paul VI senior Mike Lucarelli, one of the top New Jersey infielders in the Class of 2023, and one of the elite players in the state. Can hit for average, power, run, defend at a top level at SS, and loves to compete at a high level. Mike tells us his story, shares some leadership and mindset thoughts, and gets us excited to see what he has in store for next year. Great show - check us out!

The top spot in our season-ending rankings - and 3 more NJSIAA championships - on the line here as we look at the "big school" brackets in Group 3, Group 4, and Non-Public A. These brackets are TOUGHER than ever because the level of talent in so even and so spread out compared to other years. Group 3 is tough to pick, Group 4 is an impossibility, and NP A always seems to feature the top 2 teams in the state (or more). So who gets it done this year? We take our swings at answering that question on this extended episode.

We're back to bring you everything you need to get ready for the NJSIAA Baseball state tournament with our two-part preview. TODAY - New Jersey's resident HS baseball expert and I break down the brackets in Group 1, Group 2, and Non-Public B. Last year, the titles went to Middlesex, Voorhees, and Holy Spirit. They're all in it this year, but none of the three are favored to repeat. Who will get it done?

I don't care if it's a coach flipping front toss, or a tee with no fielders, you just don't hit .552 at ANY level in baseball. But Penn State Abington's Ryan McCarty does. And is. Today - learn from the man who is putting together the most explosive offensive season at any level in college baseball history right up the road from us. A .552 batting average. 95 hits, 27 home runs AND 26 doubles in 40 games. 85 runs scored AND 85 RBIs. A 1.209 slugging percentage. (For comparison, the next highest in all of D3 is .950) He even has 20 stolen bases AND he pitches - he's the closer and has 4 wins and 3 saves. We try to find out HOW THIS IS POSSIBLE from the 2017 Pennsbury High grad and learn a great deal from Ryan about his mental approach, which has earned raves from his head coach David Miller (last year's A-10 coach of the year at La Salle) and hitting coach Jeff Manto (the long-time major leaguer AND major league hitting instructor). This is a great episode about someone local who has beaten the odds and is bidding to become only the second player in NCAA HISTORY to win a Triple Crown (Mike Smith, Indiana, 1992). But Ryan leads all of college baseball in TEN different offensive categories, so calling it a Triple Crown almost seems limiting. Also --- is the MLB Draft a possibility? We talk that and more WITH OUR INTERN Ryan McCarty ... on a great JBS.

The ace of New Jersey's top-ranked public high school baseball team, Rumson-Fair Haven pitcher Charlie Jones is known as one of New Jersey's best big-game pitchers. He earned the reputation by being tough as nails on the mound, by standing toe-to-toe with 4th round MLB draft choice Shane Panzini and Coastal Carolina freshman standout Matt Potok among others. He's extended it this year. Now we get the chance to sit down with Charlie before he returns HOME. Born in Winston-Salem, NC, just minutes from the campus of Wake Forest University he will begin his college career with the national powerhouse ACC squad in the Fall. Charlie joins us to talk about that journey, about life at RFH, about winning a state title in basketball (and how NOT winning states in baseball last year motivates him and his teammates) and tells us the BEST MOVIE OF ALL TIME - on a great edition of JBS.

A lot of people like to say they are working hard. Wall Township HS seniors Andrew Fischer and Nick Lovarco do it. 4 AM wakeup call style. Today on JBS we sit down with one of the most dangerous duos in New Jersey - Crimson Knights seniors Andrew Fischer and Nick Lovarco. Fischer is known widely as one of the best players in New Jersey and in the nation, a Duke University commit who has legitimate hopes of hearing his name called in the July draft, a powerful work ethic, unrivaled bat speed, and a seemingly unmatched supply of energy. Lovarco is the top Uncommitted 2022 remaining in New Jersey, a speedy outfielder who is a Swiss Army knife of talents on offense - he hits for average and power, with speed and aggressiveness on the bases. BONUS - we find out why Andrew goes by Sir Fischer. Catch it all on today's edition of JBS.

More than just a game. That's the tagline Baseball Warehouse founder, Teamwork Unlimited Director, and Colorado Rockies scout Mike Garlatti has used since starting NJ's Autism Awareness Challenge back in 2008. It's grown from a Middlesex event to one that spans the entire state now, includes schools from 13 of 21 counties, 70 teams in total (40 baseball, 30 softball), and covers three days at North Brunswick Community Park. This year's event runs April 22-24 at NBCP and Garlatti drops by to discuss it with us - how the Challenge started, what's involved to raise Autism Awareness in NJ during the month of April - AND BEYOND - and explains some of the special events that will be taking place in North Brunswick. Great baseball - but more importantly, great teamwork joining together for a cause bigger than ourselves. WATCH - and learn how you can contribute - and learn about the special young lady the players will be swinging for.

Millburn HS is home to one of the top baseball programs in New Jersey, and with a talented core including juniors Steven Echavarria and Robert Schneider, the Millers are going for their third state Group 3 title in seven seasons. We sit down today with Schneider, the smooth shortstop who always seems to be in the right place at the right time and has a deserved reputation as Pitcher's Best Friend, as well as Echavarria, the Pac-12 commit, headed to Oregon with a fastball that lives in the low to mid 90s. Learn about both great players on this episode of JBS - and see why both Rob and I are jealous of Steve - it has nothing to do with baseball and everything to do food. If you see us refer to Steve as "The Godfadda" after this, you'll understand.

Win the day. 1-0. It's a mindset stressed by Fairleigh Dickinson head coach Rob DiToma and it seems to be taking hold in Teaneck. The Knights enter Easter Weekend winners of 12 of their last 15 games and lead the Northeast Conference. It's early - there's a lot of season left - but for a program that hasn't finished higher than 3rd in the NEC since 1999, this is what FDU was hoping for when it hired DiToma, then a highly regarded assistant at Fordham, in 2019. Today we talk with senior Tom Ruscitti, one of the top sluggers in school history, his 29 career HRs ranking third all time. The Jersey Shore (Central Regional) product tells about the positive changes - baseball and campus - that have taken place since his arrival and the pride of knowing he will soon be leaving the program in a far better spot than when he arrived. Enjoy our special episode of JBS and learn more about one of NJ's fast rising college baeball teams!

You've seen plenty of Max Clark highlights we're sure. The Franklin, Indiana, native has blown up in recent years with the combination of power and speed at the plate to go with a fastball that maxes at 97 on the mound, a style and flair all his own, a 4.2 GPA, unstoppable energy, and compulsive desire to compete in everything he does. From his long, flowing, blond hair (it took Vanderbilt head coach Tim Corbin all of about 10 seconds to give him the nickname Sunshine), to his unique game, we're sure you know Max Clark. Now, get to KNOW Max Clark, as he answers our questions on this week's edition of JBS. Great stuff throughout and we hope you enjoy learning more about the potential No. 1 pick in the July 2023 MLB draft.

Taking you right up to the start of the 2022 NJ HS baseball season, we're back with state high school baseball guru John Kroeger to give you John's Top 10 teams heading into the season. It's actually the Top 10 plus one, as we let you know where the fantastic Hun School squad fits into the mix as well. Also share with you the teams we considered for the Top 10, the teams most likely to step into that lofty territory, and share some final thoughts. We hope you enjoyed our 2022 HS baseball preview. Check the links throughout the season. Now comes the fun part - prove us wrong on the field. We'll be back with more of this in late May once the tournament brackets become official. And don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT!