Five Tool Baseball Senior Editor Dustin McComas and Scouting Director Drew Bishop cover the latest in amateur baseball in Texas and offer unique insight into the game they love with help from coaches, scouts and more.
Dustin McComas and Drew Bishop
The Five Tool Baseball Podcast is an absolutely incredible podcast that every baseball fan should be listening to. With their recent addition of major league players as guests, it's clear that this podcast is only going to get better and better. The hosts are knowledgeable and entertaining, making for a truly enjoyable listening experience. As a baseball parent, I have found the information about recruiting and the mindset a young man should have going into college to be invaluable. The advice on how important grades are and what college coaches are looking for has also been incredibly helpful. I have even started having my son listen to this podcast so he can be prepared for what's coming in his own baseball journey. With his impressive throwing speed of 96 mph, I have no doubt that D-1 offers will be coming his way soon.
One of the best aspects of The Five Tool Baseball Podcast is the caliber of guests they bring on the show. Major league players provide unique insights into the game and share valuable experiences that listeners can learn from. Whether it's hearing about their journey to the big leagues or getting tips on improving skills, these interviews add a special depth to each episode. Additionally, the hosts do an excellent job of guiding the conversation and asking thought-provoking questions that allow listeners to gain a deeper understanding of the game.
However, one possible downside of this podcast is that it may not appeal to casual baseball fans who are not deeply invested in the sport or its intricacies. Some episodes may delve into technical aspects of the game or discuss specific strategies that could be overwhelming or uninteresting for those with limited knowledge or interest in baseball. Nevertheless, for true baseball enthusiasts like myself, this podcast is an absolute treasure trove of valuable information.
In conclusion, The Five Tool Baseball Podcast is an outstanding show that delivers exceptional content for baseball fans at all levels. From major league player interviews to insightful discussions about recruiting and college preparation, this podcast covers all bases. As a parent, I am grateful for the advice and knowledge this podcast has provided me, as it has helped me guide my son in his own baseball journey. I eagerly anticipate future episodes and am excited to see what other major league players they will bring on as guests. Keep up the fantastic work!
Dustin recaps the regional final action and looks ahead to the state tournament. Plus, he dives into the updated 2025 and 2026 Five Tool Texas 55 rankings.
The Texas High School Baseball Playoffs reached the regional final round. Dustin McComas previews what's ahead this week and also takes a look back at some of the drama during the semifinals.
To say the action is heating up, along with the weather, around Texas is an understatement. Dustin McComas takes a look at the region quarterfinal action that caught his attention and takes a look ahead at this week's region semifinal action.
We're talking about playoffs! Dustin McComas dives into the Texas High School Baseball Playoffs with detailed thoughts on each region in 6A and 5A and thoughts on 4A, 3A, 2A and more.
NCAA's House Settlement ruling still needs to cross the finish line. Something the judge said grabbed Dustin's attention because of what it could mean for college baseball. Plus, reports from live player looks and some other players whose performances grabbed our attention.
Dustin begins to empty his scouting notebook with thoughts on a long list of top players that he saw recently, including some MLB Draft prospects, uncommitted juniors, rising sophomores and even freshmen.
We're back with a full recap of the Five Tool Festival and some thoughts on Rice's hire of David Pierce. Plus, Dustin is about to head to Las Vegas to compete in the first-ever National Fantasy Baseball Championship Champions League.
It's Festival Week! Dustin McComas finally has some of his voice back and previews the upcoming Five Tool Festival with notes on all 32 participating teams.
Dustin McComas returns to help you prepare for the upcoming Texas high school baseball team with a preview of teams to follow in private school competition and top 6A teams.
Baseball! It was unusually cold, especially at Daikin Park, but the Five Tool staff braved the elements to cover Area Code Select Central. Dustin shares thoughts, notes and more from the event, including one left-handed pitcher who stole the show.
Dustin is joined by longtime friend and D1Baseball.com's Co-owner, Managing Editor and National Reporter Kendall Rogers. The two discuss: - outlooks for some college programs in and around Texas - what college coaches were saying about the sport at the annual ABCA convention - upcoming roster limit changes and deadlines - upcoming scholarship limit changes - Is the sport going to continue getting older? - growing popularity of college baseball - the number and caliber of high school players who end up in D1 Baseball - Much more
Five Tool SoCal Director and Hawaii native Tim Arakawa joins to preview the 2024 Hawaii Sandlot Classic. The former Hawaii high school star discusses 20 names he's especially excited to see and also helps Dustin announce the 10 team captains for the event. Plus, the two dive into the recent Davia Pavia court decision... is the door now open for JUCO players to seek waivers and gain eligibility back? Are JUCO years no longer going to count? Actually, the court decision isn't yet final and only deals with one player. For now. But the implications suggest this could be game-changing.
Dustin McComas is back and concludes the signing period coverage with discussion about signing classes of 20 JUCO programs in the state of Texas. He offers a report on A TON of players heading to the JUCO level and examines the rise of talent at that level. Plus, he shares some recent NCAA news about the future 34-man roster limit at D1 programs and when that is scheduled to go into effect. Could that lead to the rise of two-way players? And, of course, some Juan Soto discussion.
Dustin continues his Signing Period coverage with a breakdown of the D1 mid-major classes that caught his attention. The list includes Texas State, DBU, UTSA, Rice, Tarleton, ACU, ETBU and more. Plus, a discussion about turkey.
More Signing Day coverage... the new-look Big 12. Dustin highlights some of his favorite 2025 commitments heading to Big 12 programs and looks at the baseball future ahead for the league.
In case you missed it, the Texas and Texas A&M rivalry was taken to a new level this offseason. Dustin begins his Signing Day podcast coverage with a deep dive into the Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry and takes a thorough look at their signing classes. Plus, he examines the SEC as a whole, provides a breakdown of the classes for programs like LSU, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Ole Miss and more.
Happy Halloween! Dustin is back and calls out anyone who likes candy corn. More importantly, he discusses: - Dodgers win the World Series! Takeaways and thoughts on LA winning the title. - More college baseball recruiting talk - roster limits, JUCO recruiting, scholarship increases maybe not doing anything - Hunter Pence Baseball Academy World Series notes
With news of a preliminary agreement reached in the NCAA antitrust settlement case, some colleges began planning for the reality of the 34-man roster limit. And they did that by informing some 2025 commitments they no longer had a spot. Dustin discusses the new reality for high school baseball players with the upcoming roster limit hanging over college baseball recruiting. Plus, he explains some of the best pro players and top draft picks might come from places players don't realize, highlights some standout players from the Fall Scouting Classic and AZFC, and previews the upcoming update to the 2025 Five Tool Texas 55.
Dustin is back with another jam-packed episode that includes: - NCAA eliminated the National Letter of Intent - MLB Playoffs - Five Tool Scout Team recap from AZFC Draft Prospect Tournament - 2026 AZFC standouts and 2025 Draft Prospect Tournament standouts - More
We have a lot to talk about... Dustin is back with a lot to say about: - status of college baseball recruiting - debut of 2026 Five Tool Texas 55 - TSA Games standouts - Dodgers and Pirates Scout Teams - Presenting the Five Tool team heading to the Arizona Fall Classic Draft Prospect Tournament
Is now the worst time ever to be a high school baseball player hoping to be recruited by a D1? Loden Sports co-founder Matt Pajak joins Dustin McComas to discuss the upcoming changes to college baseball's scholarship limit for D1 programs and roster sizes and how that impacts high school players. Plus, the two highlight examples of big league players who didn't take the traditional power conference route, and discuss the importance of athleticism, speed and how to measure it with the help of Loden Sports.
No, the Five Tool podcast didn't disappear. We're back. Dustin McComas shares a very quick update about the podcast and previews what to expect ahead.
Drew and Dustin took a brief break from being at a baseball field and are back with plenty to talk about. The two discuss the top teams, performances and 80 players who caught their eye during the recent Alex Bregman 15U World Series and Pudge Rodriguez 16U World Classic. Plus, the two give their thoughts on the College World Series, the Texas Longhorns job and more.
Dustin and Drew are back and pack a sandwich because they have a lot to talk about. The two discuss the Texas high school baseball regional final results and look ahead to the state tournaments. Plus, they share some recruiting advice for players sand coaches this time of the year and some things players should be paying close attention to. Dustin shares player observations from his trip to Houston to see Hunter Pence Baseball Academy, Marucci Elite Texas and Texas Twelve while Drew takes you through what's happening in college baseball's postseason.
Dustin and Drew return and have a ton of playoff baseball to talk about. The two share their thoughts from seeing the following teams: Dripping Springs, Rouse, Alamo Heights, China Spring, Burnet, SA Johnson, Westwood, New Braunfels, Navasota, Boerne, Flower Mound, Jesuit, Forney, Whitehouse, Pearce, St. Pius X, Central Catholic, Prestonwood, Concordia Lutheran, Prosper, Lovejoy, Hallsville. Plus, they discuss the action in California, Arizona, Hawaii and look ahead with some Texas playoff projections.
Dustin and Drew managed to see eight playoff games last week and are back with reports from all of them. Teams mentioned: Dripping Springs, Cedar Ridge, Buda Johnson, Round Rock, Smithson Valley, Rouse, Lake Travis, Westwood, St. John's, Houston Christian, Kinkaid, Episcopal, Walnut Grove, Frisco Wakeland, Rockwall-Heath, and Rowlett.
Five Tool National Showcase Director Josh Simonis joins the podcast. Owner of No Doubt Showcases and an assistant coach at Ottawa University in Arizona, Simonis explains what players/families can expect from Five Tool showcases and preseason IDs. Plus, the two discuss important advice for families going through the recruiting process and why it's critical to make IDs/showcases affordable with proper media coverage and college coach access.
Dustin and Drew give their Texas High School Baseball playoff picks and preview the action across 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A and 2A.
Dustin and Drew are back with plenty of reports from live games and the pitching performances were often excellent. Teams included: Highland Park, Richardson, Hebron, Flower Mound, Tivy, Pieper, McCallum, Bowie and Lake Travis. Plus, the two describe three uncommitted senior pitchers and look ahead to the playoffs.
Dustin and Drew provide commentary after the updated 2024 Five Tool Texas 55 was released. They provided thoughts about the toughest decisions, newcomers, the race for No. 1 and why certain positions and types of players are rated higher by pro scouts than others. Plus, the two shared some game reports about Southlake Carroll, JJ Pearce, Rockwall, Prestonwood Christian Academy, John Paul II, Smithson Valley, Boerne Champion, San Antonio Johnson, Reagan, Elkins and Fort Bend Travis.
Dustin and Drew share game reports for: Anderson, Lake Travis, St. Thomas, Lutheran South, Johnson City, Mason, All Saints and Southwest Christian. Plus, the two look back at the 2022 Five Tool Texas 55 rankings and what they tell us, discuss recent MLB Draft mock drafts and unveil the five players in the mix to be No. 1 on the updated 2024 Five Tool Texas 55 set to debut.
Dustin and Drew return and have a lot to talk about. They share reports from games they've recently, including Frisco Independence, Naaman Forest, Sachse, Westlake, Dripping Springs, Frisco Memorial, Vista Ridge, Westwood, Prestonwood Christian Academy, Argyle, Colleyville Heritage and more. In addition to potential MLB Draft names like Wyatt Sanford and Jason Flores, the two also highlight some standout underclassmen and emerging seniors.
Dustin and Drew share detailed reports on a long list of standout players from recent live looks including 2025 Ethan Holliday, who might be the top prospect in his class. And how good is Jonah Williams the baseball player? That, Theo Gillen and Westlake, Lake Travis, New Braunfels, Keller, Rockwall/Rockwall-Heath, Hebron and much more.
Dustin and Drew conclude their Five Tool Festival coverage with thoughts on each of the 26 teams that participated in the event. Notes, observations, scouting and much, much more from the LOADED event.
The Five Tool Festival was smashing success. Okay, so we're biased. But we'd think all who participate would agree. Dustin and Drew highlight some of the event's top performers and announce the award winners from the Festival in part one of what will be a two-episode series.
It's Festival Week!!! After an awesome debut in 2023, the Five Tool Festival returns. Dustin and Drew preview the event with a report on each of the 26 teams. The event is LOADED with 16 powerhouse programs from Texas and 10 big-time national teams.
Five Tool was on the scene and Dustin and Drew share thoughts from the Private School Classic in DFW. Plus, the two share some early observations from the college baseball season and thoughts on the Buda Johnson vs. Lake Travis game from Tuesday night.
In one week, the entire state of Texas will be playing baseball games that count. Drew and Dustin share some notes/thoughts from a few scrimmages and one actual game as they gear up for the season to officially be underway. Westlake, Pearce, Georgetown, Burleson Centennial, Boswell, St. Pius X, Grand Oaks, Tomball, Lutheran South Academy and more mentioned.
Drew and Dustin continue their draftszn with another installment of their Texas High School Player Draft. Plus, the guys share thoughts on early scrimmages/games and preview the Super Bowl.
A week after their Texas High School Player Draft, Dustin and Drew are again drafting. This time, they created their second-annual National High School Player Draft. The teams are made up of 24 players and eight a piece from the 2024, 2025 and 2026 classes.
It's draft season for Dustin and Drew and this episode features the third-annual Texas High School Baseball Player Draft. Teams were comprised of 2024 and 2025 prospects with each team also selecting two 2026 players. Who drafted the best roster? Vote on Twitter and Instagram @FiveToolPod.
Dustin and Drew survived the freeze and are back to discuss the recently published preseason Texas high school baseball team rankings. Plus, they talk about some standouts from the recent MLB Texas/Louisiana showcase at Barbers Hill and sadly discuss their NFL teams.
Dustin and Drew are back to recap the ABCA convention and preview the upcoming 2024 baseball year with 24 players they're excited to follow. The guys picked a player each from the 2024, 2025 and 2026 classes from Texas, California, Arizona and a national prospect. Plus, Five Tool visited Tokyo and watched one of the country's best 2025 prospects who wants to play college baseball in America.
Before they head to the ABCA convention in Dallas later this week, Dustin and Drew take a look back at 2023 with five good things from last year and then look ahead to 2024 with five things they're excited about. Among the topics: Five Tool's website College baseball popularity and coaching staff expansion 2026 class Five Tool's expanding coverage and new events Recruiting calendar changes for the better Jett Williams and Anthony Silva Rangers winning World Series The new Big 12 Great players they saw in 2023 and more...
Dustin and Drew are joined by Five Tool SoCal Director Tim Arakawa, who previews the upcoming Hawaii Sandlot Classic. Arakawa, who is from and grew up in Hawaii, shares the continued growth of the special event, why it's so important to Hawaii players, the colleges attending, highlights some players to watch and more.
Dustin and Drew are joined by HITFORTH Director of Hitting Kevin Kies. Kevin shares his unique baseball path that led him to HITFORTH, shares what it's like to work at HITFORTH and delivers outstanding insight about how HITFORTH develops complete hitters with individualized programs and a full-time staff dedicated to development.
Drew and Dustin dive into the 55 players who just missed the 2025 Five Tool Texas 55. The list is loaded with uncommitted players college coaches will want on their radars during the spring. But before the two give a report on each player on the list, Drew baits Dustin into an impassioned rant about Florida State missing the College Football Playoffs.
Dustin and Drew are back with a jam-packed episode. The two go through the recently released 2025 Five Tool Texas 55 rankings with thoughts on each of the 55 players and also pull back the curtain some on the rankings process. And they end with some college football discussion... what is the committee going to do and will chaos unfold Saturday?
Dustin and Drew highlight some trends happening in college baseball recruiting right now and where the talent in the region is going and what it means. Plus, the two discuss the surprising amount of college baseball coaching turnover and what it means for recruits. The 2025 Five Tool Texas 55 is complete and the gang previews the debut of the list along with some football discussion and more.
Dustin and Drew are back with more signing class discussion during the Early Signing Period but first... THE RANGERS WON THE WORLD SERIES! The two then go into detail about A&M, Tech, LSU, OU, Sam Houston, UTA's recruiting classes and also discuss 10 more individual JUCO commits they like.
We're a week away from the first day 2024 prospects can begin signing NLIs and Drew and Dustin begin signing class discussions with reports on six programs - Texas, TCU, Houston, Baylor, DBU and Texas State. Also, the two highlight 10 of their favorite individual JUCO commitments who are set to sign next week.