The Mid-Week Podcast

and were back.

Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Joseph Dattoli, the Director of Player Development at Mizzou. Joe takes us on a journey through his remarkable career, from his early days in St. Louis to becoming a key figure on Head Coach Kerrick Jackson's staff at Memphis and now at Mizzou. Discover Joe's unique path in baseball, where he not only excelled as a lead analyst for Prep Baseball Report's data operations team but also served as the West Coast Operations Director. Hear about his pivotal role in player development at Southern University and the bond he shares with Coach Kerrick Jackson. Intriguingly, Joe pursued and completed his master's degree in data analytics from Southern New Hampshire in 2022, adding a fascinating layer to his baseball expertise. Get ready for a conversation that goes beyond the stats and dives deep into the passion and dedication that define Joe Dattoli's journey in the world of baseball.

In this episode, we sit down with Joey Holcomb, the newly appointed Assistant Coach of the South Carolina baseball team. Fresh off a successful tenure at Campbell University, Holcomb brings a wealth of experience and a track record of coaching excellence. During his two seasons at Campbell, he played a pivotal role in guiding the team to a Big South regular-season and tournament championship, making waves in the NCAA Columbia Regional with a remarkable 46-15 overall record. The Camel offense under his guidance achieved impressive national rankings, hitting .318 as a team and leading the nation in on-base percentage, hit-by-pitches, and more. Holcomb's coaching prowess was evident in the standout performances of players like Lawson Harrill and Bryce Arnold, both NCBWA All-Americans. The offensive firepower he cultivated at Campbell, including a record-setting 118 home runs in his first year, speaks volumes about his ability to shape a potent lineup. Before his time at Campbell, Holcomb contributed to the success of NC State, helping them reach the College World Series semifinals in 2021. His impact extended to the development of MLB draft picks and the 2020 Johnny Bench Award winner for the nation's top catcher. In this episode, we delve into Holcomb's coaching journey, from his seven-season stint at UNC Greensboro, where he coached numerous MLB draft picks, to his alma mater, Huntingdon College, where he graduated in 2006 and later returned to coach. Join us as we explore the stories behind the numbers, the strategies behind the successes, and the personal journey of Joey Holcomb—from Locust Fork, Alabama, to the dugouts of top-tier collegiate baseball

In this show, we dive deep into the dynamic world of baseball operations, pitching development, and the intersection of analytics and player performance. As the Director of Operations and Pitching Development for Indiana Baseball, Denton brings a wealth of experience in budgeting, scheduling, travel coordination, and video breakdown, providing listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at the intricacies of running a successful baseball program. His role extends beyond the administrative, as he collaborates with pitching coach Dustin Glant on pitch design, video analysis, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies like TrackMan and Rapsodo. Denton served as the Director of Baseball Operations at Wright State University, where he delved into the world of analytics and its crucial role in player development. His unique journey includes a stint as an aerospace engineer at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, specializing in computational fluid dynamics—an expertise that adds a fascinating dimension to his perspective on the game. Join us as Denton shares insights from his multifaceted career, from coaching varsity baseball at Centerville High School to being a two-time letterwinner for the University of Dayton's baseball program. Learn about his experiences as part of the 2012 Atlantic 10 championship team that qualified for the NCAA Tournament. Whether you're a baseball enthusiast, a student of analytics, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of America's favorite pastime, this episode promises to be a home run. Tune in for an engaging conversation that goes beyond the diamond with Denton Sagerman!

In this episode, we sit down with Corey Muscara, a seasoned coach with an impressive track record in collegiate baseball. In his second season with the Demon Deacons in 2023, Muscara not only led the Wake Forest pitching staff to remarkable achievements but also earned recognition as D1 Baseball's Assistant Coach of the Year. Under his guidance, the Wake Forest arms achieved unprecedented success, contributing significantly to a record-breaking season with 54 wins and the Deacs' first College World Series appearance since 1955. Tune in as Muscara shares the secrets behind the Wake pitching staff's outstanding performance, boasting the lowest ERA, WHIP, and hits-per-nine innings in the nation. Discover how his coaching prowess led to a dominant strikeout-to-walk ratio and strikeouts-per-nine innings, propelling the Demon Deacons to victory in every ACC series. Join us as we delve into the standout performances of pitchers like Rhett Lowder, Sean Sullivan, Seth Keener, and Josh Hartle, all of whom achieved remarkable statistics and garnered well-deserved spots on the All-ACC team. Hear the stories of their journeys, from collegiate success to impressive MLB draft selections. Muscara's coaching impact extends beyond the statistics, as he guided players like Rhett Lowder to become the second-highest drafted player in Wake Forest history. Learn about the success stories of other pitchers like Sean Sullivan, who broke program records in just one season. Beyond his time with the Demon Deacons, Muscara brings over a decade of collegiate coaching experience to the table. Hear about his previous coaching stints at Maryland, where he played a crucial role in the team's success in the NCAA Tournament, and at St. John's, where he coached multiple All-Americans and led the team to NCAA Tournament appearances. Don't miss this engaging conversation as Corey Muscara reflects on his coaching journey, from his early coaching days to his success at Wake Forest, and shares insights into the development of top-tier collegiate baseball talent. Whether you're a baseball enthusiast, a sports professional, or just curious about the world of coaching, this episode offers a unique and inspiring perspective from one of the best in the game.

In this special episode, join us as we sit down with the accomplished and dynamic Robert Woodard, the Head Coach of the Charlotte 49ers Baseball program. A Charlotte native, Woodard brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and a coach, that has left an indelible mark on the world of college baseball. Returning to his hometown in 2019, Woodard wasted no time in reshaping the Charlotte 49ers' baseball program. In a thrilling conversation, we dive into Woodard's coaching journey, from his early days as an assistant at North Carolina to leading the 49ers to unprecedented success. Woodard shares insights into the historic 2023 season, where the Charlotte 49ers made program history with a Conference USA Tournament Championship and an impressive run in the NCAA Regionals. We explore the team's remarkable achievements, including setting records in games played, home runs, shutouts, and pitching prowess that showcased the team's well-rounded excellence. The discussion also delves into the outstanding performances of individual players under Woodard's guidance, such as Cam Fisher earning All-America citations in 2023 and Austin Knight's standout season in 2021. Discover the stories behind the records set, the accolades earned, and the growth of the players both on and off the field. Woodard's coaching philosophy and innovative approach come to life as we explore the introduction of modern technology and training techniques to elevate the team's performance. From partnerships with P3 for personalized training to integrating Rapsodo and Blast Motion for data-driven improvements, Woodard showcases his commitment to player development. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Coach Robert Woodard, as we celebrate his coaching milestones, the triumphs of the Charlotte 49ers, and the enduring impact of a player turned exceptional coach on the world of collegiate baseball. It's a homecoming triumph you won't want to miss! ⚾

As we enter the 2024 season, Jayson King embarks on his seventh year as the head coach of Dayton Baseball, leaving an indelible mark on the program. In just a short span, King has elevated Dayton Baseball to new heights in the Atlantic 10, guiding the Flyers to consecutive appearances in the Championship Game. The 2021 season witnessed the Flyers' impressive 12-4 conference play record, securing the second seed in the postseason tournament. Notably, the team displayed offensive prowess with 69 home runs, the third-highest in program history, and a formidable pitching performance, striking out 436 opposing hitters. King's impact extends beyond the field, with two Flyers selected in the MLB Draft in July 2021, marking a historic moment for the program. This achievement, coupled with Dayton's improved conference winning percentage, showcases King's ability to foster both individual player development and team success. With a coaching career spanning two decades, King has amassed a remarkable record of 807-491-4 (.621), demonstrating his coaching prowess at both Franklin Pierce University and UMass-Boston. His tenure at Franklin Pierce was nothing short of legendary, securing 10 NE-10 Conference Championships, seven NCAA Northeast Regional appearances, and seven trips to the NCAA Division II College World Series. The accolades continued with numerous Coach of the Year honors and the development of 25 MLB draft picks. King's influence extends beyond the college ranks, with experience coaching in USA Baseball and the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League. His commitment to player development and success is evident in the 85-spot jump in the RPI rankings during his inaugural season at Dayton. Join us as we explore Jayson King's journey, from his playing days at Framingham State College to his coaching career, family life with wife Missy and children Katie and Justin, and the enduring impact he's had on the world of college baseball. Don't miss this insightful conversation with a coach whose passion and dedication have left an indelible mark on the game.

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Shawn Camp, the esteemed Head Coach of George Mason baseball, for an in-depth discussion on his journey and the remarkable achievements of the Patriots' baseball program. In his first season as head coach, Shawn Camp led the George Mason Patriots to an impressive 36-27 overall record in 2023, securing the Atlantic 10 title for the second time in program history. Camp reflects on the team's historic NCAA Tournament run, breaking records in runs scored and setting new program highs in stolen bases and strikeouts. With a professional playing career spanning from 1997 to 2014, including 11 seasons in the Major Leagues, Camp shares his experiences and insights into the world of baseball. From his time with the San Diego Padres to leading the MLB in appearances during the 2012 season with the Chicago Cubs, Camp's journey is a testament to dedication and resilience. Discover Camp's impact on the George Mason baseball program, both on and off the field. Under his guidance, the team not only excelled in competition but also achieved academic excellence, earning a collective 3.08 GPA for the 2021-22 academic year. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Coach Camp's wealth of experience, as he discusses player development, his coaching philosophy, and the exciting future he envisions for the George Mason Patriots baseball program. Don't miss this engaging episode filled with inspiring stories, valuable lessons, and a glimpse into the world of collegiate baseball through the eyes of Head Coach Shawn Camp.

Join us on the Mid-Week Podcast, where we sit down with Saint Mary's head baseball coach Eric Valenzuela. In this exclusive interview, Coach Valenzuela reflects on his journey in baseball, sharing insights from his time as the 12th head coach of the Saint Mary's program and his recent return for the upcoming 2024 season. He delves into the challenges and triumphs of coaching, from his successful tenure at Long Beach State to the remarkable turnaround of the Saint Mary's baseball program. Discover the strategies and philosophies that have made Coach Valenzuela one of the nation's premier coaches, both on and off the field. From leading the Gaels to consecutive postseason appearances and securing WCC titles to his experiences as a top assistant coach, he provides valuable perspectives on player development, recruitment, and the dynamics of collegiate baseball. In this episode, we explore Coach Valenzuela's impact on player success, with numerous athletes drafted and achieving All-American status. Get the inside scoop on the Gaels' memorable seasons, including the highs of reaching the NCAA Tournament and the heartbreak of falling just short in the WCC Tournament championship game. Whether you're a baseball enthusiast, a coach, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes world of college baseball, this episode offers a unique glimpse into the career and mindset of Coach Eric Valenzuela

Welcome to a special episode with Jim Chester, the accomplished head coach of the Gardner-Webb baseball team. Join us for an exclusive conversation with Coach Chester as we dive deep into his impressive coaching career and the remarkable achievements of the Gardner-Webb baseball program. In this single episode, we'll explore the highlights of Coach Chester's tenure at Gardner-Webb, from his initial takeover in 2019 to the recent successes in the 2023 season. Gain insights into the strategic decisions, leadership philosophy, and the challenges faced by Coach Chester and his team on their journey to prominence. Discover the pivotal moments of the 2023 season, where Gardner-Webb secured notable victories over Big 10 opponents and showcased their prowess with back-to-back wins over ranked teams. Learn about the key players who contributed to the team's success, including Bobby Alcock, the Big South Pitcher of the Year and a Second Team All-American selection. We'll also rewind to the 2022 season, where the Runnin' Bulldogs overcame a rough start to clinch a spot in the Big South Conference Tournament. Explore the thrilling moments of upset victories and the competitive spirit that defines Coach Chester's approach to the game. Coach Chester's coaching journey extends beyond Gardner-Webb, with successful stints at Barton College, Lock Haven University, and Penn State University-Greater Allegheny. Uncover the milestones, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped his coaching philosophy and contributed to his impressive career record. Join us for a captivating conversation with Coach Jim Chester, a respected figure in collegiate baseball, as we discuss his coaching experiences, insights into the game, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you're a baseball enthusiast, a coaching aspirant, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of college baseball, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for an intimate and insightful look into the world of collegiate baseball with the seasoned and accomplished Coach Jim Chester.

Join us in this week's episode as we sit down with the accomplished Daniel Sweeney, pitching coach for the William & Mary Tribe. In our conversation, Sweeney takes us through his journey, from being an all-conference pitcher at Science High School to his time at ETSU, where he made an immediate impact as a pitching coach. In his first year with the Tribe, Sweeney coached Carter Lovasz to become an all-league selection and all-rookie pitcher, finishing the season with impressive national rankings in WHIP and batting average against. We delve into Sweeney's coaching philosophy and the strategies he implemented to guide the William & Mary pitching staff to significant improvements. In just one season, the Tribe's ERA dropped by over 2.5 runs, and their batting average against plummeted by nearly 70 points, showcasing Sweeney's expertise in refining talent. As a Johnson City native, Sweeney shares his personal connection to baseball and how his experiences as a player shaped his coaching approach. From his days as a midweek starter at ETSU to his role as the Director of Baseball Operations in 2020, we explore the pivotal moments in Sweeney's career that laid the foundation for his success. The episode also highlights Sweeney's role in ETSU's impressive 12-3 record in the Covid-shortened season. Under his guidance, the Buccaneer pitching staff emerged as one of the nation's most dominant, boasting an outstanding 166/40 K/BB ratio and emphasizing control with only 2.69 walks per game. Sweeney's journey continued in 2021, where he was promoted to assistant coach, taking on additional responsibilities such as first base coach, working with infielders, and playing a crucial role in recruiting for ETSU. Learn how Sweeney's multifaceted contributions have been instrumental in shaping successful collegiate baseball programs. Tune in for an insightful conversation with Daniel Sweeney, where we explore the art and science of crafting champions on the mound, and gain valuable insights into the world of collegiate baseball coaching.

This episodes uncovers some of our favorite, under the radar MLB Draft prospects with the MLB Draft set to start Sunday, July 9th.

0:00 - 1:04:35 - Week 7 Recap 1:04:35 - End Ty Cummings Interview

0:00 - 39:34: Week #6 Recap (winners, losers, weekend rotation, series picks) 39:34-end: Tyler Henry, (@TylerHenryPxP) joins the show, broadcasts for Kent State baseball among other sports and gave us some insight into their program and also his personal journey with broadcasting.

Wake Forest is currently ranked No.5 in the NCAA according to D1 Baseball and have been one of the best team's in the country this season with their 13-1 start (13-0 at time of recording). Charlie and Will talk with their left fielder Adam Cecere who is off to a great start this season. Great conversation which begins at 43:47 until the end. Week 3 recap (winners, losers, weekend rotation, and series picks for weekend #4) also included in the beginning of the show.

Episodes Details: 0:00 - 1:08:40 Winners, Losers, Weekend Rotation, Picks 1:08:40- End: Interview with Bethune Cookman Head Baseball Coach Johnny Hernandez Week 2 Recap & Week 3 Preview. All You Need to know about the recent happening in D1 Baseball + A Conversation with Bethune-Cookman's Head Baseball Coach, Johnny Hernandez.

James and Taylor from Fungo talk join Charlie and Will to discuss their winners, losers, and weekend rotation (stand performances) along with their series pick for this upcoming weekend.