Podcasts about high school baseball

Send us Fan MailCollege baseball used to give players time to grow up. That window is closing fast, and Troy University head baseball coach Skylar Meade doesn't sugarcoat why. With transfer portal mobility, rising investment in facilities, and the pressure to win now, coaches have to make quicker decisions and players have to show they can thrive early, not just hang around and develop someday.We talk through the real recruiting priorities he's using to build a high-level roster: the “outlier” tools that jump off the field, the maturity and discipline that keep you eligible and improving, and the importance of finding the right fit for a program's culture and community. Meade also lays out what happens when a player enters the transfer portal, including the uncomfortable truth that not everyone finds a new home, and why evaluating environment matters as much as chasing the biggest name.Along the way, he explains Troy's identity around pure joy and energy without crossing the line into disrespect, walks us through a detailed midweek game day schedule, and shares a leadership lesson he's still working on: teaching a talented team how to handle success when the spotlight hits. If you care about college baseball recruiting, Division I player development, strength and conditioning, and the mindset it takes to last, this is a practical listen.Subscribe for more conversations with baseball coaches, share this with a player or parent navigating recruiting, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. What part of the modern college baseball landscape feels most confusing right now?Support the showFollow:  X | @BCUPod / IG @baseballcoachesunplugged Website - https://www.athlete1.netSponsor: The Netting Professionalshttps://www.nettingpros.com

Send us Fan MailA winning program can be built on talent, but it's sustained by something harder to measure: trust, standards, and relationships that outlive the final box score. I'm joined by recently retired West Virginia University head baseball coach Randy Mazey and his wife Amanda for a candid, funny, and sometimes heavy conversation about what it really takes to build champions and keep your family steady while you do it. Randy breaks down how WVU baseball went from being on the brink to a top-tier college baseball program the whole state rallies around, and why he never wanted his “success” defined only by wins. Amanda gives the perspective most coaches never hear out loud: what it's like to sit in the stands as “the coach's wife,” how to handle criticism without feeding it, and how a supportive spouse helps shape culture from the background. We also dig into recruiting today, including the transfer portal, shifting rules, and how families can stay calm and focused on player development. Then we hit a topic every parent and coach has an opinion on: travel baseball. The Mazeys lay out a simple test for whether travel ball is working, plus what's broken when weekend results matter more than practice reps. Finally, they share the powerful Team Whammer story and how their son Weston's near-fatal on-field injury led to a foundation that helps families with rehab and recovery costs. If you care about coaching, leadership, and developing people not just players, this one stays with you. Subscribe, share this with a coach or parent who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.Support the showFollow:  X | @BCUPod / IG @baseballcoachesunplugged Website - https://www.athlete1.netSponsor: The Netting Professionalshttps://www.nettingpros.com

Flying solo for this weeks' Atlanta. And a blast of an ep this one was! Shopping Malls, Neighborhood ponds, and High School Baseball fields. A perfect background for the madness!For an early access / ad free version of this episode, subscribe to the Patreon! www.patreon.com/dumpsterdivepodFOLLOW DUMPSTER DIVE ON SOCIALS/POD PLATFORM

Send us Fan MailPreseason rankings feel nice until you realize you start playing the games and now you have to earn everything again. Denison University associate head coach and pitching coach Ryne Romick joins us to explain how a championship-level program keeps its edge, rebuilds identity, and stays hungry while on their way to a national  championship.We get specific on what actually plays for pitchers at the college level: why “strikes win” never stops being true, how fastball life and fastball command can make or break development, and why the best freshmen often help the team sooner by shrinking their role and ditching their ego. Ryne also pulls back the curtain on college baseball recruiting, including the reality that coaches may only see a short snapshot at a travel tournament, plus the intangibles that matter most when projecting who will thrive in a demanding program. We also go big-picture on Division I vs Division III baseball, the depth and experience differences, and why “fit” beats chasing labels. Ryan shares why strength training is the biggest readiness gap he sees when pitchers step on campus, and he gives an honest take on the sacrifice and family support required to coach at a high level. If you coach, play, or parent a pitcher, you'll leave with clearer recruiting priorities and a more grounded plan for getting better. Subscribe for the rest of our champions series, share this with a coach or player who needs it, and please leave a review and rating so more baseball coaches can find the show.Support the showFollow:  X | @BCUPod / IG @baseballcoachesunplugged Website - https://www.athlete1.netSponsor: The Netting Professionalshttps://www.nettingpros.com

Send us Fan MailMost teams chase talent. The teams that last build an environment that makes talent behave like a teammate.We sit down with Denison University head baseball coach Mike Deegan to talk about what actually drives winning in college baseball, especially at the Division III level where development, academics, and leadership all collide. We get specific about recruiting strategy: why measurable tools are only the starting point, how “fit” shows up in values and family alignment, and why the right people move an entire program forward faster than a single standout player ever could. Mike also shares what he learned inside the Marietta baseball machine, and why the “secret” is usually just sustained work, standards, and sacrifice.From there, we dig into the heart of culture building and people development. Mike lays out the idea that most behavior is shaped by the environment, which changes how you think about buy-in, team-first stars, and long-term accountability. We also get practical about goals and performance: why goals are common, why sacrifice is not, and how Kaizen (continuous improvement) keeps a program grounded when it shifts from being the hunter to being the hunted.We close with a powerful reframing of failure, reflection, and competitiveness, including a pickup basketball story that turns leadership into something you can feel. If you care about college baseball coaching, team culture, leadership training, and building a winning program the right way, this conversation will stick with you. Subscribe, share this with a coach or player who needs it, and leave a review with the biggest lesson you're taking into your next season.Support the showFollow:  X | @BCUPod / IG @baseballcoachesunplugged Website - https://www.athlete1.netSponsor: The Netting Professionalshttps://www.nettingpros.com

Send us Fan MailA head coaching interview can be won or lost before you ever shake a hand, and Granville Gehris proves why. We talk with the First Flight High School Head Baseball coach about how he earns trust quickly by showing a real plan: a portfolio slideshow with photos, a clear facility roadmap, and specific culture standards he can actually explain and execute. If you're applying for a high school head coach job, this is a practical guide to separating yourself from a stack of resumes. We also get into what happens after you're hired. Granville shares his first priorities when taking over a new baseball program, why fast “program signal” upgrades like equipment and the field can create instant momentum, and how he pulls the community into fundraising, donations, and even grant writing to raise the ceiling for the entire athletic department. Along the way, we connect culture to academics, leadership, and daily expectations that turn a team into a program kids are proud to join. On the field, the details matter: competitive practices, pace-of-play standards, time BP that feels like a game, and accountability systems that keep players learning without getting crushed. We also hit player development and college baseball preparation, plus a blunt conversation about travel baseball workload, arm health, pitch counts, long toss, and the risks of chasing max effort without enough research or recovery. Subscribe for more high school baseball coaching lessons, share this with a coach who wants the next job, and leave a review with the biggest change you'd make to build a winning culture.Support the showFollow:  X | @BCUPod / IG @baseballcoachesunplugged Website - https://www.athlete1.netSponsor: The Netting Professionalshttps://www.nettingpros.com

Joe Frisaro of Man On 2nd Sports joins Larry Blustein as they talk about South Florida baseball, as the state championships wrapped up and so much more

Chaos reigns on Tailgate Thursday as Dave Garner and Will Cooper unleash hot takes on NIL chaos, government intervention in college sports, and whether the SEC should break away. From Etowah’s baseball dominance to Braves regression and Cooper’s sharp betting picks, this episode delivers unfiltered sports banter you can’t miss. Dave’s X Account: https://x.com/DaveGarner777 Big John Davis X’s Account: https://x.com/JohnDavis_65 Will’s X Account: https://x.com/wil24cooper www.sportspigradio.com Facebook Android App ios App Instagram YouTube Advertise With UsWant to reach loyal, engaged listeners who support local businesses? Advertise on our shows and put your brand in front of the right audience. Click below and an account executive will contact you. Advertise with Us Chapters00:00 Introduction and Banter 01:46 Coffee vs PC Tea Debate 07:16 NIL, Government Regulation & College Football Chaos 17:15 Listener Comments and Favorites 23:33 Tomahawk Take: Braves Analysis 32:23 NBA & NHL Playoffs Talk 35:54 Listener Texts and Hot Takes 42:10 High School Power Rankings Discussion 51:12 Cooper Predictor Betting Picks 55:33 High School Sports Wrap & Show CloseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chaos reigns on Tailgate Thursday as Dave Garner and Will Cooper unleash hot takes on NIL chaos, government intervention in college sports, and whether the SEC should break away. From Etowah’s baseball dominance to Braves regression and Cooper’s sharp betting picks, this episode delivers unfiltered sports banter you can’t miss. Dave’s X Account: https://x.com/DaveGarner777 Big John Davis X’s Account: https://x.com/JohnDavis_65 Will’s X Account: https://x.com/wil24cooper www.sportspigradio.com Facebook Android App ios App Instagram YouTube Advertise With UsWant to reach loyal, engaged listeners who support local businesses? Advertise on our shows and put your brand in front of the right audience. Click below and an account executive will contact you. Advertise with Us Chapters00:00 Introduction and Banter 01:46 Coffee vs PC Tea Debate 07:16 NIL, Government Regulation & College Football Chaos 17:15 Listener Comments and Favorites 23:33 Tomahawk Take: Braves Analysis 32:23 NBA & NHL Playoffs Talk 35:54 Listener Texts and Hot Takes 42:10 High School Power Rankings Discussion 51:12 Cooper Predictor Betting Picks 55:33 High School Sports Wrap & Show CloseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us Fan MailOne game can erase months of work, and that reality changes how coaches think. We're joined by Chris Stewart, head baseball coach at Eastern High School in Ohio and host of the Coaching Life Podcast, just hours before his team plays for a district championship. With the single elimination state tournament underway, we talk about what actually holds up when every pitch feels like it weighs a ton: simple plans, calm decisions, and a team that stays itself under pressure. Chris shares a coaching mistake that still follows him, a postseason pitching sequence that looked smart on paper and blew up in real time. We dig into the messy truth behind pitch counts, managing arms for “the next game,” and the domino effect one extra-inning night can create. If you coach high school baseball, Legion, or travel ball, this is the kind of story that makes you rethink how you define risk, leverage, and trust in the moment. We also go personal on one of the toughest roles in sports: coaching your own son. Chris explains why the middle ground is the hardest place to live and how clear communication and consistent standards are the only way through. From there, we zoom out into youth baseball culture, parent behavior, and why perspective changes everything when you have a vested interest in your kid's at-bats. Finally, we tackle player development and the overcoaching problem: why great mechanics aren't enough, how hitters need approach and decision-making, and what “compete” looks like when the pitcher is trying to get you out. If you care about building better players and a stronger program, subscribe, share the show with another coach, and leave us a review.Support the showFollow:  X | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast Website - https://www.athlete1.netSponsor: The Netting Professionalshttps://www.nettingpros.com

Join Dave Garner and John "Refrigerator Mover" Davis on this Memorial Day Morning Rant as they blend heartfelt tributes to fallen heroes with high-octane sports talk. From emotional family military stories and Purple Heart memories to the Pickens Dragons' state championship battle, Braves' offensive woes, Georgia Tech's ACC title run, and raw Indy 500 drama, this episode delivers chaos, hot takes, and genuine reflection. Dave’s X Account: https://x.com/DaveGarner777 Big John Davis X’s Account: https://x.com/JohnDavis_65 Will’s X Account: https://x.com/wil24cooper www.sportspigradio.com Facebook Android App ios App Instagram YouTube Advertise With UsWant to reach loyal, engaged listeners who support local businesses? Advertise on our shows and put your brand in front of the right audience. Click below and an account executive will contact you. Advertise with Us Chapters00:00 Introduction and Memorial Day Greetings 02:28 John Davis Shares Family Military Memories and Purple Heart Story 06:35 Art Mosley Joins: Pickens Dragons State Championship Update 12:08 Atlanta Braves Offensive Struggles and Standings 18:31 Georgia Tech Baseball ACC Championship Dominance 22:05 Indy 500 Closest Finish Ever and Coca-Cola 600 Recap 25:53 Kyle Busch Tributes and Tragic Passing Reflections 32:15 John Davis Classic Golf Tournament Announcement 35:09 Bradley's Bar and Grill Event and Charity Raffle Details 39:22 College Football Semi-Pro Discussion from Texter 47:39 NBA and NHL Playoff Updates 52:42 Memory Lane: Personal Stories and Emotional Reflections 58:03 Show Wrap-Up and Upcoming EventsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Dave Garner and John "Refrigerator Mover" Davis on this Memorial Day Morning Rant as they blend heartfelt tributes to fallen heroes with high-octane sports talk. From emotional family military stories and Purple Heart memories to the Pickens Dragons' state championship battle, Braves' offensive woes, Georgia Tech's ACC title run, and raw Indy 500 drama, this episode delivers chaos, hot takes, and genuine reflection. Dave’s X Account: https://x.com/DaveGarner777 Big John Davis X’s Account: https://x.com/JohnDavis_65 Will’s X Account: https://x.com/wil24cooper www.sportspigradio.com Facebook Android App ios App Instagram YouTube Advertise With UsWant to reach loyal, engaged listeners who support local businesses? Advertise on our shows and put your brand in front of the right audience. Click below and an account executive will contact you. Advertise with Us Chapters00:00 Introduction and Memorial Day Greetings 02:28 John Davis Shares Family Military Memories and Purple Heart Story 06:35 Art Mosley Joins: Pickens Dragons State Championship Update 12:08 Atlanta Braves Offensive Struggles and Standings 18:31 Georgia Tech Baseball ACC Championship Dominance 22:05 Indy 500 Closest Finish Ever and Coca-Cola 600 Recap 25:53 Kyle Busch Tributes and Tragic Passing Reflections 32:15 John Davis Classic Golf Tournament Announcement 35:09 Bradley's Bar and Grill Event and Charity Raffle Details 39:22 College Football Semi-Pro Discussion from Texter 47:39 NBA and NHL Playoff Updates 52:42 Memory Lane: Personal Stories and Emotional Reflections 58:03 Show Wrap-Up and Upcoming EventsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us Fan MailIf baseball has more technology than ever, why are so many players training harder and developing slower? I'm Coach Ken Carpenter, and I want to dig into a problem I keep hearing after more than 200 conversations with high school, college, and pro coaches: we're starting to confuse what we can measure with what we truly understand. Exit velocity, launch angle, bat speed, pitch velocity, and spin rate are useful, but when they become the whole plan, young athletes end up chasing numbers instead of building repeatable skills.I pull a key lesson from College Hall of Fame coach Ray Birmingham: coach the player based on the player's body type. A 5'9" second baseman trying to swing like Aaron Judge is not “modern,” it's a mismatch. The best baseball player development is individualized coaching. It starts with how an athlete moves, creates force, handles timing, responds to fatigue, and competes when conditions are not perfect.We also talk about what rarely gets marketed in youth baseball and travel ball: durability. Everyone shares clips of 100 mph fastballs and monster home runs, but where's the training plan for staying healthy, repeating a delivery for years, and performing late in the season? The recruiting funnel is tight, and it doesn't make sense to force every player to train like a tiny group of outliers at the top of the sport.If you coach high school baseball, run a travel program, or you're a parent trying to help your player, this one is a reset. Subscribe to Baseball Coaches Unplugged, share it with a coach, and leave a review if it helps. What's one trend you want to stop copying right now?Support the showFollow:  X | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast Website - https://www.athlete1.netSponsor: The Netting Professionalshttps://www.nettingpros.com

NSAA State Baseball. Husker Softball enters Super Regionals. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In FVA action, Oshkosh North took on Appleton North. Oshkosh North defeated Appleton North 4-3. Tony Giordana had the call. 

In FVA action, Hortonville took on Appleton North. Hortonville defeated Appleton North 4-2. Gary Brilowski had the call. 

  This is the crazy story of some very typical, ornery high school baseball players in the '80's that found crazy success playing ball.  And we had a teammate, Curt Whitaker that could sing and play guitar and we never knew it.  When he decided, "why not?," he started KC's best cover band.  The www.m80skc.com have played with Chicago, Train and others at Starlight and almost everyone that played at Knuckleheads as the totally fun 80's band.  They dress the part and it's always a fun night out.    Curt was a very talented pitcher that played in college and independent pro ball until his shoulder gave out.  He worked, like the rest of us, and one day in his thirties he had an idea.  This is a great convo about why the hell not pursue your American Dream. 

Chuck Heinz and Jamie Lent talk about Big 12 baseball, the Quartering Act, Chuck Heinz as a Red Raider fan, where will Tech softball season come to an end, and High School Baseball Playoffs.

Chaos, hot takes, and baseball fever! Dave Garner and Will Cooper deliver an energetic Tailgate Thursday filled with Braves dominance, high school Final Four action, NFL schedule buzz, tributes to Bobby Cox, and sharp sports predictions. Dave’s X Account: https://x.com/DaveGarner777 Big John Davis X’s Account: https://x.com/JohnDavis_65 Will’s X Account: https://x.com/wil24cooper www.sportspigradio.com Facebook Android App ios App Instagram YouTube Advertise With UsWant to reach loyal, engaged listeners who support local businesses? Advertise on our shows and put your brand in front of the right audience. Click below and an account executive will contact you. Advertise with Us Chapters00:00 Introduction and Banter 01:18 NFL Schedule Release and International Games 03:48 Live Broadcast from Bradley's Bar and Grill 07:50 High School Baseball Final Four Preview 14:43 Commercials and Station Promos 16:59 Bobby Cox and Ted Turner Tributes 20:48 Tomahawk Take: Braves Recent Success 32:04 High School Coach Adam Williams Interview 41:05 NBA and NHL Playoffs Discussion 48:01 College Football Playoff Expansion Debate 53:31 Preakness, PGA Championship, and Cooper Predictor 58:37 Show Wrap-Up and Tomorrow's BroadcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chaos, hot takes, and baseball fever! Dave Garner and Will Cooper deliver an energetic Tailgate Thursday filled with Braves dominance, high school Final Four action, NFL schedule buzz, tributes to Bobby Cox, and sharp sports predictions. Dave’s X Account: https://x.com/DaveGarner777 Big John Davis X’s Account: https://x.com/JohnDavis_65 Will’s X Account: https://x.com/wil24cooper www.sportspigradio.com Facebook Android App ios App Instagram YouTube Advertise With UsWant to reach loyal, engaged listeners who support local businesses? Advertise on our shows and put your brand in front of the right audience. Click below and an account executive will contact you. Advertise with Us Chapters00:00 Introduction and Banter 01:18 NFL Schedule Release and International Games 03:48 Live Broadcast from Bradley's Bar and Grill 07:50 High School Baseball Final Four Preview 14:43 Commercials and Station Promos 16:59 Bobby Cox and Ted Turner Tributes 20:48 Tomahawk Take: Braves Recent Success 32:04 High School Coach Adam Williams Interview 41:05 NBA and NHL Playoffs Discussion 48:01 College Football Playoff Expansion Debate 53:31 Preakness, PGA Championship, and Cooper Predictor 58:37 Show Wrap-Up and Tomorrow's BroadcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us Fan MailWhat do college coaches really look for when they walk up to a field and why do so many talented players are losing out on opportunities? We talk with Ray Birmingham, the winningest coach in University of New Mexico and WAC history and a longtime builder of winning programs, about the traits that separate good from great when the pressure rises and the season drags on.Ray breaks down how he builds culture with an entrepreneur mindset: doing more with less, earning buy in, and protecting the clubhouse from “me guys” who can wreck a team. From recruiting conversations to everyday habits, he explains why competitiveness, character, and being the same player in May that you were in February matters more than a flashy line against bad pitching. If you coach high school baseball, travel ball, junior college, or college baseball, these are the tells you can actually use.We also get deep into hitting philosophy and player development. Ray shares why he teaches a short swing, why many hitters are overcoached, and how angle hitting with machines can train plate coverage on the edges where great pitchers live. He makes the case for the junior college baseball path as a development accelerator, then caps it off with a story that perfectly captures baseball grit and chaos.If you got value from this one, subscribe, share it with a coach or parent, and leave a review so more baseball coaches can find the show.Support the showFollow:  X | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast Website - https://www.athlete1.netSponsor: The Netting Professionalshttps://www.nettingpros.com

In FVA action, Kaukauna took on Appleton North. Kaukauna defeated Appleton North 7-2. Tony Giordana had the call. 

From emotional tributes to baseball icon Bobby Cox and local legends to a fiery Monday morning quarterback rant, Dave Garner and Big John Davis break down the Braves’ big weekend, high school Final Four action, and sharp opinions on expanding playoffs, gambling, and NFL officiating. A must-listen for North Georgia sports fans embracing the chaos. Dave’s X Account: https://x.com/DaveGarner777 Big John Davis X’s Account: https://x.com/JohnDavis_65 Will’s X Account: https://x.com/wil24cooper www.sportspigradio.com Facebook Android App ios App Instagram YouTube Advertise With UsWant to reach loyal, engaged listeners who support local businesses? Advertise on our shows and put your brand in front of the right audience. Click below and an account executive will contact you. Advertise with Us Chapters00:00 Introduction and Banter 01:30 Tributes to Bobby Cox, Ted Turner & Coach Rodney Walker 04:50 Braves Weekend Recap & Road Trip Success 08:20 Horse Racing, Preakness & Golden Tempo Withdrawal 11:00 Bradley’s Brunch Event & Listener Shoutouts 16:00 High School Baseball Final Four 19:30 Weekend Rewind: NHL, NBA, NASCAR 32:00 PGA Championship, LIV Golf & Bold Takes 47:50 NFL Referees, Gambling & College Expansion Concerns 58:00 Show Wrap & Upcoming GuestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From emotional tributes to baseball icon Bobby Cox and local legends to a fiery Monday morning quarterback rant, Dave Garner and Big John Davis break down the Braves’ big weekend, high school Final Four action, and sharp opinions on expanding playoffs, gambling, and NFL officiating. A must-listen for North Georgia sports fans embracing the chaos. Dave’s X Account: https://x.com/DaveGarner777 Big John Davis X’s Account: https://x.com/JohnDavis_65 Will’s X Account: https://x.com/wil24cooper www.sportspigradio.com Facebook Android App ios App Instagram YouTube Advertise With UsWant to reach loyal, engaged listeners who support local businesses? Advertise on our shows and put your brand in front of the right audience. Click below and an account executive will contact you. Advertise with Us Chapters00:00 Introduction and Banter 01:30 Tributes to Bobby Cox, Ted Turner & Coach Rodney Walker 04:50 Braves Weekend Recap & Road Trip Success 08:20 Horse Racing, Preakness & Golden Tempo Withdrawal 11:00 Bradley’s Brunch Event & Listener Shoutouts 16:00 High School Baseball Final Four 19:30 Weekend Rewind: NHL, NBA, NASCAR 32:00 PGA Championship, LIV Golf & Bold Takes 47:50 NFL Referees, Gambling & College Expansion Concerns 58:00 Show Wrap & Upcoming GuestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 19 seasons and a hall-of-fame-worthy resume, Scott McGee is savoring his final run in the Willard dugout. With two state titles and six Final Four appearances already under his belt, Coach McGee is doing exactly what he’s always done: putting his Tigers in position for another championship. We’re sitting down with him to discuss his final season at the helm, his retirement from coaching, and what’s next as he moves into a new administrative role. Thanks to our sponsors,, Colton's Steak House, Deadeye Gun & Pawn, and Thompson Sales! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

High School Baseball postseason play is in full swing, run down of matchups. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Send us Fan MailSupport the showFollow:  X | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast Website - https://www.athlete1.netSponsor: The Netting Professionalshttps://www.nettingpros.com

The Mark Moses Show is joined by Alan Zlotorzynski of Brevard Sports Network to recap postseason High School Baseball games from this past weekend and to get his thoughts on how the Orlando Magic fired Head Coach Jamahl Mosley yesterday.  Mark broadcasts from The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Studios. #orlandomagic #sports #spacecoast 

The Mark Moses Show is joined by Tim Walters of The Florida Today to recap the Orlando Magic's tough Game 5 loss last night in Detroit and how the Magic will try to close out the series this Friday night at home.   Mark & Tim also recap the Jacksonville Jaguars 2026 NFL Draft Class and preview postseason High School Baseball matchups coming this weekend in the Space Coast.     Mark broadcasts from The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Studios. #orlandomagic #nbaplayoffs #NFL #Jags 

Send us Fan MailHigh school baseball seasons rarely fall apart because of talent. More often, it's the challenges that show up during the season that quietly pull a team off track.So we asked four experienced coaches one question every coach eventually faces: What is the toughest in-season challenge, and what actually helps when it happens?Coach Jeff Boulware explains how off‑the‑field distractions—prom, school breaks, graduation events, and the chaos of spring—can slowly derail a team's focus, and how returning to preseason goals and leadership training helps players stay locked in.Coach Jeff Mielcarek dives into the reality of time management, sharing how the hidden workload of running a program—paperwork, facilities, fundraising, and planning—can drain a staff's energy, and the simple weekly system he uses to stay ahead.Coach James Grandy tackles one of the toughest problems coaches see in the dugout: players losing confidence. He explains how positive coaching and a return to fundamentals can help athletes break out of slumps and regain belief.And Coach Jimmy Fillingeri discusses the constant tension every coach feels: developing players while still trying to win games, and how to design practices that solve game problems without abandoning the basics.Four coaches. Four different challenges. And practical ideas you can use with your own team this season.Join the Baseball Coaches Unplugged podcast where an experienced baseball coach delves into the world of high school and travel baseball, offering insights on high school baseball coaching, leadership skills, hitting skills, pitching strategy, defensive skills, and overall baseball strategy, while also covering high school and college baseball, recruiting tips, youth and travel baseball coaching tips, and fostering a winning mentality and attitude in baseball players through strong baseball leadership and mentality.Support the showFollow:  X | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast Website - https://www.athlete1.netSponsor: The Netting Professionalshttps://www.nettingpros.com

Send us Fan MailTwo hundred episodes sounds like a number until you realize what it represents: 200 chances to sit down with real coaches and talk about what actually builds players. I'm Coach Ken Carpenter, and this milestone is my thank-you note to every coach listening on the way to practice, after a tough loss, or while looking for a better way forward.The biggest surprise from interviewing coaches across travel ball, high school baseball, college baseball, and beyond is how often the same themes repeat. Great coaching starts with relationships. Players don't buy into your system until they believe you care about them. Development beats winning when you zoom out far enough, because daily improvement in skill work, practice habits, and mental performance creates the kind of team that can handle pressure. And real team culture isn't created in a speech; it's built through consistency, clear expectations, and coaches showing up the same way every day.I also share the five lessons that keep coming back after 200 conversations: relationships first, long-term player development, consistency builds culture, great coaches keep learning, and baseball teaches life. Along the way, I read listener reviews, celebrate what this community has become, and recognize our sponsor, the Netting Professionals, who support programs one facility at a time.If you get value from Baseball Coaches Unplugged, subscribe, share it with another coach, and leave a rating and review so more coaches can find these baseball coaching tips and player development strategies.Support the showFollow:  X | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast Website - https://www.athlete1.netSponsor: The Netting Professionalshttps://www.nettingpros.com

The high school baseball game, from Day-Air Ballpark, between the Green Knights and the Preble Shawnee Arrows is now available on demand at no charge!

The high school baseball game, from Day-Air Ballpark, between the Arcanum Trojans and the Franklin Monroe Jets is now available on demand at no charge!

The high school baseball game , fron Day-Air Ballpark, between the Troy Christian Eagles and the Catholic Central Fight Irish is now available on demand at no charge!

The high school baseball game between the Williamsburg Wildcats and the Minster Wildcats, from Day-Air Ballpark, is now available on demand at no charge!

The high school baseball game between the Ada Bulldogs and the Perry Commodores, from Day-Air Ballpark, is now available on demand at no charge

Send us Fan MailThe radar gun is loud, but it is not the whole story. I sit down with Crown College recruiting coordinator and pitching coach Ryan Vondracek, a former undersized high school lefty who barely touched 80 and still carved out a standout college pitching career. If you coach or play in a world obsessed with velocity, this conversation is a reset that brings the focus back to pitchability, conviction, and a plan you can actually execute on the mound.We get practical on what helps “non-gas” pitchers succeed: building a repeatable routine, getting ahead in counts, throwing multiple pitches for strikes, and learning how to work off misses. Ryan also shares how nutrition, recovery, and training helped him add meaningful velo over time, plus why he hates the radar gun in many bullpen settings because it can create tension and wreck fluidity. Along the way we talk modern player development and recruiting, including what he looks for at Crown College and why mental toughness can be a better predictor than a single number.Then the story goes deeper. Ryan opens up about early-life adversity, long years of therapy, and how faith, self-talk, and the people in your circle shape confidence under pressure. If you are a high school pitcher, a parent, or a baseball coach trying to guide players through the transfer portal era and the velocity race, you will leave with clear coaching cues and a bigger perspective on what “development” really means. Subscribe, share this with a coach who needs it, and leave a review so more players hear that there is more than one path to college baseball.Support the showFollow:  X | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast Website - https://www.athlete1.netSponsor: The Netting Professionalshttps://www.nettingpros.com

The high school baseball game , from Day-Air Ballpark, between the Troy Trojans and the Butler Avaiators is now available on demand at no charge!

Looking at former Nebpreps players and where they are across MLB organizations. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Send us Fan MailThe majors look glamorous from the stands, but the real game is the pressure, the travel, and the personalities you share a clubhouse with. I'm joined by former MLB outfielder and longtime minor league manager Brad Komminsk, and he takes me straight into the moments most fans never hear about: the shock of going from high school baseball to pro ball, the constant need to prove you belong, and the whiplash of getting moved from city to city on trades and waivers.Brad walks through his first call-up and what it's like to face a veteran like Fernando Valenzuela when you're the new guy and the strike zone doesn't feel even. From there we get into pure clubhouse legend: Cal Ripken Jr. wrestling before home games, Billy Ripken's prankster streak, and the day Ricky Henderson literally called time so a bat boy could bring out his Oakley sunglasses before a record-setting moment. It's funny, it's unreal, and it also shows how confidence, routine, and identity show up at the highest level of Major League Baseball.We also revisit one of baseball's most infamous flashpoints, the 1984 Braves vs Padres bench-clearing brawl, then shift into what baseball coaching can learn from it: why managers argue umpires, how players try to protect themselves in chaos, and what leadership looks like when emotions run hot. Brad finishes with hard-earned lessons from managing in minor league baseball, spotting future stars, and the mindset that survives a long season: leave it all on the field and move on fast.If you love MLB stories, baseball coaching, player development, and the mental toughness side of the game, subscribe, share this with a baseball friend, and leave a review so more coaches can find the show.Support the showFollow:  X | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast Website - https://www.athlete1.netSponsor: The Netting Professionalshttps://www.nettingpros.com

Send us Fan MailYour smoothest pregame infielder turns into a statue when the game starts, and you can almost see the thoughts rushing in. That flip isn't random, and it isn't a mystery flaw in his mechanics. It's FOMU: the fear of messing up. I walk through why today's Gen Z and Gen Alpha players can feel like every ground ball is an identity test, a travel ball investment audit, or a potential viral moment, and how that pressure quietly pushes them into survival mode. Then I tell a dugout story that nails what many of us do without realizing it: coaching with “don't” statements. “Whatever you do, don't…” sounds helpful, but it often forces the brain to rehearse the exact failure we're trying to avoid. We unpack how that language slows athletes down, makes them rigid, and turns at-bats and defensive reps into mistake-avoidance instead of competition. If you care about player development, mental performance, and game-day confidence, this is one of the fastest places to level up your coaching. From there, I give you the shift that changes everything: the paradox of permission. You'll hear how to reward aggressive intent without accepting lazy play, how to become a pressure release valve instead of a pressure cooker, and how to replace “don't be late” with cues like “damage the fastball.” I also give you a practical challenge for this week's practices: ask your tightest player to make three aggressive errors in ten minutes and watch what happens to his feet and hands. Join the Baseball Coaches Unplugged podcast where an experienced baseball coach delves into the world of high school and travel baseball, offering insights on high school baseball coaching, leadership skills, hitting skills, pitching strategy, defensive skills, and overall baseball strategy, while also covering high school and college baseball, recruiting tips, youth and travel baseball, and fostering a winning mentality and attitude in baseball players through strong baseball leadership and mentality.If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a coach on your staff, and leave a review so more baseball coaches can build freer, faster athletes.Support the showFollow:  X | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast Website - https://www.athlete1.netSponsor: The Netting Professionalshttps://www.nettingpros.com

Send us Fan MailYou can tell within the first few pitches whether a high school baseball team has been coached with intention. It's not on the scoreboard — it's in how they carry themselves, communicate on the field, and respond when things go sideways.Dell Lever, head coach at Chapin High School in South Carolina, has built his program around four non-negotiables: play hard, play the right way, be an unbelievable teammate, and compete every single pitch. In this episode, he breaks down exactly what that looks like in practice — and in games.We get into the nuts and bolts of high school coaching strategy: how much weight to give scouting reports, how to keep players from falling into the comparison trap fueled by social media and travel ball, and why Dell would rather obsess over clean defense, throwing strikes, and competitive at-bats than scheme around an opponent. He also makes the case for scheduling the toughest competition you can find early in the season — not to prove a point, but to expose gaps fast and build a standard your team can actually measure itself against.Then we get into the practice toolbox, and this is where it gets really good. Dell walks through his Eagle Defense Drill for rapid-fire situational reps, the PFP Olympics that puts pitcher fielding practice on a clock, and a competitive batting practice format that rewards hard contact and smart execution. We also dig into bunting and the slash — two weapons most high school teams leave on the shelf — and how Dell teaches bunt defense in short, repeatable segments that actually transfer to game situations.And we wrap with the culture piece: what it means to trust your players instead of handcuffing them, how to keep the game genuinely fun, and where the line is between celebrating with your teammates and showing up the other team.If you coach high school baseball and you want more energy in your practices, better carry-over to games, and a sharper team identity — this episode is for you. Subscribe, share it with a coach who needs it, and leave a review so more coaches can find the show.Support the showFollow:  X | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast Website - https://www.athlete1.netSponsor: The Netting Professionalshttps://www.nettingpros.com

Send us Fan MailDenny Barrett joined Producer Rob for a podcast discussion about Notre Dame's successful 9-0 start to the baseball season, where they currently rank number one in the state. Denny credited the team's strong performance to unified coaching staff coordination and exceptional defensive play, noting they've made only four errors in nine games compared to fourteen errors in the same number of games last year. The conversation also covered the World Baseball Classic, with Denny expressing appreciation for the tournament while noting the unique contract restrictions that limit player usage. They discussed Notre Dame's upcoming schedule, including games against Harvard Westlake and participation in the National Classic tournament, before concluding with a discussion about the importance of building player confidence through positive feedback rather than focusing on mistakes."Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

Send a textLast year, one state lost nearly a third of its umpires and not to retirement. They simply stopped showing up. I'm Coach Ken Carpenter, and I'm putting you in the plate shoes for a few minutes so you can feel what your local officials feel on a Tuesday afternoon after an eight-hour workday: the pressure, the noise, and the moments that decide whether a 19-year-old umpire ever comes back. From the umpire's perspective, the fix is not complicated, but it does require leadership. I walk through how the home-plate meeting sets the tone for the entire game, why treating officials like coworkers changes the temperature instantly, and how the “ask don't tell” principle helps you get clarity without turning a close call into a showdown. We also get practical about rule interpretation and when it's smart to ask that a partner be consulted. Then we talk about the third team: the stands. In 2026, every parent has a camera and an opinion, but coaches are the only people with the credibility to shut down fence abuse before it drives young sports officials out for good. Finally, I bring it back to what matters most in high school baseball coaching and player development: your players are watching how you handle being wrong, how you handle authority, and how you handle adversity. That lesson lasts longer than any single call. If you want better games and more officials willing to work them, subscribe, share this with your staff and booster club, and leave a review so more coaches hear it. What's one small change you'll make at your next home-plate meeting?Support the showFollow:  X | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast Website - https://www.athlete1.netSponsor: The Netting Professionalshttps://www.nettingpros.com

Thirty-six high school teams, including champions Lake Washington and Mount Vernon, gather for the Baseballism Kickoff Classic in Vancouver, Camas, and Ridgefield. Local diamonds will host 12 brackets honoring pro players from the region and offer free admission. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/clark-county-baseball-presents-baseballism-kickoff-this-week-with-action-all-over-the-region/ #ClarkCounty #Baseball #YouthSports #VancouverWA #CamasWA #RidgefieldWA

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – What high school players should focus on during the season 03:45 – Why competing and helping your team win matters most 07:30 – What to do if you're not getting the role you expected 11:15 – Why the high school season prepares players for summer recruiting 15:20 – Learning to compete instead of analyzing outcomes 19:30 – The challenge of staying patient early in the season 23:45 – Why players should communicate with their coaches 27:30 – Varsity vs JV: how to think about game reps 31:40 – What college coaches are actually watching in games 36:00 – Why tools and metrics aren't enough 40:15 – The importance of body language and competing on every pitch 44:30 – In-season development: strength training, reps, and routines 48:00 – Time management and building habits for college baseball 51:00 – Sam's advice for every high school player: build your process

High school baseball gives umpires a steady stream of situations that challenge both our rules knowledge and our game management.In this episode of The Pregame, I break down three recent high school games I worked over the course of a few days. Each game brought a different set of lessons, from partner communication and positioning to rules interpretations and managing coaches when tensions start to rise.We walk through several interesting moments that came up during those games, including some subtle rules questions, the importance of clear communication with your partner, and how small situations early in a game can influence how things develop later.The final game of the stretch eventually resulted in an ejection, which gave me the opportunity to walk through how situations escalate, how warnings and restrictions fit into the process, and what a clear, effective ejection report should look like.These are the kinds of moments that make umpiring both challenging and rewarding, and they provide great learning opportunities for anyone working high school baseball.If you want to read along with the report discussed near the end of the episode, you can view a redacted version of the ejection report here:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cfqbEvnlDokSbqjUTXVI0GRUNjCnpmvGDWDTT5c0kSw/edit?usp=drive_linkTopics covered in this episode include:• Working with a partner you've never worked with before• Communication and crew dynamics• Interesting rules situations that came up during the games• Managing coaches and keeping a game under control• How situations escalate toward an ejection• What makes an effective ejection reportIf you're serious about officiating, membership in the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) is one of the best investments you can make. NASO provides education, protection, and advocacy for officials at every level.Join NASO at a discounted rate here:https://join.naso.org/NAS/?f=DISCAFF&S=C25PFNUmpire Classroom provides high-quality, on-demand training for baseball umpires at all levels. From new officials just starting out to experienced veterans looking to sharpen their skills, we deliver clear instruction, real-game analysis, and practical tips to help you succeed on the field. Learn more and join our community at https://www.UmpireClassroom.comWe do not own the rights to the game footage used in this video. All clips are used under fair use for educational purposes to improve officiating knowledge and contribute to the baseball and umpire community — a community that is often under-appreciated and underserved in training resources. This video and channel are not sponsored or endorsed by Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), or the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

Send a textThe swing that wins on a showcase doesn't always win with two strikes and a runner on second. We sat down with Cloverleaf head coach Aaron DeBord to unpack how to build hitters who make better in-game decisions, how to train under pressure, and how to align high school and travel programs so players stop living between two philosophies and start thriving.We start with trust: Aaron meets seniors first, invites the whole community—not just parents—and then backs it up with consistent actions, from weight room structure to daily positive messages. That culture shift unlocks buy-in and sharper focus when it matters. From there, we dig into what actually translates for hitters: hunting the right pitch by count, using launch angle and exit velocity as tools rather than goals, and adjusting the swing to the moment to move runners and win innings.On the tactical side, Aaron breaks down his aggressive identity—taking the extra 90, first-to-third pressure, and live baserunning reps that force outfielders and catchers to execute. His upgrade to the 21-outs drill, swapping sides within eight seconds after errors, injects game tempo and accountability. We also tackle the hardest dugout call in baseball: when to pull your ace in a must-win. Aaron shares real tournament moments, why he empowers his pitching coach, and how trusting a pitcher's honesty can guide the decision. The takeaway is simple and hard: pitching drives outcomes, defense must make routine plays routine, and you can manufacture enough offense if you compete in the zone.We close by rethinking parent relationships with transparency—open rubrics, open practices, open lines—so families become allies, not obstacles. Along the way, Aaron's Mount Rushmore nods to Ken Griffey, Manny Ramirez, Tony Gwynn, and the chess master Greg Maddux, reminding us that feel, discipline, and anticipation still separate great players. If you're a coach, parent, or player who cares about real development and smarter in-game choices, this one will sharpen your approach from the first pitch to the last decision.If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a coach or baseball parent who'll use it on the field tomorrow.Support the show Follow: X | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast Website - https://www.athlete1.net Sponsor: The Netting Professionals https://www.nettingpros.com

Send a textIf you're banking on raw talent to carry you, this conversation will feel like a wake-up call. We break down the real separator in high school baseball—consistency—and show how it outperforms flash, hype, and one big showcase swing. From running out grounders during a slump to throwing intent-filled bullpens when no one's filming, we draw a straight line between boring, repeatable habits and the trust that earns roles, innings, and opportunities.We also go straight at excuses. Umpires, weather, lineups, and “bad hops” make easy targets, but every excuse hands away your power. Instead, we focus on the controllables: effort, preparation, attitude, and response. You may not control playing time, but you own how you train when your name isn't called. You can't erase mistakes, but you decide whether they define you or sharpen you. High school is where these patterns form, and college coaches can spot the difference between accountability and blame from a mile away.Finally, we unpack what coachability really means. It isn't silence or people-pleasing; it's openness to instruction and the humility to apply feedback when it stings. Selective learners only accept coaching that feels good—and they plateau. The players who last hear a correction, say “Got it, coach,” and go right back to work. We close with a clear standard you can use today: be consistent when it's boring, take ownership when it's hard, and stay coachable when pride gets loud. Do these long enough and the results take care of themselves—on the field and in life.If this hits home, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a teammate who's ready to own their development.Support the show Follow: Twitter | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast Website - https://www.athlete1.net Sponsor: The Netting Professionals https://www.nettingpros.com

Send a textLooking for the blueprint to develop a catcher who actually wins you games—and a program that players never want to leave? We sit down with Gaetano Gianni, former Reds draft pick and 2025 NHSBCA Region 7 Coach of the Year, to unpack the skill stack that matters behind the plate and the culture moves that turn a team into a true home. From leadership standards to real-world drills, this is a masterclass in catching and program building.We start with the non-negotiables: why receiving quality drives everything, how blocking and throws slot in behind it, and how to evaluate catchers when the game speeds up. Gianni breaks down modern receiving, pancake gloves, and why live bullpen volume—especially with alumni pros—is the fastest path to better reads, cleaner transfers, and more strikes stolen. On the one-knee debate, he stays outcome-based: meet the standards or earn them the traditional way. For throws, he makes the case that short, connected footwork beats raw arm strength for most high school catchers.Culture threads through every segment. Gianni explains how welcoming alumni and pros back onto the field raises standards for current players and gives parents confidence in the program. He shares mound-visit tactics that match a pitcher's wiring, plus a powerful story about refusing a ball and unlocking a three-strikeout turnaround. Offensively, he details themed hitting sessions—oppo work, breaking balls, changeups, heavy balls—to prepare for 90-plus and build adaptable swings that play in pressure counts.We also tackle recruiting in the transfer-portal era and what traits still project: athletic movements, frame, and relentless work. You'll hear how a wild 6'5 arm turned into a 97-mph pro once the strike zone clicked. And for coaches battling early-season skids, Gianni reveals a simple dugout point system that shifted focus from outcomes to execution—and sparked a twelve-game win streak. Subscribe, share with your staff, and tell us: what's the single most important trait you demand from your catcher?Support the show Follow: Twitter | Instagram @Athlete1Podcast Website - https://www.athlete1.net Sponsor: The Netting Professionals https://www.nettingpros.com