We’re back to one-on-one interviews this week on the ABCA Podcast with a true coaching veteran—Dave Serrano, head coach at Johnson University and one of the most respected baseball minds in the game. Serrano’s journey through college baseball spans over three decades and includes stops at some of the game’s premier programs: Tennessee, Cal State Fullerton, UC Irvine, West Virginia, and Cal State Northridge. He got his start in 1988 under George Horton at Cerritos College and went on to become th...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 450
This week on the ABCA Podcast, we recorded in Cary, North Carolina at the NCAA Division II World Series. We sat down with all eight head coaches who led their teams to this year’s championship stage to discuss postseason preparation, team culture, and the experience of competing at the highest level in Division II baseball. Featured in this episode: Brad Baldwin (Northwood University), Brent Porche (UT Tyler), Chris Langan (Felician University), John Kochmansky (East Stroudsburg University), Ada...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 449
This week on the ABCA Podcast, we bring you a special episode recorded on location at the NJCAA Division III World Series in Auburn, New York. We sat down with all eight head coaches competing for a national title to talk about their programs, postseason preparation, and what it means to be part of one of the most competitive events in junior college baseball. Featured in this episode: Mark Tucker – Surry Community College (NC); Johnny Johnson – Brookdale Community College (NJ); Bill Fratto – Oa...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 488
This week on the ABCA Podcast, we bring you an episode recorded on location during the NCAA Division II Regional hosted at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina. We sat down with the four head coaches who were leading their programs through postseason play and captured their insights right in the heart of the action. Featured in this episode: Adam Skonieczki (Lenoir-Rhyne University), Chris Anderson (Belmont Abbey College), Tom Cantrell (University of North Georgia), and Tom Griffin (Carson-Ne...
Jun 09, 2025•55 min•Ep. 447
This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Barry Davis, assistant coach at Princeton University and former longtime head coach at Rider University. Davis brings more than three decades of coaching experience to the conversation, with a track record of sustained success at every level of college baseball—NJCAA, NAIA, and NCAA Division I. Over 20 seasons at Rider, Davis led the Broncs to four conference tournament championships, two regular season titles, and 12 conference tournament appea...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 446
This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Luke Wilkins, a lecturer at La Trobe University and former sport scientist and lead skill acquisition specialist with the New York Yankees. Wilkins brings a unique perspective to player development, blending cutting-edge academic research with experience in professional baseball. In this episode, we take a deep dive into his recent research paper, “A Framework for Using Virtual Reality to Enhance Psychological Performance in Baseball,” and explo...
May 26, 2025•47 min•Ep. 445
This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by former MLB All-Star, longtime broadcaster, and pitchLogic CBO, Lary Sorensen . A veteran of 11 big-league seasons, Sorensen won 93 games and was selected to the 1978 American League All-Star team as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. After his final MLB appearance in 1988, Sorensen transitioned into the broadcast booth, calling games for ESPN, the Detroit Tigers, and most recently, Wake Forest University baseball and football. But behind the scenes,...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 9 min
This is our final installment of on location interviews from Cary, NC and USA Baseball’s NHSI Tournament coaches. Today we are joined by Venice’s Craig Faulkner, Corona Del Sol’s David Webb, Collierville’s Jeff Munier, Wesleyan Christian’s Mo Blakeney and Stony Brook’s Jon Brewer. Congrats to Coach Faulkner and Venice High School on bringing home this year’s championship. Get the pro treatment and design your very own custom Rawlings glove just like your favorite big-league stars! Choose from co...
May 12, 2025•48 min•Ep. 443
The second part of our special National High School Invitational series brings you more on-the-ground conversations recorded in Cary, North Carolina. This premier event once again showcased elite talent and exceptional coaching from across the country. This week, we continue our series with five more outstanding high school coaches who led their teams at NHSI 2025: Andy Wise – Corona High School (CA) Benji Medure – Huntington Beach High School (CA) Joe Weber – Christopher Columbus High School (F...
May 05, 2025•36 min•Ep. 442
For the next three weeks, we’re bringing you a special series of interviews recorded on location in Cary, North Carolina, during USA Baseball’s National High School Invitational (NHSI). It was another phenomenal event filled with top-tier talent and outstanding coaching. This week, we kick things off with a round of conversations featuring coaches from five standout programs that competed at NHSI: Corrigan Willis – Granada High School (CA) John Murphy – Trinity Christian Academy (FL) Matt Darr –...
Apr 28, 2025•45 min•Ep. 441
This week on the ABCA Podcast we’re joined by Kayla Baptista of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Baptista has quickly built a remarkable résumé in the game, becoming the first female on-field coaching intern in Cape Cod League history in 2021 with the Wareham Gatemen, and later breaking new ground again as the first female hired for a coaching role by the Texas Rangers in January 2022. A former University of North Carolina softball standout, Baptista’s baseball journey has taken her from the Cape Cod Lea...
Apr 21, 2025•51 min•Ep. 440
We’re staying on the professional side this week with Los Angeles Angels' catching and pitching coach Sal Fasano. A 13-year MLB veteran who played for 10 different organizations, Fasano brings a deep well of experience to this episode—from his time behind the plate to his work in the dugout and front office. Fasano spent the last eight seasons on the Atlanta Braves’ Major League staff, where he played a key role in player communication and development, particularly in bridging on-field performan...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 439
Next up on the ABCA Podcast is Kansas City Royals Executive Vice President & General Manager J.J. Picollo, who just wrapped up one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Major League Baseball history. Under his leadership, the Royals posted an 86-76 record in 2024—30 wins better than the previous season—earning a postseason berth and making Picollo the runner-up for MLB Executive of the Year. In this episode, Picollo dives into the Royals’ recent success, including the offseason investments t...
Apr 07, 2025•55 min•Ep. 438
This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Rob Ducey, a 13-year MLB veteran and 2013 inductee into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. Ducey broke into the big leagues in 1987 with the Toronto Blue Jays and wrapped up his playing career with the Montreal Expos in 2001. In 2004, he made history as the first Canadian to play for Team Canada, the Blue Jays, and the Expos. In this episode, Ducey shares what it takes to hit at the Major League level, lessons from his playing days, and how he’s us...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 437
Few coaches in college baseball have had the kind of long-term impact Mike Birkbeck has made at Kent State. Since becoming Associate Head Coach in 2004, Birkbeck has helped guide the Golden Flashes to 10 MAC regular season titles, 10 MAC Tournament championships, and 10 NCAA Regional appearances. Widely respected as one of the top pitching minds in NCAA Division I baseball, Birkbeck brings decades of playing and coaching experience to the mound. In this episode, Birkbeck shares his philosophy on...
Mar 24, 2025•58 min•Ep. 436
Virginia Tech associate head coach and recruiting coordinator Kurt Elbin has built one of the most explosive offenses in college baseball. Now in his seventh season with the Hokies, Elbin has helped shape a lineup that consistently ranks among the nation’s best in key offensive categories. Through 17 games this season, Tech’s hitters have posted a .314 batting average, 151 runs scored, 50 doubles, 21 home runs, and a .971 OPS—numbers that reflect Elbin’s expertise in hitting development and play...
Mar 17, 2025•53 min•Ep. 435
With 29 seasons at the helm of Catawba College baseball, Jim Gantt has built one of the premier programs in NCAA Division II. A three-time ABCA Region Coach of the Year and 12-time Conference Coach of the Year, Gantt has led the Catawba Indians to multiple national semifinal appearances, including an impressive 2024 season where his squad earned the program’s first-ever NCAA Regional hosting opportunity and finished the year ranked No. 3 in the country. In this episode, Gantt shares insights int...
Mar 10, 2025•52 min•Ep. 434
This week on the ABCA Podcast, we sit down with 2024 ABCA Pacific Association Assistant Coach of the Year Vince Kolbe, who played a key role in Palomar College’s dominant 2024 season. With a 36-11 overall record and a 23-2 mark in conference play, Kolbe’s work developing the catching corps and coaching first base has been instrumental in the Comets’ success. In this episode, Kolbe shares insights into his approach to catcher development, coaching philosophies, and building a winning culture at t...
Mar 03, 2025•41 min•Ep. 433
Fresh off leading Team USA to gold at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup, Bryan Madsen joins the ABCA Podcast to share his journey and insights into coaching young athletes at the highest level. In his first year as 12U National Team Manager, Madsen guided Team USA to an impressive 57-9 run differential, a .357 team batting average, and a dominant 0.86 ERA on the way to the program’s eighth gold medal since 2013. In this episode, we dive into what it takes to develop elite young talent, Madsen’s e...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 432
This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Kevin Coe, Cincinnati Reds Academy Director of Baseball and Softball. With a career dedicated to player development, Coe has been instrumental in providing opportunities for young athletes to reach the next level. Before joining the Reds in 2022, he played a key role in building the Chicago White Sox ACE program and working with the Pullman Community Center, helping countless players achieve their dreams of playing college baseball. In this episode,...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 431
We continue our discussion on the NCAA Div. I college season preview from yesterday with Baseball America’s Peter Flaherty. As the 2025 season approaches, Flaherty shares his insights on the teams, players, and storylines that will shape the year ahead. Get ready for opening day with this in-depth look at what’s ahead this season! Our sponsor is Core Energy Belt, the trusted choice of professional baseball players in both Japan and the USA. With over 700 professionals, including two former MVPs,...
Feb 11, 2025•50 min•Ep. 430
Our college season preview series continues with the powerhouse trio from D1Baseball.com—Kendall Rogers, Aaron Fitt, and Mike Rooney! In this episode, they provide expert analysis, insider insights, and everything you need to know heading into the 2025 season. We also discuss the ever-changing landscape of NCAA Division I baseball. With the NCAA Div. I season right around the corner, there’s no better way to get ready for opening day! Our sponsor is Core Energy Belt, the trusted choice of profes...
Feb 10, 2025•43 min•Ep. 429
We’re keeping our college season preview series rolling withThe JUCO Ball Blog (JBB) founder Noah Sharp, a go-to source for junior college baseball coverage. Since launching The JBB in 2018, Sharp has dedicated himself to shining a spotlight on junior college baseball, both NJCAA and Pacific Association Division, providing in-depth coverage and analysis of the entire JUCO landscape. In this episode, Sharp breaks down the top JUCO teams, standout players, and key storylines for the 2025 season. W...
Feb 06, 2025•58 min•Ep. 428
We’re continuing our college season preview series with NAIA Ball founder Robby Gutierrez, who has been shining a light on NAIA baseball for nearly a decade. Since launching NAIA Ball eight years ago and the NAIA Ball Podcast in 2018, Robby and his team have dedicated themselves to covering the NAIA landscape and growing the game at this level. In this episode, Robby previews the 2025 NAIA baseball season, highlighting top teams, players to watch, and key storylines. He also reflects on the lega...
Feb 05, 2025•47 min
We’re continuing our college season preview episodes with one of the most trusted voices in NCAA Division III baseball—Jim Dixon! As the managing editor of D3baseball.com , Jim has been at the forefront of NCAA Div. III coverage for nearly 30 years, delivering news, analysis, and historical insights to fans and coaches alike. In this episode, we dive into the evolution of NCAA Div. III coverage, key teams and storylines for the upcoming season, and how D3baseball.com became a go-to source for al...
Feb 04, 2025•34 min•Ep. 426
To kick off our college baseball season previews, we’re joined by the Wayne Cavadi, author of The DII Report Newsletter . Cavadi has been instrumental in shining a spotlight on the growth of NCAA Div. II athletics. In this episode, we dive into his latest article, DII Baseball 2025 101 – A Crash Course , and discuss what to expect this season. With months of research behind his analysis, Cavadi breaks down the top teams, key storylines, and what makes NCAA Div. II baseball unique. Tune in on you...
Feb 03, 2025•29 min•Ep. 425
Dunn Muramaru’s nearly 50-year coaching career has shaped the landscape of baseball in Hawaii. The 2024 National High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee has led the Mid-Pacific Institute Owls for nearly four decades, guiding them to five state titles, 14 Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH) championships, and over 600 wins. In this episode, Muramaru reflects on his remarkable career, including his early years at Kalani High School, the development of more than 100 coll...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 424
Next up on the ABCA Podcast is our second 2025 recipient of the Dave Keilitz Ethics in Coaching Award, Tom Meyer. Meyer has served as both a teacher and baseball coach for more than 60 years. His coaching career began in 1959 as assistant coach at Northwestern University (Ill.). From 1964-69, Meyer served as the head baseball coach at Northern Illinois University before joining the staff at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During the summers of 1975 and 1977, Meyer also coached the Swedish N...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 423
With nearly five decades of coaching experience spanning multiple continents, Bill Percy is a true icon of the game. The distinguished recipient of the 2025 ABCA/Wilson Lefty Gomez Award, Percy has made a lasting impact on baseball locally, nationally, and internationally. In this episode, we explore Percy’s incredible journey, which began at Florida Southern College as both a player and assistant coach under ABCA Hall of Famer Hal Smeltzly. Percy’s high school coaching career saw remarkable suc...
Jan 13, 2025•57 min•Ep. 421
Jarvis recently completed his 27th season at the helm of the Bruins, where he has compiled 763 wins since leading the program in its first NCAA Division I season in 1998. As Belmont’s all-time winningest coach, Jarvis has built a legacy of excellence. Adding to his remarkable career, he has achieved over 1,000 wins, including his tenure as head coach at his alma mater, Three Rivers Community College, and gained valuable experience as an assistant at Murray State. Known for his humility and chara...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 420
