Happy New Year! It’s time to kick off 2025 with a bang, as the World’s Largest Baseball Convention is in the nation’s capital for the first time since 1975! The 81st annual ABCA Convention promises to be an unforgettable event, bringing together the best in the game for four days of education, inspiration, and connection. This is a must-listen, whether you're attending in-person or participating in the Clinics Live Video Stream! In today’s episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know t...
Jan 01, 2025•47 min•Ep. 420
This week on the ABCA Podcast, we celebrate Dan Griesbaum, head coach at Grosse Pointe South (MI) High School and the recipient of the prestigious 2025 ABCA/Dave Keilitz Ethics in Coaching Award. Griesbaum has dedicated 41 years to Grosse Pointe South, taking over as head coach in 1984 and amassing over 900 wins—the most among active coaches in Michigan. A former player and assistant coach at Central Michigan under the awards' namesake, Dave Keilitz, Griesbaum embodies the values of integrity an...
Dec 31, 2024•55 min•Ep. 419
It’s an exciting week as the ABCA Convention kicks off this Thursday, and we’re rolling out episodes with the incoming ABCA Hall of Famers! Joining us first is University of Texas head coach, and former 2023 ABCA President, Jim Schlossnagle. A member of the ABCA Board of Directors, Schlossnagle is widely regarded as one of the nation’s premier baseball coaches. Over his 23-year head coaching career, he has taken programs at Texas A&M and TCU to historic heights, amassing 945 career wins and ...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 418
Joining us this week on the ABCA Podcast is ABCA NJCAA Division III Assistant Coach of the Year, Ramon Garza. Recently named the head coach at Dallas College Mountain View, Garza reflects on his incredible run with Dallas College Eastfield, where he helped lead the team to the NJCAA World Series last season. Eastfield had a stellar year, winning the Dallas Athletic Conference title with a 25-5 record in league play. Garza’s coaching journey includes a stint as an assistant at UT-Dallas, followin...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 417
Martinez played a pivotal role in leading Jesuit High School (FL) to their seventh State Championship and third since 2019. Jesuit, a perennial powerhouse in Florida and on the national scene, consistently tackles one of the toughest schedules in the country. Martinez, who oversees hitters and infielders, brings decades of experience from his time as a standout player at the University of Tampa—where he won a National Championship in 1998 alongside Jesuit head coach Miguel Menendez—and his four ...
Dec 16, 2024•46 min•Ep. 416
A Birmingham-Southern alum, Hulse spent nine seasons coaching the Panthers, playing a key role in their remarkable 2024 run to the College World Series under extraordinary circumstances. Over the past seven years, Hulse helped guide Birmingham Southern to six NCAA Regional appearances and two trips to the College World Series. Following the program’s closure this spring, Hulse moved to Valdosta State, joining longtime mentor Jan Weisberg. With additional coaching experience at Louisiana Tech, Hu...
Dec 09, 2024•58 min•Ep. 415
Vickerson has been a key part of the Shelton State baseball program for 11 seasons as both a coach and former player. In 2024, the Bucs posted an impressive 44-19 record, setting a school record with 28 conference wins and earning a trip to the JUCO World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado. A former standout centerfielder for the Bucs in 2012 and 2013, Vickerson capped off his playing career in the SEC at Mississippi State. Tune in to hear his insights on coaching, player development, and buildi...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 414
Martin recently completed his 10th season as Associate Head Coach at the University of the Cumberlands, helping lead the Patriots to a record-breaking 52-8 season and their second consecutive World Series appearance. As the recruiting coordinator and coach for hitters and infielders, Martin has been instrumental in the team’s success, helping set single-season records for wins (52), home runs (144), RBI (626), and walks (356). A standout player for the Patriots from 2011-2014, Martin earned MSC ...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 413
Now entering his 22nd season as Associate Head Coach at the University of Virginia, McMullan has been instrumental in building one of the most consistent programs in NCAA Division I baseball. With his leadership, the Cavaliers have achieved a National Championship in 2015, seven College World Series appearances, and 17 NCAA Regional appearances, amassing 886 wins. The ABCA Assistant Coach of the Year is renowned as one of the best recruiters and developers in the game and has guided over 100 pla...
Nov 18, 2024•59 min•Ep. 412
Backhaus recently completed his seventh season at the University of Central Missouri, leading the Mules to an impressive 52-10 record and a trip to the NCAA Div. II College World Series, which earned him Assistant Coach of the Year honors. Known for their powerful offense, the Mules scored 662 runs, hit 126 home runs, and stole 197 bases while maintaining a .982 fielding percentage. Under Backhaus' leadership, Central Missouri has made NCAA Regionals every year, with three World Series appearanc...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 411
John Kremer has been with the Yankees organization since 1999, originally signing as a pitcher out of the University of Evansville after being drafted three times. Following five seasons on the mound in the Yankees’ minor league system, he transitioned to scouting and front office roles, ultimately taking on the position of Director of Performance Science in 2016. Now as the Minor League Rehab Coordinator, Kremer shares his insights on keeping players healthy and maximizing performance. The ABCA...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 410
This week on the ABCA Podcast, we return to youth baseball with Jimmy Filingeri, head coach at Our Lady of Lourdes High School (NY) and host of the Clearing the Bases Podcast. Filingeri brings a wealth of experience from his work with Evolution Baseball Club and his contributions to ABCA’s Inside Pitch Magazine, the Youth Baseball Committee, and the upcoming Youth Baseball Summit in November. In this episode, we talk practice planning for youth baseball, covering effective strategies and insight...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 409
A four-year letterwinner at NC Central, Marrow served as captain of the baseball team for three seasons before transitioning into coaching at his alma mater, where he also earned a master’s degree in athletic administration. He later spent a season at George Washington University before moving into professional baseball, working in the San Francisco Giants front office for two years and serving as the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league fundamentals coach from 2021 to 2023. Now, Marrow serves as Aca...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 408
This week on the ABCA Podcast, we welcome Jim Schwanke, agent at the Ballengee Group and former college baseball coach. Schwanke brings a wealth of experience to the table, having coached at powerhouse programs Oklahoma State and LSU. His offensive strategies were instrumental in LSU’s back-to-back National Championships in 1996 and 1997, where he coined the term "Gorilla Ball." Schwanke revolutionized hitting with his B.L.A.S.T. (Base, Leverage, Arms, Speed, Timing) system, which changed the wa...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 407
A 16-year continuous ABCA member, Gillum has been a key figure in the ABCA Convention, frequently moderating the Infield Hot Stove. Since taking over as head coach of the Bananas in 2018, Gillum has guided the team to back-to-back CPL Championships in 2021 and 2022, while also seeing over 20 players drafted into MLB. Now fully embracing the excitement of Banana Ball, Gillum leads a team that has sold over a million tickets and sold out MLB stadiums across the country. With a personal mission of ...
Oct 07, 2024•59 min•Ep. 406
With 29 years of experience in professional baseball, Tyrone Brooks began his career with support from Hank Aaron and the Atlanta Braves after graduating from the University of Maryland. Known for his commitment to "paying it forward," Brooks has been instrumental in helping countless individuals begin their careers in professional baseball. His influence extends to the ABCA, where he played a key role in the formation of the Diversity in Baseball Committee and continues to contribute at the ann...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 405
Vitello led the Tennessee Volunteers to a remarkable 60-13 record, capturing NCAA Division I National Championship in 2024. Under his leadership, the Volunteers have made three College World Series appearances in the last four seasons, solidifying Tennessee as one of the premier programs in Division I baseball. Vitello, who took over the program in 2017, has built a legacy of success, with 17 regional appearances across his 20-year coaching career, including stops at Mizzou, TCU, and Arkansas. K...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 404
Joe Urso, a six-time ABCA National Coach of the Year and ten-time ABCA Regional Coach of the Year, has built a legacy as one of the most successful coaches in college baseball. Over 22 seasons as head coach, he has led the University of Tampa to six National Championships, including in 2024, and recently surpassed 1,000 career wins. The Spartans, the winningest NCAA program of the 2000s, owe much of their success to Urso's leadership. A former Spartan All-American and then professional player in...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 403
This week on the ABCA Podcast, we're joined by ABCA/ATEC NJCAA Division I Coach of the Year, Dusty Hart, head coach of Blinn College. Hart led the Buccaneers to a stellar 41-17 record and the National Championship in Grand Junction, Colorado in 2024, marking back-to-back World Series appearances in his first two seasons at Blinn. With two national titles under his belt, including one from his 16-year tenure at Grayson in 2008, Hart has a proven track record of success. Tune in as Coach Hart shar...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 402
Next up on the ABCA Podcast is ABCA/ATEC High School Division II Coach of the Year, Jim Ozella. After an illustrious 40-year coaching career, including 25 years at Hart High School (CA), Ozella retired on a high note, leading Hart to the 2024 CIF SS Div. 2 Championship with a 26-5 record. Hart High School's storied program has captured 36 League Championships, and Ozella has played a pivotal role in developing talent, with eight of his former players, including Tyler Glasnow, James Shields, and ...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 401
Joining us this week on the ABCA Podcast is ABCA/ATEC Pacific Association Coach of the Year, Sommer McCartney, head coach of Saddleback College. McCartney led the Bobcats to a stellar 34-17 record and the 3C2A Championship this season, continuing his legacy of excellence since taking over from his mentor, Jack Hodges, in 2011. With back-to-back Orange Empire Conference titles in 2022 and 2023, McCartney has firmly established Saddleback as one of the top programs in the region. An Associate Prof...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 400
This week on the ABCA Podcast, we're joined by ABCA/ATEC High School Division III Coach of the Year, Brian Fowler. Fowler, who led Taylor High School (AR) to their third consecutive State Championship and eighth overall, reflects on a remarkable season where the Tigers finished 23-4. Known for his old-school approach to coaching, Coach Fowler emphasizes the core values of honesty, accountability, and respect—principles that have been instrumental in his team's sustained success. In this episode,...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 399
Next up on the ABCA Podcast is ABCA/ATEC NCAA Div. III National Coach of the Year, Pete Egbert. Heading into his 18th season as head coach at Misericordia University, Egbert led the Cougars to their first National Championship this season, with his 600th career win clinching the title game. This year marked back-to-back appearances for the Cougars in the NCAA Division III College World Series, and they also had an appearance in 2018. Misericordia finished the season with a 41-11 record, includin...
Aug 12, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 398
This week on the ABCA Podcast, we are honored to feature ABCA Hall of Famer, Marc Johnson. Johnson, who retired following the 2024 season, had been the head coach at Cherry Creek High School for an astonishing 52 seasons. He capped off his illustrious career with a Colorado State Championship this Spring, bringing his record to a remarkable 871 wins, 15 State Championship appearances, and nine State Championships. His stellar final year earned him ABCA/ATEC High School Division I Coach of the Ye...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 397
In this week's episode of the ABCA Podcast, we welcome ABCA Board Member and head coach at Chapman University, Scott Laverty. Laverty, entering his 12th season at Chapman, has firmly established the program as one of the best in NCAA Division III, highlighted by a National Championship in 2019. Laverty began his coaching career at his alma mater, UC Riverside, in 1997. He then moved on to his first head coaching position at the University of Redlands, where he accumulated 298 wins over 14 season...
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 396
Join us on the ABCA Podcast as we sit down with Johnny Hernandez, head coach of Bethune-Cookman University. Growing up in South Florida and coaching at Hialeah High School, Hernandez's journey in baseball has been remarkable. He founded the ASA College program in Miami in 2014 and worked with USA Baseball as a scouting task force member. Since taking over the Bethune-Cookman program in 2018, Hernandez has led the team to impressive victories and a strong season finish in the SWAC East, earning t...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 395
This week on the ABCA Podcast, we are thrilled to have two exceptional guests from the world of sports performance and biomechanics: VELO Sports' Michael Napoleon and Dr. Tyler Standifird. Napoleon, renowned for his pioneering work in overspeed training, owned and operated Catalyst Golf Performance in the Chicago area before developing the SuperSpeed Golf Training System. His innovative approach has been widely adopted in the baseball world since 2017, influencing MLB organizations and collegiat...
Jul 15, 2024•57 min•Ep. 394
This week’s ABCA Podcast episode is the final episode that was recorded on-location at a championship site –– the NCAA Div. III World Series in Eastlake, Ohio. We had a chance to sit down with coaches of the program's that competed in the tournament, including Travis Beazley (Lynchburg), Eric Cirella (Salve Regina), Pete Egbert (Misericordia), Ray Hedrick (Randolph Macon), Frank Pericolosi (Pomona Pitzer), John Vodenlich (UW-Whitewater) and Jan Weisberg (Birmingham Southern). Congratulations to ...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 393
A recurring guest on the ABCA Podcast, Nathan Hemphill, PSP3 Owner & Director of Sports Performance, joins us in this week's episode. Hemphill was previously a guest on the ABCA Podcast in 2022 and has also spoken at multiple events, like the 2021 Kansas City Barnstormers Regional Clinic and the 2024 ABCA Convention. You can listen in to his previous podcast appearance (5/23/22) online at www.ABCA.org/podcast or using your favorite podcast streaming platform and watch his former presentation...
Jul 01, 2024•55 min•Ep. 392
This week joining us on the ABCA Podcast is a pioneer in the peak performance field, Dr. Tom Hanson. Hanson is the former Director of Performance Enhancement for the New York Yankees and also worked with the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels and Minnesota Twins. He wrote one of the seminal baseball peak performance books with Ken Ravizza, Heads Up Baseball. Hanson also is author of the book, Play Big: Mental Toughness Secrets That Take Baseball Players to the Next Level. Hanson is widely known f...
Jun 24, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 391
