Episodes
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Dan and guest Pat Donnelly provide immediate and in-depth reactions to the freshly released MIAA baseball brackets. Recorded just half an hour after the brackets were unveiled, they discuss teams to watch, potential upsets, and who they believe will make it through to the later rounds, including final four predictions and eventual champions across various divisions. The episode particularly focuses on Division One and Two, with key insights on teams like Taunton, Xaverian, St. John's Shrewsbury, Plymouth North, Redding, and several others. Lesser-covered divisions like Three, Four, and Five are also briefly discussed.
Topics
00:00 Introduction and Instant Reactions to MIAA Baseball Brackets
00:54 Division One Breakdown: Top Seeds and Key Matchups
03:11 Teams to Watch: Dark Horses and Potential Upsets
08:55 Final Four Predictions and Key Players
14:34 Division Two Overview: Defending Champions and Top Contenders
15:06 Top Teams and Key Players in Division One
15:55 Underdogs and Lower Seeds to Watch
18:04 Predictions for Final Four and Potential Upsets
22:41 Division Three Highlights and Contenders
28:15 Division Four and Five Overview
31:14 Closing Thoughts and Podcast Wrap-Up
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The guest is ISL champion Lawrence coach Chris Margraf. Dan and Chris discuss his team’s journey to winning the ISL tournament, the strategic decisions made during games, the evolution of high school baseball with more specialized athletes, and the importance of team chemistry. They also delve into the nuances of field management, decision-making under pressure, and the changing landscape of youth sports. The episode concludes with a 'Three Up, Three Down' segment featuring baseball dilemmas and Hall of Fame debates.
Topics
00:14 Reflecting on the ISL Championship
01:01 The Evolution of Prep School Baseball
02:13 Challenges and Strategies in the Playoffs
03:56 Pitching Decisions and Game Dynamics
05:06 Coaching Decisions and Game Management
06:24 The Impact of Key Players
06:56 Navigating the DH Rule and Game Scenarios
08:22 The Emotional Rollercoaster of the Championship Game
13:27 Post-Game Reflections and Umpire Decisions
17:44 Player Development and Future Prospects
21:41 The Changing Landscape of High School Sports
26:30 The Importance of Nuances in Baseball
27:33 The Evolution of Multi-Sport Athletes
28:38 Specialization and Its Impact on Players
29:19 The Role of AAU Programs
30:39 Team Dynamics and Baseball IQ
34:19 Three Up, Three Down Segment Introduction
34:51 Hall of Fame Dilemmas
40:15 Ethical Dilemmas in Baseball
46:29 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts
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Episodes manquant?
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Dan and co-host Pat Donnelly provide a comprehensive mid-season review of prep baseball in New England. The discussion focuses on various leagues, including the ISL, NEPSAC, and independent teams. Key highlights include favorited teams like St. Sebastian's, Roxbury Latin, and Lawrence Academy and predictions for awards and championships. The podcast also explores noteworthy statistics and emerging talents, offering in-depth insights into the current prep baseball scene.
Topics
01:06 ISL Favorites: St. Sebastian's, Roxbury Latin, and Lawrence Academy
06:13 ISL Contenders: Nobles, Tabor, and Belmont Hill
10:48 ISL Bubble Teams: Milton Academy, BB&N, and Others
14:19 ISL Awards Predictions
18:02 NEPSAC Founders League
20:21 Central New England: Deerfield's Dominance
21:48 Western New England League Dominance
22:58 Fairchester Athletic Association Showdown
23:58 Independent Teams Spotlight
26:53 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball Insights
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A midseason review of New England high school baseball with beat reporter Pat Donnelly. Dan and Pat discuss the performance of Catholic conference schools, standout teams, and key players. Topics include the unpredictable top 10 rankings, the competitive nature of the Catholic and Bay State Conferences, dominant individual performances, and predictions for state championships.
Topics
00:30 Catholic Conference Teams Overview
02:18 Xaverian's Strong Season
03:49 BC High's Challenges and Comebacks
06:01 St. John Shrewsbury's Performance
07:56 Braintree and Bay State Conference
09:39 Taunton and King Philip Highlights
13:21 Newton South's Turnaround
14:39 Mid-Season Questions and Predictions
20:21 Brody's Recovery and Future Plans
21:03 State Championship Predictions
23:18 Three Up, Three Down Segment
24:00 Catching a Foul Ball at a Major League Game
27:32 Unusual Baseball Moments
34:05 Judging a Ballpark's Quality
36:19 Conclusion and Credits
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Dan is joined by legendary prep baseball coach Dan Donato from Dexter Southfield. They explore a range of topics including the evolution of New England prep school baseball, the impact of the pandemic on recruiting, and the increasingly competitive environment with postgraduate leagues. Donato shares insights on his recruitment strategy, the importance of player development, and the unique advantages Dexter Southfield offers its athletes. Additionally, Donato reflects on memorable moments, including successful seasons and key influences in his coaching career. The episode wraps up with a three up, three down segment covering memorable base running plays, trick plays, and favorite baseball seasons.
Topics
00:40 State of New England Prep School Baseball
03:03 Recruitment and Player Development at Dexter
04:32 Coaching Philosophy and Career Journey
12:32 Top Prospects and League Competitiveness
15:02 Challenges and Opportunities in Prep Baseball
17:37 Top 100 Camp and College Recruitment
20:08 Current Season and League Outlook
23:23 Sponsorship Message
24:13 Design Your Own Custom Rawlings Glove
24:40 Flexible Education for Student-Athletes
25:21 Three Up, Three Down: Introduction
25:59 Memorable Base Running Plays
26:50 Trick Plays in Baseball
29:08 Shrewd Base Running Moments
32:13 Favorite Baseball Seasons
37:49 Boston Sports Nostalgia
39:29 Conclusion and Wrap-Up
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Dan welcomes Joe Breen, head coach at Bishop Feehan and director of GBG club baseball. They discuss Joe's experience transitioning from club to high school coaching, the recruitment process for high school players, and the motivation of committed players returning to high school teams. They also cover the challenges and strategies in managing high school versus summer baseball schedules. The episode concludes with a 'Three Up, Three Down' segment where memorable near no-hitters and defensive plays are shared.
Topics
00:40 High School Recruitment and Motivation
02:39 Coaching Journey and High School Return
04:06 Star Players and Their Commitment
09:54 Development and Recruitment
14:07 Coaching Strategies and Challenges
18:12 Functional Strength and Meticulous Preparation
18:41 Advice for Aspiring Baseball Players
20:32 Team Strategy and Season Outlook
22:23 Three Up, Three Down Segment
22:50 Memorable Near No-Hitters
25:21 Amazing Defensive Plays
27:05 Unforgettable Baseball Moments
31:29 Conclusion and Farewell
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Dan and guest Pat Donnelly preview the upcoming Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) high school baseball season. They discuss key teams and players to watch, with a focus on top teams like BC High, Xaverian, St. John’s Shrewsbury, and others. The episode also features a preseason top 10 team ranking and a comprehensive all-MIAA team roster. The podcast concludes with a fun 'Three Up, Three Down' segment featuring humorous and speculative MLB predictions.
Topics
00:51 Recap of Last Season's Highlights
02:31 Top Teams to Watch This Season
04:56 In-Depth Team Analysis
15:57 Preseason All-MIAA Team
20:23 Top High School Outfielders to Watch
22:02 Standout Catchers Making Waves
22:44 Rising Two-Way Prospects
24:18 Predicting the MIAA Player of the Year
25:21 Three Up, Three Down: MLB Predictions
25:44 Fun MLB Predictions and Scenarios
31:31 Broadcast Innovations and Ideas
38:01 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts
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Dan is joined by Pat Donnelly to discuss the upcoming NEPSAC baseball season. The conversation covers the recent transition from hockey season to baseball, the increasing competitiveness of prep school baseball in New England, and predictions for the season. They delve into various conferences, highlighting notable teams such as Lawrence Academy, St. Sebastian's, Deerfield Academy, Dexter School, and Salisbury School. The episode also previews promising players, including several Division 1 college commits and potential future professional prospects. Additionally, the podcast features a fun segment where the hosts create fictional baseball movie plots based on unique titles.
Topics
01:15 Previewing the NEPSAC Baseball Season
03:00 ISL Coaching Changes and Tournament Insights
04:20 Top ISL Teams and Players to Watch
08:24 Central New England Prep Baseball Highlights
11:35 Western New England Prep Baseball Powerhouses
13:59 Founders League Baseball Overview
16:27 Team Transitions and Prospects
16:50 Hamden Hall's Dominance
17:33 Austin Prep's Journey
18:54 Independent Programs to Watch
20:48 Top 10 Preseason Rankings
21:46 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball Movie Ideas
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The guest is Westminster Coach Tyler Wosleger, who shares his experiences and strategies in transforming the school's baseball program from an 0-18 season in 2019 to one of the top programs in the Founders League. Ty discusses integrating with the school's strong hockey tradition, using cutting-edge analytics, and recruiting local talent. He also reflects on his baseball-centric upbringing and his own collegiate playing days at Fairfield. The episode wraps up with a fun segment on proposed changes to Major League Baseball.
Topics
00:49 Turning Around Westminster's Baseball Program
03:21 Building a Winning Culture
05:51 Recruitment and Staff Development
06:36 Utilizing Technology and Analytics
10:14 Local Talent and Community Engagement
16:05 Personal Background and Baseball Journey
24:55 Three Up, Three Down Segment
33:20 Conclusion and Wrap-Up
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The guest is Matt Duffy, the reigning ISL Coach of the Year and Head Coach at St. Sebastian’s, shares his excitement for the upcoming prep baseball season. Reflecting on his successful first year as head coach, Duffy discusses the team's remarkable turnaround, attributes the success to pitching, defense, and team cohesion, and highlights standout freshman Gavin Wainwright. The discussion also covers Duffy's journey from playing Legion baseball to his experience in the minor leagues and MLB. They delve into the evolving landscape of college recruiting, the impact of strength training, and the significant role of travel ball. The episode concludes with a 'Three Up, Three Down' segment on potential MLB rule changes, including robot umpires, anti-taunting rules, and mid-season tournaments.
Topics
01:16 Reflecting on Last Season's Success
02:35 Gavin Wainwright's Breakout Performance
04:41 Coaching Philosophy and Pitching Strategy
05:43 Strength Training and College Recruitment
06:54 Transition from Player to Coach
12:34 Travel Ball and High School Coaching
15:28 Previewing the Upcoming ISL Season
16:30 Playoffs and Team Talent
17:04 Reflecting on My Playing Career
17:13 College Choices and Vermont Experience
18:34 Draft Experience and Family Tragedy
20:47 Minor League Journey
23:13 Big League Highlights and Reflections
24:09 Spring Training and Team Culture
25:32 Three Up, Three Down: MLB Rule Changes
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The guest is Chris Carmain, a former Northeastern baseball player, assistant coach at Merrimack College, and Director of Player Development for the New Hampshire Prospects. The conversation revolves around the success of the New Hampshire Prospects' recruiting efforts, including how they've managed to secure college commitments for their players despite the increasing prominence of the transfer portal. Carmain explains their multifaceted approach to player development that prepares athletes for college-level baseball, including strength and conditioning programs. The talk also touches on broader issues like the financial challenges faced by families engaging in year-round travel baseball and the evolving landscape of college baseball recruiting compared to Carmain's playing days. An interactive segment, 'Three Up, Three Down,' ends the episode, where Carmain and Guttenplan humorously debate hypothetical career choices among baseball figures.
Topics
00:35 Recruiting Success and Strategies
06:56 Player Development and College Preparation
09:52 High School Season and Player Management
10:55 Travel Programs and Team Placement
13:38 Communication and Player Health
15:17 Recruiting Landscape Changes
19:22 The Challenges of College Baseball Loyalty
20:32 Northeastern's Rise Under Coach Glavin
21:52 Building Merrimack's Baseball Program
24:11 The Cost of Year-Round Baseball
25:15 Supporting Talented Players Financially
26:53 Three Up, Three Down: Fantasy Baseball Careers
34:39 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up
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Dan engages in a detailed discussion with Jim Bretz, a scouting supervisor for the Detroit Tigers and an experienced baseball figure with a rich history as a coach and scout. Bretz discusses his rigorous scouting schedule for the new college baseball season, particularly focusing on the Northeast region, which includes New England, New York, New Jersey, and Eastern Canada. The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of scouting in the Northeast, the impact of the transfer portal on college baseball, and the scouting process for high school and college players. Bretz shares insights on notable programs like Northeastern and UConn, and personal anecdotes about notable players he scouted.
Topics
00:49 Scouting the Northeast Region
02:03 Fall Scouting Insights
04:24 Northeastern University Prospects
06:48 UConn Baseball Program
10:09 Boston College and Coaching Transitions
13:05 High School Prospects and Transfer Portal
20:10 Scouting Collaboration and Draft Stories
21:00 Reflecting on Missed Opportunities
21:25 Rajai Davis: The One That Got Away
22:45 Success Stories: Brad Brock and Jason Foley
25:01 The Rise of Northeast Baseball Talent
28:10 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball Personalities
28:57 Would You Rather: Barry Bonds or Barry Zito?
32:11 Would You Rather: Mike Trout or Mike Timlin?
34:39 Would You Rather: Jim Thome or Jim Bouton?
38:56 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts
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The guest is Jake Willsey, head of the strength program for the NEB Northeast baseball travel program. The discussion centers around Willsey's approach to individualized strength training for athletes ranging from pre-teens to professionals, particularly focusing on off-season preparation. Willsey elaborates on the assessment process, the integration of advanced technology, and the importance of tailored recovery strategies. They also touch on the evolving landscape of college recruitment and how it impacts player development. The episode includes a fun 'Three Up, Three Down' segment featuring thought-provoking questions about the game of baseball.
Topics
00:28 Strength Training Philosophy
02:54 Athlete Assessment Process
05:00 Technology in Training
06:18 Managing Athlete Expectations
19:29 Recruiting Landscape Changes
24:35 Three Up, Three Down Segment
32:01 Conclusion and Farewell
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In this episode of the Base Path Podcast, host Dan Guttenplan discusses the evolution of strength training in baseball with John O'Neil, co-owner of Cressey Sports Performance and the director of performance at the facility. O'Neill explains the shift from traditional, generic training programs to individualized assessments and tailored regimens aimed at helping players achieve their specific goals. He also emphasizes the importance of recovery, nutrition, and consistent training habits for athletes at various levels. The episode concludes with a special 'Three Up, Three Down' segment analyzing topics such as the MLB All-Star Game, Shohei Ohtani's dual-role performance, and Pete Rose's hit record.
Topics
00:37 Evolution of Strength Training in Baseball
02:11 Individualized Training Programs
10:05 Technology in Baseball Training
19:03 Recovery and Injury Prevention
23:34 Creating a Throwing Plan for Youth Athletes
24:28 The Importance of Off Periods and Deload Periods
26:19 Tracking Nutrition and Sleep for High School Athletes
27:21 Building Consistent Habits and Routines
31:07 Challenges of Maintaining Habits During Travel Ball
31:30 Three Up, Three Down: Overrated or Underrated?
43:30 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up
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Dan interviews Sacred Heart baseball coach Pat Egan, discussing his transformative journey with the team. Egan reflects on his initial strategies, such as assembling the right coaching staff, including TK Kiernan and Isaiah Dubon, and communicating with players to understand the necessary improvements. The conversation delves into Egan's recruiting philosophy, focusing largely on high school players and maintaining roster stability. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the transfer portal and Sacred Heart’s move to the MAAC conference..
Topics
00:32 Turning the Program Around: First Steps
01:16 Building a Winning Team: Key Hires
02:46 Player Engagement and Philosophy
07:43 Recruiting Strategy and Philosophy
09:13 Challenges and Adaptations in Recruiting
13:22 Transfer Portal and NCAA Rules
22:58 Reflections on Success and Future Goals
31:10 Transition to the MAAC Conference
32:10 Three Up, Three Down: Fun Q&A
40:08 Conclusion and Farewell
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Ben Casparius, a World Series champion from Connecticut, shares his experiences pitching in Game 4 of the World Series for the Dodgers. The discussion covers his preparation for the game, his journey to the major leagues, including his college career at UConn and North Carolina, and his unexpected call-up to the Dodgers. Ben also provides insights into his favorite World Series moments growing up, the Dodgers' team dynamics, and the challenges of transitioning from hitting to full-time pitching. The episode ends with light-hearted questions about memorable moments from Ben's youth and perspectives on fearsome relievers.
Topics
00:00 Introduction and Latest Edition Announcement
00:50 Introducing World Series Champion Ben Casparius
01:10 Ben Casparius' World Series Experience
02:25 Handling Pressure and Strategy on the Mound
06:01 Path to the Big Leagues
15:57 College Career and Transition to UConn
25:25 Rapid Fire: Three Up, Three Down
31:45 Closing Remarks
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In this episode of the Base Path Podcast, host Dan Guttenplan is joined by Ed Kahovec, head coach of Holy Cross baseball. They discuss his journey transitioning into his role at Holy Cross, the challenges and opportunities he encountered due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of the transfer portal on college baseball. Kahovec shares insights into his recruiting strategies, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit for Holy Cross. The conversation also covers the intricacies of developing players within the stringent academic standards of the school and the unique schedule of Division 1 baseball. The episode concludes with a fun segment, 'Three Up, Three Down,' where Kahovec and Guttenplan react to famous baseball quotes.
Topics
00:52 Navigating Coaching Transitions
01:37 Impact of COVID-19 on College Baseball
02:39 Recruiting Challenges and Strategies
04:07 Holy Cross Recruiting Model
05:19 National Recruitment and Evaluation
08:47 NCAA Recruiting Calendar and Roster Management
11:30 Coaching Philosophy and Program Values
15:09 Player Development Focus
17:51 Fall Season Structure and Intensity
20:18 Transition to Preseason Training
20:56 Balancing Travel and Academics
21:53 Pitcher Development Strategies
23:48 Three Up, Three Down Segment
24:16 Famous Baseball Quotes Discussion
34:43 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up
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In this episode of the Base Path Podcast, hosted by Dan Guttenplan, University of Rhode Island Baseball Coach Raphael Cerrato joins to discuss the challenges and adjustments during the fall season, particularly with the installation of a new turf field. Cerrato elaborates on the team's off-campus workouts and how they adapted to limited field usage. The conversation also delves into recruiting dynamics, touching on the impacts of the transfer portal, NIL changes, and the complexities of scouting high school players. The episode concludes with a 'Three Up, Three Down' segment focusing on baseball dilemmas and decision-making in coaching.
Topics
00:27 Challenges of the Fall Season
00:46 New Turf Field and Its Impact
04:05 Recruiting During Field Construction
05:52 Changes in Recruiting Landscape
06:32 Transfer Portal and Roster Management
14:50 Importance of In-Person Scouting
18:18 Evaluating Players Beyond Data
20:44 Summer Baseball Competitiveness
21:02 Evaluating Talent Beyond Stats
22:25 Impact of Travel Ball on Recruitment
23:04 Velocity vs. Pitching Skills
24:23 Developing Effective Pitchers
27:50 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball Dilemmas
28:20 Slump Strategies for Hitters
32:39 Ethics in Baseball: Faking It
35:13 Aggressiveness in the Outfield
38:00 Conclusion and Wrap-Up
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The guest is Steve Healy, coach of the D1 Massachusetts State Champion team, BC High. He discusses the celebratory trip to Fenway Park, reflections on their championship season, and the commitment of the players. Topics include high school baseball coaching tactics, the differences between high school and AAU baseball, and the current structure of the MIAA state tournament. Healy shares his views on player development and college recruitment, the benefits of the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association, and his coaching philosophy.
Topics
00:29 Celebrating the Championship Win
01:59 Reflecting on the Championship Season
05:16 Tournament Structure and Intensity
08:05 Player Development and Recruitment
10:36 Coaching Philosophy and Experience
12:50 Challenges in College Recruitment
15:16 Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association
16:16 Professional Networking and Membership Benefits
16:48 Scholarship Programs for High School Students
17:06 Joining the National Federation and Rule Changes
17:42 Annual Coaching Clinic Overview
18:38 Keynote Speakers and Presentations
19:17 Intimate Setting and Networking Opportunities
21:13 Mental Approach to the 2025 Season
23:50 Three Up, Three Down Segment
24:10 The Uniqueness of Baseball Fields
26:31 The Excitement of Baseball Beyond the Game
29:12 The Significance of No-Hitters
31:43 Conclusion and Wrap-Up
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In this episode of the Base Path Podcast, hosted by Dan Guttenplan from the New England Baseball Journal, Coach Kevin Graber of Phillips Andover discusses his return to Andover after a two-year stint with the Chicago Cubs. Graber delves into his experiences in professional baseball, his decision to return to the high school level, and his player development philosophy. He reflects on re-establishing team culture at Andover, recounts his managerial journey with the Cubs, and shares insights into baseball's evolving landscape, including player development, the impact of NIL money, and the use of wooden bats. The episode also includes a 'Three Up, Three Down' segment where Graber discusses base-stealing strategies and offers his thoughts on the length of the baseball season.
Topics
01:01 Returning to Andover: A Heartfelt Decision02:02 Rebuilding Andover's Baseball Program03:10 Journey with the Chicago Cubs08:59 Base Running Philosophy and Innovations11:24 Coaching New England Talent17:35 Changes in Baseball: NIL Money and Transfer Portal18:22 Navigating the Transfer Portal18:35 Challenges for High School Baseball Players18:56 The Domino Effect in College Baseball19:26 Balancing Baseball and Other Commitments19:34 Coaching Experience and Achievements21:25 Three Up, Three Down: Stealing Bases28:37 Wooden vs. Aluminum Bats30:12 Length of the MLB Season33:45 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation36:19 Conclusion and Wrap-Up - Montre plus
