The Dugout
By The Dugout
Through interviews with top college coaches and baseball personalities, we break down the college recruiting process from start to finish. Our goal is to demystify and cut through the misinformation one episode at a time.
Interested in having a recruiting question answered on the show? Email us at Support@collegebaseballmatch.com
The Dugout Nov 28, 2018
Grinnell College
Known for it's high academics and competitive baseball program, Grinnell College represents a unique opportunity for those players that want to get a terrific liberal arts opportunity coupled with playing the sport they love. Caleb Cline, an assistant coach at the NCAA Division III program, knows this. We discuss the ins and outs of the recruiting process and drill down what Grinnell looks for in it's student-athletes.
Seton Hall University
Tyler Smarslok knows a thing or two about college recruiting. It wasn't too long ago that he himself went through the process. During that time he sent over 60 personalized emails to programs of all levels. He only heard back from one, Kean University. That's all he needed though as he is now a Volunteer Assistant Coach for NCAA Division I, Seton Hall. We spoke at length about the recruiting process and what Seton Hall looks for in their recruitment classes.
Middlebury College
Head Coach Mike Leonard knows a thing or two about the NESCAC conference. Considering he's been a head coach for both Bates College and now Middlebury, he's had success at both stops. Mike also knows a thing or two about evaluating talent and creating successful recruiting classes, considering he himself played D1 baseball at UConn and was signed with the Boston Red Sox. On today's episode we talk recruiting and the academic rigors of this top liberal arts college.
Westmont College
Imagine playing in beautiful Santa Barbara with a competitive NAIA program in Westmont College. Head Coach Rob Ruiz has had great success in the GSAC and has maintained a talented and dedicated assistant coaching staff. Combine the location and program success with strong Christian values and you have a baseball destination that is a strong fit for hardworking players looking to grow both on and off the field.
Trinity University
It's almost every high school player's dream to play competitive baseball at the collegiate level. While most assume that means at a NCAA Division I program, it's safe to say that playing for a baseball team that consistently makes the postseason would satisfy the desire for competition. Trinity University in San Antonio does just that. Consistent postseason berths and a current preseason ranking of 4th overall in NCAA DIII makes this an attractive spot. Couple the program competitiveness with top tier academics and it's easy to see why Head Coach Tim Scannell fosters strong recruiting classes.
University of Chicago
University of Puget Sound
Today's episode features another NCAA Division III, Northwest Conference program in University of Puget Sound. Head Coach Jeff Halstead makes a case from an academic and athletic standpoint of why Puget Sound is perfect for raw baseball players that have yet to fulfill their potential. Situated near Seattle, and recently updated facilities makes this attractive destination in a VERY competitive conference.
Princeton University
US News and Review released their 2019 Rankings. Princeton University is #1. That's right. The university beat out the usual suspects of top universities and after our conversation with Assistant Coach, Alex Jurzynski, it's easy to see why. On this episode of The Dugout we highlight Princeton baseball's storied history, their rigorous academic standards and the makeup of a quintessential Tiger.
UC Davis
Becoming a UC Davis Aggie means making a commitment to excellence both on and off the field. The Top 40 university is a stones throw away from both the Bay Area and Sierra Mountain Range. We had the pleasure of discussing the NCAA Division I program with Volunteer Assistant Coach, Ben Cordy. Ben discussed his own recruiting experience, what it was like watching his younger brother play at UC Davis, and why UC Davis may be the best choice for you.
Chapman University
Chapman University is a terrific NCAA Division III program with a successful past. In our interview with Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, Geoff Fox, we discuss the players that the Panthers look for, why playing in beautiful, Orange CA, is a plus offering when pitching Chapman to potential recruits and how Chapman is an excellent place to study if you're interested in pursuing sports media.
Lafayette College
Andrew Dickson is entering his 6th season as a collegiate head coach and his 2nd as the Assistant Coach with NCAA Division I Lafayette College. We discuss the perks of playing for a program that has famous alumni, such as Chicago Cubs Manager, Joe Maddon. The Leopards are celebrating their 150th anniversary and play in the highly competitive Patriot League.
University of Rochester
Today we featured a Top-50 academic program that plays a competitive brand of baseball in a supportive environment. The University of Rochester baseball program has a new assistant coach in Justin Johnson. Justin has thus far had a successful career as a coach within the competitive Texas baseball circuit. He's made the jump to college and we had the chance to learn what makes the Yellowjackets a competitive NCAA Division III team.
George Fox University
Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, Kevin Kopple, is entering his 13th season at NCAA Division III George Fox University. Located in beautiful, Newberg, Oregon, the program plays in the competitive Northwest Conference. On this episode Kevin discusses George Fox's recruiting philosophy, the importance of reaching your true playing potential, and what makes a Bruin.
Oberlin College
Oberlin College is a private institution that was founded in 1833. It's a top liberal arts institution that competes at the NCAA Division III level. In our conversation with the Oberlin's Lead Assistant Coach and Hitting Instructor, Brandon Jossey. We discuss Brandon's coaching and playing background, Oberlin's recruiting philosophy and the type of player that would make a good Yeoman.
Point Loma Nazarene University
Does warm sun, a picturesque ballpark and a supportive Christian college sound like your kind of environment? If so, then Point Loma Nazarene University may be right for you. We spoke with Jeff Calhoon, the new assistant coach for the NCAA Division II, Sea Lions.
Bates College
What's it like to attend a top liberal arts college based in Lewiston, Maine? We find out during our interview with Bates College assistant coach, Tony Deshler. Tony has coached at various levels and even spent time playing in Australia. We discuss how the recruiting experience has changed over the years as well as the type of player that Bates College looks for.
Ep 59: Developing a plan for Sophomores
Sophomore year is critical on your recruiting journey. You must develop a plan to make sure you reach your dream of playing college baseball. Tune in to determine your best course of action.
Ep 58: "Aim High, Fly-Fight-Win" The Air Force Baseball Way
Have you ever had a desire to serve a higher purpose? Does flying fighter jets and working in careers with cutting-edge technologies fire you up? Do you want to be career-ready AND have the ability to play NCAA Division I baseball? If yes, then the Air Force Academy is the right place for you! Check out our conversation with Volunteer Assistant Coach Jimmy Roesinger. Learn what Air Force looks for and what it takes to play for their program.
Ep 57: Building a Program From The Ground Up
Today we spoke with Head Coach Andy Salvatore. He gave us the inside scoop on the program, the type of players that thrive at the school and why Bard College might be the perfect place for you!
Ep 56: Rock Chalk. Jayhawk. KU
Ep 55: Making the Most of Your Junior Season and Summer
Ep 54: Uncommitted Seniors: You Have 3 Options
Ep 53: So you want to play for Stanford Baseball?
We continued our conversation with Stanford Head Coach, Dave Esquer, on crucial topics like: Athletic and Academic Requirements, NCAA Recruiting Compliance and Stanford Baseball's "IT" factor. We also get into WHAT Coach Esquer and his coaching staff look for in their players, WHERE you'll see them looking for talent, and HOW they organize their own recruiting philosophy.
This is incredible information, giving you unparalleled insight into one of the top college baseball programs in the country.
Ep 52: The Making of a Pac-12 Champion in Year One
What's it like to go from former Stanford Baseball walk-on to Stanford Baseball Head Coach? How do you grab the reigns and fill the shoes of an college baseball legend like Coach Mark Marquess? What separates the 2018 Pac-12 Champions from the other top programs in the country?
We had questions and Pac-12 Coach of the Year, David Esquer, had all the answers.
This is Part 1 of a 2-Part interview.
Ep 51: BONUS CONTENT
Will Felton breaks down the differences between the recruiting experience as a transfer vs the experience as a high school student. He also recounts a story that demonstrates that you always need to play like there's someone watching in the stands.
Ep 51: Belief Above All Else
Ep 50: College Recruiting Should Be as Easy as Buying a Pair of Shoes
Ep 49: From the Baseball Diamond to the Boardroom
In our discussion, we touched on the recruiting process, battling through injury, cultivating a positive team culture and how to leverage your skills learned as a college athlete to become a corporate recruiters dream candidate.
Unlock The Secret To Success: It Starts With Time Management
Ep 47: Effective Goal Setting for 2019
The ability to set goals in the short term and long term can make or break your next season. Specifically how to set goals to improve your athletic tools.
Ep 46: It Runs In The Family: A College Recruiting Story
Ep 45: Knowing Yourself and Finding Your Passion
Ep 44: From 2 Transfers to Chasing the MLB Dream
Ep 43: Passing the Torch and Building on Success
Ep 42: The Development of a Division I Utility Player
Josh Winkler has experienced quite a bit in his baseball career so far. We caught up with him as he prepares to begin his first season of D1 baseball after transferring to University of the Pacific. He breaks down his personal recruiting process, his transfer from Folsom Lake College, his development as a utility player, and why he chose to play for the Pacific Tigers.
Ep 41: Battling Through Adversity with Steven Patterson
We discuss the sacrifices required and the balance needed in order to make it to the next level. You may be prepared athletically but are you prepared academically? All of these things need to be determined BEFORE you head off to your new program. This episode of The Dugout will break down how to best prepare for "the grind".
Ep 40: Breaking Down the High School & Travel Ball Dynamic with Adam Farb
Ep 39: High Academic Goals? Start with the end in mind
Ep 38: The State of Youth Travel Baseball with NCTB's Adam Farb
Ep 37: Fielding and Fundamentals are Underrated Skills
Ep 36: William Jessup University; A Program On the Rise
Ep 35: Truly Great Players Make Adjustments
Episode 34: The Greatest Program Turnaround in College Baseball History
Ep 33: Be More Than a “5-Tool Player” with Dodgers Area Scout and MiLB Coach, Tom Kunis
Plus why he favors two additional pieces of criteria that he thinks every successful player has.
Ep 32: Making the Jump: Insights from a MLB Coach
Ep 31: From DIII Baseball Champion to Broadcaster with the Milwaukee Brewers
-How Brewers radio broadcaster, Jeff Levering, chose to attend and play baseball at DIII Chapman University.
-How Chapman overcame a head coaching change to win the DIII National Championship in Levering's sophomore season
- What the transition was like from baseball player to broadcast journalism?
-How Jeff's experience as a student-athlete helped to prepare him for the minor league "grind" and fulfill his goal of becoming a big league radio broadcaster
Ep 30: Recruiting Visit Do's and Don'ts
Have MLB Dreams? "D1 or Bust" is a Myth
Ep 28: Is Junior College for you?
Coach Derek Sullivan (Sully) believes that Sacramento City College might be one of the top places in the country to develop and send you to the next level.
We discuss the notoriety that Sacramento City College has in the baseball world, how Sully was able to help turn around the program by changing the culture, why his program is so strong at churning out 4-year talent, and what players are best for the JC route.