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The Dugout

The Dugout

By The Dugout

A College Baseball Match Podcast hosted by Eric Walczykowski

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
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Ep 49: From the Baseball Diamond to the Boardroom

The Dugout Jan 12, 2019

00:00
28:01
Grinnell College

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. 

May 24, 201924:13
Seton Hall University

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. 

May 17, 201927:20
Middlebury College

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. 

May 10, 201928:33
Westmont 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. 

May 03, 201938:52
Trinity University

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. 

Apr 26, 201925:27
University of Chicago

University of Chicago

Latest episode of The Dugout
Apr 19, 201939:48
University of Puget Sound

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. 

Apr 12, 201927:01
Princeton University

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. 

Apr 05, 201928:20
UC Davis

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. 

Mar 29, 201931:30
Chapman University

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. 

Mar 22, 201927:28
Lafayette College

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.  

Mar 15, 201923:54
University of Rochester

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. 

Mar 08, 201925:16
George Fox University

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.  

Mar 01, 201926:18
Oberlin College

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. 

Feb 22, 201935:18
Point Loma Nazarene University

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. 

Feb 15, 201944:10
Bates College

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. 

Feb 08, 201925:18
Ep 59: Developing a plan for Sophomores

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.

Feb 07, 201910:08
Ep 58: "Aim High, Fly-Fight-Win" The Air Force Baseball Way

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. 

Feb 02, 201936:56
Ep 57: Building a Program From The Ground Up

Ep 57: Building a Program From The Ground Up

The NCAA Division III, Bard baseball program is a fairly modern development, but that doesn't stop it from being an attractive landing spot for academic-forward players.
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!
Jan 28, 201935:25
Ep 56: Rock Chalk. Jayhawk. KU

Ep 56: Rock Chalk. Jayhawk. KU

This is an insightful episode where we highlight Kansas University Baseball and Head Coach Ritch Price. We discuss what makes a KU baseball player, Coach Price's recruiting philosophy and the importance of high school coach validations. So if you think you have the toughness, the talent, and the grades to play in a competitive Big 12 conference under a beloved coach, this episode is for you!
Jan 26, 201925:55
Ep 55: Making the Most of Your Junior Season and Summer

Ep 55: Making the Most of Your Junior Season and Summer

Junior year is the most important year on the recruiting calendar. You have two options on how to handle it. You can either go play your season and hope for the best. Or you can take control of your process and research schools that match you best. The latter will yield better results. Trust us.
Jan 25, 201911:31
Ep 54: Uncommitted Seniors: You Have 3 Options

Ep 54: Uncommitted Seniors: You Have 3 Options

Uncommitted Seniors: You have three simple options. 1) Walk On 2) Develop 3) Get Real. We break down all three paths and give you the steps to take next. It’s time to commit to the process. Time is running out.
Jan 24, 201914:32
Ep 53: So you want to play for Stanford Baseball?

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.  

Jan 21, 201916:44
Ep 52: The Making of a Pac-12 Champion in Year One

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. 

Jan 18, 201914:02
Ep 51: BONUS CONTENT

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. 

Jan 18, 201908:32
Ep 51: Belief Above All Else

Ep 51: Belief Above All Else

Today we spoke with Will Felton. Will has played baseball at Sierra College, Folsom Lake College and University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. From not finding his fit at Sierra College (an experience that made him re-consider his future in the sport) to transferring to Folsom Lake College, to finding his place at a D2 program, Will has had his ups and downs throughout his baseball journey. This discussion goes into the importance of self-belief and development from 2-year programs.
Jan 16, 201918:01
Ep 50: College Recruiting Should Be as Easy as Buying a Pair of Shoes

Ep 50: College Recruiting Should Be as Easy as Buying a Pair of Shoes

Everyone tries to overcomplicate the college recruiting process. We had CBM Co-Founder, Roc Murray simplify it for you. It all comes down to Match, Connect and Fit. Learn why the college recruiting process should be as easy buying a new pair of shoes and how the CBM platform uniquely prepares you to succeed.
Jan 16, 201909:58
Ep 49: From the Baseball Diamond to the Boardroom

Ep 49: From the Baseball Diamond to the Boardroom

Today we had the privilege to sit down with Cameron Law. Cameron played baseball at UC Davis and after earning his Masters degree in Australia, now works as Executive Director of Social Venture Partners of Sacramento.

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.
Jan 12, 201928:01
Unlock The Secret To Success: It Starts With Time Management

Unlock The Secret To Success: It Starts With Time Management

We brought Emma Wadiak back on the podcast to discuss why time management is an incredibly important skill to learn for both short term and long term success. We also dive into how to avoid procrastination and some exercises to practice in mindfulness.
Jan 10, 201922:06
Ep 47: Effective Goal Setting for 2019

Ep 47: Effective Goal Setting for 2019

We bring former D1 Strength and Conditioning Coach, Craig Miszewski, back onto the podcast to discuss the psychology behind effective goal setting. Craig has a Masters in Sports Psychology from the University of Missouri.
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.
Jan 09, 201919:46
Ep 46: It Runs In The Family: A College Recruiting Story

Ep 46: It Runs In The Family: A College Recruiting Story

What are the chances that you end up playing baseball in the same conference as your younger brother. We find out. In Part 1 of a 3-part series we speak with Logan Denholm, a redshirt junior out of UC Davis. We discuss his recruiting process, his ability to work through an injury and what it was like facing his younger brother at the plate.
Jan 07, 201917:55
Ep 45: Knowing Yourself and Finding Your Passion

Ep 45: Knowing Yourself and Finding Your Passion

The ability to know when it's time to hang up the cleats and pursue other passions is a tough transition. F.P. Santangelo Jr. navigated his own baseball journey quite successfully. The son of a former major leaguer and current Washington Nationals broadcaster chronicles his own recruiting process and media career. We discuss his process of transferring between programs, how he knew it was time to move on from playing baseball, and how his experience growing up in a major league clubhouse helped form his work ethic to pursue his professional passions in sports media.
Jan 05, 201930:27
Ep 44: From 2 Transfers to Chasing the MLB Dream

Ep 44: From 2 Transfers to Chasing the MLB Dream

Transferring college programs is a tough experience. It takes a lot of self-reflection, patience and faith in your decision making. Jackson Zarubin went through the process twice! We caught up with Jackson and he discussed his recruiting journey, why transferring is sometimes necessary for development, and how having the courage to do so lead him on a path towards chasing his MLB dream.
Jan 04, 201923:10
Ep 43: Passing the Torch and Building on Success

Ep 43: Passing the Torch and Building on Success

With Coach Jake McKinley heading off to become a pitching coordinator with the Milwaukee Brewers, William Jessup didn't have to look very far for a successor. On this episode we had the privilege to sit down with Trevor Paine. We discussed his own baseball background, his takeaways from working with Jake, and how he plans to continue to build on his program’s successes as a first year head coach.
Dec 29, 201819:13
Ep 42: The Development of a Division I Utility Player

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. 

Dec 29, 201821:46
Ep 41: Battling Through Adversity with Steven Patterson

Ep 41: Battling Through Adversity with Steven Patterson

There's quite the jump from high school baseball to the college level. Do you think you have what it takes to be successful?
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".
Dec 27, 201817:48
Ep 40: Breaking Down the High School & Travel Ball Dynamic with Adam Farb

Ep 40: Breaking Down the High School & Travel Ball Dynamic with Adam Farb

Adam Farb, Founder and CEO of NCTB, breaks down the dynamics between high school and travel ball teams and unveils a new program that allows top high school players to play against top local competition
Dec 22, 201816:06
Ep 39: High Academic Goals? Start with the end in mind

Ep 39: High Academic Goals? Start with the end in mind

Do you have your sights set on playing and attending the Ivy League schools? Then you’d better plan ahead. We break down why course load might be more important than GPA and Test Scores. We also discuss tips and tricks to balancing school and sports. The road is long and hard but totally worth it. Get going.
Dec 20, 201813:52
Ep 38: The State of Youth Travel Baseball with NCTB's Adam Farb

Ep 38: The State of Youth Travel Baseball with NCTB's Adam Farb

Learn from the Founder and CEO of NCTB, Adam Farb, on the current state of youth travel baseball, why he decided the old tournament status quo wasn't working and how he feels about the concept of exposure. This is Part I of a two-part series.
Dec 19, 201817:02
Ep 37: Fielding and Fundamentals are Underrated Skills

Ep 37: Fielding and Fundamentals are Underrated Skills

Do you want to make it to the next level? Focus on the parts of your game that don’t always get the glory. Most people look at power both on the mound and in the batters box, but it’s the fundamentals and the ability to flash Leather that separate players at the next level. San Francisco Giants Coach, Gary Davenport sheds some light on what he emphasizes with young hitters and gives an anecdote about the importance of fundamentals at the major league level. This is the final installment in a three part series.
Dec 18, 201810:20
Ep 36: William Jessup University; A Program On the Rise

Ep 36: William Jessup University; A Program On the Rise

We continue our conversation with Coach Jake McKinley as he breaks down what it takes to play for his conference winning baseball program. He explains what it means to play for an NAIA program, some of the financial benefits of being a high academic recruit and how he has created a winning formula that has the capacity to keep William Jessup competitive for a very long time.
Dec 17, 201817:15
Ep 35: Truly Great Players Make Adjustments

Ep 35: Truly Great Players Make Adjustments

What do Brandon Belt, Buster Posey and Matt Duffy have in common? Besides a playing career with the San Francisco Giants, they all made key adjustments during their player development. We talk to their coach, Gary Davenport for Part II Of our 3-Part series.
Dec 16, 201809:51
Episode 34: The Greatest Program Turnaround in College Baseball History

Episode 34: The Greatest Program Turnaround in College Baseball History

How was William Jessup University able to go from back-to-back-to-back losing seasons to winning their league overall? What does it take to change a program's culture? What's the most important thing to focus on when joining a new team as a coach? We go in-depth on an incredible season and into the mindset of one of college baseball's premier coaching talents.

Dec 15, 201823:01
Ep 33: Be More Than a “5-Tool Player” with Dodgers Area Scout and MiLB Coach, Tom Kunis

Ep 33: Be More Than a “5-Tool Player” with Dodgers Area Scout and MiLB Coach, Tom Kunis

Learn from former D1 Pitching coach and current Dodger scout about the five tools and how they impact his evaluation of players at every level.

Plus why he favors two additional pieces of criteria that he thinks every successful player has.
Dec 14, 201817:20
Ep 32: Making the Jump: Insights from a MLB Coach

Ep 32: Making the Jump: Insights from a MLB Coach

This is our interview with longtime San Francisco Giants Coach, Gary Davenport. We discuss the two key differences between rookies drafted out of high school and rookies drafted out of college and why passion and work ethic are necessary to make any real progress. This is Part I of a three-part series.
Dec 12, 201808:45
Ep 31: From DIII Baseball Champion to Broadcaster with the Milwaukee Brewers

Ep 31: From DIII Baseball Champion to Broadcaster with the Milwaukee Brewers

Lot's of great information and anecdotes in this one:

-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
Dec 10, 201834:53
Ep 30: Recruiting Visit Do's and Don'ts

Ep 30: Recruiting Visit Do's and Don'ts

Are you hoping or already scheduled to go on a recruiting visit? Make sure you follow three simple rules.
Dec 10, 201811:00
Have MLB Dreams? "D1 or Bust" is a Myth

Have MLB Dreams? "D1 or Bust" is a Myth

Learn why it’s more important to be on the field at ANY level than on the bench for a D1 program. How CBM’s Star Matching System will direct you to the right program for your development and what one professional scout says about your chances of being noticed by a major league team.
Dec 08, 201810:45
Ep 28: Is Junior College for you?

Ep 28: Is Junior College for you?

Have dreams of playing at the Division I level but don't have an offer in hand? You may need some more development.

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.
Dec 08, 201827:27
Ep 27: The Downside To Sending A Recruiting Video

Ep 27: The Downside To Sending A Recruiting Video

A poorly targeted recruiting video could be the worst thing to send to coaches. Coaches look for actions and results. Keep it short and simple. Don’t try to trick the system with fancy overproduced recruiting videos.
Dec 07, 201813:01