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

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

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

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 Decision 02:02 Rebuilding Andover's Baseball Program 03:10 Journey with the Chicago Cubs 08:59 Base Running Philosophy and Innovations 11:24 Coaching New England Talent 17:35 Changes in Baseball: NIL Money and Transfer Portal 18:22 Navigating the Transfer Portal 18:35 Challenges for High School Baseball Players 18:56 The Domino Effect in College Baseball 19:26 Balancing Baseball and Other Commitments 19:34 Coaching Experience and Achievements 21:25 Three Up, Three Down: Stealing Bases 28:37 Wooden vs. Aluminum Bats 30:12 Length of the MLB Season 33:45 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation 36:19 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Dan Guttenplan of the BasePath Podcast sits down with Steve Lomasney The Show New England and a former Red Sox prospect, to discuss the changing dynamics of college baseball recruitment. They explore the impact of the NCAA transfer portal on high school recruiting, the evolution of travel baseball, and advise players on successful paths to college and professional baseball. The episode also delves into the experience and rewards of participating in high-profile tournaments like the WWBA World Championships. Concluding with a light-hearted segment, they cover personal baseball experiences and nostalgic reflections on the sport.   Topics   00:35 Evolution of Travel Baseball 01:57 Impact of Transfer Portal on Recruitment 05:00 Advice for Aspiring College Players 07:00 Oversaturation of Travel Baseball 09:03 Showcasing Talent and Recruitment Strategies 12:59 Fall Season and Upcoming Tournaments 17:50 Partnership with the Red Sox 22:52 Three Up, Three Down: Fun Baseball Questions 31:25 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Coaching High School Baseball with Matt FeldIn this episode of the Base Path Podcast, host Dan Guttenplan interviews journalist and high school baseball coach Matt Feld. Feld shares his experiences from his first season as the head coach at Tewksbury High School, where he was named Merrimack Valley Conference Coach of the Year. The discussion covers the differences between coaching high school and club baseball, strategies for development, and the challenges of managing athletes who play multiple sports. Feld also talks about the oversaturation of travel baseball, the importance of college recruiting relationships, and the impact of recent NCAA rule changes on recruiting timelines. The episode concludes with a light-hearted debate segment called 'Three Up, Three Down' on various baseball topics.   Topics 00:33 Matt Feld's Coaching Journey 01:30 High School vs. Club Baseball 04:06 Travel Baseball Insights 09:32 NCAA Recruiting Rules and Impact 18:16 Upcoming Events and Fall Plans 23:25 Three Up, Three Down Debate 32:45 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of the Base Path podcast, Dan Guttenplan interviews Pat Vigilio, founder and director of Baseball U CT, about the intricacies of travel baseball. Since 2006, Baseball U CT has developed numerous college-level players through rigorous training, open tryouts, and a focus on producing well-rounded student-athletes. Pat discusses the program's comprehensive approach, including their mental performance academy to help players handle the pressures of the sport and modern challenges like social media. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of college baseball recruitment and the impact of the transfer portal. Topics 00:17 The World of Travel Baseball with Pat Vigilio 01:37 Challenges and Realities of Travel Baseball 02:28 Player Development and Recruitment Strategies 04:23 The Importance of Practice and Mental Toughness 06:39 Balancing Expectations and Realities in Youth Sports 18:40 The Role of Mental Performance in Baseball 26:09 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball Quotes Discussion 34:09 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of the Base Path Podcast, hosted by Dan Guttenplan, the guest is renowned New England baseball figure Ace Adams. Inducted into the Cape League Hall of Fame, Ace discusses his extensive career as a pitching instructor, including his time with the Boston Red Sox and the New England Roughnecks. The conversation delves into the current state of travel baseball, the emphasis on velocity over control, and the risks of over-pitching young players. Ace shares insights on the financial costs of competitive baseball, recruiting trends influenced by the transfer portal and NIL money, and his own coaching philosophy focused on fundamentals and player protection. The episode also includes anecdotes about baseball legends like Derek Jeter and Tom Brady, and reflections on the changing dynamics of professional and college baseball.   Topics   00:55 The State of Travel Baseball 01:50 Challenges in Youth Baseball 03:47 Financial Barriers in Baseball 04:57 Impact of Transfer Portal and NIL in College Baseball 06:15 Cape League Memories and Changes 09:12 Recruiting Derek Jeter and Tom Brady 12:20 Teaching Cliff Lee the Cutter 15:08 Roger Clemens and Tom Seaver's Influence 17:03 The Mental Makeup of Dustin Pedroia 18:17 Coaching Philosophy for High School Pitchers 20:33 Dealing with Parents and Pitching Strategies 21:56 Reflecting on a Career in Baseball 24:22 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball Quotes 29:35 Cape League Hall of Fame and Closing Remarks

In this episode of the Base Path Podcast, brought to you by New England Baseball Journal, newly appointed Vanderbilt assistant coach Jayson King joins the show. King, previously the head coach of the Dayton Flyers since 2008, shares his experiences and insights about his new role under head coach Tim Corbin at Vanderbilt. He discusses the challenges and opportunities of transitioning from a head coach to an assistant coach at a top-level program. The conversation also touches on the impact of the transfer portal and NIL money on college baseball, his relationship with Tim Corbin, and the recruitment strategy at Vanderbilt. The episode concludes with a segment called 'Three Up, Three Down,' where King answers fun and thought-provoking questions.   Topics 00:31 Transition to Vanderbilt: Coach King's Journey 01:38 State of College Baseball and Mid-Majors 02:57 Relationship with Tim Corbin 03:55 High Stakes at Vanderbilt 05:32 Recruiting and NIL Money 13:34 Impact of Transfer Portal 17:11 New Leadership at Dayton 18:52 Resources and Facilities at Vanderbilt 25:11 Three Up, Three Down: Fun Q&A 31:15 Conclusion and Farewell

Dan welcomes Mike Gambino to discuss his move from coaching at Boston College to Penn State. They delve into the challenges and differences between the two institutions, highlighting the support from the community and administration at Penn State. Gambino speaks about the success of his first season, the importance of player development, and his approach to the transfer portal. The conversation also touches on recruiting strategies, the future of the Big Ten Conference, and personal anecdotes, including experiences with leaving BC and special memories involving his dad. The episode wraps up with a fun 'Three Up, Three Down' segment discussing knuckleballs, steals of home, and the best World Series memories. Topics 00:42 Transition from Boston College to Penn State 03:04 Experiences and Challenges at Penn State 06:17 First Season Performance and Expectations 08:44 Establishing Leadership and Trust 12:56 Leaving Boston College and Family Considerations 16:02 Big Ten vs ACC: Comparisons and Future Outlook 19:41 Recruiting Strategies and New England Connections 20:30 Pennsylvania's Baseball Passion 21:10 Recruiting Strategies and Successes 22:20 Coaching Transitions and Reflections 24:41 The Changing Landscape of College Baseball 27:19 Transfer Portal Strategies 29:19 Three Up, Three Down: Fun Baseball Questions 34:16 Memorable World Series Moments 37:53 Conclusion and Farewell