New England Baseball Journal’s The Base Path

Dan and Pat recap early-season New England prep baseball, discussing the latest prep coaches poll and teams and players standing out. Dexter ranks No. 1 behind deep Division I-level pitching; Austin Prep started hot before losing to Cheshire Academy; Canterbury and Choate Rosemary Hall remain unbeaten; and the ISL features strong starts from Belmont Hill, Nobles, and surprise 3–0 St. Mark’s. They note coaching transitions at Cheshire (following an underage drinking incident on a Florida trip) and Phillips Andover, plus early struggles from preseason No. 1 Avon Old Farms and non-league losses for Deerfield. Worcester Academy’s Tallon Roseboro and other standout players are highlighted. The episode ends with a “Three Up, Three Down” 1986 Red Sox–Mets trivia contest. Topics 00:42 Early Season Standouts 00:51 Dexter Loaded Roster 02:02 Undefeated Contenders 03:47 Cheshire Coaching Shakeup 06:08 Andover Transition Stability 07:04 Avon Old Farms Slide 09:45 Deerfield Strategy Explained 11:23 Worcester Transfer Impact 12:39 St Marks Surprise Start 15:42 Belmont Hill Walkoff Win 17:14 Nobles Pitching Returns 17:32 ISL Contenders Breakdown 18:39 Tier Rankings and Bubble Teams 19:49 Standout Prep Players 22:07 Red Sox 86 Trivia Setup 22:58 Red Sox Player Clues 25:24 Mets Legends and Seinfeld Hint 28:01 Tiebreaker and Sign Off

Dan Guttenplan and Pat Donnelly review the first two weeks of the MIAA baseball season, noting public schools Taunton, Franklin, and Braintree atop the power rankings and discussing factors behind sustained success like coaching, culture, feeder systems, and player development. They cover Catholic Conference parity and how strength of schedule may affect MIAA seeding, highlight standout performances., and the rise of teams like Winchester and Natick. The show closes with “Three Up, Three Down” on memorable MLB strikeouts, infield plays, and outfield throws. Topics 00:39 Early Power Rankings Surprise 02:32 Hockomock Public School Pipeline 04:48 Catholic Conference Depth Wars 08:40 Walpole No Hitters Spotlight 10:06 Super Eight Baseball Coming 11:59 Lincoln Sudbury Home Run Streak 13:35 Plymouth North Sustained Success 16:19 Freshmen And Sophomore Breakouts 18:36 Middlesex League Early Standouts 19:50 Brody Milia 100 MPH Hype 23:14 Lefty Throwing 100 24:37 NIL Changes Draft Math 25:13 Early Season Game Impressions 26:57 Teams and Players to Watch 28:08 Weekly MIAA Coverage Schedule 29:09 Three Up Three Down Plays 29:29 Greatest Strikeouts Ever 32:31 Best Infield Plays 35:44 Most Memorable Outfield Throws 39:27 Wrap Up and Thanks

Dan welcomes Bridgewater-Raynham head coach Cam Fox, also an assistant coach for Team Massachusetts, to discuss the start of the MIAA high school season, evaluating players in short indoor tryouts, and building a three-team program (freshman, JV, varsity). Fox emphasizes selecting coachable, hustle-oriented players who can be valuable anywhere, then placing them where they’ll get development and playing time, using scrimmages to refine decisions. He describes structured, efficient practices focused on doing simple things well—baserunning, pitching in the zone, and fundamentals—while balancing spring schedule challenges like weather and school events. Fox reflects on learning under longtime mentor Bill O’Connell at Braintree and the Super Eight experience, supports its return, and previews Team Massachusetts’ Omaha tournament with a win-first mindset. The episode’s “Three Up, Three Down” covers World Baseball Classic interest, favorite New England baseball venues, and MLB rule changes. Topics 00:51 Settling In At BR 02:11 Tryout Tips For Players 04:35 Evaluating Indoors Fast 07:06 Practice Planning Efficiency 08:48 Leaving Braintree For BR 12:15 Team Massachusetts Omaha 14:14 Travel Ball Versus Legion 16:39 Recruiting Then And Now 18:48 Building BR Philosophy 19:09 Simple Baseball Standards 20:22 Aggressive Baserunning Drills 21:41 Super Eight Memories 22:58 Bring Back Super Eight 23:55 Three Up Three Down 24:24 WBC Reactions 27:07 Best New England Parks 29:26 Rule Changes Debate 33:22 Wrap Up And Thanks

Dan interviews Kevin Barnaby, Groton School head baseball coach and newly elevated Nor’easters Tewksbury program director, focusing on how players can stand out at tryouts by earning coaches’ trust through controllables like punctuality, neutral/team-appropriate dress, hustle, coachability, selflessness, communication, and asking good questions rather than chasing results. Barnaby explains how Groton evaluates players by creating fast, chaotic, multi-layer drills that expose responses to adversity, and outlines Groton’s non-mandatory five-day Florida trip to Vero Beach with practices, scrimmages, and a tight schedule. He discusses balancing player development and game prep during the season, his path from public school to the ISL, Groton’s academic appeal and small roster opportunities, and the separation between Groton and Nor’easters. Barnaby describes Nor’easters’ expanded administrative demands, a college-counseling-style recruiting approach, later D1 timelines due to the transfer portal, and maintaining long-term relationships with alumni, then joins a “three up, three down” segment. Topics 00:38 Tryout Mindset and Trust 02:14 Dress and First Impressions 02:55 Earning Coach Trust 03:32 Evaluating Under Chaos 05:33 Vero Beach Trip Breakdown 07:19 In Season Development Plan 08:13 Coach Background and ISL 09:00 Why Choose Groton 10:12 Groton and Noreasters Balance 11:17 Running the Noreasters Program 12:20 College Recruiting Strategy 15:31 Alumni Stories and Relationships 18:06 ISL Competition and Playing Time 21:37 Three Up Three Down Segment 29:52 Wrap Up and Credits

Dan interviews Belmont Hill head baseball coach David Cunningham entering his fourth season. Cunningham discusses preseason anxiety, returning players, and using early-March tryouts and scrimmages to build toward an ISL title after reaching last year’s championship game. He explains Belmont Hill’s intentional choice to stay north instead of taking spring trips, relying on indoor cages, turf fields, and local scrimmages, and he describes his mentorship under legendary coach Grant and his own emphasis on the mental side of the game. They cover the hectic ISL schedule, recruiting for Belmont Hill (including reclassifying), collaborating with club coaches and camps for college placement, ISL parity and the tournament format, and the value of multi-sport athletes. A “Three Up, Three Down” segment debates cold-weather baseball, Hall of Fame standards, and loudest stadium memories. 00:38 Season Mindset and Goals 03:01 Spring Trips and Weather Prep 04:04 Indoor Training and Scrimmages 05:14 Coach Grant Legacy 06:58 Coaching Style and Mental Game 08:39 ISL Schedule and Strength Work 10:05 Recruiting for Belmont Hill 12:06 College Recruiting in New Era 14:16 ISL Parity and Tournament Debate 18:13 What Sets Belmont Hill Apart 20:30 Multi Sport Athletes Advantage 22:21 Where Belmont Hill Recruits 23:56 Three Up Three Down Segment 33:49 Wrap Up and Thanks

Dan interviews Central Connecticut State coach Charlie Hickey, the longest-tenured Division I coach in New England, about how college baseball has changed with the transfer portal, NIL, and accelerated recruiting. Hickey discusses CCSU’s late-February start, training indoors during winter, and challenges recruiting in the Northeast. He shares what he looks for in players, balancing freshmen development with experienced transfers, and replacing key pitching innings. They cover fall practice benefits, conference title expectations, and the difficulty mid-majors face in NCAA regionals versus SEC/ACC depth. Hickey also critiques showcase velocity culture and injury risk. “Three Up, Three Down” explores fandom, clutch hitters, and baseball’s golden age. Topics 00:31 30+ Years in the Game: How College Baseball Has Changed (Portal, NIL, Longevity) 01:50 Opening Day Prep in New England: Snow, Indoor Workouts & Early-Season Travel 03:27 Recruiting Up North: Selling a Program When the Weather Isn’t on Your Side 04:38 What Coaches Look For Now: Showcases, “Dirty Uniform” Guys & Patience to Develop 06:51 Transfer Portal Strategy: Balancing Proven Older Players with Freshmen Development 08:50 Where to Evaluate Recruits: High School Coaches, Campus Visits & Practice Intensity 10:18 Recruiting Timeline Reality: Why CCSU Waits for the Right Fit 12:08 Inside a D1 Year: Fall Development, Winter Ramp-Up & Pitching Workload Balance 16:05 Sustaining a Championship Program: NEC Grind, Replacing Stars & New Faces 18:25 Mid-Majors in NCAA Regionals: Competing with SEC Depth, NIL & Big-Time Environments 20:23 Velocity vs. Winning: Injury Concerns, Radar Guns & What Matters in Recruiting 22:45 Three Up, Three Down: Why We Root for Teams + Baseball Fandom Memories 26:04 Clutch Hitters Draft: One Player in History for a Game 7 Base Hit 27:55 Golden Age of Baseball: Daytime Playoffs, Rivalries & Can It Return? 31:43 Wrap-Up: Thanks, Subscriptions & Where to Watch the Podcast

Dan speaks with Andrew Dickson, the coach at Choate Rosemary Hall, about his successful efforts to build a competitive baseball program in the Founders' League. Coach Dickson shares insights into his priorities when he first took over the program, including increasing the number of college-bound players and establishing a strong team culture. They discuss the recruitment process, the impact of the transfer portal on college baseball, and the importance of player development. Additionally, Dickson talks about his experiences and mentors from his previous coaching roles and how these have influenced his coaching style. Topics 00:40 Building a Competitive Program at Choate Rosemary Hall 03:03 Recruitment Strategies and Challenges 08:14 Establishing a Winning Culture 09:15 Personality Assessments in Coaching 12:06 Mentors and Influences in Coaching 14:03 Sustaining Success and Future Goals 25:04 Three Up, Three Down: Fun Baseball Questions 30:31 Conclusion and Farewell

Dan welcomes assistant coaches James Simboli and Dylan Sanchez from the Salisbury School coaching staff. They discuss the legacy of their late coach Kevin Huber, who recently passed away. The conversation covers Kevin’s impact on players, his coaching style, and reminiscences from both coaches’ experiences. They also talk about how the team will move forward while honoring Kevin’s memory and the values he instilled in the program. The episode highlights the importance of togetherness and the continued support needed to uphold the program's foundation. GoFundMe page for Kevin Huber: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-coach-kevin-john-huber Topics 00:20 Remembering Coach Kevin Huber 00:47 Memorial Service Reflections 01:53 Personal Stories and Impressions 03:23 Coaching Style and Impact 12:51 Interactions with Assistant Coaches 15:42 Continuing the Legacy 18:02 Looking Ahead to the Season 24:02 Final Thoughts and How to Help

Dan interviews Pat Moriarty, head coach of the Deerfield baseball team. Moriarty discusses his journey from coaching at Springfield Cathedral to Deerfield, where he turned a struggling program into a championship contender. The conversation covers recruiting strategies, building a strong team culture, and the importance of player development both on and off the field. Moriarty also reflects on the mental and physical preparation required for youth baseball players and shares his personal experiences with coaching his son's youth baseball teams. The episode concludes with insights into Deerfield's outlook for the upcoming season. Topics 01:12 Pat Moriarty's Coaching Journey 03:27 Building a Winning Program at Deerfield 05:57 Recruiting Strategies and Challenges 16:40 Player Development and Training 26:51 Three Up, Three Down Segment 34:40 Conclusion and Farewell

Dan Guttenplan sits down with Marc Deschenes, the new owner of the Lowell Spinners, a Futures Collegiate Baseball League team. Mark shares his journey from nearly missing out on baseball in Lowell to reviving the Spinners with a focus on community engagement and player development. He discusses the strategic assembly of the new ownership group, which includes notable baseball figures like Johnny Damon and Jonathan Papelbon. Mark also delves into his professional baseball career, touching on his experiences with the Cleveland Indians and his transition into business with Pison Technologies, a company that develops wearable cognitive training tools. The episode wraps up with a fun segment of baseball trivia and memorable moments. Topics 00:40 Background of the Lowell Spinners 01:33 Formation of the New Ownership Group 03:03 Building the Team and Community Engagement 04:36 Roster Development and Recruitment 08:49 Promotions and Fan Experience 14:31 Professional Baseball Journey 21:19 Career Decisions and Transition from Baseball 22:22 Introduction to Pison Technologies 23:44 How Pison Technologies Enhances Baseball Performance 26:56 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball Memories and Trivia 37:04 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

Dan is joined by Scott Patterson, founder of Northeast Baseball, who discusses the intricacies and evolution of travel baseball programs in New England. Scott shares his experiences and insights from the recent WWBA tournaments, the pivotal Fort Myers and Jupiter events, and explains how these tournaments serve as major recruiting platforms. The conversation delves into the challenges of modern-day baseball recruiting, the importance of relationships in the recruiting process, and the impact of new recruiting rules. Scott also narrates the development processes for his players, touching on their off-season training, the significance of finding the right college fit, and the role of relationships with college coaches. The episode concludes with a fun segment 'Three Up, Three Down,' discussing quirky baseball moments, knuckleball pitchers, and memorable MLB events. Topics 00:29 Overview of WWBA Events 01:37 Recruiting Focus at Fort Myers 02:12 Changes in Jupiter Event 04:37 Importance of Relationships in Recruiting 08:08 Challenges in High School Recruiting 16:49 Assembling Fall Rosters 19:57 Winter Preparations at NEB 22:54 NEB Facility and Culture 24:52 Developing Better Baseball Players and Human Beings 25:09 Prime Location and Diverse Training Opportunities 26:04 Success Stories of Young Athletes 28:42 Vision for a Travel Baseball Program 31:13 Three Up, Three Down Segment 31:54 Memorable and Unlikely Baseball Moments 39:05 The Art of the Knuckleball 43:19 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Dan speaks with Chris Costello, head coach at Walpole High School and coach for the Northeast Gators travel ball team. They discuss Walpole's successful season, the team's journey and challenges, and Costello's coaching influences. The conversation also touches on Costello's perspective on high school baseball development, the role of travel baseball, and recruiting strategies. The episode concludes with a segment featuring controversial baseball rules and their implications, offering deep insights and personal anecdotes from Costello's extensive experience in the sport. Topics 00:42 Reflecting on the Championship Season 01:36 Overcoming Past Challenges 03:01 Coaching Journey and Influences 04:22 The Talent of 2019 and the Super Eight Tournament 05:28 Cam Schlittler's Development 07:55 Northeast Gators and Travel Baseball 09:10 Recruiting Challenges and Advice 16:35 Team Massachusetts and the Omaha Experience 21:08 Specialization vs. Multi-Sport Athletes 24:14 The Importance of Playing Multiple Sports 25:56 Transitioning from Professional Baseball to Coaching 26:46 Building a Coaching Career in Walpole 28:15 Rivalries and Traditions in Massachusetts Baseball 29:22 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball's Controversial Rules 33:42 The Chase Utley Rule and Player Safety 36:53 The Ghost Runner Debate 41:19 Conclusion and Farewell

Dan dives into the remarkable story of Dom Driscoll, a sophomore baseball prospect from Middleborough High School, and his father, Bill Driscoll. Dom shares how he overcame a congenital heart condition, underwent multiple surgeries from birth, and defied medical expectations to become one of the top baseball prospects in the class of 2028. The episode delves into the emotional journey from diagnosis to recovery, the importance of support from family and mentors, and Dominic's unwavering determination to excel despite his condition. Also featured are discussions on favorite batting stances and memorable baseball cards, adding a touch of nostalgia and fun to the conversation. Topics 00:23 Dom Driscoll's Early Life and Diagnosis 05:13 Overcoming Adversity: Dominic's Surgeries and Recovery 09:32 Dom's Passion for Baseball 10:52 Joining the Team and Early Challenges 13:57 Building a Home Gym and Batting Cage 18:27 Inspiring Others: The Greg Olsen Connection 19:55 A Dream Come True: Fenway Park Experience 20:49 Unexpected Banquet Surprise 21:10 Make-A-Wish Journey 24:04 NEB and Training Commitment 27:31 Three Up, Three Down Segment 37:27 Conclusion and Farewell

Dan talks to David Cataruzolo, head coach at Roxbury Latin, discussing various aspects of Independent School League (ISL) baseball. Topics include changes to the ISL fall season rules, the introduction of post-season tournaments, and a review of Roxbury Latin’s performance in previous seasons. Razo highlights the team's young roster and returning key pitchers for the upcoming season. The conversation covers coaching strategies across different sports, the balance between academic and athletic excellence at Roxbury Latin, and the recruitment challenges both for the school and for players aiming to play college baseball. Razo also shares personal insights into his coaching philosophy, influenced by his upbringing with legally blind parents, and discusses the importance of fostering team unity and player development. Topics 00:37 ISL Fall Season Changes 01:38 ISL Post-Season Tournament 02:56 Reflecting on Last Season 04:05 Team Dynamics and Key Players 05:06 Fall Season Activities and Philosophy 06:14 Coaching Hockey vs. Baseball 08:33 Transition to Coaching 11:11 Recruiting for Roxbury Latin 15:28 ISL Competitors and Season Outlook 16:47 Personal Background and Coaching Philosophy 20:52 Three Up, Three Down Segment 28:36 Conclusion and Farewell

Dan interviews Sean Callahan, the new Head Coach of Stonehill College's baseball team. Callahan discusses his transition from assistant to head coach, his recruiting philosophy, and his approach to building a cohesive team. He shares insights about the differences in recruiting from the transfer portal versus high school prospects, and the importance of loyalty and culture in his program. Callahan also reflects on his previous coaching experience at Framingham State and his time with the Cape Cod League's Hyannis Harbor Hawks. The podcast concludes with a segment called 'Three Up, Three Down,' where Callahan and Guttenplan answer questions about baseball stadiums, underrated players, and memorable postseason moments. Topics 00:14 Meet Sean Callahan: New Head Coach at Stonehill 00:30 Transitioning to Head Coach: Challenges and Strategies 01:09 Recruiting Philosophy and Strategies 02:10 Balancing High School and Portal Recruits 04:09 Building a Competitive Team: Offense and Defense 05:35 Success at the Division One Level 06:45 Sean Callahan's Journey Back to Stonehill 09:41 Advice for Aspiring Stonehill Players 12:03 Strength and Conditioning Program 13:41 Summer Communication and Player Development 16:01 Team Cohesion and Mental Health 17:47 Coaching Experience in the Cape Cod League 19:43 Sean Callahan's Playing Career and Transition to Coaching 21:43 Three Up, Three Down: Fun Q&A Segment 28:17 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

Dan welcomes the manager of Shrewsbury Legion Post 397, Frank Vaccaro. The discussion covers the recruitment of top players, the benefits of Legion baseball over AAU programs, and the holistic development offered by Legion's team-oriented environment. Vaccaro emphasizes the importance of teamwork, life lessons, and realistic college placement goals rather than the costly promises often associated with AAU baseball. Topics 00:17 Guest Introduction: Frank Vaccaro 00:31 The Rise of American Legion Baseball 00:57 Recruitment and Team Philosophy 01:47 The Importance of Teamwork 04:21 Player Development and College Recruitment 07:16 Challenges of College Transfers 08:55 Coaching and Costs in Legion vs. Travel Baseball 14:19 Legion Baseball Schedule and Player Development 18:03 Advice for Aspiring College Players 19:58 College Recruitment and Scholarships 21:27 Realistic Expectations in Baseball 22:28 Life Lessons from Baseball 23:22 Three Up, Three Down Segment Introduction 23:52 First Baseball Memories 25:50 Most Iconic Baseball Records 28:30 Players to Remember 33:32 Concluding Remarks

Dan interviews Coach Mike Glavine from Northeastern Baseball. The discussion covers the team's achievements, including 17 shutouts and 49 wins, the role of senior leadership, and the impact of new and transfer players. Coach Glavine emphasizes the importance of a strong support staff and teamwork. They also talk about recruiting strategies, player development, and the balancing act between traditional coaching methods and new technologies. The episode concludes with a segment on baseball strategy, including the intentional walk, pitching changes, and the resurgence of small ball in modern baseball. Topics 00:41 Recap of an Incredible Season 02:33 Challenges and Strategies 05:21 Coaching Staff Changes 07:47 Player Turnover and Recruitment 11:07 Recruiting Philosophy and Process 16:39 Summer Recruiting and Future Prospects 22:14 Navigating the Recruitment Process 23:18 The Competitive Landscape of New England College Baseball 24:39 The Impact of Pitcher Velocity and Injuries 28:57 Embracing Technology in Baseball Training 33:16 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball Strategy Discussion 44:22 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Dan is joined by newly appointed Brown University baseball coach Frank Holbrook to discuss the whirlwind process of his recent hiring, transitioning from his previous role at Northeastern University, and his vision for the future of Brown's baseball program. Holbrook shares insights into the recruiting landscape, the development of facilities, and his coaching philosophy, emphasizing a dynamic and relentless playing style. He also highlights the support and encouragement from his former colleagues at Northeastern and provides a sneak peek into the aggressive approach Brown will undertake to build a robust and competitive team. Topics 00:27 Frank Holbrook's Hiring Process 02:06 Coaching Journey: From Wheaton to Northeastern 08:33 Recruiting Philosophy and Strategy at Brown 10:01 Building a Coaching Staff 15:37 Future Plans and Vision for Brown Baseball 27:55 Conclusion and Farewell

Dan and Pat Donnelly offer a comprehensive recap of the MIAA State Baseball Tournament as it heads into its final weekend. They delve into notable performances and players from the tournament, discussing state championship matchups across divisions, including standout teams like Braintree, Chelmsford, and Walpole. The discussion also covers predictions for the finals, player injuries, and candidates for MIAA Player of the Year. The episode closes with a segment on stolen bases' value in modern baseball and personal reflections on memorable rookie seasons. Additionally, a touching tribute to Cape Cod League Hall of Famer Sol Yas. Topics 01:10 Division 1 Tournament Recap 03:32 Braintree's Journey to the Finals 06:24 Chelmsford's Impressive Run 11:58 Division 2 Tournament Highlights 17:24 Division 3 Tournament Surprises 20:56 Division 4 and 5 Tournament Insights 25:26 MIAA Player of the Year Discussion 25:53 Shoutouts to Top Performers 26:44 State Tournament Highlights 29:54 Narrowing Down the Finalists 35:07 Three Up, Three Down Segment 35:43 Memorable Rookie Seasons 39:34 Underachieving Teams Discussion 44:53 The Value of Stolen Bases 47:56 Heartfelt Tribute and Closing Remarks

Todd Mathewson, the champion coach of the Western New England Prep Baseball League from Canterbury School, joins to discuss his team's recent championship victory over Cheshire Academy. Mathewson shares insights into the emotional journey of achieving the win after years of close calls, breaking down game strategies and key moments of the season. He also talks about the selection process for Post-Graduate players, the rising interest in Canterbury's baseball program, and the impact of a strong supporting community. The episode wraps up with a fun segment, 'Three Up, Three Down,' where favorite baseball stances, intimidation on the mound, and fiery managers are discussed. Topics 00:32 Championship Game Emotions and Highlights 02:23 Western New England Prep Baseball League Overview 04:25 Tournament Strategy and Key Players 06:54 Celebration and Community Support 08:29 Recruitment and Program Growth 11:15 Postgraduate Year Insights 16:32 Coaching Philosophy and Personal Journey 22:49 Three Up, Three Down Segment 30:47 Closing Remarks