New England Baseball Journal’s The Base Path

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

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

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

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

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

Dan is joined by legendary prep baseball coach Danny 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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