Patrick Jones Baseball

In this conversation, Nathan Collier and I sit down to talk about travel ball and high school baseball, and how both play a role in getting players recruited. We dig into what makes each one valuable — like how high school coaches can really vouch for a player's character and how competitive they are, while travel ball helps kids get seen by more coaches. We also talk about how youth baseball is changing, what college coaches are actually looking for, and why picking the right team can make a big difference in how a player grows and develops. Connect with Patrick Jones Baseball: On X: @pjonesbaseball 📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/blog ⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult. https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I sit down again with Nathan Collier, Recruiting Service Operations Director here at Patrick Jones Baseball. Together, we discuss the importance of mindset and process orientation in baseball, particularly during the in-season period. We explore common challenges players face, such as the "I'm Screwed Syndrome," and we talk about the need for players to adopt a process-driven mindset rather than a results-driven one. We also discuss the impact of social media on young athletes, the role of parents, and the significance of having both an approach and a plan at the plate. Connect with Patrick Jones Baseball: On X: @pjonesbaseball 📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/blog ⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult. https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I'm joined again by Nathan Collier, a former sports journalist and our Recruiting Service Operations Director here at Patrick Jones Baseball. Nathan and I chat about what high school players should be doing to continue the recruiting outreach process to college coaches now that school seasons are starting across the country. I explain how I think players can handle pressure during games and why success has to be defined by more than just stats in a box score. I also share practical advice on using social media the right way to create exposure that can help you get recruited. We also get into the role family support plays in the process and some of the most common mistakes I see players and parents make. Connect with Patrick Jones Baseball: On X: @pjonesbaseball 📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/blog ⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult. https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Gipson, Oregon State Assistant Coach, who coaches hitting for the Beaver program. Ryan takes us through his journey playing baseball as a teen, redshirting at a JUCO, then playing two years at Oregon State before getting into coaching. Ryan shares what he likes to see from prospective recruits, why having a clear identity at the plate matters, and the "1-for-1" approach he advocates with his hitters. We also talk about how hitting mechanics have evolved over time and the role of summer baseball for his players. Follow Ryan on X: Ryan Gipson: @GipsonOSU Oregon State Baseball: @BeaverBaseball Connect with Patrick Jones Baseball: On X: @pjonesbaseball 📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/blog ⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult. https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we welcome 16-year MLB pro Curtis Granderson to the podcast. Curtis does a great job breaking down what worked for him as a hitter, his approach at the plate, routines, and some of the key lessons he learned as a hitter during his career. He also reflects on his time playing college baseball at the University of Illinois Chicago. In addition to his accomplished playing career, Curtis is a wonderful ambassador for the game. If you'd like to learn more about his work giving back to the game, I highly recommend checking out the Chicago Baseball & Educational Academy: https://www.cbeauic.org/. Follow Curtis Granderson on X: @cgrand3 Chicago Baseball & Educational Academy: https://www.cbeauic.org/ Chicago Baseball & Educational Academy on X: @CBEA_UIC Connect with Patrick Jones Baseball Follow on X: @pjonesbaseball 📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. https://www.skool.com/patrickjonesbaseball ⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult. https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Nick Lemke, a registered dietitian who specializes in nutrition for baseball players. We talk about why nutrition plays such a critical role in athletic performance, with a specific focus on muscle gain and healthy weight management. We cover practical topics like tracking food intake, how often players should be eating, pre-workout nutrition, meal planning, hydration, and the role supplements can (and can’t) play. We also discuss how stress impacts both nutrition and on-field performance. Nick shares why consistency matters more than perfection and explains how players can better understand their individual nutritional needs to perform at their best. Connect with Nick Lemke, RD: Follow on X: @nicklemkerd Linktree: Nick Lemke, RD Connect with Patrick Jones Baseball: Follow on X: @pjonesbaseball 📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. ⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Giuseppe Papaccio, Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinated for Seaton Hall University. Giuseppe is one of the most disciplined coaches I've come across. We got into his daily routines, how he defines success as a coach, and why the mental game matters just as much as mechanics. Giuseppe shares how his time in professional baseball shaped the way he teaches hitters today, and we talked through the balance between swing work and mindset that every great hitter needs. We also dug into how recruiting is changing in college baseball and what players should understand about that shift. Throughout the conversation, one theme kept coming up: preparation, mental strength, and a commitment to continuous learning, and that's true whether you’re coaching, developing hitters, or working to play at the next level. On X: Giuseppe Papaccio: @gpapaccio2 Patrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball 📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with performance and leadership advisor Zach Brandon. Zach spent seven years leading mental performance and coach development initiatives with the Arizona Diamondbacks and now works directly with professional and collegiate coaches. Zach takes us through his journey. We discuss sports psychology, the significance of individualized mental training, and the role of coaches in player development. We also talk about the nuances of breathwork, the balance between aspirational goals and process, and the importance of self-awareness and intentionality in performance. Huge thanks to Zach for coming on the podcast and sharing his expertise with us! On X: Zach Brandon: @MVP_Mindset Patrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball Zach Brandon's newsletter: Winning With Words — playbook of stories and principles for coaches to elevate their leadership and help their players win the inner game. 📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re doing something a little different—my guest joins us to interview me! Nathan Collier is a content specialist and a former sports journalist. He’s also a baseball dad, middle school coach, and president of his local rec league. Nathan takes me through my baseball story. We go through my journey from youth leagues to high school, through my time playing D1 baseball at Xavier, the Independent Leagues, and then into my current role as a college baseball recruitment expert. We talk about our shared love of baseball, the mental side of the game, and the goal of providing honest, straightforward guidance for players, parents, and coaches trying to navigate the college baseball recruiting process. We also talk about the all-new Patrick Jones Baseball Player Community, which launches today! You can request to join at this link: https://www.skool.com/patrick-jones-baseball-2715/about On X: Patrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball 📬 Sign up for my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with M.L. Morgan, the head baseball coach at Norfolk State University. We discuss his journey from being a player to a coach, his experiences in compliance, and the importance of building a strong program. M.L. shares insights on recruiting, the significance of relationships in baseball, and what he looks for in players as a scout. On X: M.L. Morgan: @ML_Morgan Norfolk State University: @SpartanBSB Patrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball 📬 Sign up for my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I interview John Yolich, a Chicago teacher, parent, and coach in the Cubs Nike RBI program. We talk about the unique aspects of the Cubs RBI program—its inclusivity, the resources it provides for families, and its focus on developing young athletes as whole people. John shares how he got involved in the program, the importance of mindset in youth sports, the role parents play, and how the program helps players prepare for life beyond baseball. We also discuss ways travel baseball organizations can improve their offerings, regardless of their budget. Follow Patrick Jones Baseball on X and Instagram https://x.com/pjonesbaseball https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball/ 📬 Sign up for my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I break down one of the biggest mindset traps I see in college baseball recruiting: the “Division 1 or bust” mentality. A lot of players tell me their plan is to go to a Division 2 or Division 3 school for a year, then hit the transfer portal to move up to D1. But in reality, that mindset usually backfires. I share why focusing only on yourself and your end goal often guarantees you won’t get there and what kind of mindset actually leads to growth, success, and new opportunities. The players who go on to transfer successfully don’t chase D1. They buy in, go all-in on their current program, and play for the love of the game. That’s what makes them stand out to coaches at every level. If you’re a high school player or a parent helping your son navigate recruiting, this episode will help you reframe your goals and focus on what really matters. Follow Patrick Jones Baseball on X and Instagram https://x.com/pjonesbaseball https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball/ 📬 Sign up for my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Michael Wood, assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of South Alabama, a D1 program located in Mobile, AL. We dive into his path through college baseball coaching and what he’s learned evaluating players at different levels of the game. We talk about the mentality it takes to succeed, why preparation separates players who stick from those who don’t, and how the practice environment is different between junior college and Division I. Michael also gives us an inside look at how NCAA and NJCAA rules shape the way he and his staff recruit, and what he’s really paying attention to when he evaluates high potential recruits. We wrap up by talking about the incredible tradition of South Alabama baseball—why it’s such a special place to play and what makes it a great fit for competitors who want to grow at the highest level. On X: Michael Wood: @woodromang153 South Alabama Baseball: @SouthAlabamaBSB Patrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball 📬 Sign up for my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I share a story about a player who received a strong offer from a mid-major school — and the advice I gave him for navigating the current college baseball recruiting environment. For more about Patrick Jones Baseball: 👉 Follow me on X: @pjonesbaseball 📬 Sign up for my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I chat with Ryan Johansen, former Chicago White Sox Assistant Hitting Coordinator and current Director of Hitting/Co-Director of Player Development at Elite Baseball Training. Ryan and I discuss hitting philosophy, bat speed training, and the importance of mental skills in player development. Ryan shares the core values of hitting, the effectiveness of movement screens, and the significance of empathy in coaching. Ryan also shares insights on how to structure bat speed programs and the necessity of a cohesive coaching culture in youth baseball. How to connect with Ryan Johansen: On X: @RPJ1317 On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohansenBaseball On the web: https://www.johansenbaseball.com/ For more about Patrick Jones Baseball: 👉 Follow me on X: @pjonesbaseball 📬 Sign up for my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Keith Madison, former head coach at the University of Kentucky. Keith coached at Kentucky for 25 years! In this episode, we discuss the challenges of coaching, particularly the importance of maintaining balance to avoid burnout. Keith shares personal experiences and insights on how to navigate the pressures of coaching while emphasizing the need for coaches to find balance between their work and their personal lives. We also touch on the evolution of coaching perspectives, the good and the bad of travel baseball, and the writing process behind Keith's new book, "Coaching with Purpose." Keith's book is available via his website: https://coachkeithmadison.com/ Connect with me on X: @pjonesbaseball 📬 Sign up for my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Tyler Packanik, the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Jacksonville State University. We talk about all things baseball recruiting — from the importance of player development to the nuances of the transfer portal and the value of junior college players. Tyler shares what coaches look for in recruits, the role social media plays in the process, and how coaches evaluate infielders and baserunning. He also stresses the importance of hard work, dedication, and the right mindset for any player who wants to take the next step. On X: Tyler Packanik: @Tpack5 Jacksonville State University Baseball: @JaxStateBB Patrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball 📬 Sign up for my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Check Out Patrick's Stuff: • 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit • ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I sat down with Kevin Soine, Assistant Baseball Coach and Athletic Operations Coordinator at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix, Arizona. I had a chance to visit South Mountain recently and came away extremely impressed, especially with the coaching staff's focus on player development. In our conversation, Kevin shares his journey from his high school days in Minnesota to his current coaching position in Arizona, including the challenges of transitioning from player to coach. We discuss the importance of academic success, compliance, and eligibility in college athletics, as well as the significance of mental performance and practice design in player development. Patrick also shares his advice for high school players hoping to get recruited and play at the college level. On X: Follow Kevin Soine: @CatchBot7 Follow South Mountain Community College Athletics: @SMCCCougars Follow Patrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball 📬 Sign up for my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Check Out Patrick's Stuff: • 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit • ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I interview Cole Schaffer, the new head baseball coach at Thomas More University. We discuss Cole's journey to becoming a head coach, the challenges of recruiting at the Division II level, and his vision for building a competitive baseball program. Cole shares insights on the importance of player commitment, the realities of coaching, and the structure of fall practices. The conversation highlights the significance of balancing academics and athletics, as well as the sacrifices made in pursuit of a coaching career. Follow Cole and Thomas More baseball on X: Cole Shaffer: @coleshaffer05 Thomas More Baseball: @ThomasMoreBase1 Does your family need help navigating the recruiting process for college baseball? Sign up for a consult on the Patrick Jones Baseball website. Check Out Patrick's Stuff: • 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit • ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I interview Greg Mamula, head coach at the University of Delaware baseball team. We discuss the unique aspects of Delaware's campus and its athletic facilities and delve into Mamula's coaching philosophy. Coach Mamula shares insights on evaluating players, the importance of game situations, and the challenges of pitching development. He also shares about his experiences as a coach, the dynamics of building a coaching staff, and the uncertainties facing college baseball today. Finally, he offers advice for the 2027 recruiting class, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit in a program. Connect with Coach Mamula: @CoachMamsUD Follow the University of Delaware Baseball team: @DelawareBASE 00:00 An Introduction to Delaware Baseball 05:50 Offensive Philosophy and Swing Decisions 09:20 Developing Swing Decisions in Hitters 13:22 Evaluating High School Players 19:42 Pitching Insights in College Baseball 24:29 Training Approaches 27:20 Building a Coaching Staff 30:01 Strategizing Non-Conference Play 31:03 Navigating the 2027 Recruiting Class 35:41 Uncertainty in College Athletics 37:31 The Future of College Baseball 38:27 The Importance of Fundamentals Check Out Patrick's Content: 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult. Check Out Patrick's Stuff: • 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit • ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.