Episodes

This week on Clearing The Bases, I'm joined by Kevin Graber, Manager of the Lowell Spinners, former Chicago Cubs Minor League coach, championship-winning high school coach, and one of the most respected player development minds in the game. Kevin's journey has taken him from overcoming cancer as a college player to coaching at the highest levels of amateur and professional baseball. Along the way, he's developed players, built championship cultures, and never lost sight of what matters most—d...

This week, I sit down with Matt Englander, Head Baseball Coach at Case Western Reserve University, to discuss what really drives sustained success. In this episode, we dive into: • Building a championship culture from the ground up • Recruiting student-athletes who fit your program—not just your roster • Developing leaders on and off the field • The importance of fundamentals, accountability, and relationships • Why player development should always come before shortcuts Whether you're a coach,...

This week, I'm joined by Mike Deegan, Head Baseball Coach at Denison University, for a conversation that goes far beyond wins and losses. We discuss: building a program around standards, not shortcuts, what college coaches are really looking for in recruits, the role culture plays in sustained success, why coachability and character still separate great players and what today's players, coaches, and parents need to hear about long-term development. Whether you're a coach building a program, a...

This week, we’re joined by Ryan Vondracek—Assistant Coach at Crown College, Head of Recruiting & Arm Care, and Head of Pitching Operations for Minnesota Renegade. Ryan brings a powerful perspective as a former collegiate lefty who turned down opportunities to play overseas to follow his calling into coaching—and he’s been making an impact ever since. In this episode, we dive into: The biggest mistakes pitchers are making with arm care, velocity vs. true pitching development, what college coach...

Every high school baseball player dreams of playing at the next level…And a lot of families believe baseball will pay for college. The truth? There is very little scholarship money out there for collegiate baseball players. So what does that mean for YOU? It means if you’re only relying on baseball… you’re already behind. College admissions expert Shellee Howard, has helped over 15,000 students earn more than $23 million in scholarships — many without relying on athletic money. She’s helped fam...

This week I'm joined by Matt McGuire, author of Fairfield American - A Legacy of Little League Dreams and longtime leader within Fairfield American Little League. Matt spent 15 years as a coach, board member, and president during one of the most remarkable eras in Connecticut Little League history — a time when Fairfield American reached the Little League World Series three times. But this conversation — and this book — isn’t just about winning. It’s about the moments on the field. The storie...

No scripts. No talking points. Just real questions and honest answers about the current state of youth baseball. In this episode, Jeff and Kevin tackle the issues coaches and parents are actually dealing with — development vs. winning, expectations, athlete health, communication, and where youth baseball needs to be better. This isn’t about hot takes. It’s about accountability, education, and doing right by the kids who play the game. If you’re involved in youth baseball in any way, this is a ...

This is the final episode of our three-part series, “Insights from the 2025 ABCA Youth Baseball Summit.” We close the series with a powerful conversation featuring: ⚾ Paul Gallo ⚾ Steve Nikorak ⚾ Jeff Sopha In this final installment, the focus turns to leadership, accountability, and what real change in youth baseball actually looks like. The conversation challenges coaches, parents, and administrators to move beyond awareness and toward action — putting kids first in every decision we make...

We’re back with Insights from the 2025 ABCA Youth Baseball Summit – Part 2, featuring another powerful group of leaders working to improve the youth baseball experience: ⚾ Kevin Coe ⚾ Mark Wrighte ⚾ Tracy Tanguay ⚾ Blake Hibler This conversation continues the deeper work — focusing on athlete health, movement quality, coach education, and creating environments where kids can develop safely and confidently. This episode reinforces an important message: meaningful change in youth baseball happens...

This special episode features Insights from the 2025 ABCA Youth Baseball Summit, with powerful voices from across the game: Rob Hahne Duke Baxter Mike Cassidy Deven Morgan Together, we dive into the conversations, challenges, and solutions that came out of the 2025 ABCA Youth Baseball Summit in Austin, Texas. You’ll hear about coaching education, parent education, player health, and creating better long-term outcomes for young athletes. This episode isn’t about opinions for the sake of opinion...

This week we’re joined by Gary Thrapp, founder of Beyond The Baseline and author of The Wild World of Youth Sports. Gary pulls back the curtain on the current state of youth sports — the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable truths we don’t talk about enough. From parental pressure and over-competition to the long-term impact on kids, this conversation challenges us to rethink what youth sports should look like. This episode isn’t just about baseball. It’s about protecting kids, supporting coach...

This week we welcome Chuck Wolf, founder of Saving The Athletic Elbow and Human Motion Associates — one of the leading voices in movement science, injury prevention, and athletic performance. Chuck breaks down how proper movement patterns, smart training, and early intervention can protect young athletes and keep them performing at their best. His insights on arm care, mechanics, and long-term development are invaluable for coaches, parents, and players at every level. If you’re serious about k...

Today on the Clearing The Bases Podcast, we’re joined by one of the most influential voices in youth baseball and coach development—Andrew Bartman of USA Baseball and the electrifying Savannah Bananas! Coach Bartman shares powerful insight on: Coach education & long-term athlete development, the biggest issues facing youth baseball today, what USA Baseball has done to raise the standard nationwide, the Savannah Bananas and building culture, connection, and trust with players. This is a must-li...

We’re excited to welcome Andy High of Coastal Athletics and author of Baseball Lessons for Life. Coach High shares his powerful perspective on developing athletes through both character and competition. From life lessons learned on the field to building confidence, leadership, and resilience through the game, this episode goes far beyond the box score. If you’re a coach, parent, or player who believes baseball is one of the greatest teachers in life — this conversation is for you.

Today we’re joined by Zach Lutz — former New York Met and Current Baseball Instructor and Director of Player Development at All-Star Sports Academy. Zach’s journey from small-town standout to the Major Leagues is packed with lessons, resilience, and perspective. Now, he’s pouring that experience into developing young players the right way — through communication, confidence, and a true love for the game. In this episode, we explore his path to the Mets and what shaped him as a player, what paren...

This week we’re joined by Mike Landis, Chief Strategy Officer of the 6 Tool App, to talk about how technology, data, and a modern approach to player development are transforming the way athletes train. Mike shares the story behind the 6 Tool App, how it empowers players and coaches to track their progress, and why building smarter training habits is the key to long-term development. If you’re looking to bring more clarity, structure, and purpose to your training or coaching, this conversation i...

We’re joined by Joe Capobianco, Head Baseball Coach at Penn Hills High School, to talk about building a program centered on hard work, accountability, and player development. Coach Capobianco shares his approach to leading young athletes, creating a culture of commitment, and teaching lessons that extend far beyond the baseball field. This episode is a great listen for coaches, parents, and players who believe success starts with doing the little things right — every day.

We’re joined by Parker Lynn, Assistant Baseball Coach at Saint Vincent College, to talk about developing players who succeed both on and off the field. Coach Lynn shares his perspective on building relationships with players, teaching the game the right way, and helping student-athletes grow through accountability, preparation, and purpose. This conversation is packed with insight for coaches at every level who believe in teaching beyond the box score. “It’s about more than baseball — it’s ab...

This week, I’m honored to welcome Coach Keith Madison — former University of Kentucky Head Baseball Coach, ABCA Hall of Famer, ABCA Lefty Gomez Award winner and author of Coaching With Purpose. Coach Madison led the Wildcats for 25 seasons, retiring with the third-most wins in SEC history, behind only Ron Polk and Skip Bertman. But his impact extends far beyond the record books. Through Inside Pitch Magazine, SCORE International, and now his book Coaching With Purpose, he continues to guide coa...

The Clearing The Bases Podcast is back with an incredible conversation with Ron "Boo Boo" Schaeffer, Head Baseball Coach at Alvernia University! Coach Schaeffer dives deep into his journey in baseball, sharing insights on player development, team culture, and the lessons that go beyond the field. Whether you’re a coach, player, or baseball fan, this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss.

This week we’re honored to welcome legendary coach Joe Barth — “The Hit Doctor” of The Hit Doctor USA. Coach Barth’s impact on the game is immeasurable. With decades of experience and a reputation as one of the most respected hitting instructors in the country, he has trained countless players who went on to succeed at the collegiate and professional levels. In this episode, Coach Barth shares his journey and the origins of The Hit Doctor USA, timeless hitting principles that have stood the test...

We’re joined by Shawn Chuipek, founder of Muscle Baseball and coach at Notre Dame College Prep, to talk about developing complete players and leaders on and off the field. Shawn dives into his approach to player development, building a winning culture, and why creating strong fundamentals and character matters more than ever in today’s game.

This week we sit down with Matt Cole of Bethlehem Little League and the Youth Baseball Coaching Support, Drills & Philosophy Facebook Group. Matt shares how community-driven baseball programs can shape young athletes — not only by teaching fundamentals, but also by building relationships, life skills, and a love for the game. From supporting coaches through one of the largest online baseball groups to giving back at the local level, Matt’s passion for community involvement shines through.

We’re joined by Tracy Tanguay — better known as The Mobility Chick — to talk about how athletes can move better, recover faster, and prevent injuries through proper mobility work. Tracy shares practical tips, common mistakes she sees in training, and how simple daily habits can make a big difference for players at every level. If you’re a coach, parent, or athlete looking to improve performance and stay healthy, this episode is for you!