Episodes

Size Doesn’t Matter – When it comes to baseball, the numbers on a scouting report don’t always tell the whole story. Just ask Jett Williams, the New York Mets' 2022 1st round draft pick and current prospect with the Syracuse Mets (AAA). At 5’6”, Jett has heard the doubters his entire career—but he’s never let size define his game. Instead, he’s let his elite speed, smooth glove, and explosive bat do the talking. Jett’s journey is a masterclass in proving doubters wrong. He’s got the grit, speed,...

I am beyond excited to celebrate the 100th episode of Clearing The Bases with none other than Butch Chaffin, a legend in the baseball world and a proud representative of USA Baseball! ⚾ Coach Chaffin’s impact on the game is undeniable. From leading Cookeville High School to his role in shaping the future of USA Baseball, he has spent decades teaching, mentoring, and inspiring players at every level. His insights on coaching, development, and the state of the game are must-listen material for an...

I had the absolute privilege of sitting down with Ryan Brownlee, Assistant Executive Director of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), for an insightful and inspiring conversation about the game we all love. With years of experience as a coach, mentor, and leader within the baseball community, Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. In this episode, we dive deep into: The mission of the ABCA and its impact on coaching development, the evolution of baseball education and how ...

Get ready for a wildly entertaining episode as we sit down with Adam Virant of the legendary Savannah Bananas! Adam shares the inside scoop on what it’s like to be part of the team that’s revolutionizing the game of baseball with creativity, energy, and a whole lot of fun. From behind-the-scenes stories to the impact the Bananas are making on and off the field, this is an episode you won’t want to miss for an unforgettable conversation about baseball, innovation, and the power of thinking outsid...

This week, we welcome the one and only Peter Caliendo of Caliendo Sports International! Peter’s expertise spans the globe as he works to grow the game of baseball in the United States and internationally, sharing invaluable insights into coaching, player development, and the sport's worldwide impact. From coaching strategies to global baseball experiences, this episode is packed with knowledge and inspiration for coaches, players, and parents alike!

We sit down with Mike Cassidy, the head coach of the Marymount University baseball program, to explore his journey in coaching and his vision for developing a winning team culture. Coach Cassidy shares his strategies for fostering player growth both on and off the field, highlighting the importance of academics, leadership, and accountability. He delves into his approach to recruiting, focusing on identifying talent that aligns with the program’s core values.

As we wrap up Group 3, we want to thank all the incredible coaches, mentors, and listeners who joined us on this journey. This episode is the culmination of shared wisdom, passion, and dedication to the game we all love. Let’s finish strong! Tune in to the final episode and celebrate the legacy of growth, collaboration, and inspiration that defines The Diamond Coaches Development Group.

This episode is Group 2 of The Diamond Coaches Development Group. This coach’s clinic is hosted by Jeremy “Sheets” Sheetinger, Head Coach at Georgia Gwinnett College. Whether you are a veteran coach or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights, from our second group of coaches, to enhance your coaching journey. Listen in to discover how this incredible group is shaping the future of baseball coaching!

The Diamond Coaches Development Group is a coach’s clinic hosted by Jeremy “Sheets” Sheetinger, Head Coach at Georgia Gwinnett College. This clinic is dedicated to fostering growth, education, and collaboration among baseball coaches. The group emphasizes professional development, sharing best practices, and advancing coaching skills at all levels of the game. The goal is to empower coaches with the tools needed to develop both players and programs effectively. The focus is on creating a support...

Taber Mongero is a former collegiate baseball player known for his exceptional defensive skills and high baseball IQ. He played shortstop at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW), where he contributed significantly to the team with his consistent glove work, leadership, and ability to make high-pressure plays. He comes from a family deeply rooted in baseball, Taber was coached and mentored by his father and former podcast guest, Coach Trent Mongero, a well-respected figure in the...

Way back in May, a good friend of the show, Joseph Guzman, introduced me to the Tampa Bay Rays Strength and Conditioning Coach, Joey Greany. We decided to wait until the season ended to get him on the show and we finally got to dive deep into the world of elite performance training. Joey has worked with some of the top athletes in the game, helping them reach new levels of strength, speed, and durability.

Chris Roof is a New Jersey Hall of Fame Coach and the Head Coach at Governor Livingston High School. Coach Roof has won several State Championships and is instrumental in the organization of the 4th Annual Garden State Baseball Coaches Clinic. Coach Roof shares his insights on building championship teams, fostering player development, and what it takes to maintain a winning culture on and off the field.

Duke Baxter is the mastermind behind Dominate the Diamond and Zoned Sports Academy. Duke brings his passion for baseball and years of coaching expertise to the mic, sharing insights on player development, leadership, and the latest in coaching innovation. Whether you're a coach, player, or baseball parent, this episode is packed with invaluable advice and actionable tips to take your game to the next level.

6 Tool App is a groundbreaking platform designed to elevate athlete performance and development in baseball and beyond. The app offers tools for players and coaches, and to assess and refine the skills that every youth baseball player needs. The 6 Tool App is the ultimate companion for anyone committed to reaching their full potential on the field.

Jordan Baltimore is the Founder and Director of Research and Training At New York Empire Baseball. He sits on both the Youth and Travel Committees of the American Baseball Coaches Association and has been instrumental in the development of the Youth Baseball Summit. Jordan brings decades of insight, from the field to the boardroom, sharing practical advice and stories that every player, coach, and baseball parent will love.

My good friend Peter Lyons unpacks his recent experience with college baseball recruiting and shares what he has learned about the new NCAA landscape and the post-grad option after high school. We even spent some time discussing travel and community baseball. Whether you're a youth coach, parent or player, this episode is packed with invaluable insights!

Josh Kozuch (Cuz-you) is the Mental Performance Coordinator for the Tampa Bay Rays. Josh dives deep into the world of mental performance in both the professional ranks and youth baseball. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or just looking to improve your mental game, this episode is packed with valuable tips and strategies. Don't miss it!

Baseball runs deep in Brad Lachemann’s family. Brad's father was a Major League pitcher and managed the California Angels. His Uncle Rene Lachemann managed nearly 1,000 MLB games, and his Uncle Bill has coached in the Angels' organization for decades. Coach Lachemann led the Arroyo Grande High School baseball program for 20 years, ending his tenure in 2020. His dedication to baseball extends beyond high school as he served as a coach for USA Baseball's 12u Open in 2019 and, most recently, he con...

Erick Quesada is the Head Baseball Coach at Mingus Union High School in Cottonwood, Arizona. He was one of the 12U USA Baseball National Team Coaches in 2023. Coach Quesada touches on a number of key topics, including his insights on the state of youth baseball, the importance of maintaining high standards in player development, teamwork, discipline, and the critical role coaches play in shaping future generations of our baseball players.

Lane Farmer is a mental performance coach that believes if you want to be great and grow as an athlete, you must learn how to suffer and endure failure. Players all don't come from the same background; they don’t experience the same things early on in life and may be going after different dreams and passions. At the end of the day, they are all athletes, and the same systems and processes, used in sports, can be applied to other areas in life to achieve success. Lane also believes that failure ...

We finish up our USA Baseball 12U National team conversations with Roger Wright. Coach Wright was inducted into the ABCA Hall of Fame in 2022, Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016 and Huntsville Metro Coach of the Year five times. Coach was the head coach at Buckhorn High School (New Market, Ala.) for over two decades. He is currently a coach at the University of Alabama-Huntsville. His son, Kyle Wright, is an MLB pitcher with the KC Royals.

Jean Linscott, Ph.D. and Kenneth Ruoff, Ph.D., are a husband-and-wife team that are veterans of the youth sports industry. Their new book What Is the Goal? The Truth About the Youth Sports Industry, demonstrates how the Youth Sports Industry (YSI) accentuates the wealth and participation gap by pricing out most families. Young athletes have become valuable commodities to the sports clubs who secure greater earnings in a lucrative industry if they play their business cards right.

We continue our USA Baseball 12U National team conversations with Coach Josh "Jelli" Ellison from Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. Jelli is a former professional baseball player in the Mariners and Yankees organizations and has a wealth of baseball experience and knowledge. Once you listen to Jelli speak, you will then understand why Coach Madsen asked him to be part of his USA Baseball staff.

A longtime high school baseball coach, Wes Brooks will be an assistant for Team USA for the first time in 2024. Brooks has been involved with USA Baseball in several different roles for over a decade. Coach Brooks talks about the structure of the program that he built at Oxford High School in Oxford, Alabama.