Episodes

This week, I’m joined by Brett Ratcliffe, Head Baseball Coach at Trine University, for a conversation that goes far beyond wins, losses and recruiting. With more than 30 years in coaching and experience at the high school, college and USA Baseball levels, Coach Ratcliffe has seen player development from just about every angle. Why fundamentals are still lacking when players reach college Why development is a process — and why you can’t skip steps What college coaches are REALLY looking for in ...

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...