ABCA Podcast

Jack Warren, Top Coach Podcast

With this being our 300th ABCA Podcast episode, we wanted to have on the “Godfather of Baseball Podcasting”, Jack Warren. Warren runs the Top Coach Podcast and is owner of Cornbelt Sports. The Top Coach Podcast is the original baseball podcast. Warren showed everyone what was possible in baseball podcasting. Warren does a great job with his guests, and it is always an enjoyable listen. In this episode we discuss podcasting & interviewing tips, what he has learned from his gu...

Veronica Alvarez, USA Women's National Team Manager

Next up on the ABCA podcast is USA Women’s National Team Manager, Veronica Alvarez. Alvarez has been instrumental in putting the USA Women’s team on the map internationally. Alvarez played softball collegiately at Villanova. After college Alvarez had an opportunity to go to Spain and compete. From 2008 to 2015, Alvarez played with the USA Women’s Baseball squad winning gold medal in the Pan American Games in 2015. Her managerial debut was in 2019 and she was honored with the...

Nathan Hemphill, Owner, PSP3

This is an important time of the year for athletes with Spring season’s ending and Summer ball getting ready to start. In this week’s ABCA Podcast we sit down with PSP3 Owner & Director of Sports Performance, Nathan Hemphill. Hemphill did his undergraduate work at Missouri State and worked with the St. Louis Cardinals rookie ball and double A affiliates. Hemphill did his graduate work at Seattle University. After getting his Master’s he headed to UC-Davis. Hemphill is runnin...

John McCarthy, Head Coach, Homewood-Flossmoor HS

In this week’s ABCA Podcast we check in with Homewood Flossmoor head baseball coach & counselor, John McCarthy. Coach McCarthy was a draft out of high school and headed to Mesa Community College out of the Chicagoland area. He finished his undergraduate degree playing for Tony Robichaux and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajun baseball program. After his playing career Coach McCarthy got his Master’s in school counseling from Lewis University and coached with the Illinois Sparks trave...

On the Road with NHSI Coaches

This week we head over to Cary, NC to talk to coaches at the National High School Invitational. This is an annual event that USA Baseball hosts, bringing in some of the best high school teams in the nation. The USA Baseball staff does a phenomenal job with the event. It is amazing the type of talent we have all over the country at the high school level. Congrats to Todd Fitz-Gerald and Stoneman Douglas High School for taking home the title this year. In this episode we talke...

Tim Cordill, NCAA Umpire

Next up on the ABCA Podcast is Owner/CEO of the Ump-App, NCAA umpire and Director of Umpire Culture, Recruitment, Training and Retention at Perfect Game, Tim Cordill. Cordill took time out of his busy schedule in January to come to the ABCA convention in Chicago to talk to our high school, youth, and travel coaches. We are heading into a scary time where we are seeing an umpire shortage. It is something that is going to negatively impact the game if we don’t get it fixed. In...

Rob Hahne, ABCA Youth Committee Chair

This week’s ABCA Podcast is with someone who touches every level of amateur baseball, ABCA Youth Committee Chair, Rob Hahne. Hahne is Westfield High School head coach, Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Travel Baseball League, Chair of the Fairfax County Baseball Council and was just elected to the ABCA Board of Directors. Since joining the ABCA Youth and Travel committees, Coach Hahne has jumped right in trying to help the organization help amateur baseball. He has...

Todd Blyleven, Pocket Radar & The Scout Hub

Next up on the ABCA Podcast is another baseball lifer, Todd Blyleven. Blyleven is another example of the many paths you can take in the game. He got a first-hand look at the game at a young age with his dad, Bert. Todd was a great player in his own right and carved out his own path excelling in high school, college and professionally. Once he finished playing, Blyvleven entered the real world in marketing but eventually found his way back to game through professional scoutin...

Daniel Keller, ABCA Youth Committee Member & Mojo App

In this week’s ABCA Podcast we talk about all things youth baseball with ABCA Youth & Dave Keilitz Ethics Award Committee member and former college pitching coach, Daniel Keller. Coach Keller is an 18-year continuous ABCA member and has spent over 22 years coaching pitchers. His last stop collegiately was at Cypress Community College. His path has taken him all over the baseball landscape as a coach, private instructor, and baseball entrepreneur. He started the Dugout Captai...

Ron Scott, Fresno City CC

Our next guest on the ABCA Podcast is Fresno City Community College head coach, Ron Scott. Scott has spent 34 seasons at Fresno City and just broke the California Community College record for career wins this spring. Scott’s playing career started at the junior college level and ended up playing for coaching legend Ron Fraser at the University of Miami. Scott’s career path started at the high school level for 10 seasons at Chowchilla & Madera High Schools. Scott is another l...

Todd Fitz-Gerald, Stoneman Douglas High School

Kevin Graber, Phillips Andover Academy

We head over to prep baseball on this week’s ABCA Podcast with, Phillips Academy Andover head coach, Kevin Graber. Graber also carries the title of senior associate director of admission at Andover. Phillips Andover has become a consistent winner during Coach Graber’s tenure. Graber has had a unique path in the game playing baseball at Winthrop, Saint Rose and professionally. He has coached at every level of baseball. He is also a cancer survivor. Graber spoke on the main st...

Matt Swope, University of Maryland

All things hitting on this week’s ABCA Podcast with our guest, Maryland recruiting coordinator, Matt Swope. Coach Swope is a Maryland alum and he has a lot of passion and pride in the school. Offense has been a hallmark of the Maryland program since Coach Swope came back to his alma mater. The 2021 Maryland squad led the Big Ten in home runs, total bases, stolen bases, and hit by pitches. The Terps finished second in runs, rbi, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and bas...

Jordan Tabakman, Fairfield University

This week’s ABCA Podcast is with 2021 Collegiate Baseball News Rawlings Pitching Coach of the Year, Fairfield University’s Jordan Tabakman. 2021 was a magical season for Fairfield and a lot of that had to do with their pitching staff. Their starting rotation was 28-4 last year with 9 shutouts and 8 complete games. Fairfield was awarded an at large bid and if you follow the Division I landscape, you know how hard that is to do for a mid-major program. Fairfield’s run ended in...

Bianca Smith, Boston Red Sox Coach

Next up on the ABCA Podcast is Boston Red Sox coach, Bianca Smith. Smith’s path in coaching started at Case Western University when she was working on her MBA and Law Degree. Smith was originally on a track to work in an MLB front office position but found her passion for coaching at Case Western. After her time at Case, she coached at the University of Dallas and interned for the Texas Rangers. She spent time with the Major League Baseball office and Cincinnati Reds. In 201...

Wendi Irlbeck, Performance Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD, CISSN

This time of year we try to give coaches information they can implement with their team going into their seasons. Next up on the ABCA Podcast is sport dietician Wendi Irlbeck. Irlbeck is a registered dietician nutritionist. Irlbeck earned her M.S. in Food and Nutrional Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Irlbeck is accredited all over the health and wellness landscape and is also NSCA certified. Irlbeck’s website is nutritionwithendi.com. You can also find her on ...

Div. I Preview

Happy Opening week of Division I Baseball. Great time of the year with every level of college baseball now going. Next up on the ABCA Podcast is our Division I Preview. We have an entertaining line up of College Baseball Writers in this episode. Vinnie Cervino from Perfect Game gets us started. Then we hand it over to Teddy Cahill from Baseball America and we finish it off with D1Baseball’s Mike Rooney, Aaron Fitt & Kendall Rogers. As a life-long fan of College Baseball, thi...

NAIA, Junior College Div. III & Div. II Preview

Next up on the ABCA Podcast is our NAIA, Junior College, Division III and Division II preview. Robby Gutierrez from NAIA Ball leads us off. After that we kick it over to Brian Sakowski from Perfect Game and Noah Sharp from the Juco Ball Blog to cover all things junior college baseball. Then we hand it over to Jordan Shusterman and Jake Mintz from Cespedes Family BBQ fame and the D3 Baseball Podcast to talk all things Div III. Finally, we finish up with Wayne Cavadi, Wayne covers all things D...

NAIA, Junior College Div. III & Div. II Preview

Next up on the ABCA Podcast is our NAIA, Junior College, Division III and Division II preview. Robby Gutierrez from NAIA Ball leads us off. After that we kick it over to Brian Sakowski from Perfect Game and Noah Sharp from the Juco Ball Blog to cover all things junior college baseball. Then we hand it over to Jordan Shusterman and Jake Mintz from Cespedes Family BBQ fame and the D3 Baseball Podcast to talk all things Div III. Finally, we finish up with Wayne Cavadi, Wayne co...

David Whiteside, New York Yankees Director of Performance

Our January 2022 episodes end with a bang here with Yankees’ Director of Performance Science, David Whiteside. Dillon Lawson and David gave one of the best presentations I have seen on training environment at the 2021 I-70 virtual clinic. Whiteside has worked for the New York Yankees for the last 5 years. Whiteside did his postdoctoral work at the University of Michigan. Whiteside also has two different stints working with Tennis Australia as a sports performance scientist. ...

David Whiteside, New York Yankees Director of Performance

Our January 2022 episodes end with a bang here with Yankees’ Director of Performance Science, David Whiteside. Dillon Lawson and David gave one of the best presentations I have seen on training environment at the 2021 I-70 virtual clinic. Whiteside has worked for the New York Yankees for the last 5 years. Whiteside did his postdoctoral work at the University of Michigan. Whiteside also has two different stints working with Tennis Australia as a sports performance scientist. Whiteside is a gr...

Austin Byler, Major League University

Austin Byler from Major League University keeps us going in 2022. Byler had a phenomenal playing career at the University of Nevada. Byler was drafted in the 9thround by the Nationals in 2014 and the 11th round by the Diamondbacks in 2015. Byler was a semi-finalist for the Dick Howser Award. Byler founded Major League University with Nevada teammate Kewby Meyer. Major League University focuses on leadership and mental health. They have also started Project Sandlot NFT’s to benefit under priv...

Austin Byler, Major League University

Austin Byler from Major League University keeps us going in 2022. Byler had a phenomenal playing career at the University of Nevada. Byler was drafted in the 9thround by the Nationals in 2014 and the 11th round by the Diamondbacks in 2015. Byler was a semi-finalist for the Dick Howser Award. Byler founded Major League University with Nevada teammate Kewby Meyer. Major League University focuses on leadership and mental health. They have also started Project Sandlot NFT’s to b...

Dr. Luke Wilkins, Nottingham Trent University, Cognition Specialist

2022 is rolling with our January podcasts. My hope is that we give you some different things to think about this month. We jump right into vision, cognition and skill acquisition with Dr. Luke Wilkins. Dr. Wilkins is a senior lecturer in sport and exercise psychology at Nottingham Trent University in the UK. He attained his PhD in Vision Testing and Visual Training in Sport from the University of Birmingham in 2015 under the supervision of Dr. Rob Gray. Prior to working at N...

Dr. Luke Wilkins, Nottingham Trent University, Cognition Specialist

2022 is rolling with our January podcasts. My hope is that we give you some different things to think about this month. We jump right into vision, cognition and skill acquisition with Dr. Luke Wilkins. Dr. Wilkins is a senior lecturer in sport and exercise psychology at Nottingham Trent University in the UK. He attained his PhD in Vision Testing and Visual Training in Sport from the University of Birmingham in 2015 under the supervision of Dr. Rob Gray. Prior to working at NTU, Dr. Wilkins w...

Dr. Chris Winter, MLB Sleep Doctor

Happy New Year and welcome to the ABCA podcast. This week’s guest is Dr. Chris Winter. This is a great way to kick off this year’s episodes. Dr. Winter has been called “The Sleep Whisperer”. He is certified by the American Board of Sleep Medicine & the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has his medical degree from the University of Virginia. He runs his practice at Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine. Dr. Winter has worked with MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL team...

Dr. Chris Winter, MLB Sleep Doctor

Happy New Year and welcome to the ABCA podcast. This week’s guest is Dr. Chris Winter. This is a great way to kick off this year’s episodes. Dr. Winter has been called “The Sleep Whisperer”. He is certified by the American Board of Sleep Medicine & the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has his medical degree from the University of Virginia. He runs his practice at Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine. Dr. Winter has worked with MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL teams. He has two boo...

Altobelli Family Tribute

Finishing up our ABCA 2022 Hall of Fame Podcast Series is a tribute to John, Keri and Alyssa Altobelli. This episode is a celebration of their life and legacy. Altobelli led the Orange Coast College program for 27 seasons. At the time of his passing he was the winningest coach in school history. In 2019 he became just the 16th coach in California Community College Athletic Association history to reach the 700 win mark. Altobelli’s 4 State titles tied for 3rd all time and jus...

Altobelli Family Tribute

Finishing up our ABCA 2022 Hall of Fame Podcast Series is a tribute to John, Keri and Alyssa Altobelli. This episode is a celebration of their life and legacy. Altobelli led the Orange Coast College program for 27 seasons. At the time of his passing he was the winningest coach in school history. In 2019 he became just the 16th coach in California Community College Athletic Association history to reach the 700 win mark. Altobelli’s 4 State titles tied for 3rd all time and just behind coaching...

Chicago Convention Preview

We here at the ABCA office are so excited to be back on site this year in Chicago. Before we look forward to this year’s convention, we do want to thank everyone again that participated in last year’s Virtual convention. As soon as the virtual convention ended last year, we got right to work on making this year’s convention in Chicago one of the best in the history of the organization. Today’s episode covers everything you need to know about the convention. Our goal every year is to make thi...

Chicago Convention Preview

We here at the ABCA office are so excited to be back on site this year in Chicago. Before we look forward to this year’s convention, we do want to thank everyone again that participated in last year’s Virtual convention. As soon as the virtual convention ended last year, we got right to work on making this year’s convention in Chicago one of the best in the history of the organization. Today’s episode covers everything you need to know about the convention. Our goal every ye...

Hal Baird and Sammy Dunn Tribute, 2021 Hall of Fame Class

Last year’s virtual convention forced us to postpone the Hall of Fame banquet. In order to celebrate the 2021 class we did a series of podcasts with the inductees. We are using Christmas break here to reissue last year’s episodes to once again celebrate the 2021 class. We are so excited for the Chicago convention and to be able to honor the 2021 and 2022 classes at the Hall of Fame banquet on Friday January 7th. We can’t thank all of you enough for your continued trust and s...

Hal Baird and Sammy Dunn Tribute, 2021 Hall of Fame Class

Last year’s virtual convention forced us to postpone the Hall of Fame banquet. In order to celebrate the 2021 class we did a series of podcasts with the inductees. We are using Christmas break here to reissue last year’s episodes to once again celebrate the 2021 class. We are so excited for the Chicago convention and to be able to honor the 2021 and 2022 classes at the Hall of Fame banquet on Friday January 7th. We can’t thank all of you enough for your continued trust and support. I hope yo...

George Horton, 2021 Hall of Fame Class

Last year’s virtual convention forced us to postpone the Hall of Fame banquet. In order to celebrate the 2021 class we did a series of podcasts with the inductees. We are using Christmas break here to reissue last year’s episodes to once again celebrate the 2021 class. We are so excited for the Chicago convention and to be able to honor the 2021 and 2022 classes at the Hall of Fame banquet on Friday January 7th. We can’t thank all of you enough for your continued trust and s...

George Horton, 2021 Hall of Fame Class

Last year’s virtual convention forced us to postpone the Hall of Fame banquet. In order to celebrate the 2021 class we did a series of podcasts with the inductees. We are using Christmas break here to reissue last year’s episodes to once again celebrate the 2021 class. We are so excited for the Chicago convention and to be able to honor the 2021 and 2022 classes at the Hall of Fame banquet on Friday January 7th. We can’t thank all of you enough for your continued trust and support. I hope yo...

Roger Cador, 2021 Hall of Fame Class

Last year’s virtual convention forced us to postpone the Hall of Fame banquet. In order to celebrate the 2021 class we did a series of podcasts with the inductees. We are using Christmas break here to reissue last year’s episodes to once again celebrate the 2021 class. We are so excited for the Chicago convention and to be able to honor the 2021 and 2022 classes at the Hall of Fame banquet on Friday January 7th. We can’t thank all of you enough for your continued trust and s...

Roger Cador, 2021 Hall of Fame Class

Last year’s virtual convention forced us to postpone the Hall of Fame banquet. In order to celebrate the 2021 class we did a series of podcasts with the inductees. We are using Christmas break here to reissue last year’s episodes to once again celebrate the 2021 class. We are so excited for the Chicago convention and to be able to honor the 2021 and 2022 classes at the Hall of Fame banquet on Friday January 7th. We can’t thank all of you enough for your continued trust and support. I hope yo...

Don Sneddon, 2021 Hall of Fame Class

Last year’s virtual convention forced us to postpone the Hall of Fame banquet. In order to celebrate the 2021 class we did a series of podcasts with the inductees. We are using Christmas break here to reissue last year’s episodes to once again celebrate the 2021 class. We are so excited for the Chicago convention and to be able to honor the 2021 and 2022 classes at the Hall of Fame banquet on Friday January 7th. We can’t thank all of you enough for your continued trust and support. I hope yo...

Don Sneddon, 2021 Hall of Fame Class

Last year’s virtual convention forced us to postpone the Hall of Fame banquet. In order to celebrate the 2021 class we did a series of podcasts with the inductees. We are using Christmas break here to reissue last year’s episodes to once again celebrate the 2021 class. We are so excited for the Chicago convention and to be able to honor the 2021 and 2022 classes at the Hall of Fame banquet on Friday January 7th. We can’t thank all of you enough for your continued trust and s...

Wayne Graham, 2021 Hall of Fame Class

Last year’s virtual convention forced us to postpone the Hall of Fame banquet. In order to celebrate the 2021 class we did a series of podcasts with the inductees. We are using Christmas break here to reissue last year’s episodes to once again celebrate the 2021 class. We are so excited for the Chicago convention and to be able to honor the 2021 and 2022 classes at the Hall of Fame banquet on Friday January 7th. We can’t thank all of you enough for your continued trust and support. I hope yo...

Wayne Graham, 2021 Hall of Fame Class

Last year’s virtual convention forced us to postpone the Hall of Fame banquet. In order to celebrate the 2021 class we did a series of podcasts with the inductees. We are using Christmas break here to reissue last year’s episodes to once again celebrate the 2021 class. We are so excited for the Chicago convention and to be able to honor the 2021 and 2022 classes at the Hall of Fame banquet on Friday January 7th. We can’t thank all of you enough for your continued trust and s...

Tony Robichaux Tribute

Last year’s virtual convention forced us to postpone the Hall of Fame banquet. In order to celebrate the 2021 class we did a series of podcasts with the inductees. We are using Christmas break here to reissue last year’s episodes to once again celebrate the 2021 class. We are so excited for the Chicago convention and to be able to honor the 2021 and 2022 classes at the Hall of Fame banquet on Friday January 7th. We can’t thank all of you enough for your continued trust and support. I hope yo...

Tony Robichaux Tribute

Last year’s virtual convention forced us to postpone the Hall of Fame banquet. In order to celebrate the 2021 class we did a series of podcasts with the inductees. We are using Christmas break here to reissue last year’s episodes to once again celebrate the 2021 class. We are so excited for the Chicago convention and to be able to honor the 2021 and 2022 classes at the Hall of Fame banquet on Friday January 7th. We can’t thank all of you enough for your continued trust and s...

Lance Spigner & Ryan McGinnis, 2021 Dave Keiltiz Ethics Award Winners

Last year’s virtual convention forced us to postpone the Hall of Fame banquet. In order to celebrate the 2021 class we did a series of podcasts with the inductees. We are using Christmas break here to reissue last year’s episodes to once again celebrate the 2021 class. We are so excited for the Chicago convention and to be able to honor the 2021 and 2022 classes at the Hall of Fame banquet on Friday January 7th. We can’t thank all of you enough for your continued trust and support. I hope yo...

Lance Spigner & Ryan McGinnis, 2021 Dave Keiltiz Ethics Award Winners

Last year’s virtual convention forced us to postpone the Hall of Fame banquet. In order to celebrate the 2021 class we did a series of podcasts with the inductees. We are using Christmas break here to reissue last year’s episodes to once again celebrate the 2021 class. We are so excited for the Chicago convention and to be able to honor the 2021 and 2022 classes at the Hall of Fame banquet on Friday January 7th. We can’t thank all of you enough for your continued trust and s...

Jerry Weinstein, 2021 Lefty Gomez Award Winner

Last year’s virtual convention forced us to postpone the Hall of Fame banquet. In order to celebrate the 2021 class we did a series of podcasts with the inductees. We are using Christmas break here to reissue last year’s episodes to once again celebrate the 2021 class. We are so excited for the Chicago convention and to be able to honor the 2021 and 2022 classes at the Hall of Fame banquet on Friday January 7th. We can’t thank all of you enough for your continued trust and support. I hope yo...

Jerry Weinstein, 2021 Lefty Gomez Award Winner

Last year’s virtual convention forced us to postpone the Hall of Fame banquet. In order to celebrate the 2021 class we did a series of podcasts with the inductees. We are using Christmas break here to reissue last year’s episodes to once again celebrate the 2021 class. We are so excited for the Chicago convention and to be able to honor the 2021 and 2022 classes at the Hall of Fame banquet on Friday January 7th. We can’t thank all of you enough for your continued trust and s...

Marty Paulsen, Head Coach, Fond du Lac High School

Next up on the ABCA Podcast is ABCA 2022 Hall of Fame inductee Fond du Lac head coach, Marty Paulsen. Paulsen has coached in 7 different decades. Paulsen is entering his 54th season at Fond du Lac. Paulsen has over 600 wins and is 2nd in all-time wins for active coaches in the state of Wisconsin. The Cardinals have appeared in the state tournament in 5 different decades and won the 2000 state championship. Paulsen is still coaching at an elite level, taking Fondy to the stat...

Marty Paulsen, Head Coach, Fond du Lac High School

Next up on the ABCA Podcast is ABCA 2022 Hall of Fame inductee Fond du Lac head coach, Marty Paulsen. Paulsen has coached in 7 different decades. Paulsen is entering his 54th season at Fond du Lac. Paulsen has over 600 wins and is 2nd in all-time wins for active coaches in the state of Wisconsin. The Cardinals have appeared in the state tournament in 5 different decades and won the 2000 state championship. Paulsen is still coaching at an elite level, taking Fondy to the state playoffs in 201...

Paul Page, Former Head Coach, Ohio Dominican

Joining us this week on the ABCA Podcast is former Ohio Domincan athletic director and head coach, Paul Page. Page is in this year’s ATEC/ ABCA Hall of Fame class. In 29 seasons with Ohio Dominican, Page won over a thousand games. Page is in the top 15 for career wins in NAIA. Page started his coaching career with 2 legends in Mississippi State’s Ron Polk and Marietta’s Don Schaly. Page coached 2 national championship teams at Marietta and led Ohio Dominican to 6 NAIA World Series appearance...