Dugout Dish Baseball Recruiting Podcast powered by EMD Baseball

In this episode, we break down winter baseball showcase timing and what high school players and parents need to know before showcasing early in the year. We dive into the Division I recruiting calendar and explain why, during the winter months, only Division II and Division III college coaches are permitted to attend showcases. We also discuss why attending a winter showcase may not be the right m...

In this episode, we sit down with Greg Mamula, Head Baseball Coach at the University of Delaware, for an in-depth conversation on college baseball recruiting and player evaluation. Coach Mamula breaks down how Division I programs evaluate high school baseball players, what Delaware looks for in recruits, and how recruiting needs change year-to-year with the transfer portal.   We also dive into the...

In this episode, we break down a recent study highlighted in Ohio State News by Jeff Grabmeier about parental expectations for their children’s athletic futures — research conducted by Chris Knoester and Christopher McLeod and published in the Journal of Sport and Social Issues. Ohio State News   The study found that 34% of parents believed it was somewhat or very likely their child would become a...

In this episode, we share our thoughts on several key topics shaping college baseball recruiting as we move into 2026. We start by discussing the weight room and why strength training is essential for high school baseball players, how it impacts long-term development, and why it matters when transitioning to the college level.   We break down the transfer portal and explain why it is not ruining c...

In this episode, we sit down with Radford University Head Baseball Coach Alex Guerra to discuss his coaching journey and path to becoming head coach at his alma mater in June 2022. Coach Guerra shares what he values most in his college baseball program, the standards he sets for his players, and how he builds a competitive NCAA baseball culture.   We break down the key differences between college...

In this episode, we dive into the power of persistence in the college baseball recruiting process and in life. Inspired by a recent NFL moment where a special teams player made a game-changing play through relentless effort, we connect the dots between staying committed and creating your own opportunities on the field.   We break down why consistency matters — from workouts and skill development t...

In this episode, we sit down with FDU-Florham Head Baseball Coach Garrett deMarrais to discuss his coaching journey, what he looks for during the college baseball recruiting process, and how he builds a culture of competition within his program.   We also share insights on the value of multi-sport athletes, what it truly takes to play college baseball, and what student-athletes can expect from the...

In this episode, we break down the true value of consistency in the college baseball recruiting process. From strength and conditioning to throwing programs, hitting routines, and defensive work, we explain how daily habits directly impact your ability to be recruitable when it matters most — during the spring and summer evaluation periods.   We also discuss how developing consistent routines not...

In this episode, we sit down with Alyssa Gates, Associate AD and Director of Student-Athlete Enhancement at Marist University. Alyssa worked at Marist during Andy and Keith’s playing careers and brings valuable insight into how colleges support student-athletes both academically and personally.   We dive into the academic side of the recruiting process — what families should look for when evaluati...

In this episode, we break down what high school baseball players in the 2027 class should be doing right now to get noticed by college coaches. This is the time of year when programs are finalizing their 2026 commitments and shifting their focus toward identifying priority 2027 recruits for the spring and summer evaluation periods.   We dive deep into Division II and Division III recruiting, inclu...

In this episode, we sit down with former college baseball coach Joe Raccuia — now a National Scout and Minor League Hitting Coordinator for the Kansas City Royals. We dive into his playing career, his path into coaching, and what his current role looks like inside a Major League Baseball organization.   Coach Raccuia shares valuable insight into the college baseball recruiting process, offering pe...

In this episode, we dive into the first-ever NCAA Division I roster finalization deadline taking place today, December 1. This new rule, driven by the House Settlement decision, requires programs to lock in their rosters for the 2026 season by December 1, 2025 — marking a major shift in college baseball.   We break down what this rule means, why it matters, and what athletes should do if they don’...

In this episode, we sit down with Marist University Head Baseball Coach Lance Ratchford to discuss all things Marist Baseball and the college recruiting process. Coach Ratchford shares insights into how the program identifies and recruits top student-athletes. We dive into the role of on-campus camps, what a typical recruiting timeline looks like for prospective players, and how the new NCAA recru...

Confused about how JUCO eligibility works? In this episode, we break down the current NCAA rules for junior college baseball players transferring to four-year schools. We cover the 2025–26 eligibility waiver, the impact of recent court rulings, and what players need to know about how their JUCO years count toward total college eligibility. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented...

In this episode, we sit down with Erik Kratz — former Major League Baseball catcher, author, coach, and current host on Foul Territory TV. Erik shares his inspiring journey from not starting in high school baseball to playing at Division III Eastern Mennonite University and eventually making it to the MLB for an eleven year career. We talk about player development, the art of catching in 2025, and...

In this episode, we discuss the desire and drive to play college baseball — and what it truly takes to get recruited. With just 8% of high school players earning a college roster spot, we break down the recruiting process, the level of commitment required, and how to stand out to college baseball coaches. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves -  www.kaligloves.c...

*Re-release of ep. 39* In this episode we sit down with University of Arkansas Pitching Coach Matt Hobbs and talk player identification, player development, competition, data, and much more.  Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves -  www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:00) - Coach Matt Hobbs on The Dugout Dish Podcast (00:07:24) - Arkansas Coach Tim Gotten on Leav...

In honor of Veteran’s Day, this episode features Air Force Head Baseball Coach Mike Kazlausky. Coach Kazlausky shares insights from his time in the Air Force, what he values in student-athletes, and the mission that drives Air Force Baseball. We also dive into the transfer portal, the challenges and rewards of coaching college baseball, and how he defines success both on and off the field. Follow...

In this episode, we sit down with TeamMatch Sports founder and CEO Nelson Verbit. We talk about why he founded TeamMatch, his journey as a father through the process with his son, how this business fulfills a need in the youth sports industry and more.  Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves -  www.kaligloves.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith Gives Kids the R...

In this episode, we break down what players should focus on over the next five months to prepare for a successful high school baseball season. From hitting in the cages to strength training in the weight room, throwing programs, and bullpen work — we cover everything you need to stay game-ready and improve your performance. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by Kali Gloves...

*Re-release of ep. 38* In this episode we sit down with Elite National Founder and Director Baseball and Former Brown University Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Jonathan Grosse and talk about all things high academic recruiting including showcasing, on campus camps, level of play, exclusivity, transcripts, the admissions process & more. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbasebal...

In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about redshirt rules in college baseball across Division I, Division II, and Division III levels. We explain what redshirting means, how college programs use redshirts to develop players, and what the process looks like for student-athletes navigating their college baseball careers. Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, this episode h...

In this episode, we answer listener questions about the college baseball recruiting process. We cover key topics for the 2027 recruiting class, including recruiting timelines, how to build an effective target list, and the best ways to get on a college coach’s radar. We also discuss whether tournament play alone is enough for your recruitment and share expert advice on how to choose the right scho...

In this episode, we break down what student-athletes and families need to know about attending college baseball camps during the NCAA Division I quiet period. We discuss the best timing, how to prepare effectively, and what players should focus on to make the most of every camp opportunity. Whether you're navigating the recruiting process or planning your next showcase, this episode gives you the...

In this episode, we dive into the state of youth baseball and share our honest opinions on where the game stands today. We discuss what should truly matter at the youth level — quality practice time, player development, and keeping the joy of baseball alive. We also break down some of the biggest challenges facing the sport, including too many games, not enough practice, and the growing “win-at-al...