We’re joined by Michael Huber, Certified Mental Performance Consultant, to dive into the mental side of the game that often goes overlooked—but never underappreciated. In this powerful conversation, Michael breaks down: How mindset impacts performance, tools athletes can use to stay focused and confident, managing pressure, failure, expectations an…

In this episode, we’re joined by Kevin Wilson, founder of KW Baseball, trusted hitting coach, author, and speaker. Known for his “Good At-Bats” approach, Kevin has helped shape the careers of hitters at every level—from youth players to MLB stars. Kevin shares his journey from pro player to elite coach and offers a deep dive into: The power of simp…

In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Tom Marker, Olentangy Orange’s Head Baseball Coach to dig into building a winning culture in high school sports. Coach Marker credits clear expectations and intentional planning for turning Olentangy into a powerhouse. As Coach Marker reminds us, “the wins don’t always show up on the scoreboard”. This…

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Sharf, Recruiting Director at Rockland Peak Performance (RPP), one of the top player development facilities in the country. Sam shares incredible insight into the ever-changing world of college baseball recruiting — breaking down the process, the myths, and what players and families really need to know to succe…

This week on the show, we sit down with Steve Nikorak, former professional ballplayer and one of the driving forces behind Dominate The Diamond — one of the most trusted names in coaching education and player development. Steve shares his journey from high school standout to pro ball, and how his passion for the game evolved into a mission to help …

We’re joined by Zach Casto, Baseball Coach at Sissonville High School, author and a contributor with USA Baseball, for an in-depth conversation you won’t want to miss. Zach shares his passion for player development, coaching education, and building a winning culture rooted in consistency and care. From leading a high school program to working with …

We're joined by one of the premier minds in baseball performance — Nunzio Signore, owner of Rockland Peak Performance (RPP), author of Pitcher’s Arm Care, and Co-Director of the Pitching Lab. From biomechanics to individualized programming, Nunzio breaks down what it really means to train smarter, not just harder. If you're a coach, player, or pare…

We’re honored to have Mark "Pudge" Gjormand join us on Clearing The Bases! Coach Gjormand, the legendary Head Coach of James Madison High School and the driving force behind MVP Baseball and Softball School, shares his insights on building a championship culture, developing young athletes, and the keys to sustained success. Pudge is one of the most…

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…

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 teachi…

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 ta…

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 o…

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 expe…

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 d…

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…

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…

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 …

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…

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…

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 t…

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 adv…

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 practica…

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 ins…

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…

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, disciplin…

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 ath…

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 coa…

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 v…

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 C…

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.…

Jay Huggins is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach & Registered Physiotherapist. With a proven track record of working with athletes at all levels, Jay is passionate about sharing insights that bridge the gap between physiotherapy and coaching. He offers an online course “Strike Out Injuries” – A Baseball Coach’s Guide to Injury Prevention!…

Bryan Madsen, affectionately known as "B Mad," is the Head Coach of the USA Baseball 12U National Team. His extensive experience and leadership are evident in his approach to coaching. Madsen emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with talented and dedicated coaches, believing that a strong support system is crucial for success. Under Coa…

Dave Clay is the owner of KIME PERFORMANCE. A premiere baseball and softball facility focused on identifying and training the athlete's unique motor preferences. Motor Preference is the cheat code for player development. They train amateur and professional athletes towards greater performance through the individualization of movement. There is a lo…

Becky Beaulieu has no doubt that culture coaching was what she was meant to do. She has culture coached teams such as the University of Illinois, Long Island University, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, The College at Brockport, and the Saint Paul Saints. She is passionate about serving athletes and enhancing team culture through observations, …

Jeff Schaefer is a former MLB player and a Regional Director for USA Baseball. Jeff believes in developing youth baseball players, creating opportunity and giving back to the game that has given him so much. He has earned a widely regarded reputation as an authority on travel and showcase baseball and has become known as a leading national source f…

David Klein is a nationally recognized, award-winning transformational coach and experience designer in the baseball and softball world. David’s transformative influence extends beyond the field. He’s profoundly impacted thousands of youth players through his “Legendary Life Playbook,” an experiential 10 week guide that instills vital life lessons …

Ken Carpenter is the host of the Athlete 1 Podcast. On his show, Ken examines success, failures, and life lessons in sports. He provides valuable insight and an understanding of playing and coaching team sports. Ken is in the Ohio Central District Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and has too many accomplishments to list! Give a listen to K…

Rich Taylor is the former pitching coach at Pepperdine University and the owner of The Pitching Kingdom. He is also the author of “Don’t Throw Strikes.” Rich is passionate about nurturing young pitchers and helping them unlock their full potential on the mound. Rich has too many accomplishments to list so, listen to the show and find out what he is…

Don Hooton Jr is the President of The Taylor Hooton Foundation. The Taylor Hooton Foundation was founded in 2004, in memory of Don’s younger brother Taylor Hooton, a 17-year-old baseball player from Plano, Texas. Taylor took his own life after abusing anabolic steroids. Don provides education through the Foundation’s All Me Assembly program, a scie…

Scott Steltz is not just your ordinary, run-of-the-mill baseball coach. He is the Head Coach of the Chatham High School Panthers. The Panthers have won back-to-back NYS High School Baseball Championships and Coach Steltz is the recipient of the 2023 ABCA/ATEC High School Div. III National Coach of The Year. He is truly an amazing coach and shares a…

Bert Gonzalez is the manager of the New Jersey Jackals of the Frontier League in Independent Baseball and also the founder of Indyball Jobs. Independent Baseball provides another avenue for high level baseball players to compete and continue to develop in professional baseball. Many Indyball players have gone on to further their careers with MiLB t…

Justin Sherman is the founder of Justintime Baseball, an independent baseball training, softball training, and coaching business located in Westchester, NY. They partner with little leagues, recreation programs, private groups, and individuals throughout Westchester and Connecticut. They believe in building and developing fundamental skills in base…

We wrap up our recordings from the 2024 ABCA Convention by catching up with Anthony Pla. These conversations have become an annual occurrence and are just one of the many reasons that I look forward to the beginning of January at the ABCA each and every year. One last thing... I would not be a good father if I didn't thank my son, Vinny Filingeri, …

One of our last interviews from the 2024 ABCA convention was supposed to be with USA Baseball National Team Head Coach RJ Farrell but we wound up with an added bonus to the show by inviting Georgia Gwinnett College Head Coach Jeremy Sheetinger to join in. Now, RJ would be an unbelievable conversation on his own but having Sheets join us made it tha…

There are so many great baseball minds just roaming around at the ABCA convention. Paul Gallo and Mark “Pudge” Gjormand are 2 of them that I have had the pleasure of spending some time with both in Kansas City during the Youth Baseball Summit and at the 2024 ABCA Convention. We jump into youth baseball and do a little recap of the Summit.…

Matt Rienzi began his tenure as the Assistant Baseball Coach at Roger Williams University during the 2023 season and is the new Head Coach of the Ocean State Waves of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. Matt sat down with us in Dallas for a great conversation.By Jimmy Filingeri & David Friedman

Another one of our good friends, Jake Lindmeier, sat down with us to catch up with what was going on at the convention and just baseball in general! Jake is from Dallas College Brookhaven and always has some good advice for our listeners.By Jimmy Filingeri & David Friedman

New relationships are always being built at the the ABCA Convention but another great attribute of the convention is the ability to foster existing friendships. In this episode we spend some time catching up with our good friend, Taylor Valentine of Centre College.By Jimmy Filingeri & David Friedman