New England Baseball Journal’s The Base Path

College Season Preview with Tigers Scout Jim Bretz

Dan engages in a detailed discussion with Jim Bretz, a scouting supervisor for the Detroit Tigers and an experienced baseball figure with a rich history as a coach and scout. Bretz discusses his rigorous scouting schedule for the new college baseball season, particularly focusing on the Northeast region, which includes New England, New York, New Jersey, and Eastern Canada. The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of scouting in the Northeast, the impact of the transfer portal on college baseball, and the scouting process for high school and college players. Bretz shares insights on notable programs like Northeastern and UConn, and personal anecdotes about notable players he scouted. 
 
Topics
 
00:49 Scouting the Northeast Region
02:03 Fall Scouting Insights
04:24 Northeastern University Prospects
06:48 UConn Baseball Program
10:09 Boston College and Coaching Transitions
13:05 High School Prospects and Transfer Portal
20:10 Scouting Collaboration and Draft Stories
21:00 Reflecting on Missed Opportunities
21:25 Rajai Davis: The One That Got Away
22:45 Success Stories: Brad Brock and Jason Foley
25:01 The Rise of Northeast Baseball Talent
28:10 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball Personalities
28:57 Would You Rather: Barry Bonds or Barry Zito?
32:11 Would You Rather: Mike Trout or Mike Timlin?
34:39 Would You Rather: Jim Thome or Jim Bouton?
38:56 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Training and Recruitment with NEB’s Jake Willsey

The guest is Jake Willsey, head of the strength program for the NEB Northeast baseball travel program. The discussion centers around Willsey's approach to individualized strength training for athletes ranging from pre-teens to professionals, particularly focusing on off-season preparation. Willsey elaborates on the assessment process, the integration of advanced technology, and the importance of tailored recovery strategies. They also touch on the evolving landscape of college recruitment and how it impacts player development. The episode includes a fun 'Three Up, Three Down' segment featuring thought-provoking questions about the game of baseball.
 
Topics
 
00:28 Strength Training Philosophy
02:54 Athlete Assessment Process
05:00 Technology in Training
06:18 Managing Athlete Expectations
19:29 Recruiting Landscape Changes
24:35 Three Up, Three Down Segment
32:01 Conclusion and Farewell

Baseball Strength Training with John O'Neil

In this episode of the Base Path Podcast, host Dan Guttenplan discusses the evolution of strength training in baseball with John O'Neil, co-owner of Cressey Sports Performance and the director of performance at the facility. O'Neill explains the shift from traditional, generic training programs to individualized assessments and tailored regimens aimed at helping players achieve their specific goals. He also emphasizes the importance of recovery, nutrition, and consistent training habits for athletes at various levels. The episode concludes with a special 'Three Up, Three Down' segment analyzing topics such as the MLB All-Star Game, Shohei Ohtani's dual-role performance, and Pete Rose's hit record.
 
Topics
00:37 Evolution of Strength Training in Baseball
02:11 Individualized Training Programs
10:05 Technology in Baseball Training
19:03 Recovery and Injury Prevention
23:34 Creating a Throwing Plan for Youth Athletes
24:28 The Importance of Off Periods and Deload Periods
26:19 Tracking Nutrition and Sleep for High School Athletes
27:21 Building Consistent Habits and Routines
31:07 Challenges of Maintaining Habits During Travel Ball
31:30 Three Up, Three Down: Overrated or Underrated?
43:30 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Sacred Heart Coach Pat Egan

Dan interviews Sacred Heart baseball coach Pat Egan, discussing his transformative journey with the team. Egan reflects on his initial strategies, such as assembling the right coaching staff, including TK Kiernan and Isaiah Dubon, and communicating with players to understand the necessary improvements. The conversation delves into Egan's recruiting philosophy, focusing largely on high school players and maintaining roster stability. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the transfer portal and Sacred Heart’s move to the MAAC conference..
 
Topics
 
00:32 Turning the Program Around: First Steps
01:16 Building a Winning Team: Key Hires
02:46 Player Engagement and Philosophy
07:43 Recruiting Strategy and Philosophy
09:13 Challenges and Adaptations in Recruiting
13:22 Transfer Portal and NCAA Rules
22:58 Reflections on Success and Future Goals
31:10 Transition to the MAAC Conference
32:10 Three Up, Three Down: Fun Q&A
40:08 Conclusion and Farewell

World Series Reflections with Ben Casparius

Ben Casparius, a World Series champion from Connecticut, shares his experiences pitching in Game 4 of the World Series for the Dodgers. The discussion covers his preparation for the game, his journey to the major leagues, including his college career at UConn and North Carolina, and his unexpected call-up to the Dodgers. Ben also provides insights into his favorite World Series moments growing up, the Dodgers' team dynamics, and the challenges of transitioning from hitting to full-time pitching. The episode ends with light-hearted questions about memorable moments from Ben's youth and perspectives on fearsome relievers.
 
Topics
 
00:00 Introduction and Latest Edition Announcement
00:50 Introducing World Series Champion Ben Casparius
01:10 Ben Casparius' World Series Experience
02:25 Handling Pressure and Strategy on the Mound
06:01 Path to the Big Leagues
15:57 College Career and Transition to UConn
25:25 Rapid Fire: Three Up, Three Down
31:45 Closing Remarks

Holy Cross Head Coach Ed Kahovec

In this episode of the Base Path Podcast, host Dan Guttenplan is joined by Ed  Kahovec, head coach of Holy Cross baseball. They discuss his journey transitioning into his role at Holy Cross, the challenges and opportunities he encountered due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of the transfer portal on college baseball.  Kahovec shares insights into his recruiting strategies, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit for Holy Cross. The conversation also covers the intricacies of developing players within the stringent academic standards of the school and the unique schedule of Division 1 baseball. The episode concludes with a fun segment, 'Three Up, Three Down,' where  Kahovec and Guttenplan react to famous baseball quotes.
 
Topics
 
00:52 Navigating Coaching Transitions
01:37 Impact of COVID-19 on College Baseball
02:39 Recruiting Challenges and Strategies
04:07 Holy Cross Recruiting Model
05:19 National Recruitment and Evaluation
08:47 NCAA Recruiting Calendar and Roster Management
11:30 Coaching Philosophy and Program Values
15:09 Player Development Focus
17:51 Fall Season Structure and Intensity
20:18 Transition to Preseason Training
20:56 Balancing Travel and Academics
21:53 Pitcher Development Strategies
23:48 Three Up, Three Down Segment
24:16 Famous Baseball Quotes Discussion
34:43 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Rhode Island Coach Raphael Cerrato

In this episode of the Base Path Podcast, hosted by Dan Guttenplan, University of Rhode Island Baseball Coach Raphael Cerrato joins to discuss the challenges and adjustments during the fall season, particularly with the installation of a new turf field. Cerrato elaborates on the team's off-campus workouts and how they adapted to limited field usage. The conversation also delves into recruiting dynamics, touching on the impacts of the transfer portal, NIL changes, and the complexities of scouting high school players. The episode concludes with a 'Three Up, Three Down' segment focusing on baseball dilemmas and decision-making in coaching.
 
Topics
 
00:27 Challenges of the Fall Season
00:46 New Turf Field and Its Impact
04:05 Recruiting During Field Construction
05:52 Changes in Recruiting Landscape
06:32 Transfer Portal and Roster Management
14:50 Importance of In-Person Scouting
18:18 Evaluating Players Beyond Data
20:44 Summer Baseball Competitiveness
21:02 Evaluating Talent Beyond Stats
22:25 Impact of Travel Ball on Recruitment
23:04 Velocity vs. Pitching Skills
24:23 Developing Effective Pitchers
27:50 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball Dilemmas
28:20 Slump Strategies for Hitters
32:39 Ethics in Baseball: Faking It
35:13 Aggressiveness in the Outfield
38:00 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

BC High Coach Steve Healy

The guest is Steve Healy, coach of the D1 Massachusetts State Champion team, BC High. He discusses the celebratory trip to Fenway Park, reflections on their championship season, and the commitment of the players. Topics include high school baseball coaching tactics, the differences between high school and AAU baseball, and the current structure of the MIAA state tournament. Healy shares his views on player development and college recruitment, the benefits of the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association, and his coaching philosophy. 
 
Topics
 
00:29 Celebrating the Championship Win
01:59 Reflecting on the Championship Season
05:16 Tournament Structure and Intensity
08:05 Player Development and Recruitment
10:36 Coaching Philosophy and Experience
12:50 Challenges in College Recruitment
15:16 Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association
16:16 Professional Networking and Membership Benefits
16:48 Scholarship Programs for High School Students
17:06 Joining the National Federation and Rule Changes
17:42 Annual Coaching Clinic Overview
18:38 Keynote Speakers and Presentations
19:17 Intimate Setting and Networking Opportunities
21:13 Mental Approach to the 2025 Season
23:50 Three Up, Three Down Segment
24:10 The Uniqueness of Baseball Fields
26:31 The Excitement of Baseball Beyond the Game
29:12 The Significance of No-Hitters
31:43 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Phillips Andover Coach Kevin Graber

In this episode of the Base Path Podcast, hosted by Dan Guttenplan from the New England Baseball Journal, Coach Kevin Graber of Phillips Andover discusses his return to Andover after a two-year stint with the Chicago Cubs. Graber delves into his experiences in professional baseball, his decision to return to the high school level, and his player development philosophy. He reflects on re-establishing team culture at Andover, recounts his managerial journey with the Cubs, and shares insights into baseball's evolving landscape, including player development, the impact of NIL money, and the use of wooden bats. The episode also includes a 'Three Up, Three Down' segment where Graber discusses base-stealing strategies and offers his thoughts on the length of the baseball season.
Topics
01:01 Returning to Andover: A Heartfelt Decision
02:02 Rebuilding Andover's Baseball Program
03:10 Journey with the Chicago Cubs
08:59 Base Running Philosophy and Innovations
11:24 Coaching New England Talent
17:35 Changes in Baseball: NIL Money and Transfer Portal
18:22 Navigating the Transfer Portal
18:35 Challenges for High School Baseball Players
18:56 The Domino Effect in College Baseball
19:26 Balancing Baseball and Other Commitments
19:34 Coaching Experience and Achievements
21:25 Three Up, Three Down: Stealing Bases
28:37 Wooden vs. Aluminum Bats
30:12 Length of the MLB Season
33:45 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation
36:19 Conclusion and Wrap-Up
 

The Show New England’s Steve Lomasney

Dan Guttenplan of the BasePath Podcast sits down with Steve Lomasney The Show New England and a former Red Sox prospect, to discuss the changing dynamics of college baseball recruitment. They explore the impact of the NCAA transfer portal on high school recruiting, the evolution of travel baseball, and advise players on successful paths to college and professional baseball. The episode also delves into the experience and rewards of participating in high-profile tournaments like the WWBA World Championships. Concluding with a light-hearted segment, they cover personal baseball experiences and nostalgic reflections on the sport.
 
Topics
 
00:35 Evolution of Travel Baseball
01:57 Impact of Transfer Portal on Recruitment
05:00 Advice for Aspiring College Players
07:00 Oversaturation of Travel Baseball
09:03 Showcasing Talent and Recruitment Strategies
12:59 Fall Season and Upcoming Tournaments
17:50 Partnership with the Red Sox
22:52 Three Up, Three Down: Fun Baseball Questions
31:25 Conclusion and Wrap-Up