New England Baseball Journal’s The Base Path

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

Tewksbury Coach Matt Feld

Coaching High School Baseball with Matt FeldIn this episode of the Base Path Podcast, host Dan Guttenplan interviews journalist and high school baseball coach Matt Feld. Feld shares his experiences from his first season as the head coach at Tewksbury High School, where he was named Merrimack Valley Conference Coach of the Year. The discussion covers the differences between coaching high school and club baseball, strategies for development, and the challenges of managing athletes who play multiple sports. Feld also talks about the oversaturation of travel baseball, the importance of college recruiting relationships, and the impact of recent NCAA rule changes on recruiting timelines. The episode concludes with a light-hearted debate segment called 'Three Up, Three Down' on various baseball topics.
 
Topics
00:33 Matt Feld's Coaching Journey
01:30 High School vs. Club Baseball
04:06 Travel Baseball Insights
09:32 NCAA Recruiting Rules and Impact
18:16 Upcoming Events and Fall Plans
23:25 Three Up, Three Down Debate
32:45 Conclusion and Farewell
 

Travel Baseball with Pat Vigilio

In this episode of the Base Path podcast, Dan Guttenplan interviews Pat Vigilio, founder and director of Baseball U CT, about the intricacies of travel baseball. Since 2006, Baseball U CT has developed numerous college-level players through rigorous training, open tryouts, and a focus on producing well-rounded student-athletes. Pat discusses the program's comprehensive approach, including their mental performance academy to help players handle the pressures of the sport and modern challenges like social media. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of college baseball recruitment and the impact of the transfer portal.
Topics
00:17 The World of Travel Baseball with Pat Vigilio
01:37 Challenges and Realities of Travel Baseball
02:28 Player Development and Recruitment Strategies
04:23 The Importance of Practice and Mental Toughness
06:39 Balancing Expectations and Realities in Youth Sports
18:40 The Role of Mental Performance in Baseball
26:09 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball Quotes Discussion
34:09 Conclusion and Farewell

Local Baseball Legend Ace Adams

 
In this episode of the Base Path Podcast, hosted by Dan Guttenplan, the guest is renowned New England baseball figure Ace Adams. Inducted into the Cape League Hall of Fame, Ace discusses his extensive career as a pitching instructor, including his time with the Boston Red Sox and the New England Roughnecks. The conversation delves into the current state of travel baseball, the emphasis on velocity over control, and the risks of over-pitching young players. Ace shares insights on the financial costs of competitive baseball, recruiting trends influenced by the transfer portal and NIL money, and his own coaching philosophy focused on fundamentals and player protection. The episode also includes anecdotes about baseball legends like Derek Jeter and Tom Brady, and reflections on the changing dynamics of professional and college baseball.
 
Topics
 
00:55 The State of Travel Baseball
01:50 Challenges in Youth Baseball
03:47 Financial Barriers in Baseball
04:57 Impact of Transfer Portal and NIL in College Baseball
06:15 Cape League Memories and Changes
09:12 Recruiting Derek Jeter and Tom Brady
12:20 Teaching Cliff Lee the Cutter
15:08 Roger Clemens and Tom Seaver's Influence
17:03 The Mental Makeup of Dustin Pedroia
18:17 Coaching Philosophy for High School Pitchers
20:33 Dealing with Parents and Pitching Strategies
21:56 Reflecting on a Career in Baseball
24:22 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball Quotes
29:35 Cape League Hall of Fame and Closing Remarks

Vanderbilt Asst. Coach Jayson King

In this episode of the Base Path Podcast, brought to you by New England Baseball Journal, newly appointed Vanderbilt assistant coach Jayson King joins the show. King, previously the head coach of the Dayton Flyers since 2008, shares his experiences and insights about his new role under head coach Tim Corbin at Vanderbilt. He discusses the challenges and opportunities of transitioning from a head coach to an assistant coach at a top-level program. The conversation also touches on the impact of the transfer portal and NIL money on college baseball, his relationship with Tim Corbin, and the recruitment strategy at Vanderbilt. The episode concludes with a segment called 'Three Up, Three Down,' where King answers fun and thought-provoking questions.
 
Topics
00:31 Transition to Vanderbilt: Coach King's Journey
01:38 State of College Baseball and Mid-Majors
02:57 Relationship with Tim Corbin
03:55 High Stakes at Vanderbilt
05:32 Recruiting and NIL Money
13:34 Impact of Transfer Portal
17:11 New Leadership at Dayton
18:52 Resources and Facilities at Vanderbilt
25:11 Three Up, Three Down: Fun Q&A
31:15 Conclusion and Farewell

Penn State Coach Mike Gambino

Dan welcomes Mike Gambino to discuss his move from coaching at Boston College to Penn State. They delve into the challenges and differences between the two institutions, highlighting the support from the community and administration at Penn State. Gambino speaks about the success of his first season, the importance of player development, and his approach to the transfer portal. The conversation also touches on recruiting strategies, the future of the Big Ten Conference, and personal anecdotes, including experiences with leaving BC and special memories involving his dad. The episode wraps up with a fun 'Three Up, Three Down' segment discussing knuckleballs, steals of home, and the best World Series memories.
Topics
00:42 Transition from Boston College to Penn State
03:04 Experiences and Challenges at Penn State
06:17 First Season Performance and Expectations
08:44 Establishing Leadership and Trust
12:56 Leaving Boston College and Family Considerations
16:02 Big Ten vs ACC: Comparisons and Future Outlook
19:41 Recruiting Strategies and New England Connections
20:30 Pennsylvania's Baseball Passion
21:10 Recruiting Strategies and Successes
22:20 Coaching Transitions and Reflections
24:41 The Changing Landscape of College Baseball
27:19 Transfer Portal Strategies
29:19 Three Up, Three Down: Fun Baseball Questions
34:16 Memorable World Series Moments
37:53 Conclusion and Farewell