New England Baseball Journal’s The Base Path

This episode of the Base Path podcast, hosted by Dan Guttenplan and produced by Seamans Media, features Worcester Academy's baseball coach Mike Abraham. In his first season, Abraham led the team to a central New England Prep League championship. The discussion spans the team's preparation and mindset, contrasting the current season with the previous, and delves into the competitive nature of the New England prep baseball scene. Additionally, insights into the development and scouting of young talent are shared. The podcast also touches on the wider New England baseball landscape, including team strategies, standout players and teams, and the impact of familial sports backgrounds on coaching philosophies.
Topics:
00:15 Introducing Mike Abraham: A Season of Success00:42 The Challenges and Changes of the New Season01:44 Reflecting on Last Year's Tournament and Lessons Learned03:22 Scouting the Competition: Deerfield, Dexter, and Cushing07:13 The Strategy for Playoff Pitching08:13 Managing a Top Prospect: Maverick Rizy's Journey11:19 The Competitive Edge of Cushing Academy12:50 Exploring Prep Baseball and ISL Tournaments14:24 A Unique Training Experience with the Red Sox16:32 Growing Up in a Sports-Driven Family17:51 Looking Ahead: Summer Plans with NAB19:27 Thoughts on Perfect Game and NIL Implications20:15 Wrapping Up and Good Luck Wishes

In this episode of the Base Path Podcast, hosted by Dan Guttenplan and produced by New England Baseball Journal, Avon Old Farms head baseball coach Rob Dowling discusses the key factors behind the substantial success of his team in New England prep baseball. With a history of winning 17 Colonial and Founders League championships since 1996, Coach Dowling shares insights into the team's strong pitching lineup, talent acquisition, and the impact of preseason training in Florida. In addition, the conversation covers the increased competitiveness in prep baseball, the holistic experience offered by Avon Old Farms, player commitments to top colleges like Vanderbilt, and the educational value of athletics. The podcast also delves into baseball rules, coaching philosophies, the use of technology in the sport, and the discussion ends with a playful 'three up, three down' Q&A segment.
00:15 Spotlight on Avon Old Farms' Baseball Success00:50 The Key to Early Season Success02:33 The Impact of the Pandemic on Prep Baseball02:42 Building a Competitive Team: Recruitment and Training05:12 A Closer Look at Avon's Star Players19:41 Navigating the Transfer Portal and College Recruitment22:26 Personal Insights: Coaching Philosophy and Family Life25:06 'Three Up, Three Down': Baseball Memories and Superstitions

In this episode of the Base Path Podcast by New England Baseball Journal, hosted by Dan Guttenplan with MIAA reporter Pat Donnelly, the hosts dive into the first half of the MIAA baseball season. The discussion includes power rankings updates, standout teams and players, a controversy involving Andover and pitcher Chris Gillette, and an in-depth analysis of the top teams across different divisions. They also delve into the intricacies of the MIAA power rankings and make predictions for the season based on current performances. In the 'Three Up, Three Down' segment the hosts tackle unprepared questions about baseball robots, listening to baseball on the radio, and describing baseball to someone unfamiliar with the sport.
Topics
00:32 Mid-Season MIAA Baseball Highlights00:43 The Andover Pitching Controversy 02:33 Power Rankings and Team Performances Discussion04:13 Deep Dive into Divisional Power Rankings05:46 Spotlight on Surprising Teams and Upcoming Contenders11:35 Exploring Division 2 and 3 Standouts15:33 Division 4 and 5 Insights: Teams to Watch17:08 MIAA Player of the Year Contenders and Predictions23:12 Three Up, Three Down: A Fun Q&A Segment

The guest is John West, a senior pitcher from Boston College and a Shrewsbury native. West discusses his final season, reflecting on the team's performance and his own growth. The conversation highlights the impact of the coaching change at BC, West's brief entry into the transfer portal, and his adjustment to a new coaching style. They delve into the significance of the annual ALS awareness game at Fenway Park, sharing West's personal connection to ALS and the broader impact of the Ice Bucket Challenge on ALS awareness. West also comments on the changes in college baseball recruitment and the dynamics of the transfer portal, offering a thoughtful look at the current state of the sport. The exchange concludes with a light-hearted 'three up three down' segment exploring West's baseball journey and memories.
2024 ALS Awareness Game: https://bceagles.com/sports/2024/3/18/2024-als-awareness-game
Topics:
00:11 John West's Stellar Season and Team Dynamics01:13 Navigating Coaching Changes and the Transfer Portal03:35 Adapting to New Coaching Styles and Baseball Strategies05:53 ALS Awareness Game and Personal Connection09:42 The Journey from High School to College Baseball11:53 Reflecting on the Impact of Travel Ball and Legion Ball14:31 Discussing MLB Trends and Injury Concerns17:03 Looking Ahead: Draft Prospects and Career Decisions25:12 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball Favorites and Memories30:16 Closing Thoughts and Podcast Wrap-Up

Coach Eric Cirella of Salve Regina, a top-ranked D3 college baseball program, is the guest. Cirella attributes the team's success to quality recruiting, a talented coaching staff, and the program's development over years. Salve Regina offers a blend of competitive athletics and academic excellence, with Newport, Rhode Island's location being a significant draw.Cirella reflects on his baseball journey, including playing under his father at Salve Regina and his brief stint in professional baseball, which shaped his coaching career. He emphasizes building relationships and adapting coaching strategies from various mentors.The conversation covers Salve Regina's recruiting strategy, focusing on talent that Division I programs overlook, and cultivating a mindset of determination and improvement in athletes.

A comprehensive look ahead at the MIAA season from Dan Guttenplan and Pat Donnelly.

Dan Guttenplan and Pat Donnelly break down the field in prep baseball for the 2024 season.

The guest is Putnam Science Academy Coach Bob Hetu, who has spent the last 29 years as a coach, mentor and on-field fundamental strategist. In 2022 he took over the baseball program at Putnam Science Academy in Putnam, Conn. Hetu previously was head coach in a three-year stint (2019-2021) with St. Thomas More. Putnam Science Academy cut its baseball program in 2013 so Putnam’s arrival in 2022 represented a rebirth.

A 1990 graduate of Princeton University, Matt Noone is in his 22nd season as head coach of Babson's baseball program. In 21 seasons, Noone has won more than 400 games and made seven postseason appearances, which includes leading the Beavers' first trip to the Division III College World Series in 2019. 

The guest is former three-time state champion coach at Lincoln Sudbury Kirk Fredericks, a recent inductee to the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.