New England Baseball Journal’s The Base Path

BC Ace Pitcher John West

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

Salve Regina Coach Eric Cirella

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.

2024 MIAA Preview

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

2024 Prep Preview

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

Putnam Science Coach Bob Hetu

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.

Babson Coach Matt Noone

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. 

Hall of Fame Coach Kirk Fredericks.

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.

College Preview with Jordy Allard

Today, we’re going to preview the college baseball season with former Northeastern University and Cape League pitcher Jordy Allard.
Allard's career accomplishments include:
Former Gatorade Vermont HS Player of the Year
Started college career at SNHU 
Transferred to Babson, where he earned 2021 New England Pitcher of the Year
Transferred to Northeastern, where he posted a 2.16 ERA over 50 innings in 2022.
Earned Cape League’s Top New England Prospect Award in 2022 with Hyannis Harbor Hawks
Finished career last spring in an injury-plagued final season at Northeastern

Cheshire Academy Coach Anthony Giano

Anthony Giano was named the head coach of the varsity baseball program at Cheshire Academy in 2021.
Giano has worked at CA since 2015, including as assistant coach of the varsity and junior varsity baseball programs. He has nearly 30 years of coaching experience.

Phillies GM Sam Fuld

Philadelphia Phillies GM and New Hampshire native Sam Fuld joins the show to talk about offseason moves, the highs and lows of his playing career and the most exciting play in baseball.