Episodes

  • Kevin McMullan - ABCA NCAA Div. I Assistant Coach of the Year, Kevin McMullan - University of Virginia
    Nov 18 2024

    Now entering his 22nd season as Associate Head Coach at the University of Virginia, McMullan has been instrumental in building one of the most consistent programs in NCAA Division I baseball. With his leadership, the Cavaliers have achieved a National Championship in 2015, seven College World Series appearances, and 17 NCAA Regional appearances, amassing 886 wins. The ABCA Assistant Coach of the Year is renowned as one of the best recruiters and developers in the game and has guided over 100 players to professional contracts, with 52 UVA position players selected in the MLB Draft—17 of whom reached the big leagues. Before UVA, McMullan coached professionally in the Braves organization and collegiately at East Carolina, St. John’s, and his alma mater, IUP.

    Tune in for insights on recruitment, player development, and the secrets behind building a powerhouse program.

    The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

    This episode is supported by VELO Sports. Take your game and your bat speed to the next level with VELO Sports. With over 10 years of experience in speed training, VELO Sports has released the easiest and fastest way to help all players increase bat speed. VELO Sports is used by MLB organizations and Collegiate teams who know that bat speed is a true game changer. Check out VELO’s innovative bat speed training system and removable Puck Knob Tech today at www.velosports.com.

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    59 mins
  • Alex Backhaus - ABCA NCAA Div. II Assistant Coach of the Year
    Nov 11 2024

    Backhaus recently completed his seventh season at the University of Central Missouri, leading the Mules to an impressive 52-10 record and a trip to the NCAA Div. II College World Series, which earned him Assistant Coach of the Year honors. Known for their powerful offense, the Mules scored 662 runs, hit 126 home runs, and stole 197 bases while maintaining a .982 fielding percentage. Under Backhaus' leadership, Central Missouri has made NCAA Regionals every year, with three World Series appearances. A former player at William Jewell College, Backhaus has also coached at Ottawa, KCKCC, and Lindenwood.

    This episode dives into practice strategies, recruiting, and player development—get your pad and pen ready for some valuable insights!

    The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

    This episode is supported by VELO Sports. Take your game and your bat speed to the next level with VELO Sports. With over 10 years of experience in speed training, VELO Sports has released the easiest and fastest way to help all players increase bat speed. VELO Sports is used by MLB organizations and Collegiate teams who know that bat speed is a true game changer. Check out VELO’s innovative bat speed training system and removable Puck Knob Tech today at www.velosports.com.

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • John Kremer - Minor League Rehab Coordinator, New York Yankees
    Nov 4 2024

    John Kremer has been with the Yankees organization since 1999, originally signing as a pitcher out of the University of Evansville after being drafted three times. Following five seasons on the mound in the Yankees’ minor league system, he transitioned to scouting and front office roles, ultimately taking on the position of Director of Performance Science in 2016. Now as the Minor League Rehab Coordinator, Kremer shares his insights on keeping players healthy and maximizing performance.

    The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

    This episode is supported by VELO Sports. Take your game and your bat speed to the next level with VELO Sports. With over 10 years of experience in speed training, VELO Sports has released the easiest and fastest way to help all players increase bat speed. VELO Sports is used by MLB organizations and Collegiate teams who know that bat speed is a true game changer. Check out VELO’s innovative bat speed training system and removable Puck Knob Tech today at www.velosports.com.

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    1 hr
  • Jimmy Filingeri - Head Baseball Coach, Our Lady of Lourdes High School (NY)
    Oct 28 2024

    This week on the ABCA Podcast, we return to youth baseball with Jimmy Filingeri, head coach at Our Lady of Lourdes High School (NY) and host of the Clearing the Bases Podcast.

    Filingeri brings a wealth of experience from his work with Evolution Baseball Club and his contributions to ABCA’s Inside Pitch Magazine, the Youth Baseball Committee, and the upcoming Youth Baseball Summit in November.

    In this episode, we talk practice planning for youth baseball, covering effective strategies and insights to help young players develop their skills and love for the game.

    The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

    This episode is supported by VELO Sports. Take your game and your bat speed to the next level with VELO Sports. With over 10 years of experience in speed training, VELO Sports has released the easiest and fastest way to help all players increase bat speed. VELO Sports is used by MLB organizations and Collegiate teams who know that bat speed is a true game changer. Check out VELO’s innovative bat speed training system and removable Puck Knob Tech today at www.velosports.com.

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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Troy Marrow - Academy Coordinator, Futures Training Center
    Oct 21 2024

    A four-year letterwinner at NC Central, Marrow served as captain of the baseball team for three seasons before transitioning into coaching at his alma mater, where he also earned a master’s degree in athletic administration. He later spent a season at George Washington University before moving into professional baseball, working in the San Francisco Giants front office for two years and serving as the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league fundamentals coach from 2021 to 2023. Now, Marrow serves as Academy Coordinator at Futures Training Center, a facility in Corona, California that is focused on developing baseball and softball athletes’ physicality and skills through the use of technology and data to inform training decisions, while also being the Founder of Above the Shoulders, a baseball training organization that provides coaching, camps, and consulting, focused on player development both physically and mentally.

    In this episode, Coach Marrow dives into infield development, discussing key techniques and strategies for coaching at all levels.

    The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

    This episode is supported by VELO Sports. Take your game and your bat speed to the next level with VELO Sports. With over 10 years of experience in speed training, VELO Sports has released the easiest and fastest way to help all players increase bat speed. VELO Sports is used by MLB organizations and Collegiate teams who know that bat speed is a true game changer. Check out VELO’s innovative bat speed training system and removable Puck Knob Tech today at www.velosports.com.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Jim Schwanke - Agent, The Ballengee Group
    Oct 14 2024

    This week on the ABCA Podcast, we welcome Jim Schwanke, agent at the Ballengee Group and former college baseball coach. Schwanke brings a wealth of experience to the table, having coached at powerhouse programs Oklahoma State and LSU. His offensive strategies were instrumental in LSU’s back-to-back National Championships in 1996 and 1997, where he coined the term "Gorilla Ball." Schwanke revolutionized hitting with his B.L.A.S.T. (Base, Leverage, Arms, Speed, Timing) system, which changed the way hitting was taught in the mid to late '90s and early 2000s. Now an agent and co-host of the Baseball Forward Podcast, Schwanke shares his insights on the evolution of the game, player development, and the transition from coaching to representing athletes.The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more. This episode is supported by VELO Sports. Take your game and your bat speed to the next level with VELO Sports. With over 10 years of experience in speed training, VELO Sports has released the easiest and fastest way to help all players increase bat speed. VELO Sports is used by MLB organizations and Collegiate teams who know that bat speed is a true game changer. Check out VELO’s innovative bat speed training system and removable Puck Knob Tech today at www.velosports.com.

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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Ty Gillum - Head Coach, Savannah Bananas
    Oct 7 2024

    A 16-year continuous ABCA member, Gillum has been a key figure in the ABCA Convention, frequently moderating the Infield Hot Stove. Since taking over as head coach of the Bananas in 2018, Gillum has guided the team to back-to-back CPL Championships in 2021 and 2022, while also seeing over 20 players drafted into MLB.

    Now fully embracing the excitement of Banana Ball, Gillum leads a team that has sold over a million tickets and sold out MLB stadiums across the country. With a personal mission of "Positively Impacting a Million Lives," Gillum's passion and infectious personality are evident in everything he does.

    In this episode, we explore the Bananas' "Fan First" approach and their recently announced 40-date tour. Tune in for an engaging conversation on building a culture of fun and success, both on and off the field!

    The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

    This episode is brought to you by Driveline Baseball. Ready to take your pitchers' workload management to the next level? Meet PULSE from Driveline Baseball—a wearable sensor that goes beyond basic pitch counts to precisely measure every throw. PULSE tracks both the number and intensity of throws, providing invaluable data. Trusted by MLB teams like the Cincinnati Reds, top college programs, and athletes at all levels, PULSE is transforming how pitching workloads are managed. With the PULSE Team Dashboard, you can make data-driven decisions to optimize training and prevent injuries. Visit drivelinebaseball.com/pulse to revolutionize your pitching staff's development and health today.

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    59 mins
  • Tyrone Brooks - MLB Senior Director of the Front Office and Field Staff Diversity Pipeline Program
    Sep 30 2024

    With 29 years of experience in professional baseball, Tyrone Brooks began his career with support from Hank Aaron and the Atlanta Braves after graduating from the University of Maryland.

    Known for his commitment to "paying it forward," Brooks has been instrumental in helping countless individuals begin their careers in professional baseball. His influence extends to the ABCA, where he played a key role in the formation of the Diversity in Baseball Committee and continues to contribute at the annual Diversity in Baseball Workshops at the ABCA Convention.

    In this episode, Tyrone shares valuable advice on advancing your career and what it takes to succeed in the world of professional baseball.

    The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

    This episode is brought to you by Driveline Baseball. Ready to take your pitchers' workload management to the next level? Meet PULSE from Driveline Baseball—a wearable sensor that goes beyond basic pitch counts to precisely measure every throw. PULSE tracks both the number and intensity of throws, providing invaluable data. Trusted by MLB teams like the Cincinnati Reds, top college programs, and athletes at all levels, PULSE is transforming how pitching workloads are managed. With the PULSE Team Dashboard, you can make data-driven decisions to optimize training and prevent injuries. Visit drivelinebaseball.com/pulse to revolutionize your pitching staff's development and health today.

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    1 hr and 16 mins