Continuing our 2026 ABCA Hall of Fame Class podcasts, this week’s ABCA Podcast features Steve Ruzich, the legendary head coach of South Suburban College (IL). For more than 40 years, Ruzich has been the face of the Bulldogs’ baseball program, building one of the most successful legacies in NJCAA history.

With a career record of 1,385-817 (.629) through 2025, Ruzich ranks fifth all-time in wins among NJCAA coaches. Under his leadership, South Suburban has claimed 15 regional championships, made two NJCAA World Series appearances, and earned nine regional runner-up finishes.

The Bulldogs’ best season came in 2005, when they posted a school-record 51 wins and a .823 winning percentage. Ruzich has been named NJCAA Region IV Coach of the Year 14 times and has coached numerous players who advanced to professional baseball, including Tony Cingrani and Rob Mackowiak.

A 2014 NJCAA Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame inductee, Ruzich was also recognized among the inaugural recipients of the NJCAA Coaches Legacy Awards in 2025—honoring the all-time winningest coaches in NJCAA history.

In this episode, Coach Ruzich reflects on four decades of building teams, developing players, and leaving a lasting impact on the game and community he’s served so passionately.

New ABCA Podcast sponsor, Driveline, are long time friends and I have used many of their products when I was coaching and in youth camps now. If you want to truly optimize your pitchers' workload? PULSE from Driveline Baseball takes simple pitch counts to the next level. PULSE is a wearable sensor that precisely measures every throw your pitchers make on a daily basis. PULSE tracks both throw count and throw intensity.Trusted by MLB orginizations like the Cincinnati Reds, elite college programs, and individual athletes at all levels, PULSE is changing the way throwing workload is managed. With the PULSE Team Dashboard, you'll be able to make data-driven usage decisions to optimize training and injury prevention for your entire team. Visit drivelinebaseball.com/pulse to revolutionize your pitching staff's development and health today.

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.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:
https://abca.castos.com
https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

Kicking off our 2026 ABCA Hall of Fame Class interviews is Florida Atlantic University head coach and ABCA First Vice President, John McCormack.

McCormack completed his 17th year at Florida Atlantic University as head coach in 2025, and 35th season with the program. He had previously served 11 years as associate head coach and seven years as an assistant coach, beginning in 1991.

The Owls finished 37-21 overall and fourth in league play in their second year as a member of the American Athletic Conference. Coach Mac has led FAU to four regular season conference championships (C-USA: 2016 & 2019, SBC: 2010 & 2012) and one postseason conference championship (SBC: 2013). The Owls have qualified for NCAA Regionals six times (2010, '13, '15, '16, '18, '19) in the McCormack era.

Since 2009, 13 Owls have earned All-American honors, and 21 have earned All-Region honors and a total of 105 FAU players that McCormack has recruited or coached at FAU have continued their professional careers. Additionally, 33 of the 36 draftees were not drafted out of high school, continuing McCormack’s outstanding track record of developing players after they come to Boca Raton.

A big part of FAU’s success has been that passion for the Boca Raton area and the university, allowing the program to attract some of the best players in Florida. FAU’s baseball program has been built around the premise that McCormack would find athletes with the desire to win, the coaching staff would develop talent and the players would become better.

This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.
Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.
And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”
Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.
If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.
Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com.

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.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:
https://abca.castos.com
https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Kermit Smith, head coach at Appalachian State University, whose leadership and steady influence have made him one of the most respected coaches in collegiate baseball.

Smith recently completed his ninth season at App State (2025), where he continues to guide the Mountaineers with integrity and purpose. Before arriving in Boone, he led programs at Lander University (S.C.) and Belmont Abbey College (N.C.), taking both to the NCAA Division II College World Series—a rare accomplishment that speaks to his ability to build successful cultures wherever he goes.

With over 600 career victories and three ABCA Regional Coach of the Year honors, Smith’s influence stretches beyond wins and losses. He’s served in leadership roles across his programs and conferences, including chairing the coaches’ council at Belmont Abbey, and was recognized with the 2024 App State FCA Influence Award for his mentorship and faith-driven leadership.

In this episode, Smith shares insights on culture, consistency, and connection—plus his experience coaching in USA Baseball’s Prospect Development Pipeline League in 2022. It’s a conversation filled with heart, humility, and practical takeaways for coaches at every level.

This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.
Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.
And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”
Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.
If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.
Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com.

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.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Tom Griffin, one of the most respected catching instructors and collegiate coaches in the game. Griffin just completed his 20th season leading the Carson-Newman program and has amassed 746 career wins over his 28 years in college coaching.

A true authority in catching instruction, Griffin is a staple at national events such as CatcherCon and has been a featured clinician at four ABCA Conventions. He also contributed his expertise as a coach in the Prospect Development Pipeline League from 2021 to 2023.

Beyond the diamond, Griffin serves as Assistant Athletic Director for Coaching Development at Carson-Newman, reflecting his commitment not only to players but to advancing the craft of coaching itself. In 2024, his career was recognized with induction into the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

This episode is packed with wisdom on player development, leadership, and the art of catching. Get your pen and notebook ready—Coach Griffin embodies what it means to be a lifelong learner who continues to evolve with the game.

This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.
Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.
And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”
Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.
If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.
Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com.

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 week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Pat Doyle, the distinguished recipient of the 2026 ABCA/Wilson Lefty Gomez Award. Named after the legendary Lefty Gomez, this honor is presented annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to baseball locally, nationally, and internationally—and Doyle’s career epitomizes that standard.

Doyle’s coaching journey began while still a student at Fresno State, where he took a medical hardship year and stepped into coaching. He went on to lead programs at Lodi and Tokay High Schools before spending 23 seasons at San Joaquin Delta College, guiding the Mustangs to 17 3C2A playoff appearances.

Beyond the U.S., Doyle has left a tremendous mark internationally through the MLB Envoy program, as well as coaching and managing the national teams for Ireland, Great Britain, and Israel. His impact has been recognized at the highest level—he was inducted into the ABCA Hall of Fame in 2019, and now receives one of the association’s most prestigious honors.

This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.
Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.
And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”
Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.
If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.
Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com.

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.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcast

Joining us this week on the ABCA Podcast is Oscar Reed, Recruiting Coordinator and Pitching Coach at Alcorn State University. Reed joined the Braves’ staff this summer after two seasons at Alvin Junior College, continuing a coaching career that has spanned high school, junior college, travel baseball, and now the NCAA Division I level.

Reed’s path has taken him from Crescent City Baptist High School in 2010 to Prairie View A&M, Leesville High School, and on the travel side with Twelve Baseball and the Houston Wildcatters. He’s also navigated time in the corporate world, working at Eaton Corporation, Richard Wayne & Robert, and NBC affiliate KPRC2, before fully committing to life in baseball.

In this episode, Reed opens up about the challenges and sacrifices of staying in coaching, while offering valuable insight on recruiting, pitching development, and building opportunities for players at every level.

This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.
Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.
And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”
Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.
If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.
Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com.

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.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

Baltimore Orioles Minor League Hitting Coach, Jake Ratz, joins the ABCA Podcast this week. Ratz joined the Orioles Organization in December of 2022 coaching in the Dominican Summer League. This past season Ratz coached in the Florida Coast League.

Ratz got his coaching start collegiately where he started his collegiate playing career at Ellsworth Community College. Other stops along his coaching journey were Southwestern Community College, Iowa Western, Butler University and Upper Iowa University. Ratz also spent summers coaching in the Northwoods, Prospect and MINK Leagues.

This episode is a deep dive in to coaching this generation of hitters. This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.
Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.
And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”
Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.
If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.
Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com.

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.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:
https://abca.castos.com
https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by John Vodenlich, head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, member of the 2024 ABCA Hall of Fame Class, and the 2025 ABCA/ATEC NCAA Div. III Coach of the Year.

Vodenlich has turned UW-Whitewater into a perennial powerhouse, leading the Warhawks to three national championships (2005, 2014, 2025). His 2025 squad was one of the most dominant in program history, finishing 49-6 while posting video game numbers with a .364 team batting average and a 3.36 ERA.

In this episode, Coach Vodenlich shares the culture and coaching principles that have fueled Whitewater’s success, along with invaluable lessons for both life and baseball.

This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.
Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.
And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”
Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.
If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.
Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com.

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.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

Next up on the ABCA Podcast, we’re highlighting another of our ABCA/ATEC Coaches of the Year with John Knott, head coach at Mount San Antonio College and the 2025 ABCA/ATEC Pacific Association Division Coach of the Year.

Knott guided Mt. SAC to a historic season in 2025, capturing the 3C2A Championship for the first time in 60 years. The Mounties finished with an incredible 45-6 record, including 22-2 in conference play, cementing themselves among the best teams in the country.

Since taking over the program in 2016, Knott has built Mt. SAC into a consistent contender, carrying over his winning pedigree from Bonita High School, where he led the team to its first CIF Championship since 1951 and six straight league titles from 2009–2014.

In this episode, Knott reflects on his program-building approach, the culture behind Mt. SAC’s title run, and lessons learned from both the high school and college levels.

This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.
Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.
And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”
Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.
If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.
Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com.

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.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Jim Koerner, USA Baseball’s Director of Player Development. In his role, Koerner oversees on-field programming for six national teams and three national development programs.

Since taking over the position in 2021, Koerner has brought a wealth of coaching experience from his time leading and assisting collegiate programs at North Carolina Central University, University of Buffalo, Marshall University, Monmouth University, and Medaille University.

In this episode, Koerner shares practical development tips from training approaches to mental skills and long-term growth that can help players, coaches, and parents at any level.

This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.
Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.
And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”
Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.
If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.
Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com.

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.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945