This week’s ABCA Podcast was recorded on location from Cary, North Carolina, at the NCAA Division II World Series.

Since 2009, the city of Cary has hosted the NCAA Division II World Series and has become one of the premier championship destinations in college baseball.

To capture as many conversations as possible, we’re splitting our coverage into two episodes. In Part II, we sit down with:

These coaches share insights on navigating the postseason, building championship-caliber programs, and competing on one of the biggest stages in Division II baseball.

A special congratulations to ABCA Member Joe Urso and the University of Tampa on capturing a third consecutive NCAA Division II National Championship. The title was Urso’s eighth national championship, further cementing his place among the most accomplished coaches in college baseball history.

 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.

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Cary, NC has been the premier home of the NCAA Div. II Baseball National Finals since 2009, hosting the championship event nearly every year at the USA Baseball National Training Complex.

This will be part I of on-location episodes we will hear from Catawba’s Jim Gantt, Point Loma’s Justin James, UT-Tyler’s Brent Porche and Tampa University’s Joe Urso. Congrats to Tampa University’s Joe Urso for winning his eighth NCAA Div. II Championship and an unprecedented 3-Peat. As always, I appreciate the coaches for taking time out of their schedules to sit down with me.

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

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This week’s ABCA Podcast was recorded on location from Lewiston, Idaho, at the NAIA World Series.

The ABCA and the Lewiston community continued one of the tournament’s great traditions by hosting a youth baseball clinic the night before the tournament began, welcoming more than 500 young players this year. The opening ceremonies before Friday night’s final game also remain one of the most unique and memorable traditions in college baseball.

For 24 years, Lewis-Clark State and the city of Lewiston have hosted the NAIA National Tournament, creating one of the best championship environments in the game.

To capture as many conversations as possible, we’re splitting our coverage into two episodes. In Part II, we sit down with:

A special congratulations to ABCA Member Billy Berry and Tennessee Wesleyan on capturing their third NAIA National Championship.

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’s ABCA Podcast was recorded on location from Lewiston, Idaho, at the NAIA World Series.

The ABCA and the Lewiston community continued one of the tournament’s great traditions by hosting a youth baseball clinic the night before the tournament began, welcoming more than 500 young players this year. The opening ceremonies before Friday night’s final game also remain one of the most unique and memorable traditions in college baseball.

For 24 years, Lewis-Clark State and the city of Lewiston have hosted the NAIA National Tournament, creating one of the best championship environments in the game.

To capture as many conversations as possible, we’re splitting our coverage into two episodes. In Part I, we sit down with:

A special congratulations to Billy Berry and Tennessee Wesleyan on capturing their third NAIA National Championship.

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.

We’re continuing our discussion from last week's episode as we hand the microphone back over to Tyrone Brooks for Part II of our two-part mental health series. Brooks is a key member of the ABCA’s Frank Robinson BATS (Building Accessibility Through Support) Committee and serves as Senior Director of Workforce Development for Major League Baseball.

Joining him for this important conversation this week are Dr. Yarlie Nicolas and James Jones. Dr. Nicolas is a Human Performance Consultant and Mental Health Strategist who works with leaders, athletes, and organizations to thrive in high-performance environments while prioritizing mental well-being. Jones, a former Major League player, now serves as Mental Performance Coordinator for the Texas Rangers, helping athletes develop the mental skills necessary to perform at their best.

Together, they explore the challenges of maintaining mental health in competitive environments, the importance of support systems, and practical ways to prioritize well-being while pursuing excellence.

As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode serves as an important reminder that none of us are alone. If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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.

We’re doing something a little different on this week’s ABCA Podcast as we hand the microphone over to Tyrone Brooks for Part II of our two-part mental health series. Brooks is a key member of the ABCA’s Frank Robinson BATS (Building Accessibility Through Support) Committee and serves as Senior Director of Workforce Development for Major League Baseball.

Joining him for this important conversation are Jadyn Lewis and Travis Snider. Lewis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who is a Mental Health Counselor at the University of Missouri. Providing mental health services to student-athletes in need of support. Snider is a former big leaguer who is now the CEO of 3A Athletics, a company dedicated to helping the parents of young athletes, organizations and clubs and youth athletes.

Together, they explore the challenges of maintaining mental health in competitive environments, the importance of support systems, and practical ways to prioritize well-being while pursuing excellence.

As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode serves as an important reminder that none of us are alone. If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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.

Today’s ABCA Podcast guest is one of the baseball minds behind one of the most respected player development turnarounds in modern Major League Baseball.

Kyle Stark spent years helping shape the Pittsburgh Pirates (07’-19’) organization, serving as Director of Player Development before rising to Assistant General Manager and Vice President/Assistant GM. During that stretch, he played a major role in rebuilding the Pirates’ farm system and helping guide the club back into postseason contention in the mid-2010s.

Before his time in Pittsburgh, Stark also worked in baseball operations with the Cleveland Indians (04’-07’), building a reputation as a thoughtful leader with a deep understanding of organizational development, culture, and talent growth.

But what makes Stark’s perspective unique is that his work extends far beyond baseball. Since leaving the Pirates organization, Stark’s transitioned into leadership coaching and consulting, helping teams, businesses, and organizations build stronger cultures, improve communication, and maximize performance with his company Stark Contrast.

From player development and front office strategy to leadership and culture-building, this conversation is packed with insight for coaches, athletes, executives, and anyone interested in building winning organizations.

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:
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Today’s ABCA Podcast guest is one of the most beloved personalities to ever step on a Major League field.

A three-time MLB All-Star and 12-year big league veteran, Sean Casey—better known as ‘The Mayor’—built a reputation not just for his bat, but for the way he connected with everyone around him. From his standout years with the Cincinnati Reds to stints with the Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, and Boston Red Sox, Casey was one of the purest hitters and most respected teammates in the game.

Off the field, that same energy carried over. Since retiring, Casey’s become a staple on MLB Network, sharing insight and passion for the game, and even stepped into the dugout as the New York Yankees’ hitting coach in 2023.

Casey is the host of ‘The Mayor’s Office,’ where he brings that same charisma into conversations with athletes, entertainers, and leaders from all walks of life. Known as one of the friendliest guys in baseball, Casey brings knowledge, authenticity, and a whole lot of energy to everything he does.

Casey also has an 8-week mental performance program out now, Breakthrough Pro, you can find that at breakthrough-pro.com.

Baseball is a story told across generations — through the players, the moments, and the gloves that shape the game. Now, that story comes to life in Rawlings’ "The Finest in the Field" book, available now for pre-sale at Rawlings.com! Each of the 50 gloves is presented through detailed photography and paired with immersive essays that place the artifact within its historical context. Captivating imagery, period advertisements, and additional memorabilia further illuminate the era each glove represents.Reserve your copy today at Rawlings.com and be among the first to experience baseball’s evolution as told through the story of these iconic gloves.

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

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Today’s ABCA Podcast guest is at the forefront of research where nutrition, exercise, and cutting-edge science all collide. We’re joined by Dr. Catherine Saenz, Assistant Professor at Ohio State University, whose work focuses on how training and nutrition influence the molecular mechanisms behind energy metabolism. Her research tackles big questions around optimizing performance, recovery, and long-term health, with a strong emphasis on moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches. Dr. Saenz is leading the charge toward personalized performance strategies, helping athletes better understand how to fuel and recover based on their individual needs. Her experience includes working with collegiate baseball players and professionally with the Cleveland Guardians, bringing real-world application to her scientific expertise. In this episode, we dive into a wide range of topics including nutrition timing, recovery strategies, metabolic health, and how coaches and players can better align training with fueling to maximize results.

Baseball is a story told across generations — through the players, the moments, and the gloves that shape the game. Now, that story comes to life in Rawlings’ "The Finest in the Field" book, available now for pre-sale at Rawlings.com! Each of the 50 gloves is presented through detailed photography and paired with immersive essays that place the artifact within its historical context. Captivating imagery, period advertisements, and additional memorabilia further illuminate the era each glove represents.Reserve your copy today at Rawlings.com and be among the first to experience baseball’s evolution as told through the story of these iconic gloves.

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/abca1945

Today’s ABCA Podcast guest is a leader, builder, and one of the driving forces behind player development and culture in Midwest baseball and fastpitch.

Jake Banwart is the Co-Owner and President of BAMFAM, where he wears multiple hats—from Director of Operations to Infield and Mindset Coordinator, all while leading teams like the BAM 2029 Signature squad and FAM 11U Prime.

Banwart is also the Co-Owner of The Lab Sports Performance, continuing his work in developing athletes both physically and mentally, and serves as President of Midwest Ghost National, where he coaches at the 2029 level.

Banwart built a reputation as a winning high school coach. At Perry Meridian, he led the program to multiple county championship appearances and the winningest three-year stretch in school history. He also made history at Liberty Christian with the program’s only conference championship and single season wins record, and was part of a state championship staff at Daleville.

Known for his focus on culture, mindset, and infield development, Banwart brings a unique, holistic approach to building athletes and teams.

Baseball is a story told across generations — through the players, the moments, and the gloves that shape the game. Now, that story comes to life in Rawlings’ "The Finest in the Field" book, available now for pre-sale at Rawlings.com! Each of the 50 gloves is presented through detailed photography and paired with immersive essays that place the artifact within its historical context. Captivating imagery, period advertisements, and additional memorabilia further illuminate the era each glove represents.Reserve your copy today at Rawlings.com and be among the first to experience baseball’s evolution as told through the story of these iconic gloves.

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/abca1945