ABCA Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vitello led the Tennessee Volunteers to a remarkable 60-13 record, capturing NCAA Division I National Championship in 2024. Under his leadership, the Volunteers have made three College World Series appearances in the last four seasons, solidifying Tennessee as one of the premier programs in Division I baseball. Vitello, who took over the program in 2017, has built a legacy of success, with 17 regional appearances across his 20-year coaching career, including stops at Mizzou, TCU, and Arkansas. Known for his recruiting and player development, Vitello has coached numerous MLB stars such as Ben Joyce, Garrett Crochet, Andrew Benintendi, and Max Scherzer. Vitello will continue the tradition of the national champion kicking off the ABCA Convention Clinics on Friday, January 3, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

Tune in to hear a preview of Vitello's convention talk along with insights on building and maintaining a championship culture.

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.

Joe Urso, a six-time ABCA National Coach of the Year and ten-time ABCA Regional Coach of the Year, has built a legacy as one of the most successful coaches in college baseball. Over 22 seasons as head coach, he has led the University of Tampa to six National Championships, including in 2024, and recently surpassed 1,000 career wins.

The Spartans, the winningest NCAA program of the 2000s, owe much of their success to Urso's leadership. A former Spartan All-American and then professional player in the Los Angeles Angels organization, Urso holds several school records and was inducted into the University of Tampa Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.

In this episode, Coach Urso shares his approach to sustained success, player development, and the leadership that has made him one of the most respected figures in 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 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.

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we're joined by ABCA/ATEC NJCAA Division I Coach of the Year, Dusty Hart, head coach of Blinn College.

Hart led the Buccaneers to a stellar 41-17 record and the National Championship in Grand Junction, Colorado in 2024, marking back-to-back World Series appearances in his first two seasons at Blinn. With two national titles under his belt, including one from his 16-year tenure at Grayson in 2008, Hart has a proven track record of success.

Tune in as Coach Hart shares his insights on what it takes to be a head coach and foster a competitive team culture.

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.