Next up on the ABCA Podcast is Kansas City Royals Executive Vice President & General Manager J.J. Picollo, who just wrapped up one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Major League Baseball history. Under his leadership, the Royals posted an 86-76 record in 2024—30 wins better than the previous season—earning a postseason berth and making Picollo the runner-up for MLB Executive of the Year.

In this episode, Picollo dives into the Royals’ recent success, including the offseason investments that helped spark the turnaround, such as the franchise-record extension for Bobby Witt Jr. and a league-leading $110M spent on free agents. We also discuss his 19-year journey with the Royals, his emphasis on player development, and how his early coaching days at George Mason and George Washington shaped his leadership style. Picollo offers a unique look into managing a staff, creating organizational alignment, and building a sustainable, winning culture from the ground up.

A “unicorn” in every sense of the word, Rawlings’ new limited-edition Icon Electric Unicorn BBCOR bat’s performance is fully charged and will leave the competition mystified! Its seamless, two-piece carbon construction maximizes barrel size while maintaining optimal stiffness and increased trampoline. With a balanced swing weight and slight end load, the Unicorn is best for athletes seeking speed thru the zone. Electrify your swing with the all-new Rawlings Icon Electric Unicorn bat!

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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This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Rob Ducey, a 13-year MLB veteran and 2013 inductee into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. Ducey broke into the big leagues in 1987 with the Toronto Blue Jays and wrapped up his playing career with the Montreal Expos in 2001. In 2004, he made history as the first Canadian to play for Team Canada, the Blue Jays, and the Expos.

In this episode, Ducey shares what it takes to hit at the Major League level, lessons from his playing days, and how he’s using those experiences to develop high school players in Florida today. We also touch on his work as a scout and his role with Core Energy Belt.

A “unicorn” in every sense of the word, Rawlings’ new limited-edition Icon Electric Unicorn BBCOR bat’s performance is fully charged and will leave the competition mystified! Its seamless, two-piece carbon construction maximizes barrel size while maintaining optimal stiffness and increased trampoline. With a balanced swing weight and slight end load, the Unicorn is best for athletes seeking speed thru the zone. Electrify your swing with the all-new Rawlings Icon Electric Unicorn bat!

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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Few coaches in college baseball have had the kind of long-term impact Mike Birkbeck has made at Kent State. Since becoming Associate Head Coach in 2004, Birkbeck has helped guide the Golden Flashes to 10 MAC regular season titles, 10 MAC Tournament championships, and 10 NCAA Regional appearances. Widely respected as one of the top pitching minds in NCAA Division I baseball, Birkbeck brings decades of playing and coaching experience to the mound.

In this episode, Birkbeck shares his philosophy on pitching development, program-building, and preparing players for the next level. With 53 former players going on to sign professional contracts—including big leaguers Andrew Chafin and Eric Lauer—his track record speaks for itself. Whether you’re a coach or a pitcher, this is a masterclass in long-term development and consistency.

A “unicorn” in every sense of the word, Rawlings’ new limited-edition Icon Electric Unicorn BBCOR bat’s performance is fully charged and will leave the competition mystified! Its seamless, two-piece carbon construction maximizes barrel size while maintaining optimal stiffness and increased trampoline. With a balanced swing weight and slight end load, the Unicorn is best for athletes seeking speed thru the zone. Electrify your swing with the all-new Rawlings Icon Electric Unicorn bat!

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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Virginia Tech associate head coach and recruiting coordinator Kurt Elbin has built one of the most explosive offenses in college baseball. Now in his seventh season with the Hokies, Elbin has helped shape a lineup that consistently ranks among the nation’s best in key offensive categories. Through 17 games this season, Tech’s hitters have posted a .314 batting average, 151 runs scored, 50 doubles, 21 home runs, and a .971 OPS—numbers that reflect Elbin’s expertise in hitting development and player recruitment.

In this episode, Elbin breaks down his approach to coaching hitters, the keys to developing a dynamic offense, and his experience recruiting across Division I, II, and III. From his early coaching days at Shippensburg and Thiel College to his success at VCU and Virginia Tech, he shares invaluable insights on building a winning program, hitting and player development!

A “unicorn” in every sense of the word, Rawlings’ new limited-edition Icon Electric Unicorn BBCOR bat’s performance is fully charged and will leave the competition mystified! Its seamless, two-piece carbon construction maximizes barrel size while maintaining optimal stiffness and increased trampoline. With a balanced swing weight and slight end load, the Unicorn is best for athletes seeking speed thru the zone. Electrify your swing with the all-new Rawlings Icon Electric Unicorn bat!

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

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With 29 seasons at the helm of Catawba College baseball, Jim Gantt has built one of the premier programs in NCAA Division II. A three-time ABCA Region Coach of the Year and 12-time Conference Coach of the Year, Gantt has led the Catawba Indians to multiple national semifinal appearances, including an impressive 2024 season where his squad earned the program’s first-ever NCAA Regional hosting opportunity and finished the year ranked No. 3 in the country.

In this episode, Gantt shares insights into sustaining success at the collegiate level, building championship-caliber teams, and the coaching philosophies that have kept Catawba at the top of the game for nearly three decades. A member of the Catawba Sports Hall of Fame, Gantt’s leadership continues to shape the future of the program and the players who come through it.

A “unicorn” in every sense of the word, Rawlings’ new limited-edition Icon Electric Unicorn BBCOR bat’s performance is fully charged and will leave the competition mystified! Its seamless, two-piece carbon construction maximizes barrel size while maintaining optimal stiffness and increased trampoline. With a balanced swing weight and slight end load, the Unicorn is best for athletes seeking speed thru the zone. Electrify your swing with the all-new Rawlings Icon Electric Unicorn bat!

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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This week on the ABCA Podcast, we sit down with 2024 ABCA Pacific Association Assistant Coach of the Year Vince Kolbe, who played a key role in Palomar College’s dominant 2024 season.

With a 36-11 overall record and a 23-2 mark in conference play, Kolbe’s work developing the catching corps and coaching first base has been instrumental in the Comets’ success.

In this episode, Kolbe shares insights into his approach to catcher development, coaching philosophies, and building a winning culture at the JUCO level. We also dive into his coaching journey—from working with hitters and outfielders at Moorpark College to his time at Agoura High School—and how his entrepreneurial mindset translates to success on the field.

A “unicorn” in every sense of the word, Rawlings’ new limited-edition Icon Electric Unicorn BBCOR bat’s performance is fully charged and will leave the competition mystified! Its seamless, two-piece carbon construction maximizes barrel size while maintaining optimal stiffness and increased trampoline. With a balanced swing weight and slight end load, the Unicorn is best for athletes seeking speed thru the zone. Electrify your swing with the all-new Rawlings Icon Electric Unicorn bat!

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

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Fresh off leading Team USA to gold at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup, Bryan Madsen joins the ABCA Podcast to share his journey and insights into coaching young athletes at the highest level. In his first year as 12U National Team Manager, Madsen guided Team USA to an impressive 57-9 run differential, a .357 team batting average, and a dominant 0.86 ERA on the way to the program’s eighth gold medal since 2013.

In this episode, we dive into what it takes to develop elite young talent, Madsen’s experience coaching internationally, and how his background—including six years in the U.S. Marine Corps—has shaped his leadership style. Now in his first season as an assistant coach at Episcopal School of Jacksonville, Madsen continues to make an impact at all levels of the game.

Our sponsor is Core Energy Belt, the trusted choice of professional baseball players in both Japan and the USA. With over 700 professionals, including two former MVPs, relying on these belts, Core Energy has established itself as a leader in performance and durability. I've been wearing their belts for a while now, and the added back support has made a noticeable difference both on and off the field. They offer free shipping and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Go to CoreEnergyBelt.com & use code abca2025 to save 15% on your first purchase.

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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This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Kevin Coe, Cincinnati Reds Academy Director of Baseball and Softball. With a career dedicated to player development, Coe has been instrumental in providing opportunities for young athletes to reach the next level. Before joining the Reds in 2022, he played a key role in building the Chicago White Sox ACE program and working with the Pullman Community Center, helping countless players achieve their dreams of playing college baseball.

In this episode, Coe shares insights into developing young talent, expanding access to the game, and his work with ABCA’s Youth and Travel Committees. As the newly named Chair of the Youth and Travel Service Awards Committee, his impact on the grassroots level of baseball continues to grow.

Our sponsor is Core Energy Belt, the trusted choice of professional baseball players in both Japan and the USA. With over 700 professionals, including two former MVPs, relying on these belts, Core Energy has established itself as a leader in performance and durability. I've been wearing their belts for a while now, and the added back support has made a noticeable difference both on and off the field. They offer free shipping and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Go to CoreEnergyBelt.com & use code abca2025 to save 15% on your first purchase. 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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We continue our discussion on the NCAA Div. I college season preview from yesterday with Baseball America’s Peter Flaherty.

As the 2025 season approaches, Flaherty shares his insights on the teams, players, and storylines that will shape the year ahead. Get ready for opening day with this in-depth look at what’s ahead this season!

Our sponsor is Core Energy Belt, the trusted choice of professional baseball players in both Japan and the USA. With over 700 professionals, including two former MVPs, relying on these belts, Core Energy has established itself as a leader in performance and durability. I've been wearing their belts for a while now, and the added back support has made a noticeable difference both on and off the field. They offer free shipping and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Go to CoreEnergyBelt.com & use code abca2025 to save 15% on your first purchase.

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
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Our college season preview series continues with the powerhouse trio from D1Baseball.com—Kendall Rogers, Aaron Fitt, and Mike Rooney!

In this episode, they provide expert analysis, insider insights, and everything you need to know heading into the 2025 season. We also discuss the ever-changing landscape of NCAA Division I baseball. With the NCAA Div. I season right around the corner, there’s no better way to get ready for opening day!

Our sponsor is Core Energy Belt, the trusted choice of professional baseball players in both Japan and the USA. With over 700 professionals, including two former MVPs, relying on these belts, Core Energy has established itself as a leader in performance and durability. I've been wearing their belts for a while now, and the added back support has made a noticeable difference both on and off the field. They offer free shipping and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Go to CoreEnergyBelt.com & use code abca2025 to save 15% on your first purchase.

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

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

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