Coaches Corner Podcast

In this episode of Coaches Corner, Walter Beede sits down with Dave Serrano, one of the most respected coaching voices in college baseball and the current head coach at Johnson University. A former Division I head coach at Cal State Fullerton and Tennessee, USA Baseball coach, and longtime leader in the game, Serrano brings unmatched insight into what the modern college baseball landscape truly looks like — especially at the rapidly rising NAIA level.

Walter and Coach Serrano go deep into the realities of today’s college baseball environment: shrinking roster space, increasing physicality requirements, rising skill expectations, and why high school athletes are further behind than ever in instincts, field awareness, and baseball IQ. They discuss the misconceptions families have about the NAIA, the national scope of recruiting, and why the level of play is far higher and deeper than most parents realize.

Serrano also explains:

Why roster competition is now “daily, not seasonal”

How NAIA programs can develop players into higher-level prospects

Why physicality, speed, twitch, and flexibility are non-negotiable

The new December 1st roster decision date and how it will reshape college baseball

How Johnson built a winning culture through structure, accountability, and elite staff

Why recruits must be realistic about their current metrics and timelines

How on-campus workouts with NAIA teams allow coaches to evaluate players differently

This episode delivers straight truth for parents and athletes trying to understand the new recruiting environment — and what it actually takes to get between the lines and stay there.

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Coach Walter Beede welcomes Chris Pollard, Head Coach at the University of Virginia, for a deep dive into the evolving world of college baseball. After 13 seasons at Duke, Pollard returns home to Virginia to lead one of the most tradition-rich programs in the ACC.

They discuss the realities of modern recruiting — from roster crunches and the shrinking MLB Draft to how high school athletes can stand out in an older, more competitive game. Pollard shares practical advice for players and parents on preparation, mindset, and accountability, stressing that success comes from sleep, nutrition, and routine as much as from skill.

You’ll also hear his take on the revival of two-way players, the overlooked value of base running, and how mental training is shaping the next generation of college athletes.

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In this episode of Coach’s Corner, Walter Beede sits down with Frank Holbrook, the new Head Coach at Brown University, to discuss his vision for rebuilding the program, the importance of continuity, and the future of Ivy League baseball.

Coach Holbrook shares insights from his time at Northeastern, explaining why success starts with pitching depth, player development, and staff consistency. He breaks down Brown’s renewed commitment to investing in its coaching staff and creating a culture built on high school recruits — not quick-transfer fixes.

You’ll also hear valuable advice for families on preparing high school players for the transition to college, managing workload, and understanding the recruiting process in the Ivy League — including pre-reads, academic balance, and how Brown’s open curriculum gives student-athletes a unique advantage.

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Presented by:
CorVive — Fuel your game with clean performance nutrition. Get 30% off your first order for new customers at CorVive.com using code BLUEBOOK.
Bluebook Sports — The official directory of college baseball since 1909. Download the app today to connect directly with coaches, programs, and events nationwide.

Episode Overview:

Coach Colbert shares how Williams recruits high-academic student-athletes, what “pre-read” and “early decision” mean, and how Division III baseball has become a true destination for top players seeking both elite academics and high-level competition.

Key Highlights:

🎓 Academics First: Why GPA and test scores are the first “metrics” recruiters check.

🧠 The Pre-Read Process: How admissions vetting works for high-academic programs.

💪 Athletic Standards: What coaches look for beyond stats and showcase results.

💰 Financial Aid, Not Scholarships: Understanding how DIII programs structure support.

⚾ Division III ≠ Drop-off: How NESCAC talent stacks up with D1-level arms and hitters.

🏫 Life at Williams: The unmatched value of a Williams degree and alumni network.

Coach’s Advice:

“Your GPA is the most important stat you have.

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On this episode of Coach’s Corner, host Walter Beede sits down with Johnny Hernandez, Head Coach at Bethune–Cookman University, to talk about how he’s turned the Wildcats into a respected force in college baseball. From a thrilling SWAC championship to competing at the Tallahassee Regional, Hernandez shares the mindset and strategies behind their rise.

They discuss:

Competing against top programs like University of Miami and Florida State University

The strength and growth of the Southwestern Athletic Conference

What he looks for when recruiting high school athletes

Why patience, development, and fit are key to long-term success

How camps can help players build real connections with coaching staffs

Hernandez’s approach blends old-school toughness with modern player development — giving recruits and parents a clear, honest picture of what it takes to succeed at the next level.

🎧 Sponsors:

ProLine — Train with the best.

Baseball Bluebook — The official directory of baseball since 1909.

CorVive — Get 30% off your first order with code BLUEBOOK.

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On this episode of Coach’s Corner, host Walter Beede sits down with Rick McCarty, Head Coach at Abilene Christian University, to talk about what makes ACU’s program stand out — on the field and off. McCarty shares how the program blends faith, culture, and championship-caliber baseball, creating a unique experience for student-athletes.

Walter and Rick discuss:

ACU’s faith-based foundation and how it shapes recruiting and player development

Competing in the Western Athletic Conference and building a nationally competitive program

The value of multi-sport athletes and mental resilience in today’s college game

How high school players can prepare to make an immediate impact at the Division I level

Honest recruiting conversations, camps, and finding the “right fit” for both program and player

Rick’s leadership is rooted in developing the whole person—athlete, student, and teammate—while building a winning culture.

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Welcome to the Coach’s Corner Podcast, hosted by Walter Beede — where parents, players, and coaches come together to talk about the real journey behind player development.

In this episode, Walter sits down with Hunter Dozier, former first-round MLB draft pick and seven-year Kansas City Royal, and Tyler Beede, former Major League pitcher, to discuss the importance of nutrition, hydration, and natural play in youth sports.

Hunter shares details about his new partnership with CorVive, launching a children’s hydration and probiotic line designed to help parents provide clean, safe, NSF-certified nutrition for their young athletes. The group also reflects on growing up without constant lessons, learning through backyard games, and how that unstructured creativity helped build resilience and love for the game.

Whether you’re raising the next big leaguer or simply want your kids to live healthier, this episode delivers real, practical insight from those who’ve lived it.

Give your young athlete a clean start.

Since 1909, Baseball Bluebook has been the official directory of MLB scouting departments.

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On this episode of Coach’s Corner, Austin Peay head coach Roland Fanning brings his trademark energy and authenticity to the conversation. Coach Fanning discusses building a winning culture, why players are choosing to stay in his program despite today’s transfer-heavy landscape, and how mid-major baseball is thriving with real chances to reach Omaha. He shares his candid views on the transfer portal, JUCO opportunities, tough conversations, and the type of grit, strength, and personality he looks for in recruits.

Coach’s Corner is sponsored by CoreVive — first-time subscribers get 30% off at corevive.com with code BLUEBOOK. Also brought to you by Baseball Bluebook — download the app today in the Apple App Store or Google Play.

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In this episode of Coach’s Corner, University of Miami assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Jonathan Anderson shares his journey from Duke to Dartmouth and now to the Hurricanes. Coach Anderson discusses the importance of academics in the recruiting process, the key tools Miami looks for in players, and the realities of transitioning from high school to ACC competition. Parents and athletes will hear valuable insights on player development, the role of strength and nutrition, and how to navigate today’s recruiting timelines.

Coach’s Corner is sponsored by CoreVive — first-time subscribers get 30% off at corevive.com with code BLUEBOOK. Also brought to you by Baseball Bluebook — download the app today in the Apple App Store or Google Play.

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On this episode of Coach’s Corner, Georgia State assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Lars Davis shares his journey from Canada to the SEC and now into the Sun Belt, where he’s helping build Georgia State baseball into a powerhouse. Davis dives into player development, recruiting strategies, the value of multi-sport athletes, and what it takes to compete in one of the nation’s toughest conferences. Parents and players will also gain insight into academics, affordability, and how prospects should approach recruiting conversations.

Coach’s Corner is sponsored by CoreVive — first-time subscribers get 30% off at corevive.com with code BLUEBOOK. Also brought to you by Baseball Bluebook — download the app today in the Apple App Store or Google Play.

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