In this episode, I sit down with Coach Adam Stevens, the Head Baseball Coach at Aurora University, one of the top Division 3 baseball programs in the Midwest. With a master’s degree in sports psychology, Coach Stevens has a unique approach to recruiting, developing players, and helping them handle both success and failure.

We dive deep into:

✅ What college coaches really look for in recruits

✅ Why the mental game is just as important as physical skills

✅ The biggest mistakes players make in the recruiting process

✅ How D3 baseball compares to other levels—and why it might be the best fit for many players

✅ The transfer portal and how D3 programs are utilizing it

Coach Stevens has been leading Aurora’s program for over a decade, helping his team achieve one of the highest winning percentages in Division 3 baseball from 2018 to 2023. His insights into recruiting, player development, and the mental game are invaluable for any aspiring college athlete.

Need help in the college recruiting process?

Would you like to work with me to help you find the right college baseball program?

Click this link for a free 15 minute recruiting consultation:

My service includes:

* Full evaluation and personalized recruiting plan.

* Direct connections and recommendations to college coaches.

* Access to honest feedback from coaches.

* Player development support throughout the recruiting process.

* Ongoing communication and guidance for both recruitment and player improvement.

Free 15 minute college recruiting consultation

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In this episode, we welcome back Jacksonville State University Hitting Coach Ari Adut to dive deep into hitting IQ, game planning, and player development. Ari shares insights from his experience in professional baseball, his transition into the college game, and how he builds individualized player plans that blend analytics with practical application.

We discuss:

• The importance of swing decisions, pitch recognition, and approach development.
• How to simplify game plans for college hitters without overloading them.
• The balance between analytics and feel in developing elite hitters.

Free PJB Recruiting Consultation: For families trying to navigate the high school baseball recruiting process.

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1. 2:01-6:30 – Journey into coaching and early influences.
2. 6:31-10:45 – Using biomechanics to enhance hitting development.
3. 10:46-15:00 – Timing: The key to a great swing.
4. 15:01-22:00 – Drills that work: Eliminating inefficiencies.
5. 22:01-28:00 – Recruiting strategies and balancing the roster.
6. 28:01-35:00 – Advice for players navigating the recruiting process.
7. 35:01-40:00 – Why Valparaiso is a great place for athletes.

Connect with Cam Johnson:

• Email: [email protected]
• Valparaiso University Baseball: Visit the Website

Contact with Patrick Jones:

• Website: patrickjonesbaseball.com
• Twitter: @pjonesbaseball

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In this episode of the Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast, we’re joined by Matt Wollenzin, the Hitting Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Evansville. Matt takes us behind the scenes of one of college baseball’s most exciting mid-major programs, sharing how Evansville has built a championship-caliber team that competes with the nation’s best.

From their incredible Super Regional run to their unique approach to player development and recruiting, Matt dives into the secrets of their success. Learn about the culture of collaboration, how they develop hitters with individualized training, and the program’s commitment to long-term growth. Plus, get insights into how Evansville’s team believes in each other, adapts to adversity, and continues to rise above expectations year after year.

If you're interested in what it takes to build a winning program from the ground up and how a mid-major can compete with the top-tier teams in college baseball, this episode is a must-listen!

Follow Evansville Baseball on Twitter: @UEBaseball

Check out Patrick's new course:

Swing Decisions: How To Master The Strike Zone

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In this episode, I sit down with Danny-David Linahan, the new hitting coach at Texas State University. Danny shares his journey from playing college baseball to coaching in the major leagues with the Minnesota Twins. He offers valuable insights on hitting, player development, and transitioning between professional and college baseball.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction and Danny's background

2:11 - Transition from playing to coaching

5:17 - Experience with the Minnesota Twins

10:24 - Moving to Texas State University

15:19 - Approach to player development

21:39 - Key indicators for hitters

26:00 - Importance of marginal gains

30:33 - Differences between pro and college baseball

35:45 - Advice for aspiring players and coaches

College Baseball Recruiting Consultation

patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

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In this episode, we welcome back Andy Barkett, former MLB hitting coach, and current private hitting instructor. Andy shares insights from his nearly 30 years of coaching experience, focusing on the mechanical aspects of hitting. He discusses his transition from professional baseball to private coaching, the development of his remote training business, and his new product, the Power Pivot. Andy also delves into common issues he sees in college hitters and provides valuable tips for improving swing mechanics and mental approach.

0:00 - Introduction and Andy's background

5:30 - Transition to private coaching and remote training

10:15 - Evaluating hitters and addressing mechanical flaws

15:45 - The Power Pivot tool and proper hip rotation

22:30 - Common issues in college baseball hitting

28:00 - Comparing MLB hitters to amateurs

33:45 - The role of technology in hitting development

38:00 - Closing thoughts and contact information

Contact Information:

Andy Barkett

Power Pivot product

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In this episode, we sit down with Tyson Ellis, the pitching coach at Eastern Florida State College, a Division I junior college. Tyson shares insights into the world of junior college baseball and pitching development. Here's what you'll learn:

Junior College Baseball Breakdown

• Differences between Division I, II, and III junior colleges in terms of scholarships and competition levels
• Scholarship opportunities and roster management in Florida junior colleges
• The recruiting process for junior college players moving to four-year schools
• 
  

• Tyson's approach to developing pitchers, focusing on toughness and competitiveness
• The importance of game experience in pitcher development
• Insights on pitch calling and working with catchers

• Tyson's role as head coach for the Florence Flamingos in the Coastal Plain League
• The process of building a summer league roster
• The value of summer ball for college pitchers

• Tyson's journey from player to coach
• His views on pitcher workload and off-season training
• Advice for high school players on managing their throwing schedules
• 
  

Follow Tyson on Twitter @Tyson_Ellis13 for more baseball insights and Florida Gators content.

Here are the timestamps for key segments of the episode with Tyson Ellis

:00:00 - Introduction and background of Tyson Ellis

03:45 - Explanation of Division I, II, and III junior colleges

07:30 - Scholarship opportunities in Florida junior colleges

11:15 - Tyson's pitching philosophy and focus on toughness

15:30 - Evaluating mental toughness in pitchers

19:45 - Discussion on velocity ranges in Florida JUCO baseball

24:00 - Recruiting process for JUCO players moving to four-year schools

28:30 - Tyson's approach to calling pitches during games

33:15 - Tyson's role as head coach for the Florence Flamingos

36:45 - Building a summer league roster

41:30 - Importance of summer ball for college pitchers

46:00 - Advice on pitcher workload and off-season training

50:30 - Recommendations for high school pitchers

54:15 - Closing thoughts and where to follow Tyson on social media

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In this episode, Patrick Jones interviews Adam Schlenoff, the Associate Head Baseball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Johns Hopkins University. Adam discusses his coaching journey, the challenges of recruiting for a top academic institution, and the high level of competition in Division III baseball. He explains Johns Hopkins' unique position as an elite academic school and a national championship contender in baseball. Schlenoff shares insights into their recruiting process, player development strategies, and the team's recent success in hitting for power.

Time Stamps:

13:07 - Division III baseball - pitching and defense

19:36 - Setting the Division III record with 114 home runs in 56 games in 2023

23:19 - Example of a Division I transfer

24:51 - Explanation of the process-oriented approach to hitting and player development

26:41 - Building trust with student-athletes and utilizing resources at Hopkins

28:33 - Focus on proper loading in hitting

30:04 - Drill work to improve players' adjustability at the plate

30:30 - Collaborating with team captains on new ideas for training and development

Follow Patrick:

Patrick's Twitter

Follow Adam:

Adam Schlenoff

Follow Johns Hopkins Baseball:

Johns Hopkins Baseball

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Would you like to work with me to help you find your perfect school?

https://patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

My service includes:

* Full evaluation and personalized recruiting plan.

* Direct connections and recommendations to college coaches.

* Access to honest feedback from coaches.

* Player development support throughout the recruiting process.

* Ongoing communication and guidance for both recruitment and player improvement.

Episode notes:

1. Consider Position Projection

- Evaluate the player's projected position in college, not just their current position.

- Up-the-middle players are valued differently than corner players due to defensive impact.

2. Understand Context

- Consider how the player fits the team's home park dynamics.

- Some coaches recruit based on how their home park plays, influencing player selection.

3. Batting Practice

- Focus on hitting to all fields, not just pulling the ball.

- Showcase hitting ability by staying up the middle and demonstrating power without solely focusing on home runs.

4. Metrics

- Metrics are a starting point, not the sole determinant of a player's potential.

- Coaches prioritize hitting ability and swing decisions over metrics.

5. Movement

- Coaches look for good movement and a swing that translates to the next level.

- Individualized stances and hitting styles are valued, focusing on hitting consistency.

6. Mental Game

- Demonstrate competitiveness and resilience in the face of failure.

- Show a growth mindset, situational hitting, and positive team interaction.

7. Power and Speed

- Coaches value players who can reach second base independently through power or speed.

- Power includes hitting doubles, not just home runs.

8. Left-Handed Hitters

- Left-handed hitters are often preferred due to swing aesthetics and matchup advantages against right-handed pitchers.

- Avoid overemphasizing metrics; focus on overall hitting ability.

- Do not solely rely on physical attributes; mental game and team dynamics are crucial.

Tips for Efficiency

- Emphasize hitting to all fields during batting practice.

- Prioritize consistency and situational hitting

- Foster a growth mindset and positive team interactions.

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In this episode, Angelo Gingerelli, Strength & Conditioning Coach at Seton Hall University, joins us to discuss his two decades of experience in the field and the evolution of training for college athletes. We dive into topics like the importance of mastering basic movement patterns, the role of strength training in developing explosive power for baseball and softball players, and how to balance individualized training with foundational athletic development.

Angelo's new book

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