Dan Guttenplan and Pat Donnelly break down the field in prep baseball for the 2024 season.

2024 Prep Preview

A comprehensive look at the baseball landscape in New England, tracking prospects, recruiting, college and more.

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Baseball

The guest is John Pollard, coach of the Austin Prep baseball team, who explores the team's remarkable success, especially after transitioning to the NEPSAC league. Pollard shares insights into the undefeated seasons, challenges of moving to a new league, and the school's comprehensive approach to player development both on and off the field. The conversation also touches on the strategic aspects of baseball, such as the importance of mental preparation for high-stake games and postseason differences. .
Topics:
00:23 Unbeaten Streaks and Transitioning to a NEPSAC Program02:13 Challenges and Opportunities of Being Independent04:44 Building a Winning Team Identity07:02 Fostering College and Professional Opportunities for Players10:59 Expanding the Program: JV Teams and Baseball Operations13:22 Navigating High School Baseball's Competitive Landscape16:14 Leveraging Facilities and Creating a Supportive Environment21:20 Transitioning from High School to College Baseball21:40 Preparing for Life Beyond Baseball22:13 Academic and Athletic Excellence at Austin Prep22:45 Evolving Recruitment and Admissions Standards23:36 Setting High Standards for Austin Prep Athletes25:15 Navigating Off-Season Training Regulations28:55 Three Up, Three Down: A Fun Baseball Q&A36:18 The Mental Game: Preparing for High-Pressure Situations40:31 Wrapping Up with Coach John Pollard

Austin Prep Coach John Pollard

This episode of the Base Path podcast, hosted by Dan Guttenplan and produced by Seamans Media, features Worcester Academy's baseball coach Mike Abraham. In his first season, Abraham led the team to a central New England Prep League championship. The discussion spans the team's preparation and mindset, contrasting the current season with the previous, and delves into the competitive nature of the New England prep baseball scene. Additionally, insights into the development and scouting of young talent are shared. The podcast also touches on the wider New England baseball landscape, including team strategies, standout players and teams, and the impact of familial sports backgrounds on coaching philosophies.
Topics:
00:15 Introducing Mike Abraham: A Season of Success00:42 The Challenges and Changes of the New Season01:44 Reflecting on Last Year's Tournament and Lessons Learned03:22 Scouting the Competition: Deerfield, Dexter, and Cushing07:13 The Strategy for Playoff Pitching08:13 Managing a Top Prospect: Maverick Rizy's Journey11:19 The Competitive Edge of Cushing Academy12:50 Exploring Prep Baseball and ISL Tournaments14:24 A Unique Training Experience with the Red Sox16:32 Growing Up in a Sports-Driven Family17:51 Looking Ahead: Summer Plans with NAB19:27 Thoughts on Perfect Game and NIL Implications20:15 Wrapping Up and Good Luck Wishes

Worcester Academy's Mike Abraham

In this episode of the Base Path Podcast, hosted by Dan Guttenplan and produced by New England Baseball Journal, Avon Old Farms head baseball coach Rob Dowling discusses the key factors behind the substantial success of his team in New England prep baseball. With a history of winning 17 Colonial and Founders League championships since 1996, Coach Dowling shares insights into the team's strong pitching lineup, talent acquisition, and the impact of preseason training in Florida. In addition, the conversation covers the increased competitiveness in prep baseball, the holistic experience offered by Avon Old Farms, player commitments to top colleges like Vanderbilt, and the educational value of athletics. The podcast also delves into baseball rules, coaching philosophies, the use of technology in the sport, and the discussion ends with a playful 'three up, three down' Q&A segment.
00:15 Spotlight on Avon Old Farms' Baseball Success00:50 The Key to Early Season Success02:33 The Impact of the Pandemic on Prep Baseball02:42 Building a Competitive Team: Recruitment and Training05:12 A Closer Look at Avon's Star Players19:41 Navigating the Transfer Portal and College Recruitment22:26 Personal Insights: Coaching Philosophy and Family Life25:06 'Three Up, Three Down': Baseball Memories and Superstitions

Avon Old Farms Coach Rob Dowling

In this episode of the Base Path Podcast by New England Baseball Journal, hosted by Dan Guttenplan with MIAA reporter Pat Donnelly, the hosts dive into the first half of the MIAA baseball season. The discussion includes power rankings updates, standout teams and players, a controversy involving Andover and pitcher Chris Gillette, and an in-depth analysis of the top teams across different divisions. They also delve into the intricacies of the MIAA power rankings and make predictions for the season based on current performances. In the 'Three Up, Three Down' segment the hosts tackle unprepared questions about baseball robots, listening to baseball on the radio, and describing baseball to someone unfamiliar with the sport.
Topics
00:32 Mid-Season MIAA Baseball Highlights00:43 The Andover Pitching Controversy 02:33 Power Rankings and Team Performances Discussion04:13 Deep Dive into Divisional Power Rankings05:46 Spotlight on Surprising Teams and Upcoming Contenders11:35 Exploring Division 2 and 3 Standouts15:33 Division 4 and 5 Insights: Teams to Watch17:08 MIAA Player of the Year Contenders and Predictions23:12 Three Up, Three Down: A Fun Q&A Segment

MIAA Roundup

The guest is John West, a senior pitcher from Boston College and a Shrewsbury native. West discusses his final season, reflecting on the team's performance and his own growth. The conversation highlights the impact of the coaching change at BC, West's brief entry into the transfer portal, and his adjustment to a new coaching style. They delve into the significance of the annual ALS awareness game at Fenway Park, sharing West's personal connection to ALS and the broader impact of the Ice Bucket Challenge on ALS awareness. West also comments on the changes in college baseball recruitment and the dynamics of the transfer portal, offering a thoughtful look at the current state of the sport. The exchange concludes with a light-hearted 'three up three down' segment exploring West's baseball journey and memories.
2024 ALS Awareness Game: https://bceagles.com/sports/2024/3/18/2024-als-awareness-game
Topics:
00:11 John West's Stellar Season and Team Dynamics01:13 Navigating Coaching Changes and the Transfer Portal03:35 Adapting to New Coaching Styles and Baseball Strategies05:53 ALS Awareness Game and Personal Connection09:42 The Journey from High School to College Baseball11:53 Reflecting on the Impact of Travel Ball and Legion Ball14:31 Discussing MLB Trends and Injury Concerns17:03 Looking Ahead: Draft Prospects and Career Decisions25:12 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball Favorites and Memories30:16 Closing Thoughts and Podcast Wrap-Up

2024 Prep Preview

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