The guest is Putnam Science Academy Coach Bob Hetu, who has spent the last 29 years as a coach, mentor and on-field fundamental strategist. In 2022 he took over the baseball program at Putnam Science Academy in Putnam, Conn. Hetu previously was head coach in a three-year stint (2019-2021) with St. Thomas More. Putnam Science Academy cut its baseball program in 2013 so Putnam’s arrival in 2022 represented a rebirth.

Putnam Science Coach Bob Hetu

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

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Baseball

Braintree High School Coach Bill O'Connell discusses his team's strong season, securing the number four seed in the Massachusetts MIAA Division 1 State Tournament. O'Connell elaborates on the team's dynamics, crediting seniors and a balanced roster while sharing insights from his extensive coaching career, including past tournament experiences. He also touches on the intricacies of baseball strategy, the unpredictability of single elimination tournaments, and the impact of legendary Braintree coach Don Fredericks. Additionally, O'Connell talks about his role in selecting and coaching Team Massachusetts for the High School National Championship and his summer plans running the Extra Bases Summer Baseball Camp. The episode concludes with a fun 'Three Up, Three Down' segment where both guest and host discuss memorable baseball moments and strategies. 
Topics
00:59 Season Recap and Tournament Outlook
02:19 Challenges and Unpredictability in Baseball
04:31 Key Teams and Tournament Predictions
06:32 Legacy of Don Fredericks
08:01 Coaching Team Massachusetts
16:16 Summer Plans and Extra Bases Camp
22:44 Three Up, Three Down Segment
32:35 Closing Remarks

Braintree Coach Bill O'Connell

Dan Guttenplan sits down with MIAA analyst Pat Donnelly to preview the state baseball tournament. Pat shares insights from the regular season, including standout teams like BC High, St. John's Shrewsbury, and Westford Academy, emphasizing the importance of strong pitching. The episode delves into potential candidates for MIAA Player of the Year. They also analyze tournament brackets for all five divisions, making predictions and discussing possible upsets. In a fun concluding segment, Dan and Pat engage in a Major League Baseball ballpark fantasy draft, picking their favorite ballparks.
Topics
00:51 Key Takeaways from the Regular Season01:45 MIAA Player of the Year Nominations02:47 Player Profiles12:36 Division 1 Bracket Breakdown16:58 Division 2 Bracket Breakdown19:14 Division 3 Playoff Predictions20:41 Division 4 Contenders and Predictions23:06 Division 5 Insights and Picks24:47 State Finals Schedule and Coverage25:27 Three Up Three Down: MLB Ballpark Fantasy Draft

MIAA Tournament Preview

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

Putnam Science Coach Bob Hetu

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