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In this 2025 Coaching Changes Series episode, Robert sits down with Jeff Pelkey, the new head baseball coach for Georgia College & State University. Pelkey discusses the process of taking the helm of the Bobcats, a role he is taking over for the 2026 season.Coach Pelkey shares insights from his eight seasons as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Flagler College, a fellow Peach Belt Conference member. He speaks about his familiarity with the conference and his relationships with other coaches in the league, noting the unique mix of younger and older coaches.A key part of the conversation focuses on his coaching influences, including his time under head coaches Dave Barnett and Greg Guilliams, who both have over 1,000 career wins. Pelkey explains how he learned different styles of managing the game, recruiting, and player development from them. He also talks about the evolution of baseball, from the lack of technology in the mid-2010s to the current use of analytics, and how he plans to use these tools for player development without overcomplicating the game.Pelkey, who previously coached pitchers at an incredibly high level, reveals that he will be heavily involved with the pitching staff and catchers at Georgia College. He also outlines his recruiting strategy, which will focus on high school players from within Georgia while also bringing in junior college and transfer players to maintain competitiveness.He emphasizes his commitment to developing players not just as athletes, but as "servant leaders" and good community members, a philosophy he credits to a mentor and a shift in his own coaching style. Pelkey expresses his excitement about the team culture already in place at Georgia College and the energy he feels from the players. He closes by thanking the people who helped him on his path and sharing his excitement for the future of the program.Enjoy the interview with Coach Pelkey!

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Tune in to our second episode of the 2025 D2 Baseball Coaching Changes Series, as we talk to Cal U Head Coach Joey Noro!

Noro discusses his transition into the new role after serving as a staff member for nearly a decade. A Western Pennsylvania native, Noro expresses how "super humbling" it is to lead a program so close to home.

In the interview, he outlines his coaching philosophy and vision for the team. He plans to continue building on the program's success while avoiding complacency, especially after a record-setting 38-win and regional season. Noro believes the team must play with a "chip on our shoulder" and be ready for every opponent's "best shot".

As a former pitching coach, he confirms he will remain heavily involved with the pitching staff and credits their past success to the players' hard work and their view of pitching as a "craft" . Noro's recruiting strategy focuses on finding athletes with "tools" and building on them, trusting his gut over just metrics, and getting to know the players and their families .

He also details his plans for the team's offense and defense. He believes the new offensive lineup is unique in its athleticism and ability to "put the ball in play," while the defense will emphasize adaptability by training players in multiple positions .

Finally, Noro shares his desire to connect with the Cal U community and alumni. He sees them as the reason the program exists and wants them to know they have a voice and an ear in him. He wants fans to see a team that "play[s] hard, they play tough, they play clean," and will "find a way to to get one more run on the board than the other team" .

Watch the full interview for more on Coach Noro's plans for Cal U baseball!

We have officially started our 2025-26 Coaching Changes Series with our first episode, talking with Pittsburg State Head Coach Brock Buckingham!

Buckingham officially got the job on May 27, 2025 to lead the program after Bob Fornelli retired.

Buckingham becomes the sixth head coach in program history.

Buckingham spent 17 seasons as an assistant coach for Cowley Community College where he was a part of 12 40+ win seasons and five World Series Appearances!

Learn about his vision for the program, what "Damage Chaos" means, and the value of effort under Coach Buckingham's tutelage.

Tune in as we talk to Montevallo left-handed pitcher Adiel Melendez, who was signed by the Atlanta Braves after the Draft!

Melendez, who was named to the First-Team All-Conference, had a phenomenal year with a 10-5 record and a 2.38 ERA. Over 98.1 innings, he recorded 102 strikeouts, which was the most in the Gulf South Conference and ranked 18th in Division II. He was one of only three pitchers in his program's history to strike out 100 or more batters in a season and one of five to record 10 or more wins.

His performance was marked by consistency and clutch outings. Melendez had 12 starts where he pitched six or more innings, seven starts where he allowed one or fewer earned runs, and 13 starts with five or more strikeouts. He earned GSC Pitcher of the Week and NCBWA South Region Pitcher of the Week honors after a win against No. 1 Tampa, where he went 6.1 innings, striking out five and allowing just one earned run. He also had a dominant outing against Valdosta State, striking out a career-high 10 batters over 7.1 innings. Melendez's heroic efforts in the GSC Tournament, where he was named to the All-Tournament team, included a nine-strikeout performance on two days' rest to pitch the Falcons into the championship game. His impressive collegiate career has made him an attractive prospect as he begins his professional journey.

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In our continuing episode of our D2 draft pick series, here's our interview with Central Missouri RHP Nathan Hall, who was selected in the 6th round by the New York Mets!Hall's story is one of recent transformations, having converted from a catcher to a pitcher, a move that appears to be paying dividends despite a current setback.Hall's potential truly shined in his 2025 season at Central Missouri. Though limited to just 14.2 innings across 4 starts, he showcased a tantalizing arsenal, highlighted by a fastball that consistently sat in the mid-to-upper 90s. This velocity, combined with a sharp 3.07 ERA during that stretch, demonstrates the significant upside the Mets are clearly banking on. In those 14.2 innings, he recorded 19 strikeouts, further showcasing his swing-and-miss stuff.Currently rehabbing from an injury, Hall represents a high-ceiling prospect for the Mets, who are undoubtedly optimistic about his future once fully healthy. His selection also adds another name to Central Missouri's proud baseball history, as he becomes the 38th draft pick in the school's storied program and one of three taken in this draft (most in the State of Missouri). Hall is also the highest draft pick since 2005 (Josh Webber - 2nd round) and third highest overall in Central Missouri program history.

In our 2nd episode of the draft pick series, we chat with Ashland RHP Hunter Allen, who was selected in the 7th round by the Baltimore Orioles!

Allen brings an electric arm to the Orioles' organization, known for his elite velocity that regularly hits the upper 90s and has even touched 100 mph.Allen put together a dominant 2025 season for the Ashland Eagles, showcasing both his power and control. He compiled an impressive 7-1 record with a 3.96 ERA over 61.1 innings pitched. His ability to generate swings and misses was evident, as he punched out 84 batters while limiting opposing hitters to a .213 batting average against. He made 12 appearances, all of which were starts, and even tossed a complete game shutout, further highlighting his durability and effectiveness.Allen becomes the third-highest Eagle chosen all-time in the MLB Draft, and the ninth overall pick in program history.

Sit down with us as we talk to Central Missouri RHP JD McReynolds, who was selected in the 10th round by the Texas Rangers.This past season, McReynolds was virtually unhittable, going an undefeated 8-0 with a miniscule 1.41 ERA over 57.1 innings of work. He displayed exceptional strikeout ability, fanning 95 batters while allowing opposing hitters to a paltry .152 batting average against. Throughout his illustrious career at Central Missouri, McReynolds was a true workhorse, making 73 appearances and amassing a remarkable 21-2 record with 14 saves and an outstanding 1.78 ERA. In 121.1 career innings, he surrendered just 24 earned runs on 63 hits, while piling up 200 strikeouts against only 56 walks.McReynolds, a four-time All-American, features a low 90s fastball complemented by a standout changeup and a sharp slider, giving him a formidable three-pitch mix.

The D2 Baseball Podcast welcomes Maryville head coach Pat Evers, now in his 7th season at the helm, to break down the Saints’ remarkable turnaround. After a slow start to the season, Maryville has caught fire—rattling off nine straight wins to climb to 22-15 overall and 14-6 in GLVC play. Coach Evers shares insight into the belief that never wavered within the team and coaching staff, the adjustments that sparked their win streak, and the players and assistants stepping up in a big way. A deep dive into a surging squad that’s making serious noise in the Midwest.

Regis is rolling — and head coach Pat Jolley joins the D2 Baseball Podcast to break down how his squad is quickly becoming a force in the RMAC and across Division II. In just his second year at the helm, Jolley has the Rangers sitting at 27-11, with a nine-game win streak, and leading the nation in runs per game (11.2). We talk about how Regis has transformed into a national contender, the upcoming showdown with Colorado Mesa for first place, and the explosive offense powered by Player of the Year frontrunner Adam Paniagua, who’s putting up video game numbers. A must-listen conversation with one of the hottest coaches in D2 Baseball.

Matt Wilson, Commissioner of the Gulf South Conference, joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on the current landscape and future direction of DII athletics. We dive into regional rankings, the broadcast evolution within the GSC, how the conference tournament is shaped, and the ripple effects of realignment across the country.Wilson also shares insights from his decade at the Atlantic Sun Conference, where he played a key role in elevating broadcast standards and expanding championship coverage. With over 15 years in sports administration, Wilson’s experience offers a valuable perspective on what makes a conference thrive in today’s college athletics environment.Plus, we touch on the GSC’s identity, success stories, and how the league is positioning itself amid broader NCAA changes.