The D2 Baseball Podcast

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In this episode of the 2025 Coaching Changes Series, Robert sits down with New Mexico Highlands Head Coach Steve Jones.

After leading the program for 17 years, Steve Jones has returned as the head baseball coach for New Mexico Highlands University. A familiar face in Las Vegas, New Mexico, Jones discusses his reasons for coming back, citing a new administration and his strong connection to the community, the mountains, and the university.

In this conversation, Coach Jones reflects on his time away, including his experience as an assistant at LSU Shreveport, where the team went an incredible 59-0. He talks about the adjustments he's made to his coaching style over the years, from adapting to new technology to communicating with modern players. He also shares insights from his time at NMHU, including the memorable 2010 season where they hosted a regional—the first New Mexico collegiate team to do so.

Looking ahead, Jones outlines his main priorities for the program, which include rebuilding the culture and focusing on a fast-paced style of play. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement, with the team already participating in local events, like a homecoming parade and helping with a homeless shelter. He also discusses plans for an upcoming alumni game to reconnect with players who helped build the program's tradition. While he won't put a number on wins, Jones guarantees that the team will "play better baseball" and continue to make progress.

Don't miss this exclusive episode with New Mexico Highlands Head Coach Steve Jones!

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In this episode of the 2025 Coaching Changes Series, Robert talks with USC Aiken's head baseball coach, Keith Gorman, about his new role and the future of the program.

Coach Gorman discusses his hiring process and the impact of working with an athletic department that has a strong baseball background. He shares his experience with recruiting and retaining players in the era of the transfer portal, and the challenges of building a competitive roster quickly.

Coach Gorman also outlines his holistic coaching approach, emphasizing player development both on and off the field, with a focus on academic success and community service. He talks about the team's practice philosophy, which prioritizes toughness and a game-like mindset.

Finally, he expresses his excitement about calling Roberto Hernandez Stadium home and shares what fans can expect from the Pacers this season—an "ultra-competitive tough team" that will play hard and challenge opponents to beat them.

Don't miss this in-depth conversation with USC Aiken Head Coach Keith Gorman!

Want to be a part of a vibrant and growing community of baseball fans? Consider joining the D2 Baseball Patreon! patreon.com/diviibaseball

In this episode of the 2025 Coaching Changes Series, Robert sits down with Shaine Carpenter, the new head baseball coach at Lake Erie College, to discuss his background and vision for the program. Carpenter, a former Division II player and coach, shares his passion for the DII level, which he believes is the "best division that college athletics has to offer".

Carpenter dives into the challenges of building a roster from the ground up after his hire on June 17th. He talks about the grind and creativity required to work with the team's current facilities. Coach Carpenter also explains his recruiting philosophy, emphasizing his search for players who "love ball" and are excited by the process of development and hard work.

He also highlights the importance of his new associate head coach, Brent McNeil, calling him an "invaluable" addition with a wealth of knowledge. Carpenter details his coaching style, which focuses on individual player development and is anchored in a process-based approach rather than a result-based one. He wants fans to expect a team that "will go out there and compete [and] give everything they have".

Don't miss this episode with Shaine Carpenter!

Want to be a part of a vibrant and growing community of baseball fans? Consider joining the D2 Baseball Patreon! patreon.com/diviibaseballIn this episode of the 2025 Coaching Changes Series, we're joined by a new, yet familiar, head coach, Jacob Garsez, who is now leading the baseball program at Saint Martin's University. Coach Garsez discusses his extensive background, which includes coaching at Corban University, the University of Manalope Valley, and Oregon Tech, as well as a recent head coaching stint at Sonoma State. He shares the process that led him and his family to Saint Martin's, highlighting that it was the right fit, especially after the athletic department at Sonoma State was cut. Topics covered in this episode include:The Learning Experience at Sonoma State: Coach Garsez talks about the challenges of being hired after the admission deadline and navigating the season after the athletic department was cut. He also discusses adapting his coaching style to NCAA Division II practice rules after coming from the NAIA. Building a Program: Garsez explains the initial recruiting process at Saint Martin's, including signing seven new players and prioritizing the recruitment of the right coaching staff. Mentorship and Coaching Philosophy: A certified mental performance coach, Garsez shares how his coaching approach focuses on minimizing distractions, being present, and teaching players how to compete. He also touches on the importance of player leadership and how he views his role as a coach to be adaptable to the needs of the players. Future of Saint Martin's Baseball: Garsez details the exciting opportunity at Saint Martin's, including a recent $1.5 million donation for facility upgrades. He also discusses the challenges and positives of playing in the Northwest and the GNAC conference. Join us for this insightful conversation with Coach Jacob Garsez as he works to shape the future of Saint Martin's baseball!

Want to be a part of a vibrant and growing community of baseball fans? Consider joining the D2 Baseball Patreon! patreon.com/diviibaseball

In this episode of the Coaching Changes Series, Robert sits down with Southern Nazarene University's first-year head baseball coach, Chris Moddelmog, to discuss his background, coaching philosophy, and vision for the SNU program.

On the Coaching Journey:

Moddelmog details his "crazy" background, from his time as a college athlete at Murray State and Neosho County to coaching stints at Belmont and Ren Lake College.

He shares his experience stepping away from coaching for over a decade to raise his children, a period where he gained new perspectives on life and baseball.

During his time away, he owned a sporting goods store and did private lessons, which allowed him to observe a variety of coaches and coaching styles across different sports.

Coaching Philosophy & Team Culture:

Moddelmog emphasizes the importance of a hands-on coaching style and player development. He believes in a collaborative dialogue with players to help them improve.

He discusses building a culture based on discipline and accountability, starting with the little things like tucking in shirts and taking off hats indoors.

A key part of his approach is building strong relationships with his players, meeting with them one-on-one monthly to talk about life, not just baseball.

He also highlights the importance of "servant leadership" and the example he wants his senior players to set for the younger guys.

The SNU Program & Future:

Moddelmog talks about the swift hiring process at Southern Nazarene and the personal family ties that drew him to the university.

He praises the university's Christian values and its "purposely different" approach to education.

He outlines his offensive philosophy, focusing on a fast-paced, high-tempo style of play designed to put pressure on opponents.

Moddelmog shares his excitement for the future, highlighting the program's potential and the support from the university's leadership.

This conversation offers a deep dive into the mindset of a coach returning to the game with renewed passion and a fresh perspective, ready to build a program at Southern Nazarene from the ground up.

Want to be a part of a vibrant and growing community of baseball fans? Consider joining the D2 Baseball Patreon! patreon.com/diviibaseball

On this episode of the Coaching Changes Series on the D2 Baseball podcast, Robert sits down with the new head coach of Tiffin University, Troy Merriman. In this insightful interview, Coach Merriman shares his journey from being a player at the University of Findlay to becoming a Division II head coach.

Merriman opens up about his time away from baseball and the opportunity at Tiffin that was "too hard to pass up". He discusses his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of playing the game the "right way" and developing players on and off the field. A former offensive player himself, Merriman is very hands-on with his hitters and discusses his offensive approach, which focuses on a team-oriented, aggressive style of play.

Coach also highlights the significance of academics, community engagement, and the support from mentors who have helped him prepare for this new role.

Don't miss this in-depth conversation with Coach Troy Merriman as he embarks on his new chapter with the Tiffin Dragons!

Want to be a part of a vibrant and growing community of baseball fans? Consider joining the D2 Baseball Patreon! patreon.com/diviibaseballRobert sits down in this episode of the 2025 Coaching Changes Series with Northeastern State's Newest Head Coach, Kyle Williams.This podcast episode is a comprehensive look into the world of college baseball through the eyes of Northeastern State's Head Coach, Kyle Williams. In this in-depth interview, Coach Williams shares his journey to becoming a collegiate head coach and offers a transparent look at his philosophy on building a championship-caliber program. He delves into the core principles of his coaching style, emphasizing the crucial roles of culture, accountability, and player development.Coach Williams reveals his strategies for recruiting and building a roster, as well as his unique approach to helping athletes succeed on and off the field. From the challenges of a competitive Division II conference to the daily routines of a collegiate team, this episode covers all aspects of what it takes to lead a modern baseball program. Whether you're a devoted fan of the RiverHawks or an aspiring coach, this conversation provides valuable insights and a behind-the-scenes look at the commitment required to build and sustain success in college baseball

Want to be a part of a vibrant and growing community of baseball fans? Consider joining the D2 Baseball Patreon! patreon.com/diviibaseballIn this episode of the D2 Baseball Podcast Head Coaching Changes Series, host Robert Frey sits down with Lance Spongberg, the newly appointed head coach at Newman University, for a deep dive into his coaching journey, philosophy, and vision for the Jets. From his early days at Morningside College to a national runner-up finish at Southeastern, Spongberg shares the pivotal moments and mentors that shaped his path to Newman.Listeners will hear about:- The whirlwind hiring process and how Spongberg quickly assembled a coaching staff and rebuilt the roster- Lessons from high-pressure postseason runs and how they inform his approach to culture-building- His dynamic offensive strategies and pitching philosophies tailored for the competitive MIAA- The importance of community engagement and alumni relationships in elevating Newman Baseball- The relentless pursuit of growth, accountability, and championship standardsWhether you're a die-hard D2 fan or just love a good underdog story, this episode offers a candid look at what it takes to lead a program with grit, vision, and heart.

Want to be a part of a vibrant and growing community of baseball fans? Consider joining the D2 Baseball Patreon! patreon.com/diviibaseball

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!

Want to be a part of a vibrant and growing community of baseball fans? Consider joining the D2 Baseball Patreon! patreon.com/diviibaseball

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!