The Pencil Talk Podcast

DSR

Lemo walks us through the moment, the love and passion he has for the game of baseball. From his time as a player at the Citadel to his coaching journey, we break down all things college baseball. 

Beyond the highlights, Angel opens up about loyalty, belief, and why returning to Little Rock for the upcoming season meant more than chasing the next opportunity. From unfinished business to setting the standard for the program, this conversation dives into leadership, culture, and what’s driving Cano as he gears up for a big year ahead. A must-listen for college baseball fans and anyone who values staying true to where it all started.

 Coach Curry evaluates talent, the importance of relationships and trust within a program, and how modern tools, data, and preparation play a role in competing year after year. Honest, thoughtful, and packed with insight, this episode is a must-listen for coaches, players, and fans who want a deeper understanding of college baseball and the leadership behind it.

Topics Covered

• Building culture and accountability at Little Rock, plus their incredible run to the Regional Finals at LSU in 2025. 

• Recruiting philosophy and player evaluation

• Developing hitters and pitchers over the long haul

• Leadership lessons learned as a head coach

• What separates good programs from great ones

We discuss his growth as a player, the hard work behind his success, and how he stays focused amid the pressure of being a Golden Spikes hopeful. Martinez also talks about UC Irvine’s season, team chemistry, and his personal goals as he looks to make a deep postseason run.

Plus, we dive into his pre-game routines, favorite baseball moments, and what motivates him to push for greatness. We even discuss his time competing for the Collegiate US National Team. Whether you’re a baseball fan, an aspiring athlete, or just love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration from one of college baseball’s brightest stars.

Tune in now to hear Anthony Martinez’s story—before he makes it to the big leagues!

Chase’s Baseball Journey:

• College Career at UC Irvine:

• Chase talks about his decision to attend UC Irvine, emphasizing the university’s academic and athletic opportunities.

• He highlights his freshman year experiences and the transition to collegiate-level play.

• Chase shares memorable moments, including bus ride games, team mafia and even the ever famous kangaroo court. 

• Balancing Academics and Athletics:

• He offers advice to aspiring student-athletes on time management and prioritization.

• Community Involvement:

• He emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community and how it has enriched his college experience.

• Looking Ahead:

• Chase shares his aspirations to play professional baseball and how his coaches have helped best prepare him for this next adventure. 

• He reflects on the lessons learned during his time at UC Irvine and how they have prepared him for future endeavors

This episode provides an in-depth look at the dedication and multifaceted life of a collegiate athlete, offering inspiration and insights for listeners interested in the world of college baseball.

Key Topics & Notes:

• Ben Orloff’s Background

• Former UC Irvine shortstop (2006–2009)

• Key player in UC Irvine’s College World Series run (2007)

• Transition from player to coach

• Named head coach in 2018

• Coaching Philosophy

• Developing players both on and off the field

• What he looks for in recruits: character, work ethic, baseball IQ

• Challenges & Insights from Coaching

• Managing expectations and building a sustainable program

• Looking Ahead

• Goals for the upcoming season

• His thoughts on the evolution of the college game

Closing Thoughts:

Orloff shares his excitement for the future of UC Irvine baseball and offers valuable advice for athletes looking to take their game to the next level. Whether you’re a player, coach, or baseball fan, this episode is packed with great insights into the world of college baseball.

In this episode, we sit down with Troy Trojan baseball catcher Brooks Bryan. A golden spikes nominee, Brooks gives us the inside scoop on life behind the plate, his time with Team USA and why Troy is his perfect home. 

We also dive into the crucial topics: What’s the best roadtrip game? Who’s got the most swag on and off the field? And what sport would he play if it wasn't baseball??

Strap in for a hilarious, fast-paced episode full of baseball banter, behind-the-scenes stories, and maybe even a few curveballs you didn’t see coming. 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Chinook Seeds