New England Baseball Journal’s The Base Path

ISL champion coach Brendan Morrissey recounts leading Milton Academy to the ISL title as the No. 6 seed, surviving a 7–6 opener vs. Roxbury Latin that ended with bases loaded and a freshman reliever escaping, then riding hot bats and dominant pitching to consecutive shutouts in the semifinal (9–0 after an eight-run first) and final, including a combined no-hitter as Jameson Gray peaked at the right time. Morrissey contrasts ISL and MIAA playoffs, explains building pitchers up slowly so they’re fresh in June, discusses velocity and injury concerns, outlines Milton Academy admissions-driven recruiting, and shares a measured approach to college placement. A “Three Up, Three Down” segment covers athlete-fan interactions, momentum, and underrated/overrated stats. Topics 01:17 Roxbury Latin Thriller 02:49 Freshman Closes It 03:38 Home Field Advantage 04:33 Will Pierce Breakout 05:59 Championship Mindset 06:49 No Hitter And Dogpile 09:13 MIAA Vs ISL Coaching 10:51 Peaking For Playoffs 12:32 Jump To Milton Academy 13:47 Velocity And Recruiting 14:04 Velocity And Arm Health 14:53 In Game Pitcher Management 15:25 Milton Recruiting Reality 16:43 College Paths Beyond D1 18:35 Travel Ball And Honest Guidance 19:45 Fans Versus Players Debate 22:56 Momentum And Snowball Innings 25:27 Overrated And Underrated Stats 28:27 New Defensive Odds Metrics 29:25 Podcast Wrap And Thanks

Dan Guttenplan and Pat Donnelly review the first two weeks of the MIAA baseball season, noting public schools Taunton, Franklin and Braintree atop the power rankings and discussing factors behind sustained success like coaching, culture, feeder systems and player development. They cover Catholic Conference parity and how strength of schedule might affect MIAA seeding, highlight standout performances., and the rise of teams like Winchester and Natick. The show closes with “Three Up, Three Down” on memorable MLB strikeouts, infield plays and outfield throws. Topics 00:40 Podcast Intro and Agenda 01:11 Public Schools Lead Rankings 03:20 Hockomock Program Culture 05:47 Catholic Conference Gauntlet 09:56 Walpole No-Hitters 11:28 Super 8 Baseball Talk 13:30 Lincoln-Sudbury Power Bats 15:14 Plymouth North Consistency 18:17 Freshman Breakout Ethan Edmonds 20:46 Middlesex League Early Standouts 26:02 Lefty Throwing 100 27:22 NIL Changes Draft Choice 28:01 Early Season Game Impressions 29:58 Teams And Players To Watch 31:18 Weekly Coverage Schedule 33:18 "Three Up, Three Down" 33:37 Greatest Strikeouts Ever 36:53 Best Infield Plays 40:19 Most Memorable Outfield Throws 44:16 Final Wrap And Thanks

Dan Guttenplan interviews Kevin Barnaby, Groton School head baseball coach and Nor’easters Tewksbury program director. Barnaby explains that tryouts are less about results and more about earning coaches’ trust through controllables like showing up early, hustling, being coachable, communicating, asking appropriate questions, and dressing in neutral or school colors rather than other travel gear. He describes Groton’s fast, chaotic evaluation drills to test reactions to adversity, and outlines the team’s optional five-day Vero Beach trip featuring multiple practices, scrimmages and workouts. Barnaby discusses his public-school playing background, Groton’s academic draw and global student body, minimal overlap between Groton and Nor’easters, his shift toward administrative duties, and a college-placement approach prioritizing academic, financial and social fit amid transfer-portal dynamics. Topics 01:17 Tryout Tips: Trust Intangibles 02:56 Dress the Part at Tryouts 03:42 Earning Coaches' Trust 04:22 Chaotic Tryout Evaluations 06:31 Vero Beach Spring Trip 08:28 In-Season Development Plan 09:29 Coach Barnaby Background 10:21 Why Choose Groton? 11:38 Groton vs. Nor’easters Balance 12:51 Running Nor’easters Program 14:01 College Recruiting Guidance 16:00 When Recruiting Happens 17:34 Success Stories: Stewart Allen 18:41 Staying Connected After Graduation 20:28 ISL Pitching Depth and Rivalries 22:26 Keeping Underclassmen Engaged 24:25 Sponsor Break: Netting Pros 25:15 "Three Up, Three Down" 25:38 Ted Talk Coaching Philosophy 28:40 Who to Watch in MLB 2026 30:37 Weirdest Things Seen in Baseball 34:09 Podcast Wrap and Thanks

Dan Guttenplan interviews Central Connecticut State coach Charlie Hickey, the longest-tenured Division 1 coach in New England, about how college baseball has changed with the transfer portal, NIL, and accelerated recruiting. Hickey discusses CCSU’s late February start, training indoors during winter, and the challenges of recruiting in the Northeast. He shares what he looks for in players, balancing freshman development with experienced transfers, and replacing key pitching innings. They cover fall practice benefits, conference title expectations, and the difficulty mid-majors face in NCAA regionals vs. SEC/ACC depth. Hickey also critiques showcase velocity culture and injury risk. “Three Up, Three Down” explores fandom, clutch hitters and baseball’s golden age. Topics01:00 30-Plus Years in College Baseball: What’s Changed (Portal, NIL, Longevity)02:28 Opening Day Prep in New England: Snow, Travel and Gym Workouts04:16 Recruiting in the Northeast: Finding the Right Fit05:33 Showcases vs. Real Baseball: Traits Coaches Still Value07:54 Transfer Portal Strategy: Balancing Older Transfers and Freshmen09:59 Where to Evaluate Players: High School Coaches, Visits and Practices11:35 Recruiting Timeline and Identifying Undervalued Prospects13:30 What a D-1 Year Really Looks Like: Fall Ball, Winter Build-Up, Early Starts17:43 Sustained Success at CCSU: Conference Titles, Scheduling and Replacing Stars20:15 Can Mid-Majors Compete in Regionals in the NIL Era?22:24 Velocity Obsession and Arm Injuries: Mixed Messages in Modern Pitching25:53 Three Up, Three Down: Why We Root for Teams29:20 Game 7 Pinch-Hit Draft: Who Gets the Clutch Base Hit?31:15 The Golden Age of Baseball (and Can We Get It Back?)35:16 Wrap-Up, Thanks, and Where to Subscribe

Dan welcomes assistant coaches James Simboli and Dylan Sanchez from the Salisbury School coaching staff. They discuss the legacy of their late coach Kevin Huber, who recently passed away. The conversation covers Kevin’s impact on players, his coaching style, and reminiscences from both coaches’ experiences. They also talk about how the team will move forward while honoring Kevin’s memory and the values he instilled in the program. The episode highlights the importance of togetherness and the continued support needed to uphold the program's foundation. GoFundMe page for Kevin Huber: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-coach-kevin-john-huber Topics 00:20 Remembering Coach Kevin Huber 00:47 Memorial Service Reflections 01:53 Personal Stories and Impressions 03:23 Coaching Style and Impact 12:51 Interactions with Assistant Coaches 15:42 Continuing the Legacy 18:02 Looking Ahead to the Season 24:02 Final Thoughts and How to Help

Dan Guttenplan sits down with Marc Deschenes, the new owner of the Lowell Spinners, a Futures Collegiate Baseball League team. Mark shares his journey from nearly missing out on baseball in Lowell to reviving the Spinners with a focus on community engagement and player development. He discusses the strategic assembly of the new ownership group, which includes notable baseball figures like Johnny Damon and Jonathan Papelbon. Mark also delves into his professional baseball career, touching on his experiences with the Cleveland Indians and his transition into business with Pison Technologies, a company that develops wearable cognitive training tools. The episode wraps up with a fun segment of baseball trivia and memorable moments. Topics 00:40 Background of the Lowell Spinners 01:33 Formation of the New Ownership Group 03:03 Building the Team and Community Engagement 04:36 Roster Development and Recruitment 08:49 Promotions and Fan Experience 14:31 Professional Baseball Journey 21:19 Career Decisions and Transition from Baseball 22:22 Introduction to Pison Technologies 23:44 How Pison Technologies Enhances Baseball Performance 26:56 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball Memories and Trivia 37:04 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

Dan speaks with Chris Costello, head coach at Walpole High School and coach for the Northeast Gators travel ball team. They discuss Walpole's successful season, the team's journey and challenges, and Costello's coaching influences. The conversation also touches on Costello's perspective on high school baseball development, the role of travel baseball, and recruiting strategies. The episode concludes with a segment featuring controversial baseball rules and their implications, offering deep insights and personal anecdotes from Costello's extensive experience in the sport. Topics 00:42 Reflecting on the Championship Season 01:36 Overcoming Past Challenges 03:01 Coaching Journey and Influences 04:22 The Talent of 2019 and the Super Eight Tournament 05:28 Cam Schlittler's Development 07:55 Northeast Gators and Travel Baseball 09:10 Recruiting Challenges and Advice 16:35 Team Massachusetts and the Omaha Experience 21:08 Specialization vs. Multi-Sport Athletes 24:14 The Importance of Playing Multiple Sports 25:56 Transitioning from Professional Baseball to Coaching 26:46 Building a Coaching Career in Walpole 28:15 Rivalries and Traditions in Massachusetts Baseball 29:22 Three Up, Three Down: Baseball's Controversial Rules 33:42 The Chase Utley Rule and Player Safety 36:53 The Ghost Runner Debate 41:19 Conclusion and Farewell

Dan talks to David Cataruzolo, head coach at Roxbury Latin, discussing various aspects of Independent School League (ISL) baseball. Topics include changes to the ISL fall season rules, the introduction of post-season tournaments, and a review of Roxbury Latin’s performance in previous seasons. Razo highlights the team's young roster and returning key pitchers for the upcoming season. The conversation covers coaching strategies across different sports, the balance between academic and athletic excellence at Roxbury Latin, and the recruitment challenges both for the school and for players aiming to play college baseball. Razo also shares personal insights into his coaching philosophy, influenced by his upbringing with legally blind parents, and discusses the importance of fostering team unity and player development. Topics 00:37 ISL Fall Season Changes 01:38 ISL Post-Season Tournament 02:56 Reflecting on Last Season 04:05 Team Dynamics and Key Players 05:06 Fall Season Activities and Philosophy 06:14 Coaching Hockey vs. Baseball 08:33 Transition to Coaching 11:11 Recruiting for Roxbury Latin 15:28 ISL Competitors and Season Outlook 16:47 Personal Background and Coaching Philosophy 20:52 Three Up, Three Down Segment 28:36 Conclusion and Farewell

Dan welcomes the manager of Shrewsbury Legion Post 397, Frank Vaccaro. The discussion covers the recruitment of top players, the benefits of Legion baseball over AAU programs, and the holistic development offered by Legion's team-oriented environment. Vaccaro emphasizes the importance of teamwork, life lessons, and realistic college placement goals rather than the costly promises often associated with AAU baseball. Topics 00:17 Guest Introduction: Frank Vaccaro 00:31 The Rise of American Legion Baseball 00:57 Recruitment and Team Philosophy 01:47 The Importance of Teamwork 04:21 Player Development and College Recruitment 07:16 Challenges of College Transfers 08:55 Coaching and Costs in Legion vs. Travel Baseball 14:19 Legion Baseball Schedule and Player Development 18:03 Advice for Aspiring College Players 19:58 College Recruitment and Scholarships 21:27 Realistic Expectations in Baseball 22:28 Life Lessons from Baseball 23:22 Three Up, Three Down Segment Introduction 23:52 First Baseball Memories 25:50 Most Iconic Baseball Records 28:30 Players to Remember 33:32 Concluding Remarks

Dan is joined by newly appointed Brown University baseball coach Frank Holbrook to discuss the whirlwind process of his recent hiring, transitioning from his previous role at Northeastern University, and his vision for the future of Brown's baseball program. Holbrook shares insights into the recruiting landscape, the development of facilities, and his coaching philosophy, emphasizing a dynamic and relentless playing style. He also highlights the support and encouragement from his former colleagues at Northeastern and provides a sneak peek into the aggressive approach Brown will undertake to build a robust and competitive team. Topics 00:27 Frank Holbrook's Hiring Process 02:06 Coaching Journey: From Wheaton to Northeastern 08:33 Recruiting Philosophy and Strategy at Brown 10:01 Building a Coaching Staff 15:37 Future Plans and Vision for Brown Baseball 27:55 Conclusion and Farewell

Todd Mathewson, the champion coach of the Western New England Prep Baseball League from Canterbury School, joins to discuss his team's recent championship victory over Cheshire Academy. Mathewson shares insights into the emotional journey of achieving the win after years of close calls, breaking down game strategies and key moments of the season. He also talks about the selection process for Post-Graduate players, the rising interest in Canterbury's baseball program, and the impact of a strong supporting community. The episode wraps up with a fun segment, 'Three Up, Three Down,' where favorite baseball stances, intimidation on the mound, and fiery managers are discussed. Topics 00:32 Championship Game Emotions and Highlights 02:23 Western New England Prep Baseball League Overview 04:25 Tournament Strategy and Key Players 06:54 Celebration and Community Support 08:29 Recruitment and Program Growth 11:15 Postgraduate Year Insights 16:32 Coaching Philosophy and Personal Journey 22:49 Three Up, Three Down Segment 30:47 Closing Remarks

The guest is ISL champion Lawrence coach Chris Margraf. Dan and Chris discuss his team’s journey to winning the ISL tournament, the strategic decisions made during games, the evolution of high school baseball with more specialized athletes, and the importance of team chemistry. They also delve into the nuances of field management, decision-making under pressure, and the changing landscape of youth sports. The episode concludes with a 'Three Up, Three Down' segment featuring baseball dilemmas and Hall of Fame debates. Topics 00:14 Reflecting on the ISL Championship 01:01 The Evolution of Prep School Baseball 02:13 Challenges and Strategies in the Playoffs 03:56 Pitching Decisions and Game Dynamics 05:06 Coaching Decisions and Game Management 06:24 The Impact of Key Players 06:56 Navigating the DH Rule and Game Scenarios 08:22 The Emotional Rollercoaster of the Championship Game 13:27 Post-Game Reflections and Umpire Decisions 17:44 Player Development and Future Prospects 21:41 The Changing Landscape of High School Sports 26:30 The Importance of Nuances in Baseball 27:33 The Evolution of Multi-Sport Athletes 28:38 Specialization and Its Impact on Players 29:19 The Role of AAU Programs 30:39 Team Dynamics and Baseball IQ 34:19 Three Up, Three Down Segment Introduction 34:51 Hall of Fame Dilemmas 40:15 Ethical Dilemmas in Baseball 46:29 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

A midseason review of New England high school baseball with beat reporter Pat Donnelly. Dan and Pat discuss the performance of Catholic conference schools, standout teams, and key players. Topics include the unpredictable top 10 rankings, the competitive nature of the Catholic and Bay State Conferences, dominant individual performances, and predictions for state championships. Topics 00:30 Catholic Conference Teams Overview 02:18 Xaverian's Strong Season 03:49 BC High's Challenges and Comebacks 06:01 St. John Shrewsbury's Performance 07:56 Braintree and Bay State Conference 09:39 Taunton and King Philip Highlights 13:21 Newton South's Turnaround 14:39 Mid-Season Questions and Predictions 20:21 Brody's Recovery and Future Plans 21:03 State Championship Predictions 23:18 Three Up, Three Down Segment 24:00 Catching a Foul Ball at a Major League Game 27:32 Unusual Baseball Moments 34:05 Judging a Ballpark's Quality 36:19 Conclusion and Credits