Patrick Jones Baseball

In this episode, I sit down with Justin Ebert, hitting coach and recruiting coordinator at Greensboro College, to talk about what it really takes to develop as a hitter at the college level and what high school players and families should be doing right now to prepare.Justin shares how his background in psychology shapes the way he communicates with hitters, why mental resilience matters just as much as mechanics, and how he builds individualized routines that set guys up for success from day one.We also get into the recruiting side of things, how Greensboro evaluates players, what intangibles they look for beyond tools and stats, and how the transfer portal has changed the landscape for high school showcases.This conversation is especially valuable for high school players and families who want to understand what college coaches are actually looking for and how development, attitude, and fit can matter more than rankings or division level.Topics Covered: 0:00 Intro 0:53 Justin's origin story and path from player to coach 3:46 Why psychology changed how Justin coaches and communicates 4:45 How he helps hitters manage failure and stay mentally even 6:10 The biggest gap for incoming freshmen, building a routine 7:31 How Justin builds individual drill routines for each hitter 8:30 Tee work and underhand toss philosophy at Greensboro 9:55 Where Justin learned his hitting philosophy and who influenced him 11:13 Using visual cues instead of mechanical adjustments 11:48 Batter's box positioning and two-strike approach 14:38 Justin's experience playing travel baseball with the Canes 16:31 What Justin learned coaching travel ball with Team Elite and the Canes 18:34 How the recruiting landscape has changed since he played 19:46 Players who surprised him during the recruiting process 21:10 How the transfer portal has changed showcase baseball 21:17 When Greensboro starts recruiting and how they build their classes 25:37 The type of player and person Greensboro looks for 26:58 Why Greensboro College baseball is a family and what makes it different 29:03 Life in Greensboro, the city, campus, and culture 30:16 Best local food spots in Greensboro 32:10 Campus life, housing, and living situation for players 33:46 Facilities and why coaching matters more than resources 35:27 What Justin will do differently in his second year as hitting coachFollow Greensboro Baseball: Twitter/X: @GCPrideBaseball Instagram: @GreensboroCollegeBaseball TikTok: @GCBaseballCheck Out Patrick's Stuff:• 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit• ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Maryville College head coach Clint Helton to talk about Division III baseball, recruiting, player development, and what it really takes to build a winning program.Clint shares his path from playing at Maryville to becoming the head coach, how the program has grown, and what he looks for when recruiting players. We also dive into the misconceptions around Division III baseball, why the right people matter as much as talent, and how Maryville has built a culture where players take ownership of their development.We also get into pitching strategy, why pitchability matters more than velocity at certain levels, how Maryville uses data, and what makes the school and Knoxville/Maryville area such a unique place to play college baseball.Show NotesClint’s background as a Maryville player and coachHis transition from assistant coach to head coachWhat he would tell his younger coaching selfWhy recruiting is about finding the right player and the right personHow Maryville evaluates makeup during the recruiting processWhat high school players misunderstand about Division III baseballWhy D3 baseball can be much better than people thinkThe importance of self-directed work outside team practiceHow Maryville structures its fall development periodWhy pitchability, command, and off-speed usage matterHow Maryville’s staff tracks competitive pitches and uses dataWhat makes Maryville College and the surrounding area appealingThe history of Maryville baseball, including its 150th seasonGuest Twitter/XClint Helton: @CHelt29Check Out Patrick's Stuff:• 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit• ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jimmy Martin, a college baseball coach at North Lake College, comes on the show to break down what actually matters in recruiting, player development, and making it to the next level.Jimmy gives a behind-the-scenes look at how college coaches evaluate players, what makes players stand out (and what instantly turns coaches off), and why so many players struggle to move up levels—even when they have the talent.If you’re a player, parent, or coach trying to understand how recruiting really works, this episode is packed with real, practical insight.Jimmy's Twitter: https://x.com/_CoachJMartinPatrick's Twitter: https://x.com/pjonesbaseballCheck Out Patrick's Stuff:• 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit• ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jordan Gates is the Midwest Crosschecker for Perfect Game, covering key recruiting hotbeds across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, and Michigan. His role puts him on the front lines of amateur baseball—evaluating players, building reports, and identifying both top-tier prospects and under-the-radar talent.Gates began his journey with Perfect Game as an intern in the Ohio Valley, working events while also gaining hands-on experience inside a training facility environment. He later moved into a full-time role as a Southeast Tournament Director, where he built relationships with players, coaches, and organizations while getting exposure to high-level competition across the region.After a stint working with the Cincinnati Reds organization, Gates returned to Perfect Game in a full-time scouting capacity. Known for his detailed evaluations and balanced perspective on projection vs. performance, he combines in-game observation, video analysis, and industry collaboration to assess players at every level.His work emphasizes not just tools, but how those tools translate into real game performance—making him a trusted voice in the evolving landscape of player development and recruiting."Projection is a fickle game.""Most overrated stat is batting average.""Deception in pitch tunneling is a key trait."Chapters00:00 Jordan Gates: Journey to Scouting04:48 A Day in the Life of a Scout09:59 The Art of Scouting: Finding Hidden Gems14:43 Evaluating Players: The Perfect Game Scale21:53 Showcase Insights: Maximizing Opportunities36:36 Understanding Arm Injuries in Young Athletes42:39 The Impact of Mental Health on Performance47:30 Spotlight on Rising Baseball Talents54:16 Evaluating Player Metrics and TraitsResourcesPerfect Game Official WebsiteJordan Gates on Twitter/XCheck Out Patrick's Stuff:• 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit• ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Estes, assistant coach at Weatherford College, one of the top junior college baseball programs in the country. Jonathan grew up in a town of 648 people in Arkansas, graduated in a class of 50, and worked his way through multiple small college stops before joining Weatherford this year. We dig into:How he structures batting practice to challenge hittersWhat he's looking for when he shows up to watch a high school playerHow fine the line really is between a junior college freshman and a Division I freshman. The sliding scale for pitching recruitsWhy making a JUCO roster isn't the same as playingWhat usually separates guys who succeed after transferring to a D1 from guys who struggleWe wrap up with the most important advice he'd give any high school player going through the recruiting process right now: Love the game.Follow Jonathan Estes and Weatherford baseball on X:Jonathan Estes: @estesthethirdWeatherford baseball: @WCoyoteBaseballConnect with Patrick Jones Baseball:On X: @pjonesbaseball📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/blog⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruitingCheck Out Patrick's Stuff:• 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit• ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Nathan Collier and I sit down to talk about travel ball and high school baseball, and how both play a role in getting players recruited. We dig into what makes each one valuable — like how high school coaches can really vouch for a player's character and how competitive they are, while travel ball helps kids get seen by more coaches. We also talk about how youth baseball is changing, what college coaches are actually looking for, and why picking the right team can make a big difference in how a player grows and develops.Connect with Patrick Jones Baseball:On X: @pjonesbaseball📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/blog⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruitingCheck Out Patrick's Stuff:• 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit• ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I'm joined again by Nathan Collier, a former sports journalist and our Recruiting Service Operations Director here at Patrick Jones Baseball. Nathan and I chat about what high school players should be doing to continue the recruiting outreach process to college coaches now that school seasons are starting across the country.I explain how I think players can handle pressure during games and why success has to be defined by more than just stats in a box score. I also share practical advice on using social media the right way to create exposure that can help you get recruited. We also get into the role family support plays in the process and some of the most common mistakes I see players and parents make.Connect with Patrick Jones Baseball:On X: @pjonesbaseball📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/blog⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruitingCheck Out Patrick's Stuff:• 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit• ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we welcome 16-year MLB pro Curtis Granderson to the podcast. Curtis does a great job breaking down what worked for him as a hitter, his approach at the plate, routines, and some of the key lessons he learned as a hitter during his career. He also reflects on his time playing college baseball at the University of Illinois Chicago.In addition to his accomplished playing career, Curtis is a wonderful ambassador for the game. If you'd like to learn more about his work giving back to the game, I highly recommend checking out the Chicago Baseball & Educational Academy: https://www.cbeauic.org/.Follow Curtis Granderson on X: @cgrand3Chicago Baseball & Educational Academy: https://www.cbeauic.org/Chicago Baseball & Educational Academy on X: @CBEA_UICConnect with Patrick Jones BaseballFollow on X: @pjonesbaseball📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.https://www.skool.com/patrickjonesbaseball⚾ Need help with college recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruitingCheck Out Patrick's Stuff:• 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit• ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Giuseppe Papaccio, Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for Seton Hall University.Giuseppe is one of the most disciplined coaches I've come across. We got into his daily routines, how he defines success as a coach, and why the mental game matters just as much as mechanics. Giuseppe shares how his time in professional baseball shaped the way he teaches hitters today, and we talked through the balance between swing work and mindset that every great hitter needs.We also dug into how recruiting is changing in college baseball and what players should understand about that shift. Throughout the conversation, one theme kept coming up: preparation, mental strength, and a commitment to continuous learning, and that's true whether you’re coaching, developing hitters, or working to play at the next level.On X:Giuseppe Papaccio: @gpapaccio2Patrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball📬 Sign up for the Recruiting Times, my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches.⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult.Check Out Patrick's Stuff:• 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit• ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re doing something a little different—my guest joins us to interview me! Nathan Collier is a content specialist and a former sports journalist. He’s also a baseball dad, middle school coach, and president of his local rec league. Nathan takes me through my baseball story. We go through my journey from youth leagues to high school, through my time playing D1 baseball at Xavier, the Independent Leagues, and then into my current role as a college baseball recruitment expert. We talk about our shared love of baseball, the mental side of the game, and the goal of providing honest, straightforward guidance for players, parents, and coaches trying to navigate the college baseball recruiting process. We also talk about the all-new Patrick Jones Baseball Player Community, which launches today! You can request to join at this link:https://www.skool.com/patrick-jones-baseball-2715/aboutOn X:Patrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball📬 Sign up for my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruitingCheck Out Patrick's Stuff:• 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit• ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I interview John Yolich, a Chicago teacher, parent, and coach in the Cubs Nike RBI program. We talk about the unique aspects of the Cubs RBI program—its inclusivity, the resources it provides for families, and its focus on developing young athletes as whole people. John shares how he got involved in the program, the importance of mindset in youth sports, the role parents play, and how the program helps players prepare for life beyond baseball. We also discuss ways travel baseball organizations can improve their offerings, regardless of their budget.Follow Patrick Jones Baseball on X and Instagramhttps://x.com/pjonesbaseballhttps://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball/📬 Sign up for my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruitingCheck Out Patrick's Stuff:• 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit• ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Michael Wood, assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of South Alabama, a D1 program located in Mobile, AL. We dive into his path through college baseball coaching and what he’s learned evaluating players at different levels of the game. We talk about the mentality it takes to succeed, why preparation separates players who stick from those who don’t, and how the practice environment is different between junior college and Division I.Michael also gives us an inside look at how NCAA and NJCAA rules shape the way he and his staff recruit, and what he’s really paying attention to when he evaluates high potential recruits. We wrap up by talking about the incredible tradition of South Alabama baseball—why it’s such a special place to play and what makes it a great fit for competitors who want to grow at the highest level.On X:Michael Wood: @woodromang153South Alabama Baseball: @SouthAlabamaBSBPatrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball📬 Sign up for my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruitingCheck Out Patrick's Stuff:• 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit• ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I chat with Ryan Johansen, former Chicago White Sox Assistant Hitting Coordinator and current Director of Hitting/Co-Director of Player Development at Elite Baseball Training. Ryan and I discuss hitting philosophy, bat speed training, and the importance of mental skills in player development. Ryan shares the core values of hitting, the effectiveness of movement screens, and the significance of empathy in coaching. Ryan also shares insights on how to structure bat speed programs and the necessity of a cohesive coaching culture in youth baseball.How to connect with Ryan Johansen:On X: @RPJ1317On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohansenBaseballOn the web: https://www.johansenbaseball.com/For more about Patrick Jones Baseball: 👉 Follow me on X: @pjonesbaseball📬 Sign up for my weekly baseball recruiting newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruitingCheck Out Patrick's Stuff:• 📬 Patrick's Weekly Recruiting Newsletter – Get insights on college recruiting, player spotlights, and advice for parents and coaches. Subscribe at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit• ⚾ Need Help with College Recruiting? – We help serious baseball players get recruited. Book a 1-on-1 consult at https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.