The D2 Baseball Podcast

In this episode, we follow the unique journey of Richie Cortese from his home state of Montana to Lander University in South Carolina and ultimately to the Philadelphia Phillies. Richie shares how a DM on Twitter led him to Lander , his experiences with his dad—who also played professional baseball—and how his Christian faith and teammates helped shape his mental approach to the game. Hear how all the small contributions from his journey led him to this monumental moment.Don't Miss this exclusive interview with former Lander RHP now pitcher in the Phillies org Richie Cortese.

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In this episode of the 2025 Coaching Changes Series, Robert speaks with Travis Graves, the second Head Baseball Coach in UT Dallas history. Graves discusses his extensive background, which includes playing in the College World Series for Southern Miss and winning a national championship as a coach at Eastfield Junior College.

Graves credits his success to a strong line of mentors, particularly former UT Dallas Head Coach...

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In this special player story, Robert talks with former Quincy University Hawk Dayson Croes, who made a stunning journey from independent baseball to the San Francisco Giants organization, ending his 2025 season at the AAA level.

Croes shares the incredible, unexpected phone call that led to him signing with the Giants just two weeks before his independent season began, initiating a rapid, multi-level ascent through the affiliated...

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In this episode of 2025 Coaching Changes Series, Robert talks with Chris Rodriguez, the new Head Baseball Coach at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS). After serving as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator, Rodriguez discusses his smooth transition and how established relationships with the team created a level of trust.

Coach Rodriguez introduces the team's new mantra, "WAR", which stands for Work, Accountability, and Resilience. He draws on his...

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In this episode of the 2025 Coaching Changes Series, Robert talks with Brian Lewis, the new Head Baseball Coach at the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB). Coach Lewis discusses the seamless transition after being promoted from the hitting coach position and the excitement of leading the program as a full Division II member.Lewis outlines his "toughness and grinding" philosophy, focusing on instilling a winning mentality by raising the floor of...

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In this episode of the 2025 Coaching Changes Series, Robert sits down with Central Oklahoma's new head baseball coach, Robbie Rea. A familiar face to the program, Rea discusses his seamless transition to the head coaching role after serving as the pitching coach for three seasons. He credits his strong returning pitching staff and a great administrative team for making the process smooth. Rea also highlights the unique opportunity of coaching alongside...

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In this episode of the 2025 Coaching Changes Series, we welcome John Martin back to Emporia State as the program's new head baseball coach. Martin, an alumnus and former coach, discusses the excitement of returning to his alma mater, a move that brings him and his family closer to home. He reflects on his time away and the experiences that prepared him for this new role.

Coach...

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In this early episode of the 2025 Coaching Changes series, Robert sits down with the fourth head coach in Missouri Western history, Michael Keeran, to discuss his background and his vision for the program. Keeran, who has a strong coaching history at the junior college and high school levels, explains what drew him to Missouri Western, citing the program's strong vision, good facilities, and the highly competitive MIAA conference.

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In this episode of the 2025 Coaching Changes Series, J.D. Hulse talks about his quick transition from assistant to head coach at Valdosta State, a move he made after working with former head coach Jan Weisberg for years, first as a player, then as a coach at Birmingham-Southern and then at Valdosta State. Hulse discusses his journey and the difficult experience of coaching Birmingham-Southern during their school's final months, a perspective...

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In this episode of the 2025 Coaching Changes Series, Robert sits down with Thomas More Head Coach Cole Shaffer.

At just 27 years old, Cole Shaffer is ready to lead the Thomas More Saints into a new era of Division II baseball. In this episode, he discusses his journey to becoming a head coach and the unique advantage of working with an athletic administration that has deep ties to the program's...

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In this episode of the 2025 Coaching Changes series, Robert sits down with North Georgia's newest head baseball coach, Nolan Belcher, to discuss his background and vision for the program. Belcher, a Georgia native, brings a wealth of experience from his playing days at the University of South Carolina and his coaching stints at USC Aiken, the College of Charleston, and Georgia College.

Belcher reflects on his...

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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.

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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...

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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...

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...

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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...

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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"...

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...

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...

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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...

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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...

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.

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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...

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...

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...

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 Midwes

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 mu...

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 coll...

This week on the D2 Baseball podcast, we chat with 4th-year head coach Mike Vucsko of the Lewis Flyers. After sweeping then-No. 16 Davenport, the Flyers are now nationally ranked with a 25-7 record and sit at 14-2 in the GLVC. They're making a strong case for their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2013. Coach Vuscko talks about the team's success, the key players driving it, and their push for a postseason berth in the middle of a thrilling season.Want to see this content early and more content like this that premium and exclusive? Join our Patreon: patreon.com/diviibaseball...

What a turnaround. In just one season, Rick O’Dette has taken Florida Southern from an 18-30 team in 2023 to a 24-7 powerhouse, fresh off a series win over then-No. 1 Tampa. Now ranked No. 4 in our D2 Baseball rankings, the Mocs are putting up elite numbers—8.5 runs per game, 4.16 ERA, and a top-2 national ranking in stolen bases per game.We sit down with Coach O’Dette to break down how he’s built this winning culture, his journey through 24 years of D2 coaching, and what’s next for Florida Southern.🔥 What’s driving this turnaround? 🔥 How does O’Dette develop high-l...

 With over 1,000 career wins, 18 RMAC Championships, and four College World Series appearances, Chris Hanks has turned Colorado Mesa into a Division II baseball dynasty. Now, in his 27th season, the Mavericks are 22-8, 15-1 in RMAC play, and riding a 9-game win streak.

Coach Hanks joins us to talk about: ✅ Sustaining success over two decades ✅ Colorado Mesa’s high-powered offense & elite pitching staff ✅ Developing pro talent (21 players drafted!) ✅ His coaching philosophy

🎧 Join us for this deep dive into one of D2’s most dominant programs!

Northwood Baseball is rolling. The Timberwolves are 17-10, undefeated in G-MAC play (12-0), and riding a 12-game winning streak. Head Coach Brad Baldwin joins the show to break down their dominance—what’s driving their success on the mound, their offensive firepower, and how they're maintaining this level of play. We also dive into Baldwin’s coaching journey, his time at Wayne State, and his rapid rise to leading a perennial NCAA Tournament team.With top-tier pitching (No. 1 in G-MAC in ERA, WHIP, K-BB ratio) and a dynamic offense (league-best batting average, doubles per game, sac flies), Northwood is provin...

Goldey-Beacom head coach Tom Riley joins the D2 Baseball Podcast to discuss how he built the Lightning into a consistent regional contender. His squad is riding the longest winning streak in the nation (15 games), ranks 6th in stolen bases per game, and sits undefeated in CACC play (12-0). Hear how Riley has developed a winning culture, emphasized speed and versatility, and turned Goldey-Beacom into a force in the East Region.

The conference is using KPI to determine seeding in 2025 for the first time. The first KPI drops on Monday, March 31st and will be updated daily.

In this episode of the D2 Baseball podcast, we sit down with Jon Shehan, head coach of the Millersville Marauders, to discuss his incredible career and the growth of the program. Shehan, in his 18th season, has turned Millersville into a perennial contender, boasting 10 PSAC East Championships and 12 NCAA Tournament appearances. We dive into his journey from player to coach, his approach to developing talent, and the current success of the Marauders, who are ranked 11th in the nation and top-10 in scoring and stolen bases.

Seton Hill Baseball is on fire! Riding an 11-game win streak and leading the nation in ERA and fielding percentage, the Griffins are proving why they’re a powerhouse in Division II baseball. Head Coach Marc Marizzaldi joins the show to break down their stellar start, the keys to their success, and what’s ahead as they push for another PSAC title. Don’t miss this insight into one of the top teams in the country! 🎙️⚾🔥 #D2Baseball #SetonHill #PSAC

In this episode, we sit down with John Schaly, the all-time winningest coach in NCAA Division II baseball history. Coach Schaly reflects on his incredible career, the lessons he's learned, and the impact he's had on players both on and off the field. Don't miss this exclusive conversation with a coaching legend!

In this episode of the D2 Baseball Podcast, we sit down with Palm Beach Atlantic Head Coach Kent Bottenfield to talk about the Sailfish's incredible 10-game win streak. After a slow start to the season, PBA has dominated their competition, led by an outstanding pitching staff and a well-rounded team performance. Coach Bottenfield shares insights on the keys to their success, the impact of tough non-conference play, and how his Major League experience has shaped his coaching philosophy. We also discuss standout players like freshman Finley Holmes and what’s next for PBA as they look to continue their st...

Minnesota State is off to its best start since 1975, sitting at a dominant 8-0 and ranked 18th in the nation. Head coach Matt Magers joins the show to break down the Mavericks’ explosive offense, elite pitching, and the culture that has made them a perennial D2 powerhouse. We discuss standout performances, team chemistry, and what’s ahead for this championship-contending squad.

The Harding Bisons are off to a scorching 14-1 start in 2025, riding a dominant 12-game winning streak. We sit down with longtime head coach Dr. Patrick McGaha to break down the keys to their early success, standout performances, and the mindset behind building a winning culture. Can the Bisons keep the momentum rolling? Tune in as we dive into their dominant start, the players leading the charge, and what’s next for one of the hottest teams in Division II baseball.

No.9 UT Tyler (10-2) is off to a blistering start in 2025, dominating at the plate and on the mound. The Patriots opened the season with a sweep of Lubbock Christian, battled No. 2 Angelo State, and most recently overpowered Texas A&M International with a four-game sweep. Their offense ranks among the nation’s best, hitting .346 as a team, while ace Rawley Hector has been lights out on the mound.In this episode of the D2 Baseball Podcast, we’re joined by UT Tyler head coach Brent Porche to break down his team’s early success, standout performances, and what’s ahead...

In this episode, we sit down with Coach Arlan Freeman, the inaugural head coach of Georgian Court University Baseball! He shares his journey of building a program from the ground up, the values that define his team—Grit, Character, and Unselfishness—and what it takes to create a winning culture.Listen now for insights on leadership, coaching philosophy, and the challenges of starting a new program. Whether you're a coach, player, or baseball fan, this conversation is packed with inspiration!🔥 Want early access to episodes and exclusive content? Join our Patreon! → http://patreon.com/diviibaseball📌 Don't forget to like, comment, and...

Carson-Newman is off to a scorching 7-0 start, and we caught up with head coach Tom Griffin to break it all down. From standout performances to the culture driving the Eagles, Coach Griffin shares his insights on the team’s early success and what’s ahead for the season. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on D2 baseball, coaching philosophies, and the keys to winning at the Division II level.

In this special episode of our D2 baseball podcast, we sit down with Lake Erie Interim Head Coach Mike Eversole, fresh off a statement series win over ranked UNC Pembroke. Coach Eversole breaks down his first week at the helm, the team’s resilient performance, standout players, and how the Storm are preparing for their next challenge against UIndy. Don’t miss this exclusive inside look at one of the biggest opening weekend stories in D2 baseball!

Tune in as we talk to Chico State Wildcat head coach Dave Taylor after their impressive series win on the road at No.5 Point Loma. Learn about his coaching philosophies and how he recruits and develops players!

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Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/diviibaseball Join us as we sit down with Rick O’Dette, the new head coach of Florida Southern College’s baseball program. With over 24 years of coaching experience and more than 700 career wins at the Division II level, Coach O’Dette brings a wealth of knowledge, a blue-collar work ethic, and a fresh perspective to the Mocs. In this interview, we discuss: His vision for building a winning team culture at Florida Southern. The importance of "buy-in" from players and staff. How his experiences as a pro player with the Boston Red Sox shape...

Join our Patreon! patreon.com/diviibaseball Join us for an insightful conversation with new Clarion University Baseball Head Coach Johnny Poss, where he discusses his vision for the team, including fostering resilience, mental health awareness, and life skills. Coach Poss shares his dedication to building trust, promoting an open-door policy, and creating a supportive environment for his players both on and off the field. This episode dives into his coaching philosophy and the ways he’s preparing his players for success in baseball and beyond. Don’t miss this inspiring episode!

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Support Us! patreon.com/diviibaseball In this interview, we sit down with Jay Snyder, the new head coach of Newberry College baseball. Jay’s been with the program since 2008, and his journey from assistant to head coach is nothing short of inspiring. He talks about what it means to carry on the legacy of Newberry baseball, the emotional support from his players and community, and his passion for both the game and the people who make it special. Don't miss this inside look at the heart of Newberry baseball and Coach Snyder’s vision for the future!

Support us! patreon.com/diviibaseball In this week's episode, we talk to Sonoma State Head Coach Jacob Garsez. We talk in depth about his coaching journey, his plans with the program, what he believes in terms of culture, and more. Like and subscribe for the latest content from D2 Baseball, your support goes a long way for us to continue to enhance our product to showcase to you!

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In this exciting episode, we sit down with Adam Skonieczki, the newly appointed Head Coach of Lenoir-Rhyne Bears Baseball. Adam shares his journey from assistant roles to leading the Bears, reflecting on his impressive track record with Lenoir-Rhyne and his vision for the future of the program. Tune in as we delve into his coaching philosophy, key strategies, and what fans can expect in this new chapter for the Bears. Whether you’re a baseball enthusiast or just curious about the dynamics of college sports, th...

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Listen in as we detail the career of a UT Legend, EJ Cumbo as he joins the program.

Robert Frey and Will Conerly break down their All-American selections.