I’m Patrick Jones, a former hitting coach in the Orioles organization — now I help high school baseball players get recruited to play college baseball.
On this show, I break down how the recruiting process really works. Each week, I interview college coaches, pro players, and insiders to help players and parents understand what it takes to get seen, get evaluated, and get offers. We cover everything from navigating the transfer portal and building exposure, to standing out at camps, managing communication with coaches, and making smart recruiting decisions.
If you want to play college baseball — and you’re serious about the process — this podcast is for you.
Get free weekly recruiting tips straight to your inbox: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I’m Patrick Jones, a former hitting coach in the Orioles organization — now I help high school baseball players get recruited to play college baseball.
On this show, I break down how the recruiting process really works. Each week, I interview college coaches, pro players, and insiders to help players and parents understand what it takes to get seen, get evaluated, and get offers. We cover everything from navigating the transfer portal and building exposure, to standing out at camps, managing communication with coaches, and making smart recruiting decisions.
If you want to play college baseball — and you’re serious about the process — this podcast is for you.
Get free weekly recruiting tips straight to your inbox: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruit
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week I sat down with Kevin Soine, Assistant Baseball Coach and Athletic Operations Coordinator at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix, Arizona. I had a chance to visit South Mountain recently and came away extremely impressed, especially with the coaching staff's focus on player development.
In our conversation, Kevin shares his journey from his high school days in Minnesota to his current coaching position in Arizona, including the challenges of transitioning from player to coach. We discuss the importance of academic success, compliance, and eligibility in college athletics, as well as the significance of mental performance and practice design in player development. Patrick also shares his advice for high school players hoping to get recruited and play at the college level.
On X:
Follow Kevin Soine: @CatchBot7
Follow South Mountain Community College Athletics: @SMCCCougars
Follow 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/recruiting
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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.
In this episode, I interview Cole Schaffer, the new head baseball coach at Thomas More University. We discuss Cole's journey to becoming a head coach, the challenges of recruiting at the Division II level, and his vision for building a competitive baseball program. Cole shares insights on the importance of player commitment, the realities of coaching, and the structure of fall practices. The conversation highlights the significance of balancing academics and athletics, as well as the sacrifices made in pursuit of a coaching career.
Follow Cole and Thomas More baseball on X:
Cole Shaffer: @coleshaffer05
Thomas More Baseball: @ThomasMoreBase1
Does your family need help navigating the recruiting process for college baseball?
Sign up for a consult on the Patrick Jones Baseball website.
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.
In this episode, I interview Greg Mamula, head coach at the University of Delaware baseball team. We discuss the unique aspects of Delaware's campus and its athletic facilities and delve into Mamula's coaching philosophy.
Coach Mamula shares insights on evaluating players, the importance of game situations, and the challenges of pitching development. He also shares about his experiences as a coach, the dynamics of building a coaching staff, and the uncertainties facing college baseball today. Finally, he offers advice for the 2027 recruiting class, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit in a program.
Connect with Coach Mamula: @CoachMamsUD
Follow the University of Delaware Baseball team: @DelawareBASE
00:00 An Introduction to Delaware Baseball
05:50 Offensive Philosophy and Swing Decisions
09:20 Developing Swing Decisions in Hitters
13:22 Evaluating High School Players
19:42 Pitching Insights in College Baseball
24:29 Training Approaches
27:20 Building a Coaching Staff
30:01 Strategizing Non-Conference Play
31:03 Navigating the 2027 Recruiting Class
35:41 Uncertainty in College Athletics
37:31 The Future of College Baseball
38:27 The Importance of Fundamentals
Check Out Patrick's Content:
📬 Patrick's Weekly 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.
In this episode, Dean Peterson, head coach of Division II University of Charleston, shares what college coaches are really looking for when they evaluate college baseball players.
0:00: What the summer is like for a college baseball coach
6:04: Leadership
12:49: The importance of faith and identity
20:42: Incorporating faith into coaching
27:46: Navigating the transfer portal
33:19: The recruiting process
38:32: Creating an environment for growth
50:38: Empowering coaching staff
58:20: Connecting with prospective players
Are you a parent of a high school baseball player hoping to get recruited?
Apply to work with me at: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting
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
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In this episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, we focus on how college coaches evaluate high school catchers. I outline 7 key criteria that coaches consider, emphasizing the importance of receiving as the most critical skill. We discuss the nuances of receiving, including how catchers should present the ball to umpires and the impact of effective receiving on game outcomes.
Takeaways
1. College coaches look for seven key criteria in catchers.
2. Receiving is the most important skill for catchers.
3. Pop time, blocking, arm action, footwork, makeup, and stamina are also evaluated.
4. Effective receiving can turn balls into strikes, impacting game outcomes.
5. Catchers should present the ball calmly and quietly to umpires.
6. Sudden movements can lead to missed calls from umpires.
7. The best catchers make receiving look effortless.
8. Research shows that every 10 balls turned into strikes equals one run.
Are you a parent of a high school player hoping to get recruited?
Apply to work with me at:
https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting
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
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On this episode of the Patrick Jones Baseball podcast, we welcome back Dr. Adam Maloof, a Princeton University professor and passionate baseball researcher with a unique insider’s perspective on the college game. As a former college catcher and a current contributor to the Princeton baseball program, Dr. Maloof blends scientific rigor with firsthand baseball experience to dig into some of the sport’s most intriguing questions.
Today’s conversation centers on Dr. Maloof’s recent wave of impactful research articles, touching on the art and value of catcher framing, the intricacies of evaluating pitching and hitting at the college level, and why traditional metrics might not be telling the whole story. We dive deep into why receiving is an underrated part of catching, how advances in data collection can help teams gain the Moneyball-style edge, and what simple statistical models like JOPS+ are teaching us about what really wins games in college baseball.
Whether you’re a coach, recruiter, player, or just a diehard baseball fan, this episode offers actionable insights and candid reflections on how the world of college baseball is evolving—and how smarter, more targeted analysis can shape success on the field. Buckle up for an engaging blend of science, strategy, and the irreplaceable human element of the game.
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
Adam's research articles mentioned in this episode:
Adam's contact information
Email: maloof@princeton.edu
03:53 Future of Automated Strike Zones
09:31 Catcher Recruitment Strategy Insights
12:56 "Evaluating Strike Count Impact"
16:13 Catcher Framing Outweighs OPS
17:13 Baseball Research Unbiased Perspective
21:58 Tracking and Improving Athletic Performance
26:12 Balancing Fit and Fitness in Science
28:51 Pitching Strategy: Efficiency Over Power
31:41 "Win Expectancy and Base Runners"
34:27 Simulated Player Performance Analysis
39:20 Evaluating Biases in Scouting Practices
41:21 Rethink Recruiting for College Success
44:41 Challenges of College Baseball Recruiting
47:43 Evaluating Athlete Intangibles and History
53:32 Overwhelmed Choices in College Recruiting
54:40 "JOPS. Simplifies Baseball Stats"
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
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In this episode, Patrick Jones interviews Brett Wallace, the hitting coach for the California Golden Bears. They discuss Wallace's journey from a successful college player to a major league hitter and now a coach. Wallace shares insights on the role of a hitting coach, key techniques for hitters, the evolution of competition in college baseball, and the importance of building a routine and mindset for success. He emphasizes the significance of visualization and confidence in hitting, as well as the challenges and strategies in recruiting young talent.
00:00 Brett Wallace's Journey to Coaching
02:56 Offensive Strategy and Identity
06:00 Hitting Mechanics and Drills
08:59 The Evolution of Pitching
12:07 Routine and Mental Preparation
14:53 Visualization and Learning from Experience
20:00 Mindset and Gratitude in Baseball
21:00 Evolution of Hitting Techniques
24:00 The Cat and Mouse Game of Hitting
26:07 Adjustments During At-Bats
31:51 Recruiting and Developing Young Talent
36:02 Life at Cal and Campus Culture
Sign up for a 30 minute college baseball recruiting consultation with Patrick
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On this episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, I sat down with Tyler Gillum, head coach of the Savannah Bananas, to talk about building a brand that puts fans first and creating impact beyond just wins and losses.
Tyler shares how he pivoted his coaching career to chase a bigger vision—impacting millions through baseball and entertainment.
We discuss setting audacious goals, leading with intention, and why every business needs to focus relentlessly on customer experience. It’s about energy, culture, and showing up every day to deliver unforgettable moments.
Timestamps:
00:00 "Chose Bananas to Impact Fans"
10:06 "One Million Fans Goal Achieved"
11:56 Morning Gratitude Rituals
19:32 "Finding Balance Amidst Life's Extremes"
26:23 Full-Day Fan Experience
30:06 "Banana Ball's Unique Characters"
34:21 Jesse Cole's Daily Ideation Habit
39:30 Creating Memorable Fan Experiences
48:14 "Winning Over Baseball Skeptics"
51:41 Banana Ball Trick Play Adaptation
54:07 "Parenting Through Gymnastics and Discipline"
59:42 Choosing Seminole Over Bigger Offers
01:05:05 Banana Ball's Winning Legacy
Follow Tyler on Social Media:
Twitter: https://x.com/Gillum66
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachgillum66/
Schedule a College Baseball Recruiting Consultation with Patrick:
https://patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting
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In this episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, the focus is on the mental game, which is often overlooked in favor of physical mechanics. Patrick discusses how understanding the brain's function can lead to improved performance, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, identity, and focus. He introduces the 'Core Five' strategies to enhance mental skills and addresses the unique mental challenges faced in baseball, including managing expectations and utilizing statistics effectively.
00:00 The Importance of the Mental Game
09:28 Understanding the Brain and Thoughts
18:51 Core Five Strategies for Mental Improvement
27:59 Navigating Expectations and Mental Challenges
32:48 Statistics and Counts in Hitting
Check out Patrick's new course
Swing Decisions: How To Master The Strike Zone
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In this episode, Patrick shares the unfiltered truth behind what it really takes to get recruited to play college baseball in 2025. After talking to dozens of coaches, watching games across the country, and helping players from coast to coast, he breaks down the exact roadmap players and parents need to follow — including what most people get completely wrong.
Whether you're just starting the process or deep into your recruiting journey, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.
What You’ll Learn:
The only reasons to enter the transfer portal (and why most players shouldn’t)
Updates on roster size rules and how it impacts recruiting
The most important question every player must ask before starting the process
Key recruiting timelines for Power 4, mid-major D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO
Which showcases actually matter (PBR vs. Perfect Game)
How college coaches actually evaluate players (hint: it’s not just stats)
Why the best prospect isn’t always the best player
Position-by-position breakdown of recruiting priorities
What you should be doing from freshman to senior year
Social media strategy that gets attention — without hurting your visibility
Why cold emails to coaches almost never work (and what to do instead)
Resources:
Book a $60 Recruiting Consultation: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting
Connect With Patrick:
Twitter: @pjonesbaseball
Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com
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In this episode, I’m joined by Jared Gaynor- founder of Pitching Coach U and former pitching coach in the Minnesota Twins organization. We dive into what actually matters in pitching development: fastball command, pitch design, identity, and the mental side of competing under pressure.
We talk about why bullpen success doesn’t always translate to games, how a pitcher’s mindset can make or break them, and why the recruiting landscape is more competitive (and confusing) than ever.
If you’re a player or parent trying to make sense of college recruiting, I offer 30-minute consultations to help you build a clear plan. You can book one at patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting
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On this week's episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, we welcome Victor Rojas, Assistant Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Ottawa University - Arizona (OUAZ). Victor has one of the most unique journeys in baseball—he played minor league ball, worked as a GM, became a broadcaster for ESPN and MLB Network, and now, he’s coaching college baseball.
In this episode, Victor shares:
If you're a player or parent looking to understand the college baseball recruiting process—especially at the NAIA level—this episode is a must-listen.
🔗 Follow Victor Rojas & OUAZ Baseball:
🔗 Need help in the recruiting process?
Book a free 15-minute call
👉 PatrickJonesBaseball.com/recruiting
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In this episode, I sit down with Coach Adam Stevens, the Head Baseball Coach at Aurora University, one of the top Division 3 baseball programs in the Midwest. With a master’s degree in sports psychology, Coach Stevens has a unique approach to recruiting, developing players, and helping them handle both success and failure.
We dive deep into:
✅ What college coaches really look for in recruits
✅ Why the mental game is just as important as physical skills
✅ The biggest mistakes players make in the recruiting process
✅ How D3 baseball compares to other levels—and why it might be the best fit for many players
✅ The transfer portal and how D3 programs are utilizing it
Coach Stevens has been leading Aurora’s program for over a decade, helping his team achieve one of the highest winning percentages in Division 3 baseball from 2018 to 2023. His insights into recruiting, player development, and the mental game are invaluable for any aspiring college athlete.
Need help in the college recruiting process?
Would you like to work with me to help you find the right college baseball program?
Click this link for a free 15 minute recruiting consultation:
My service includes:
* Full evaluation and personalized recruiting plan.
* Direct connections and recommendations to college coaches.
* Access to honest feedback from coaches.
* Player development support throughout the recruiting process.
* Ongoing communication and guidance for both recruitment and player improvement.
Free 15 minute college recruiting consultation
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In this episode, we welcome back Jacksonville State University Hitting Coach Ari Adut to dive deep into hitting IQ, game planning, and player development. Ari shares insights from his experience in professional baseball, his transition into the college game, and how he builds individualized player plans that blend analytics with practical application.
We discuss:
Free PJB Recruiting Consultation: For families trying to navigate the high school baseball recruiting process.
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Connect with Cam Johnson:
Contact with Patrick Jones:
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In this episode of the Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast, we’re joined by Matt Wollenzin, the Hitting Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Evansville. Matt takes us behind the scenes of one of college baseball’s most exciting mid-major programs, sharing how Evansville has built a championship-caliber team that competes with the nation’s best.
From their incredible Super Regional run to their unique approach to player development and recruiting, Matt dives into the secrets of their success. Learn about the culture of collaboration, how they develop hitters with individualized training, and the program’s commitment to long-term growth. Plus, get insights into how Evansville’s team believes in each other, adapts to adversity, and continues to rise above expectations year after year.
If you're interested in what it takes to build a winning program from the ground up and how a mid-major can compete with the top-tier teams in college baseball, this episode is a must-listen!
Follow Evansville Baseball on Twitter: @UEBaseball
Check out Patrick's new course:
Swing Decisions: How To Master The Strike Zone
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, I sit down with Danny-David Linahan, the new hitting coach at Texas State University. Danny shares his journey from playing college baseball to coaching in the major leagues with the Minnesota Twins. He offers valuable insights on hitting, player development, and transitioning between professional and college baseball.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction and Danny's background
2:11 - Transition from playing to coaching
5:17 - Experience with the Minnesota Twins
10:24 - Moving to Texas State University
15:19 - Approach to player development
21:39 - Key indicators for hitters
26:00 - Importance of marginal gains
30:33 - Differences between pro and college baseball
35:45 - Advice for aspiring players and coaches
College Baseball Recruiting Consultation
patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting
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In this episode, we welcome back Andy Barkett, former MLB hitting coach, and current private hitting instructor. Andy shares insights from his nearly 30 years of coaching experience, focusing on the mechanical aspects of hitting. He discusses his transition from professional baseball to private coaching, the development of his remote training business, and his new product, the Power Pivot. Andy also delves into common issues he sees in college hitters and provides valuable tips for improving swing mechanics and mental approach.
0:00 - Introduction and Andy's background
5:30 - Transition to private coaching and remote training
10:15 - Evaluating hitters and addressing mechanical flaws
15:45 - The Power Pivot tool and proper hip rotation
22:30 - Common issues in college baseball hitting
28:00 - Comparing MLB hitters to amateurs
33:45 - The role of technology in hitting development
38:00 - Closing thoughts and contact information
Contact Information:
Andy Barkett
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In this episode, we sit down with Tyson Ellis, the pitching coach at Eastern Florida State College, a Division I junior college. Tyson shares insights into the world of junior college baseball and pitching development. Here's what you'll learn:
Junior College Baseball Breakdown
Follow Tyson on Twitter @Tyson_Ellis13 for more baseball insights and Florida Gators content.
Here are the timestamps for key segments of the episode with Tyson Ellis
:00:00 - Introduction and background of Tyson Ellis
03:45 - Explanation of Division I, II, and III junior colleges
07:30 - Scholarship opportunities in Florida junior colleges
11:15 - Tyson's pitching philosophy and focus on toughness
15:30 - Evaluating mental toughness in pitchers
19:45 - Discussion on velocity ranges in Florida JUCO baseball
24:00 - Recruiting process for JUCO players moving to four-year schools
28:30 - Tyson's approach to calling pitches during games
33:15 - Tyson's role as head coach for the Florence Flamingos
36:45 - Building a summer league roster
41:30 - Importance of summer ball for college pitchers
46:00 - Advice on pitcher workload and off-season training
50:30 - Recommendations for high school pitchers
54:15 - Closing thoughts and where to follow Tyson on social media
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In this episode, Patrick Jones interviews Adam Schlenoff, the Associate Head Baseball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Johns Hopkins University. Adam discusses his coaching journey, the challenges of recruiting for a top academic institution, and the high level of competition in Division III baseball. He explains Johns Hopkins' unique position as an elite academic school and a national championship contender in baseball. Schlenoff shares insights into their recruiting process, player development strategies, and the team's recent success in hitting for power.
Time Stamps:
13:07 - Division III baseball - pitching and defense
19:36 - Setting the Division III record with 114 home runs in 56 games in 2023
23:19 - Example of a Division I transfer
24:51 - Explanation of the process-oriented approach to hitting and player development
26:41 - Building trust with student-athletes and utilizing resources at Hopkins
28:33 - Focus on proper loading in hitting
30:04 - Drill work to improve players' adjustability at the plate
30:30 - Collaborating with team captains on new ideas for training and development
Follow Patrick:
Follow Adam:
Follow Johns Hopkins Baseball:
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