Patrick Jones Baseball

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

In this episode, I sit down with performance and leadership advisor Zach Brandon. Zach spent seven years leading mental performance and coach development initiatives with the Arizona Diamondbacks and now works directly with professional and collegiate coaches.Zach takes us through his journey. We discuss sports psychology, the significance of individualized mental training, and the role of coaches in player development. We also talk about the nuances of breathwork, the balance between aspirational goals and process, and the importance of self-awareness and intentionality in performance. Huge thanks to Zach for coming on the podcast and sharing his expertise with us!On X:Zach Brandon: @MVP_MindsetPatrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseballZach Brandon's newsletter: Winning With Words — playbook of stories and principles for coaches to elevate their leadership and help their players win the inner game.

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

In this episode, I sit down with M.L. Morgan, the head baseball coach at Norfolk State University. We discuss his journey from being a player to a coach, his experiences in compliance, and the importance of building a strong program. M.L. shares insights on recruiting, the significance of relationships in baseball, and what he looks for in players as a scout.On X:M.L. Morgan: @ML_MorganNorfolk State University: @SpartanBSBPatrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball

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/

In this episode, I break down one of the biggest mindset traps I see in college baseball recruiting: the “Division 1 or bust” mentality. A lot of players tell me their plan is to go to a Division 2 or Division 3 school for a year, then hit the transfer portal to move up to D1. But in reality, that mindset usually backfires.I share why focusing only on yourself and your end goal often guarantees you won’t get there and what kind of mindset actually leads to growth, success, and new opportunities. The players who go on to transfer successfully don’t chase D1. They buy in, go all-in on their current program, and play for the love of the game. That’s what makes them stand out to coaches at every level.If you’re a high school player or a parent helping your son navigate recruiting, this episode will help you reframe your goals and focus on what really matters.Follow Patrick Jones Baseball on X and Instagramhttps://x.com/pjonesbaseballhttps://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseball/

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

In this episode, I share a story about a player who received a strong offer from a mid-major school — and the advice I gave him for navigating the current college baseball recruiting environment. For more about Patrick Jones Baseball:

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:

In this episode, I sit down with Keith Madison, former head coach at the University of Kentucky. Keith coached at Kentucky for 25 years! In this episode, we discuss the challenges of coaching, particularly the importance of maintaining balance to avoid burnout. Keith shares personal experiences and insights on how to navigate the pressures of coaching while emphasizing the need for coaches to find balance between their work and their personal lives. We also touch on the evolution of coaching perspectives, the good and the bad of travel baseball, and the writing process behind Keith's new book, "Coaching with Purpose."Keith's book is available via his website: https://coachkeithmadison.com/Connect with me on X: @pjonesbaseball

In this episode, I sit down with Tyler Packanik, the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Jacksonville State University. We talk about all things baseball recruiting — from the importance of player development to the nuances of the transfer portal and the value of junior college players. Tyler shares what coaches look for in recruits, the role social media plays in the process, and how coaches evaluate infielders and baserunning. He also stresses the importance of hard work, dedication, and the right mindset for any player who wants to take the next step.On X:Tyler Packanik: @Tpack5Jacksonville State University Baseball: @JaxStateBBPatrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball

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: @CatchBot7Follow South Mountain Community College Athletics: @SMCCCougarsFollow Patrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseball

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: @coleshaffer05Thomas More Baseball: @ThomasMoreBase1Does 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:•

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: @CoachMamsUDFollow the University of Delaware Baseball team: @DelawareBASE00:00 An Introduction to Delaware Baseball05:50 Offensive Philosophy and Swing Decisions09:20 Developing Swing Decisions in Hitters13:22 Evaluating High School Players19:42 Pitching Insights in College Baseball24:29 Training Approaches27:20 Building a Coaching Staff30:01 Strategizing Non-Conference Play

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 coach6:04: Leadership12:49: The importance of faith and identity20:42: Incorporating faith into coaching27:46: Navigating the transfer portal33:19: The recruiting process38:32: Creating an environment for growth50:38: Empowering coaching staff58:20: Connecting with prospective playersAre you a parent of a high school baseball player hoping to get recruited? Apply to work with me at: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruitingCheck Out Patrick's Stuff:•

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.Takeaways1. 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.patrickjonesbaseba

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

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 Coaching02:56 Offensive Strategy and Identity06:00 Hitting Mechanics and Drills08:59 The Evolution of Pitching12:07 Routine and Mental Preparation14:53 Visualization and Learning from Experience20:00 Mindset and Gratitude in Baseball21:00 Evolution of Hitting Techniques24:00 The Cat and Mouse Game of Hitting26:07 Adjustments During At-Bats31:51 Recruiting and Developing Young Talent36:02 Life at Cal and Campus CultureSign up for a

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 Rituals19:32 "Finding Balance Amidst Life's Extremes"26:23 Full-Day Fan Experience30:06 "Banana Ball's Unique Characters"34:21 Jesse Cole's Daily Ideation Habit39:30 Creating Memorable Fan Experiences48:14 "Winning Over Baseball Skeptics"51:41 Banana Ball Trick Play Adaptation54:07 "Parenting Through Gymnastics and Discipline"59:42 Choosing Seminole Ove

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.The mental game is crucial for player development.Understanding how the brain works can lead to breakthroughs.Players at all levels experience similar fears and doubts.Automatic negative thoughts can hinder performance.Having a clear vision and identity is essential for success.Self-awareness helps players tune into their thoughts and feelings.Focus is a skill that can be trained off the field.Defining success by process rather than outcome improves confidence.Lowering expectations can reduce pressure during games.Statistics can