Baltimore Orioles Minor League Hitting Coach, Jake Ratz, joins the ABCA Podcast this week. Ratz joined the Orioles Organization in December of 2022 coaching in the Dominican Summer League. This past season Ratz coached in the Florida Coast League.

Ratz got his coaching start collegiately where he started his collegiate playing career at Ellsworth Community College. Other stops along his coaching journey were Southwestern Community College, Iowa Western, Butler University and Upper Iowa University. Ratz also spent summers coaching in the Northwoods, Prospect and MINK Leagues.

This episode is a deep dive in to coaching this generation of hitters. This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.
Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.
And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”
Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.
If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.
Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:
https://abca.castos.com
https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

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This week on the ABCA Podcast is 2024 ABCA Hall of Fame class inductee and ABCA/ATEC NCAA Div. III Coach of the Year UW-Whitewater head coach, John Vodenlich. Vodenlich has now led UW-Whitewater to 3 National Championships (05’, 14’, 25’). The Warhawks were 49-6 and posted video game numbers with a .364 team batting average and 3.36 team ERA.

Get your pad and pen ready because this episode is full of great coaching and life advice.

This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.
Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.
And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”
Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.
If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.
Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:
https://abca.castos.com
https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

Next up on the ABCA Podcast, we’re highlighting another of our ABCA/ATEC Coaches of the Year with John Knott, head coach at Mount San Antonio College and the 2025 ABCA/ATEC Pacific Association Division Coach of the Year.

Knott guided Mt. SAC to a historic season in 2025, capturing the 3C2A Championship for the first time in 60 years. The Mounties finished with an incredible 45-6 record, including 22-2 in conference play, cementing themselves among the best teams in the country.

Since taking over the program in 2016, Knott has built Mt. SAC into a consistent contender, carrying over his winning pedigree from Bonita High School, where he led the team to its first CIF Championship since 1951 and six straight league titles from 2009–2014.

In this episode, Knott reflects on his program-building approach, the culture behind Mt. SAC’s title run, and lessons learned from both the high school and college levels.

This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.
Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.
And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”
Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.
If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.
Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Jim Koerner, USA Baseball’s Director of Player Development. In his role, Koerner oversees on-field programming for six national teams and three national development programs.

Since taking over the position in 2021, Koerner has brought a wealth of coaching experience from his time leading and assisting collegiate programs at North Carolina Central University, University of Buffalo, Marshall University, Monmouth University, and Medaille University.

In this episode, Koerner shares practical development tips from training approaches to mental skills and long-term growth that can help players, coaches, and parents at any level.

This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.
Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.
And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”
Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.
If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.
Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

Next up on the ABCA Podcast, we spotlight another ABCA/ATEC Coach of the Year—Joe Giummule, head coach at Jupiter High School (FL) and the 2025 ABCA/ATEC High School Division I Coach of the Year.

In his first season at Jupiter, Giummule led the Warriors all the way to the Florida Class 7A state championship game, falling just short in a tight 3-2 battle against national powerhouse Stoneman Douglas.

With more than 20 years of coaching experience, Giummule has earned a reputation as a true program builder, having led and developed teams at Taravella, Deerfield Beach, Coral Glades, Sebastian River, South Broward, and Pompano Beach. In this episode, he reflects on his coaching journey, the keys to establishing a winning culture, and his guiding mantra of being “Fair and Consistent.”

This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.
Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.
And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”
Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.
If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.
Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we continue highlighting our ABCA/ATEC Coaches of the Year with Josh Raney, head coach at Blanchard High School (OK) and the 2025 ABCA/ATEC High School Division III National Coach of the Year.

Raney has been at the helm for 19 seasons and has built one of the premier programs in Oklahoma high school baseball. His Blanchard Lions have captured four state titles in the last 10 years, including a dominant 35-1 run in 2025 that ended with the Oklahoma 4A State Championship.

Known for his philosophy of mastering the fundamentals and being elite at the small things that win games, Raney has compiled a career record of 510-122. With this honor, he becomes the second Oklahoma coach to receive this award, joining ABCA Hall of Famer Larry Turner.

This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.
Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.
And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”
Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.
If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.
Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcast

It’s that time of year on the ABCA Podcast when we spotlight our ABCA/ATEC Coaches of the Year, and this week we’re joined by Chris Roof, the 2025 ABCA/ATEC High School Division II Coach of the Year.

Roof has served as head coach at Governor Livingston High School (NJ) for the past 25 years and has built a powerhouse program in the Garden State. After capturing the New Jersey State Championship in 2024, his squad followed it up with a perfect 28-0 season in 2025, securing back-to-back state titles in dominant fashion.

In this episode, Roof shares the foundation of his program’s success, his leadership philosophy, and how he’s impacted baseball in New Jersey beyond just the field.

Recruiting is time-consuming — but what if you could filter through the noise and find the right players in minutes for FREE? With ProLook, athletes create detailed profiles with verified stats, academics, and highlight videos, so you can search for exactly what you need and connect with top talent instantly. And it's FREE for college coaches. Download ProLook today to start searching for your next recruit among many other coaches features. Available for both Apple and Android devices. For more info visit www.ProLook.app.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:
https://abca.castos.com
https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

Joining us this week on the ABCA Podcast is Zach Sorensen, Mental Performance Coach for the Cincinnati Reds.

A former three-time All-American at Wichita State and second-round MLB Draft pick by the Cleveland Guardians, Sorensen brings a unique perspective shaped by his own professional playing career and his deep passion for helping athletes master the mental game.

After 10 years as a pro player, Sorensen transitioned into medical sales before rediscovering his purpose in performance coaching. He’s since worked with the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, and now the Reds, helping athletes train their minds like they train their bodies.

Sorensen is also the host of The Hard 90 Podcast, where he shares strategies for maximizing mindset, and he's currently collaborating with Pison on a cutting-edge cognitive training app for athletes.

This episode dives into what it takes to perform mentally at the highest level and how coaches can better equip their players with the tools to succeed beyond mechanics.

Recruiting is time-consuming — but what if you could filter through the noise and find the right players in minutes for FREE? With ProLook, athletes create detailed profiles with verified stats, academics, and highlight videos, so you can search for exactly what you need and connect with top talent instantly. And it's FREE for college coaches. Download ProLook today to start searching for your next recruit among many other coaches features. Available for both Apple and Android devices. For more info visit www.ProLook.app.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:
https://abca.castos.com
https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945