Episodes

  • The JUCO Advantage: Coach Draghi on Finding the Right Fit at Westmoreland

    The JUCO Advantage: Coach Draghi on Finding the Right Fit at Westmoreland
    Mar 19 2025
    In this episode of Are You in the Book?, host Eric Wubbena sits down with Westmoreland Community College head coach Michael Draghi to talk about the power of JUCO baseball, navigating today’s recruiting landscape, and why finding the right fit matters more than ever. With decades of experience coaching at the JUCO level, Coach Draghi shares why playing time, development, and preparation for the real world should be the top priorities for student-athletes. As college baseball undergoes massive changes, from NIL deals to transfer portal chaos and shrinking Division I rosters, JUCO baseball is becoming an even stronger pathway for players who want real opportunities to play and grow. 📢 Key Topics: ✅ Why JUCO baseball is a hidden gem for player development ✅ The impact of the transfer portal & roster cuts on high school recruiting ✅ How JUCO prepares players for the next level—both athletically & academically ✅ The importance of playing time & real reps vs. sitting the bench at a D1 school ✅ Helping players & parents understand how to find the right college fit ✈️ Special Thanks to Our Travel Partner! Shoutout to Low-Cost Airlines—helping families and teams save big on baseball travel! Whether you're flying out for tournaments, college visits, or scouting trips, they search every airline to find the best fares. Call 866-984-4800 and start saving today! ⚾ If you're serious about baseball & looking for a real opportunity, this episode is a must-listen! #JUCOBaseball #CollegeBaseball #FindingYourFit #AreYouInTheBook #LowCostAirlines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Finding Your Fit: Eric Reardon on Wagner College & Building a Coaching Career

    Finding Your Fit: Eric Reardon on Wagner College & Building a Coaching Career
    Mar 12 2025
    In this episode of Are You in the Book?, host Eric Wubbena sits down with Wagner College pitching coach Eric Reardon to discuss the journey from player to coach, the evolution of baseball development, and what makes Wagner a rising force in the NEC. Reardon, a Rutgers alum with deep roots in college baseball, shares his unique path into coaching, from growing up around the Rutgers program to mentoring pitchers at the Division I level. He opens up about the transition from player to coach, the intangible skills needed to lead a team, and how analytics are changing the way athletes train. 📢 Key Topics: ✅ Finding the right fit—both as a player and a coach ✅ How Wagner is building a championship program in the NEC ✅ Why JUCO and D3 baseball are great opportunities for development ✅ The impact of technology & analytics on modern pitching ✅ Lessons learned from coaching and playing at the college level ✈️ Special Thanks to Our Travel Partner! A huge shoutout to Low-Cost Airlines—your go-to for saving big on baseball travel! Whether you're flying out for tournaments, college visits, or scouting trips, they search every airline to find you the best deals. Call 866-984-4800 and start saving today! ⚾ Don’t miss this deep dive into the world of college baseball and coaching development! #WagnerBaseball #CollegeBaseball #PitchingDevelopment #AreYouInTheBook #LowCostAirlines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Building a Program: Coach Mike Guy on Recruiting, Development & The Future of College Baseball

    Building a Program: Coach Mike Guy on Recruiting, Development & The Future of College Baseball
    Mar 5 2025
    In this episode of the Are You In The Book? podcast, host Eric Wubbena sits down with Wilkes College head coach Mike Guy to discuss his journey from community college player to head coach and how the landscape of college baseball is rapidly evolving. Coach Guy shares insider knowledge on recruiting, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit for student-athletes, especially with major changes like the transfer portal and roster size reductions. He breaks down why academics, financial considerations, and campus culture should play a crucial role in a player’s decision-making process. 📢 Key Topics: ✅ The impact of the transfer portal & shrinking rosters on recruiting ✅ Why academics & campus fit are just as important as baseball ✅ Coach Guy’s philosophy on recruiting versatile, high-character athletes ✅ How Wilkes College is building a winning culture ✅ What parents & players need to know about navigating today’s college baseball process ✈️ Special Thanks to Our Travel Partner! Shoutout to Low-Cost Airlines—helping families and teams save big on baseball travel! Whether you're flying out for tournaments, college visits, or scouting trips, they search every airline to find the best fares. Call 866-984-4800 and start saving today! ⚾ If you’re serious about playing college baseball, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss! #CollegeBaseball #Recruiting #FindingYourFit #AreYouInTheBook #LowCostAirlines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Are you looking for a Microwave Program or an Oven Program? - Why TAMU may be the right fit for you!

    Are you looking for a Microwave Program or an Oven Program? - Why TAMU may be the right fit for you!
    Feb 19 2025
    n this episode of Are You In The Book?, host Eric Wubbena sits down with Texas A&M-Texarkana head coach Chase Brewster to talk about his first year leading the program, the unique grind of NAIA baseball, and what it takes to build a winning culture. A TAMU-Texarkana alum himself, Brewster brings a deep connection to the program and a track record of success—having founded Sticks Baseball in Arkansas, one of the nation’s premier travel organizations. He shares his vision for player development, what makes NAIA baseball different, and the blueprint for building a championship team. 📢 Key Topics: ✅ The challenges and opportunities of coaching at the NAIA level ✅ Why development matters more than rankings in building a program ✅ The gritty, competitive mindset that fuels success at TAMU-Texarkana ✅ Lessons from founding Sticks Baseball and how it shaped his coaching style If you’re a player, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with insights on winning, development, and what it really takes to succeed at the collegiate level. 🔗 Stay locked in with Baseball Bluebook for more NAIA insights! #NAIABaseball #TAMUTexarkana #BaseballDevelopment #AreYouInTheBook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Finding Your Voice: Coach Rob Henry on Building a Winning Program at Kentucky State University

    Finding Your Voice: Coach Rob Henry on Building a Winning Program at Kentucky State University
    Jan 8 2025
    In this episode of Are You in the Book?, Eric sits down with Rob Henry, head coach of Kentucky State University, to explore his 30-year journey in baseball and how he’s built a thriving program at an NCAA Division II HBCU. Coach Henry shares lessons learned through adversity, the importance of finding your voice as a coach, and how to balance metrics with character in recruiting. From insights gained at the 2025 ABCA Convention to stories of transformation in his players, this conversation highlights what it takes to develop a team culture rooted in discipline, selflessness, and constant improvement. Plus, hear about Kentucky State’s exciting program updates, including new facilities and their commitment to player development on and off the field. Tune in for a powerful discussion on leadership, growth, and the future of college baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • Building Competitors: A Conversation with Coach Julio Godinez of Lake Land College"

    Building Competitors: A Conversation with Coach Julio Godinez of Lake Land College"
    Dec 4 2024
    In this episode of the "Are You in the Book?" podcast, host Eric welcomes Julio Godinez, head baseball coach at Lake Land College. Coach Julio shares his journey from the south side of Chicago to leading a storied NJCAA program in Mattoon, Illinois. He discusses his philosophy of recruiting players with "feel," the importance of relationships in building a cohesive team, and how JUCO baseball adapts to the changing landscape of collegiate athletics. Learn about the competitive culture at Lake Land, the legacy of its baseball program, and tips for aspiring college players. A must-listen for players, parents, and fans of the game! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Building a Championship Culture: Brett Kaminsky's Vision for Roanoke Baseball

    Building a Championship Culture: Brett Kaminsky's Vision for Roanoke Baseball
    Nov 20 2024
    In this episode of Are You in the Book?, Roanoke College's new head baseball coach, Brett Kaminsky, shares his journey from Tampa, Florida, to leading a top-tier Division III program in Virginia. Kaminsky dives into his passion for recruiting, the importance of character-driven players, and the lessons he learned from mentors and coaching stops along the way. He discusses his philosophy on team culture, the critical role of strength training for young athletes, and the unique advantages of Roanoke’s facilities, academics, and community spirit. This inspiring episode offers valuable insights for players, parents, and coaches looking to understand what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Bonus Episode -The Power of Discipline and Trust: Overcoming Adversity in Baseball Leadership

    Bonus Episode -The Power of Discipline and Trust: Overcoming Adversity in Baseball Leadership
    Nov 14 2024
    In Part 2 of this bonus episode, Eric continues the conversation with legendary coaches Tom Callari and Jeremy Sheetinger to explore the foundational elements of successful baseball programs. The trio dives deep into creating a culture of discipline, trust, and consistency to navigate adversity on and off the field. Through engaging stories and actionable insights, they discuss the importance of little details, building player accountability, and fostering a failure-free environment that pushes athletes to unlock their full potential. This episode is packed with invaluable lessons for players, parents, and coaches aiming to develop leaders for life through baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins