In this episode of Behind the Lineup, we break down one of the most fundamental — yet most misunderstood — aspects of baseball strategy: how to build a lineup. We explore how traditional lineup construction has evolved in today’s analytics-driven game, diving deep into the roles and expectations of each spot in the order.

We compare the old-school model to the modern approach — from what it used to mean to bat leadoff or cleanup, to why the two-hole has become a spot for your best hitter. With player comparisons like Derek Jeter vs. Jeremy Peña, Joe Mauer vs. Aaron Judge, and Prince Fielder vs. Seiya Suzuki, we illustrate how philosophies have shifted over time and what coaches and players need to be thinking about when they write a lineup card.

We also explore how the bottom of the order has transformed — from a dumping ground for weaker bats to a place of strategic opportunity.

To close the episode, I share my personal 1–9 lineup philosophy and how I would build a batting order based on modern concepts and intentional decision-making.

Finally, we wrap with this week’s book recommendation — The Why Is Everything by Michael Silver — and connect its core message to today’s topic: if you’re not asking “why,” you’re probably not building it right.

In this episode of Behind The Lineup, we sit down with Marquay Mayo, Assistant Coach for infielders and outfielders at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), a D1 program in the America East Conference. A New Jersey native with experience across high school, collegiate, and professional sports, Coach Mayo has built a career around player development and winning cultures.

We start with his playing days at Centenary University and hear about his recruiting process, lessons learned, and the experiences that shaped his coaching philosophy. From there, Coach Mayo walks us through his path from high school coaching to the college ranks, sharing the challenges, adjustments, and opportunities along the way.

We dive into his current role at NJIT, where he works daily with infielders and outfielders to sharpen their defensive skills, and reflect on the Highlanders’ record-tying 27-win 2025 season. Coach Mayo offers insight into what fueled that success, the culture within the program, and what NJIT looks for when recruiting players—plus how the transfer portal fits into their long-term plan.

To close, he shares valuable advice for high school players looking to play at the college level, giving a candid look at what it truly takes to compete and succeed in today’s game.

Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, this conversation is packed with takeaways you can use right now.

This week on Behind The Lineup, we’re diving into one of the most impactful leadership books ever written for building strong, cohesive teams – The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni.

In this episode, we break down each of the five dysfunctions that hold teams back:

• Absence of Trust

• Fear of Conflict

• Lack of Commitment

• Avoidance of Accountability

• Inattention to Results

We’ll not only explain what each dysfunction means, but also connect it directly to baseball. From clubhouse culture to on-field execution, we discuss how these dysfunctions can tear a team apart – and how great coaches and players overcome them.

Whether you’re a coach building a winning culture or a player striving to be a great teammate, this episode gives you actionable lessons to take back to your team today.

Plus, this week’s Book Recommendation spotlights The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, showing why it’s a must-read for anyone serious about leadership and long-term success in sports.