Next up on the ABCA Podcast is Savannah Bananas Head Coach, Ty Gillum. Gillum is no stranger to the ABCA being a 16-year continuous member and moderating our infield hot stove with Clay Cox at the ABCA Convention. Gillum has been the head coach of the Bananas since 2018. In his tenure, the Bananas have had over 20 players drafted into the MLB while also winning Back-to-Back CPL Championships in 2021 & 2022 before going all in on Banana Ball. Gillum coached 13 years collegiately with 11 of those at South Mountain Community College. Gillum was the Associate Head Coach and the Director of Exercise Science at South Mountain. Gillum has an infectious personality and a great approach on life. Gillum’s personal mission statement of “Positively Impacting a Million Lives” shines through in this episode. We do a deep dive into the Bananas’ “Fan First” approach to entertainment. The Bananas moto is proving out with over a million tickets sold and selling out MLB stadiums this year. They just announced their 40-date tour on October 3rd, so get on the waiting list now. 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.New Podcast Sponsor VELO Sports: Take your game and your bat speed to the next level with VELO Sports. With over 10 years of experience in speed training, VELO Sports has released the easiest and fastest way to help all players increase bat speed. VELO Sports is used by MLB organizations and Collegiate teams who know that bat speed is a true game changer. Check out VELO’s innovative bat speed training system and removable Puck Knob Tech today at www.velosports.com.

With 29 years of experience in professional baseball, Tyrone Brooks began his career with support from Hank Aaron and the Atlanta Braves after graduating from the University of Maryland.

Known for his commitment to "paying it forward," Brooks has been instrumental in helping countless individuals begin their careers in professional baseball. His influence extends to the ABCA, where he played a key role in the formation of the Diversity in Baseball Committee and continues to contribute at the annual Diversity in Baseball Workshops at the ABCA Convention.

In this episode, Tyrone shares valuable advice on advancing your career and what it takes to succeed in the world of professional baseball.

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.

This episode is brought to you by Driveline Baseball. Ready to take your pitchers' workload management to the next level? Meet PULSE from Driveline Baseball—a wearable sensor that goes beyond basic pitch counts to precisely measure every throw. PULSE tracks both the number and intensity of throws, providing invaluable data. Trusted by MLB teams like the Cincinnati Reds, top college programs, and athletes at all levels, PULSE is transforming how pitching workloads are managed. With the PULSE Team Dashboard, you can make data-driven decisions to optimize training and prevent injuries. Visit drivelinebaseball.com/pulse to revolutionize your pitching staff's development and health today.

Vitello led the Tennessee Volunteers to a remarkable 60-13 record, capturing NCAA Division I National Championship in 2024. Under his leadership, the Volunteers have made three College World Series appearances in the last four seasons, solidifying Tennessee as one of the premier programs in Division I baseball. Vitello, who took over the program in 2017, has built a legacy of success, with 17 regional appearances across his 20-year coaching career, including stops at Mizzou, TCU, and Arkansas. Known for his recruiting and player development, Vitello has coached numerous MLB stars such as Ben Joyce, Garrett Crochet, Andrew Benintendi, and Max Scherzer. Vitello will continue the tradition of the national champion kicking off the ABCA Convention Clinics on Friday, January 3, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

Tune in to hear a preview of Vitello's convention talk along with insights on building and maintaining a championship culture.

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.

This episode is brought to you by Driveline Baseball. Ready to take your pitchers' workload management to the next level? Meet PULSE from Driveline Baseball—a wearable sensor that goes beyond basic pitch counts to precisely measure every throw. PULSE tracks both the number and intensity of throws, providing invaluable data. Trusted by MLB teams like the Cincinnati Reds, top college programs, and athletes at all levels, PULSE is transforming how pitching workloads are managed. With the PULSE Team Dashboard, you can make data-driven decisions to optimize training and prevent injuries. Visit drivelinebaseball.com/pulse to revolutionize your pitching staff's development and health today.

Joe Urso, a six-time ABCA National Coach of the Year and ten-time ABCA Regional Coach of the Year, has built a legacy as one of the most successful coaches in college baseball. Over 22 seasons as head coach, he has led the University of Tampa to six National Championships, including in 2024, and recently surpassed 1,000 career wins.

The Spartans, the winningest NCAA program of the 2000s, owe much of their success to Urso's leadership. A former Spartan All-American and then professional player in the Los Angeles Angels organization, Urso holds several school records and was inducted into the University of Tampa Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.

In this episode, Coach Urso shares his approach to sustained success, player development, and the leadership that has made him one of the most respected figures in the game.

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.

This episode is brought to you by Driveline Baseball. Ready to take your pitchers' workload management to the next level? Meet PULSE from Driveline Baseball—a wearable sensor that goes beyond basic pitch counts to precisely measure every throw. PULSE tracks both the number and intensity of throws, providing invaluable data. Trusted by MLB teams like the Cincinnati Reds, top college programs, and athletes at all levels, PULSE is transforming how pitching workloads are managed. With the PULSE Team Dashboard, you can make data-driven decisions to optimize training and prevent injuries. Visit drivelinebaseball.com/pulse to revolutionize your pitching staff's development and health today.

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we're joined by ABCA/ATEC NJCAA Division I Coach of the Year, Dusty Hart, head coach of Blinn College.

Hart led the Buccaneers to a stellar 41-17 record and the National Championship in Grand Junction, Colorado in 2024, marking back-to-back World Series appearances in his first two seasons at Blinn. With two national titles under his belt, including one from his 16-year tenure at Grayson in 2008, Hart has a proven track record of success.

Tune in as Coach Hart shares his insights on what it takes to be a head coach and foster a competitive team culture.

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.

This episode is brought to you by Driveline Baseball. Ready to take your pitchers' workload management to the next level? Meet PULSE from Driveline Baseball—a wearable sensor that goes beyond basic pitch counts to precisely measure every throw. PULSE tracks both the number and intensity of throws, providing invaluable data. Trusted by MLB teams like the Cincinnati Reds, top college programs, and athletes at all levels, PULSE is transforming how pitching workloads are managed. With the PULSE Team Dashboard, you can make data-driven decisions to optimize training and prevent injuries. Visit drivelinebaseball.com/pulse to revolutionize your pitching staff's development and health today.

Next up on the ABCA Podcast is ABCA/ATEC High School Division II Coach of the Year, Jim Ozella.

After an illustrious 40-year coaching career, including 25 years at Hart High School (CA), Ozella retired on a high note, leading Hart to the 2024 CIF SS Div. 2 Championship with a 26-5 record. Hart High School's storied program has captured 36 League Championships, and Ozella has played a pivotal role in developing talent, with eight of his former players, including Tyler Glasnow, James Shields, and Trevor Bauer, reaching the big leagues.

Originally from Illinois, Ozella moved to California in 1983, beginning his coaching journey at Bishop Alemany before his impactful tenure at Hart. He’s also an author, having recently published The Greatest Time to Be a Kid, reflecting on his childhood in Illinois.

Get ready to take notes as Coach Ozella shares his vast experience and insights on fostering competitive spirit in young athletes.

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.

This episode is brought to you by Driveline Baseball. Ready to take your pitchers' workload management to the next level? Meet PULSE from Driveline Baseball—a wearable sensor that goes beyond basic pitch counts to precisely measure every throw. PULSE tracks both the number and intensity of throws, providing invaluable data. Trusted by MLB teams like the Cincinnati Reds, top college programs, and athletes at all levels, PULSE is transforming how pitching workloads are managed. With the PULSE Team Dashboard, you can make data-driven decisions to optimize training and prevent injuries. Visit drivelinebaseball.com/pulse to revolutionize your pitching staff's development and health today.

Joining us this week on the ABCA Podcast is ABCA/ATEC Pacific Association Coach of the Year, Sommer McCartney, head coach of Saddleback College.

McCartney led the Bobcats to a stellar 34-17 record and the 3C2A Championship this season, continuing his legacy of excellence since taking over from his mentor, Jack Hodges, in 2011. With back-to-back Orange Empire Conference titles in 2022 and 2023, McCartney has firmly established Saddleback as one of the top programs in the region.

An Associate Professor in Kinesiology, McCartney brings a wealth of experience from his playing days, which include a national championship with UC Riverside and a professional stint with the Florida Marlins.

Tune in to hear McCartney’s journey, insights, and an in-depth discussion that builds on his recent interview from the May/June issue of Inside Pitch Magazine.

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.

This episode is brought to you by Driveline Baseball. Ready to take your pitchers' workload management to the next level? Meet PULSE from Driveline Baseball—a wearable sensor that goes beyond basic pitch counts to precisely measure every throw. PULSE tracks both the number and intensity of throws, providing invaluable data. Trusted by MLB teams like the Cincinnati Reds, top college programs, and athletes at all levels, PULSE is transforming how pitching workloads are managed. With the PULSE Team Dashboard, you can make data-driven decisions to optimize training and prevent injuries. Visit drivelinebaseball.com/pulse to revolutionize your pitching staff's development and health today.

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we're joined by ABCA/ATEC High School Division III Coach of the Year, Brian Fowler.

Fowler, who led Taylor High School (AR) to their third consecutive State Championship and eighth overall, reflects on a remarkable season where the Tigers finished 23-4. Known for his old-school approach to coaching, Coach Fowler emphasizes the core values of honesty, accountability, and respect—principles that have been instrumental in his team's sustained success.

In this episode, Coach Fowler shares his insights on bridging traditional coaching methods with the unique needs of today’s players, offering a blend of wisdom and adaptability that’s sure to resonate with coaches at every level.

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.

This episode is brought to you by Driveline Baseball. Ready to take your pitchers' workload management to the next level? Meet PULSE from Driveline Baseball—a wearable sensor that goes beyond basic pitch counts to precisely measure every throw. PULSE tracks both the number and intensity of throws, providing invaluable data. Trusted by MLB teams like the Cincinnati Reds, top college programs, and athletes at all levels, PULSE is transforming how pitching workloads are managed. With the PULSE Team Dashboard, you can make data-driven decisions to optimize training and prevent injuries. Visit drivelinebaseball.com/pulse to revolutionize your pitching staff's development and health today.