The D2 Baseball Podcast

D2 Baseball
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Watch the D2 Baseball Podcast on YouTube and listen/watch here on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow on X and Instagram at @diviibaseball.

  1. 1D AGO

    Ep. 69: Hot Start in San Marcos: Jose Garcia Talks About Team's Early Success

    In this episode, Robert is joined by Cal State San Marcos Head Coach Jose Garcia, as he discusses the team's 7-1 start to begin the season. He also talks about some of the top bats on the team, like Jacob Embleton (.391 AVG, 1.192 OPS), Michael Ryan (.350 AVG, .969 OPS), and Stephen Espinoza (.345 AVG, team-leading 10 hits). As well, he talks about the success of the rotation like Dylan Escobar (2.00 ERA), PJ Wendler(2-0 with a .086 batting average against), and Ben Pernetti (3.86 ERA, 11.6 K/9). All are transfer players and have made a big impact for the team.

    19 min

  2. FEB 5

    Ep. 68: Collegiate Debut to No-Hitter, Ben Shepherd Sets History

    In this episode, USC Aiken's Ben Shepherd joins the show to talk about history, as he became the first person in DII history to throw a 9-inning no-hitter in his collegiate debut. Hear about his preparation, what his first start felt like, and how he originally wasn't supposed to start that second game.Like and Subscribe for future interviews with D2 players, coaches, and administrators.

    11 min

  3. JAN 29

    The 2026 D2 Baseball Preview Show with Wayne Cavadi

    Wayne Cavadi of the DII Report joins the show to preview the 2026 D2 Baseball Season with Robert Frey!In this episode, we cover the Top 25, some intriguing opening weekend matchups, and preview all eight regions and the conferences within.Like and subscribe for future content.

    1h 49m

  4. 2025-12-15

    Ep. 67: D2 to Pro Ball: The Wild Ride of Phillies Draft Pick Richie Cortese

    In this episode, we follow the unique journey of Richie Cortese from his home state of Montana to Lander University in South Carolina and ultimately to the Philadelphia Phillies. Richie shares how a DM on Twitter led him to Lander , his experiences with his dad—who also played professional baseball—and how his Christian faith and teammates helped shape his mental approach to the game. Hear how all the small contributions from his journey led him to this monumental moment.Don't Miss this exclusive interview with former Lander RHP now pitcher in the Phillies org Richie Cortese.

    27 min

  5. 2025-11-11

    Ep. 66: Mastering the Fundamentals: UT Dallas' Travis Graves on the Little Things that Win Big

    Want to be a part of a vibrant and growing community of baseball fans? Consider joining the D2 Baseball Patreon! patreon.com/diviibaseball In this episode of the 2025 Coaching Changes Series, Robert speaks with Travis Graves, the second Head Baseball Coach in UT Dallas history. Graves discusses his extensive background, which includes playing in the College World Series for Southern Miss and winning a national championship as a coach at Eastfield Junior College. Graves credits his success to a strong line of mentors, particularly former UT Dallas Head Coach Shane Shewmake, who founded the program and provided guidance during the transition. As UT Dallas transitions to the Division II level in the highly competitive Lone Star Conference, Graves shares his philosophy for maintaining their winning tradition. He emphasizes the importance of mastering the "little things," whether it's an extra step on the lead, tagging up, or hitting the cut-off man. Graves is focused on recruiting "even-keel" players who prioritize accountability, body language, and team success over individual performance. He also stresses the value of a UT Dallas degree to recruits, knowing that "at some point baseball is going to end for you". Graves sets a lofty goal of finishing in the top five of the Lone Star Conference in their first year of eligibility.

    20 min

  6. 2025-10-31

    Ep. 65: The Toughest Out: Dayson Croes on the Climb from DII to AAA and Beyond

    Want to be a part of a vibrant and growing community of baseball fans? Consider joining the D2 Baseball Patreon! patreon.com/diviibaseball In this special player story, Robert talks with former Quincy University Hawk Dayson Croes, who made a stunning journey from independent baseball to the San Francisco Giants organization, ending his 2025 season at the AAA level. Croes shares the incredible, unexpected phone call that led to him signing with the Giants just two weeks before his independent season began, initiating a rapid, multi-level ascent through the affiliated ranks. He details the grind of playing two full seasons in the independent American Association and the challenges of adapting to professional life and travel, including bus bunks. Croes also offers a fascinating international perspective, discussing his motivation to represent his home island of Aruba and the electric experience of playing in the Mexican Pacific Winter League, where he is currently working to improve his left-on-left hitting. He even recalls leading the 2025 Baseball Champions League tournament in batting average, finishing ahead of eight-time MLB All-Star Robinson Canó. Finally, Croes emphasizes his belief in his identity as a "contact guy, gap to gap guy" and a commitment to being the "toughest out" in any league. He offers powerful advice to current DII players: never give up, stay true to your skills, and take your development, especially the weight room, seriously.

    28 min

  7. 2025-10-27

    Ep.64: Coaching for WAR: Chris Rodriguez on Instilling His New Mantra

    Want to be a part of a vibrant and growing community of baseball fans? Consider joining the D2 Baseball Patreon! patreon.com/diviibaseball In this episode of 2025 Coaching Changes Series, Robert talks with Chris Rodriguez, the new Head Baseball Coach at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS). After serving as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator, Rodriguez discusses his smooth transition and how established relationships with the team created a level of trust. Coach Rodriguez introduces the team's new mantra, "WAR", which stands for Work, Accountability, and Resilience. He draws on his diverse coaching background, which includes the Lithuanian National Team and the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, to share insights on development and analytics. He emphasizes the importance of player growth, citing former player Seth Masters as a testament to the program's long-term development philosophy, even in the age of instant gratification. Rodriguez details his program's focus on pitching and defense, proudly noting the program's history of high national defensive rankings and the advantage of having a full turf infield to maximize defensive practice, even during tough Midwest weather. He also touches on how discipline is taught through the inspirational story of David Eckstein, encouraging players to "earn every opportunity" and prepare for the moment. Above all, fans can expect a competitive bunch of "ball players" ready to get after it this spring.

    22 min

  8. 2025-10-23

    Ep. 63: The Sand Shark Standard: Brian Lewis on USC Beaufort's DII Identity

    Want to be a part of a vibrant and growing community of baseball fans? Consider joining the D2 Baseball Patreon! patreon.com/diviibaseball In this episode of the 2025 Coaching Changes Series, Robert talks with Brian Lewis, the new Head Baseball Coach at the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB). Coach Lewis discusses the seamless transition after being promoted from the hitting coach position and the excitement of leading the program as a full Division II member.Lewis outlines his "toughness and grinding" philosophy, focusing on instilling a winning mentality by raising the floor of talent and challenging his players to be "exhausted by the end of the day, win or lose". He shares how his extensive background, which includes coaching over 150 MLB draft picks in summer collegiate and professional baseball, helps him teach the "mental side of it" and the importance of "staying in the moment".The coach details his team culture, emphasizing positive discipline and holding each other accountable to a routine. He is focused on the Peach Belt and Southeast Region, recruiting players with a "chip on their shoulder" to compete in a highly competitive area. Finally, he tells fans to expect a fun, aggressive style of baseball on the base paths, featuring a lot of stealing and hit-and-runs.Don't miss this interview with USCB Head Coach Brian Lewis!

    23 min
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About

Watch the D2 Baseball Podcast on YouTube and listen/watch here on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow on X and Instagram at @diviibaseball.

Information

  • Creator
    D2 Baseball
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © D2 Baseball
  • Show Website
    The D2 Baseball Podcast

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