Dugout Dish Baseball Recruiting Podcast powered by EMD Baseball

Andy Kiriakedes & Keith Glasser
  • 4.9 (46)
  • BASEBALL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

With a combined 25 years of collegiate coaching experience at the Division I, II, and III levels we will bring you the latest insights, analysis, and interviews about the world of college baseball recruiting. Each week, we will break down topics relevant to the college baseball recruiting landscape. In addition to breaking down the latest recruiting news, we'll also be speaking with coaches and players around the country. Our guests will provide valuable insights into what it takes to make it as a college baseball player and share their experiences and knowledge of the recruiting process.Whether you're a high school player, parent, or coach looking to learn more about the recruiting process or gather insights from college coaches this podcast has something for everyone. So join us each week as we dive deep into the world of college baseball recruiting.

  1. Episode 156: Interview with Cubs AA Offensive Player Development Coach Joe Curci

    3D AGO

    Episode 156: Interview with Cubs AA Offensive Player Development Coach Joe Curci

    In this episode, we sit down with Knoxville Smokies player development coach Joe Curci to break down modern hitting development in Minor League Baseball. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in data science, Curci blends traditional baseball knowledge with cutting-edge technology to develop hitters in the Chicago Cubs minor league system.   We dive deep into hitting mechanics, approach, timing, swing decisions, pitch recognition, and in-game adjustments. Coach Curci explains how today’s minor league players use advanced baseball technology like TrackMan and HitTrax to analyze swing data, pitch metrics, and performance trends. From understanding attack angle and bat speed to building a consistent pre-pitch process, this episode covers how data-driven player development is shaping the future of hitting.   Whether you’re a baseball player, hitting coach, recruiter, or fan interested in baseball analytics, this conversation delivers actionable insights on improving swing decisions, being on time, making adjustments, and leveraging technology to maximize offensive performance. Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com  Chapters (00:00:02) - Keith Glasser on The Dugout Dish Podcast(00:07:39) - Cubs assistant coach gets the chance to lead(00:12:59) - Batting Lessons Learned From High School, College and Pro(00:22:14) - Joe Glass on Brandon Bourne's Maturation(00:31:37) - Pitchers and Catchers: On-field metrics(00:36:28) - How Much of a Learning Curve is There for Baseball Prospects?(00:46:35) - Joey Munoz on His Approach(00:51:04) - Joe McDonald on Dominating His Own Talent(00:54:43) - How to Salvage the Minor League Season(01:03:45) - Joe DiMaggio on Swing Adjustments(01:12:53) - Understanding Your Swing(01:19:27) - Joe DiMaggio on the Recruiting Process

    1h 25m
  2. Dugout Dish: In the Clubhouse with EMD | 2026 Commit - Game plan for this year

    6D AGO · BONUS

    Dugout Dish: In the Clubhouse with EMD | 2026 Commit - Game plan for this year

    In this episode, we break down exactly what 2026 graduates committed to play college baseball should be doing before arriving on campus this fall. If you're a future freshman preparing for Division I, II, III, or JUCO baseball, this episode outlines a plan for the summer.   We cover a detailed roadmap for pitchers, including innings management, pitch counts, summer ball decisions, strength and conditioning priorities, arm care routines, and how to communicate effectively with your college pitching coach.   For position players, we discuss how to structure summer competition, maximize quality at-bats, improve defensive consistency, build strength in the weight room, and maintain overall health leading into fall baseball.   We also emphasize the importance of consistent communication with your future college coaching staff, setting performance expectations, and preparing physically and mentally so you can show up to campus ready to compete from day one.   If you're a 2026 commit looking to make an immediate impact in fall baseball, this episode gives you a complete summer preparation blueprint. Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com  Chapters (00:00:02) - In the Clubhouse: College Gives Way to Baseball(00:11:13) - Summer Baseball Training(00:21:13) - How To Recruit Your Child

    22 min
  3. Episode 155: Interview with Monroe Community College Head Coach Dave Brust

    FEB 19

    Episode 155: Interview with Monroe Community College Head Coach Dave Brust

    In this episode, we sit down with Monroe Community College Head Baseball Coach Dave Brust to discuss his coaching journey and the principles that guide his approach to teaching and player development. Coach Brust breaks down what he believes in as a coach, how he connects with his players, and why college coaching is far more layered than just teaching the fundamentals of the game.   We dive into the importance of JUCO baseball within the college baseball landscape, what it takes to compete at a high level in junior college baseball, and how the JUCO route prepares players to successfully transition to four-year college programs.   Coach Brust also shares insight on academics at the junior college level, explaining how JUCO programs can open doors for student-athletes by helping them earn strong GPAs and create more opportunities at the next level. We discuss the current state of college baseball, including transfer portal rules and how junior college players maintain year-round eligibility to be recruited or drafted.   To wrap up, Coach Brust offers practical recruiting advice for families, highlighting what players and parents should consider during the recruiting process to find the right academic, athletic, and personal fit. Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com  Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith on Junior College Baseball(00:06:41) - Coach Andy Rossi on Becoming a Coach(00:11:40) - Bob Ley on Coaching in the NBA(00:17:51) - Diamond College Showcase: Figure It Out(00:26:42) - Are You Ready to Play College Baseball?(00:33:19) - How to Build a College Hit Team(00:40:25) - Baseball Coach on College Baseball(00:46:28) - Is Junior College a good option for guys?(00:52:47) - A Taste of JUCO Baseball(01:00:59) - Monroe Community College Baseball(01:10:09) - Baseball scholarships available to juniors and seniors(01:18:05) - JUCO Baseball: An Easier Evaluation(01:28:13) - Pitchers on Summer Baseball(01:37:31) - George Bell on Catchers Advice(01:44:43) - JUCO Baseball Coach on Recruiting

    1h 47m
  4. Dugout Dish: In the Clubhouse with EMD | Should the 2030 Class Be Attending Camps Yet?

    FEB 16 · BONUS

    Dugout Dish: In the Clubhouse with EMD | Should the 2030 Class Be Attending Camps Yet?

    In this episode, we break down the truth about baseball camps and showcases for the 2030 class and younger players. If you’re a parent or player wondering whether 12U, 13U, or 14U athletes should attend recruiting showcases right now, this episode is for you.   We explain the current NCAA recruiting rules, who is actually allowed to attend showcases this time of year, and what college coaches can (and cannot) do when it comes to early recruiting. We also cover realistic college recruiting timelines and why most college baseball coaches are not focused on the 2030 class or younger prospects.   Finally, we share our honest thoughts on early showcasing, the pros and cons of playing in recruiting events at a young age, and what we believe is the best long-term development plan for youth baseball players who want to play college baseball.   If you’re trying to navigate youth baseball recruiting, travel ball decisions, and showcase strategy for middle school players, this episode will help you make smarter, more informed decisions. Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com  Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith's Gloves(00:01:11) - In the Clubhouse: The Value of Exhibitions for 2030(00:09:49) - 7-Year-Old Baseball Prospects Getting Ranked(00:16:14) - 7th Grade Baseball Recruiting: Do They Care?

    19 min
  5. Episode 154: 2026 College Baseball Preview

    FEB 12

    Episode 154: 2026 College Baseball Preview

    In this episode, we break down our annual Division I college baseball season preview with Jonathan Grosse, getting you ready for the 2026 college baseball season. We dive into the biggest storylines entering opening weekend, including major coaching changes across the SEC and ACC, where several programs will feature new—and first-time—head coaches.   We also take a close look at mid-major college baseball programs that could break out this season and make a postseason run, before sharing our preseason College World Series picks, including who we think will reach Omaha and compete for the national championship in June.   To wrap things up, we highlight must-watch games from Opening Weekend as the Division I college baseball season begins Friday, February 13. Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com  Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith Gives Kids the Right Glove(00:01:10) - Dugout Dish: College Baseball Episode 8(00:11:07) - St. Thomas Baseball: An Interesting Story to Follow this Year(00:21:03) - Expectations for Coach Elander and Coach Pollard(00:30:12) - Mid-Majors and Sleepers(00:37:32) - Charleston on the NEA Conference Split(00:46:36) - Sleepers or Underdogs?(00:52:04) - Fourth Pick: Mississippi State(00:58:14) - Top 10 College Baseball Picks(01:05:28) - Andy: Southern Miss Could Run the Championship Game(01:12:36) - Opening Weekend Baseball Matchups(01:17:29) - Opening Weekend: St. John's Ball State vs Gonzaga

    1h 21m
  6. Dugout Dish: In the Clubhouse with EMD | Focus on Making Your Varsity Team

    FEB 9 · BONUS

    Dugout Dish: In the Clubhouse with EMD | Focus on Making Your Varsity Team

    *re-release from 1-20-25 In this episode, we talk about where high school players focus should be right now in January. Making the variety team should be your goal, however, we also talk about what to do if you don’t.  Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com  Chapters (00:00:00) - In the Clubhouse With EMD Baseball(00:00:47) - You Need to Be Recruited Before You're Selected

    10 min
  7. Episode 153: Interview with Murray St. Pitching Coach Steve Adkins

    FEB 5

    Episode 153: Interview with Murray St. Pitching Coach Steve Adkins

    In this episode, we sit down with Murray State pitching coach Steve Adkins to break down how one of college baseball’s top pitching staffs is built. Coach Adkins shares his coaching background, reflects on Murray State’s historic College World Series run in 2025, and explains how his staff identifies resilient, competitive pitchers in the recruiting process.   We dive into what Coach Adkins looks for when recruiting pitchers in the 2026 class, including the ability to get outs, swing-and-miss metrics, pitch ability, and overall stuff. He also outlines what a typical week looks like for a pitcher in the Murray State program—covering throwing schedules, weight training, nutrition, sleep, and recovery.   The conversation also breaks down the development process for starters vs. relievers, why college teams need more relievers than starters, and how pitchers can earn opportunities at the college level. Coach Adkins closes with practical recruiting advice and actionable tips for families navigating the college baseball recruiting process.   If you’re a high school pitcher, parent, or coach looking to understand what college programs value and how to prepare the right way, this episode is a must-listen.  Presented by: Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com  Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith's Gloves(00:01:10) - Keith Glasser(00:01:49) - Murray State Assistant Coach Steve Atkins on the Podcast(00:08:37) - Can You Handle The Day-to-Day of Baseball?(00:13:49) - Offense Recruiting: Strength, Weight, and More(00:24:44) - Murray State Pitcher Discusses His College Path(00:33:06) - Tyler Thornburg on His Changeup Shift(00:42:41) - Pitchers Need a Routine(00:49:57) - Pitchers on the New Era(00:55:28) - Pitching as a Freshman(01:01:41) - Leading with resiliency(01:08:22) - Pitchers on College Baseball(01:12:41) - ESPN College Baseball: Advice for High School Recruits(01:22:11) - How To Sit Down With a Coach During the Recruiting Process

    1h 25m
  8. Dugout Dish: In the Clubhouse with EMD | Why You Should Be Watching College Baseball: A PSA for High School Players and Parents

    FEB 2 · BONUS

    Dugout Dish: In the Clubhouse with EMD | Why You Should Be Watching College Baseball: A PSA for High School Players and Parents

    In this episode, we deliver our annual PSA on why high school baseball players and families should be watching college baseball. We talk about how much the college game has grown, why it’s more accessible than ever, and where to watch college baseball throughout the season.   If your goal is to play college baseball, watching games—both live and on TV—is one of the easiest and most effective ways to understand what level you realistically fit in at and how good you need to be to compete. Seeing the speed of the game, the quality of play, and the overall environment provides valuable perspective for the recruiting process.   We also emphasize why getting out to see college baseball games in person this spring is a must, how to find local schedules, and how to follow games nationally on platforms like ESPN. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about college baseball recruiting and player development. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube: @emdbaseball Presented by: Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Kevin Smith's Gloves(00:01:11) - College Baseball Recruitment: How to Watch College Baseball(00:12:15) - College Baseball

    16 min
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About

With a combined 25 years of collegiate coaching experience at the Division I, II, and III levels we will bring you the latest insights, analysis, and interviews about the world of college baseball recruiting. Each week, we will break down topics relevant to the college baseball recruiting landscape. In addition to breaking down the latest recruiting news, we'll also be speaking with coaches and players around the country. Our guests will provide valuable insights into what it takes to make it as a college baseball player and share their experiences and knowledge of the recruiting process.Whether you're a high school player, parent, or coach looking to learn more about the recruiting process or gather insights from college coaches this podcast has something for everyone. So join us each week as we dive deep into the world of college baseball recruiting.

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