The D2 Baseball Podcast

D2 Baseball

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. 4d ago

    Inside Tampa’s Historic Three-Peat with Head Coach Joe Urso

    The University of Tampa Spartans just did something no other Division II baseball program has ever accomplished: winning three back-to-back-to-back National Championships. Robert sits down with Head Coach Joe Urso to break down this historic run and look at how the program continues to reach unparalleled heights. In this interview, Coach Urso takes us behind the scenes of the 2026 season, discussing the distinct challenges of integrating 22 new players and overcoming critical injuries to key starters early in the year. He highlights the absolute dominance of his pitching rotation—anchored by Satin, Bailey, and Glanton—and praises Associate Head Coach Sam Militello's masterful development and calling of the staff. We also dive into the unsung heroes of the playoff run. Coach Urso breaks down two-way standout Luke Fer's vital role out of the bullpen, Brayden Woodburn's clutch postseason hitting, and catcher Jhoander Irigoyen's leadership behind the dish. Beyond the diamond, Coach Urso shares the true secret to the program's enduring success over his 26 years at the helm: an unwavering standard of excellence, a coaching staff of devoted alumni, and a deeply ingrained culture of family. Key Topics Covered:The Historic Three-Peat: What it took to win the rubber match against West Chester with a taxed, but highly motivated, pitching staff. Stepping Up in the Clutch: How players like Luke Firar and Jhoander Irigoyen carried the team on both sides of the ball when the offense struggled early.Overcoming Adversity: Navigating the loss of key contributors like Sammy Beir and Maddox King to early-season injuries. The Tampa Spartan Culture: The "National Championship or bust" mentality instilled from day one, and the importance of having alumni coaches like Sam Militello and Jose Jimenez leading the charge. Chasing the Four-Peat: Coach Urso's mindset heading into the 2027 season and the lifelong brotherhood forged by the 22 new players who helped secure the latest title.

    21 min
  2. Apr 24

    Regional Rankings Release! First Discussion into the D2 Baseball Postseason

    Host Robert Frey and special guest Wayne Cavadi from the DII Report break down the first release of the regional consideration lists for the 2026 Division II baseball season. They analyze each region's top contenders and surprises while discussing how key metrics like RPI and strength of schedule influence the tournament bracket. Regional Summaries: Atlantic Region: The "Big Five"—West Chester, Millersville, East Stroudsburg, Seton Hill, and Frostburg State—remain the primary contenders. Bloomsburg is noted as a surprise due to playing the toughest schedule in D2 baseball. Central Region: The MIAA dominates with seven teams on the list, potentially turning the GAC into a one-bid league. Traditional powers like Central Missouri and Pittsburg State continue to lead the pack. East Region: Southern New Hampshire remains the dominant force, having reached the championship site in six of the last seven years. Bentley is identified as a sleeper pick due to offensive depth and strong starting pitching. Midwest Region: Grand Valley State and Wayne State are positioned as likely hosts, bolstered by top-tier pitching rotations. South Region: Florida Southern is a major disruptor with elite metrics despite a 21-17 record. Tampa and Rollins are considered locks, making the remaining spots highly competitive. South Central Region: Colorado Mesa and the "Big Four" from the Lone Star Conference—West Texas A&M, Angelo State, Lubbock Christian, and UT Tyler—are the primary teams under consideration. Southeast Region: Described as the most elite region, all ten listed teams have at least 30 wins. North Greenville leads with dominant metrics across the board. West Region: Cal State Monterey Bay and Point Loma are top contenders. Cal Poly Pomona’s resume is strengthened by being the only D2 team to beat Colorado Mesa twice. Chapters: 2:20 - Atlantic Region 5:55 - Metrics the committee looks at 7:45 - Central Region 13:20 - East Region 16:30 - Midwest Region 21:20 - South Region 26:55 - South Central Region 31:40 - Southeast Region 36:20 - West Region

    43 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
6 Ratings

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.

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