The D2 Baseball Podcast

In this episode of the D2 Baseball Podcast, host Robert Frey is joined by former Minnesota State standout Jake Berkland!Jake shares his incredible journey from arriving on campus as a 140-pound redshirt freshman to transforming his game in the weight room and ultimately getting selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 19th round of the 2026 MLB Draft.In this episode, we discuss:Draft Day Emotions: What it was like getting the call from the White Sox surrounded by family and friends.The Minnesota State Journey: Jake's transition from the outfield to shortstop, and the impact of the Maverick coaching staff.The "Grind" of Summer Ball: Playing three seasons in the Northwoods League with the Wausau Woodchucks and how it prepared him for the pro schedule.Moving Forward with the White Sox: His first impressions of the organization and what he is looking forward to as he heads out to Arizona.Advice for D2 Athletes: The "gritty" nature of Division II baseball and why loving the game for the right reasons is the key to success.Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive interviews and coverage of everything Division II baseball!#D2Baseball #MLBDraft

In this episode of the D2 Baseball Podcast, host Robert Frey sits down with right-handed pitcher Grayson Chappell from the University of Central Missouri (UCM) to discuss his incredible journey to professional baseball.Selected in the 18th round of the 2026 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels, Grayson shares the behind-the-scenes experience of draft day, the emotional moment he heard his name called, and the hard work that paved the way.We dive into:Draft Day Emotions: The anticipation of waiting for the call and celebrating the life-changing moment with his family.His Journey Through the Ranks: From starting at the D1 level (Miami Ohio) to grinding through JUCO at Paris Junior College, and how those experiences shaped him on and off the field.Shining at Central Missouri: His recruitment, working with pitching coach Eli, and the unforgettable experience of pitching at Daikin Park in Houston.A Championship Culture: What made the UCM pitching staff so special, navigating the highly competitive MIAA conference, and playing alongside drafted teammates like Jack Scott.Advice for D2 Athletes: Grayson's words of wisdom for Division II players hoping to catch the eyes of MLB scouts.Subscribe to the channel for more D2 Baseball content, player interviews, and draft coverage!#MLBDraft #D2Baseball

Welcome back to the D2 Baseball podcast! In this episode, host Robert Frey sits down with right-handed pitcher Jack Scott from the University of Central Missouri (UCM), who was selected in the 7th round of the 2026 MLB draft by the Colorado Rockies. Jack shares his incredible draft-day experience, his reaction to getting drafted much earlier than anticipated, and how he is navigating his path to the big leagues while rehabbing a UCL injury. In this video, we discuss: The Draft Day Call: Jack talks about celebrating with family and friends and the exact moment he received the text from the Rockies. Overcoming Adversity: Navigating a shortened season due to a UCL tear and finding support from former teammate Nathan Hall, who went through a similar injury rehab process before being drafted by the Mets last season. UCM's Championship Run: Reflecting on his dominant 2025 season (85.2 innings pitched, All-MIAA selection) and pitching in the National Championship series. The Mules Legacy & Coaching: How the UCM coaching staff prepares players to win and why the program has such a strong track record of getting players drafted, including Jack's teammate Greyson Chappel (Angels). Advice for D2 Athletes: Jack’s key advice for Division II players looking to make it to the professional level. Make sure to like, subscribe, and comment for more exclusive interviews and coverage of Division II baseball! #MLBdraft #D2Baseball

In this episode, host Robert Frey is joined by a very special guest: Seton Hill shortstop Owen Henne. Henne was selected in the 6th round of the 2026 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals, making him the very first Division II player taken off the board this year.Join us as we talk about his journey from being a "late bloomer" with only one D2 offer to becoming a top-round draft pick.In this interview, we discuss:Draft Day Emotions: Owen takes us through the moment he received the call from his agent on the back porch with his family, and what it was like waiting for his name to be streamed on TV.His Career at Seton Hill: How Coach Marrizaldi took a chance on him, dealing with an early-season hamstring injury, and the family culture that defines the program.The Talent in the PSAC: Discussing the competitive nature of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and following in the footsteps of fellow conference players making it to the pros.Player Development & Mindset: The complete swing and mindset changes he made after his freshman year to generate more power and success at the plate.The MLB Draft League: His experience facing high-level velocity in the West Virginia Draft League and how it prepared him for the draft.Advice for D2 Players: Owen breaks down his approach to hitting, the importance of in-zone contact, and why simplifying the game is the ultimate key to reaching professional baseball.Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive interviews and coverage of Division II baseball!#MLBDraft #D2Baseball

Evan Morrison, a standout shortstop from Grand Valley State University (GVSU), joins the podcast to discuss his journey from Canadian college ball to being selected by the Texas Rangers in the 10th round of the 2026 MLB Draft.In this video:The Big Call: Evan shares the surreal moment he got "the call" from the Rangers' GM while in the dugout during the Canadian Baseball League All-Star game.An Unconventional Path: From starting at the University of Waterloo in Ontario to a stint in NAIA at McPherson College, Evan reflects on the unique collegiate journey that ultimately led him to GVSU.Elite Contact Skills: A look at the eye-popping stats that caught the attention of scouts—including a 2026 season where he struck out only seven times in 288 plate appearances.Defensive Evolution: How working with GVSU assistant coach Pete Romsek helped Evan transition from a two-way player and second baseman to an elite Division II shortstopAdvice for the Next Generation: Evan offers his best advice for D2 players looking to make it to the next level: play to your specific strengths and become elite at what you do bestSubscribe to D2 Baseball for future content!#d2baseball #mlbdraft

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.

The top two seeds collide in Cary for the 2026 D2 baseball championship series! Join Robert Frey and Wayne Cavadi of the DII Report as they break down the epic best-of-three matchup between West Chester and Tampa. Both teams have dominated their paths to the finals, playing nearly flawless baseball without major mistakes. Tampa enters the series leading D2 in multiple categories, including fielding percentage, while West Chester brings a program-record 47 wins and a massive postseason run differential. In this video, we dive into: Pitching Matchups: A look at the dominant rotations, featuring Tampa’s Robert Satin and B.J. Bailey against Westchester’s Julian Costa. Offensive Firepower: Analyzing West Chester's "run-scoring machine" and Brayden Woodburn’s incredible .692 average in Cary for the Spartans. Key Trends: Will West Chester break the trend of conference champions taking the title? Series Predictions: Why this clash of titans is likely heading to a decisive Game 3. Series Schedule (All times 6 PM Eastern): Game 1: Thursday, June 4th Game 2: Friday, June 5th Game 3 (If necessary): Saturday, June 6th Catch the games live on ncaa.com/champs-pass as the 2026 D2 sports season comes to a thrilling conclusion! #D2Baseball #WestChester #Tampa #NCAABaseball

The 2026 D2 Baseball Regionals are coming up! Preview all eight regions and the teams within with Robert Frey and special guests, Mike Vucsko, Alex Pearce, and Will Conerly.Video Chapters0:43 - 15:24 Atlantic15:30 - 46:59 Midwest w/ Mike Vucsko47:02 - 1:10:22 Central1:10:33 - 1:23:23 East1:23:30 - 1:53:30 Southeast w/ Alex Pearce1:53:54 - 2:11:53 South2:11:55 - 2:55:46 South Central w/ Will Conerly2:56:00 - 3:08:40 West

The first ordered NCAA Division II regional rankings of 2026 are officially here! Join the D2 Baseball podcast as we dive deep into the April 29th rankings with special guest Wayne Cavadi from the DII Report. We are breaking down all eight regions, analyzing the current field of 56, and discussing how upcoming conference tournaments could lead to stolen bids and bracket chaos In this episode: Atlantic Region: Analysis of the top-heavy PSAC and why the MEC might be a one-bid league Central Region: The impact of Arkansas Monticello’s recent loss and the strength of schedule for UMary East Region: Can anyone stop the dominant Malloy? We discuss potential bid stealers in the CACC and NE10. Midwest Region: Why metrics might not tell the whole story for a surging UIndy team. South Region: Breaking down a tight race for the final spots between Trevecca, Mississippi College, and Lee. South Central Region: Why Colorado Mesa and UT Tyler look like the teams to beat. Southeast Region: A look at the deepest region in the country, featuring seven top-25 teams. West Region: Discussing the "insane" metrics of Cal State Monterey Bay and the battle for the final CCAA seeds. Stay Connected: Check the full official rankings at on.ncaa.com/D2BSBrr Follow the metrics at d2baseball.com/stats. Subscribe for more regional ranking updates as we head toward Selection Sunday on May 10th!

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

In this episode, Robert sits down with West Alabama Head Coach Eric DuBose, who is off to a great 12-1 start to begin the season. In this episode, we talk about coaching philosophy, the pitching staff success, some notable offensive players, the advantage of having depth, DuBose allowing players to coach him, and more.Don't miss this episode with West Alabama Head Coach Eric DuBose.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 sits down with Central Oklahoma's new head baseball coach, Robbie Rea. A familiar face to the program, Rea discusses his seamless transition to the head coaching role after serving as the pitching coach for three seasons. He credits his strong returning pitching staff and a great administrative team for making the process smooth. Rea also highlights the unique opportunity of coaching alongside his brother, which reinforces the program's family-like culture. Coach Rea shares his philosophy on player development and recruiting. He emphasizes the importance of recruiting "athletes" who played multiple sports in high school and can be athletic on the mound. On the development side, Rea's focus is on putting players in competitive, "bad situations" during practice so they can learn to "dig their way out of a hole" in games. He also discusses the benefits of playing in the highly competitive MIAA conference and how the MIAA tournament's single-elimination format helps prepare teams for the postseason. Looking ahead, Rea is committed to upholding the program's legacy of "unbelievable baseball success". He wants fans to expect a team that can pitch and play defense, but also one that is "very opportunistic" and plays with a fun, hard-nosed style of baseball. He concludes by thanking his mentors, including his father and former coaches, who have shaped him into the coach he is today.