Patrick Jones Baseball

In this episode, Patrick shares the unfiltered truth behind what it really takes to get recruited to play college baseball in 2025. After talking to dozens of coaches, watching games across the country, and helping players from coast to coast, he breaks down the exact roadmap players and parents need to follow — including what most people get completely wrong.Whether you're just starting the process or deep into your recruiting journey, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.What You’ll Learn:The only reasons to enter the transfer portal (and why most players shouldn’t)Updates on roster size rules and how it impacts recruitingThe most important question every player must ask before starting the processKey recruiting timelines for Power 4, mid-major D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCOWhich showcases actually matter (PBR vs. Perfect Game)How college coaches actually evaluate players (hint: it’s not just stats)Why the best prospect isn’t always the best playerPosition-by-position breakdown of recruiting prioritiesWhat you should be doing from freshman to senior yearSocial media strategy that gets attention — without hurting your visibilityWhy cold emails to coaches almost never work (and what to do instead)Resources:Book a $60 Recruiting Consultation: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruitingConnect With Patrick:Twitter: @pjonesbaseballWebsite: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com

On this week's episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, we welcome Victor Rojas, Assistant Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Ottawa University - Arizona (OUAZ). Victor has one of the most unique journeys in baseball—he played minor league ball, worked as a GM, became a broadcaster for ESPN and MLB Network, and now, he’s coaching college baseball.In this episode, Victor shares:His path from broadcasting to coaching and why he chose the NAIA level.What recruits and parents need to know about NAIA baseball and how it compares to other levels.His coaching philosophy and how he develops players mentally and physically.If you're a player or parent looking to understand the college baseball recruiting process—especially at the NAIA level—this episode is a must-listen.🔗 Follow Victor Rojas & OUAZ Baseball:OUAZ Baseball WebsiteVictor Rojas on Twitter🔗 Need help in the recruiting process? Book a free 15-minute call 👉 PatrickJonesBaseball.com/recruiting

In this episode, I sit down with Coach Adam Stevens, the Head Baseball Coach at Aurora University, one of the top Division 3 baseball programs in the Midwest. With a master’s degree in sports psychology, Coach Stevens has a unique approach to recruiting, developing players, and helping them handle both success and failure. We dive deep into:✅ What college coaches really look for in recruits✅ Why the mental game is just as important as physical skills✅ The biggest mistakes players make in the recruiting process✅ How D3 baseball compares to other levels—and why it might be the best fit for many players✅ The transfer portal and how D3 programs are utilizing it Coach Stevens has been leading Aurora’s program for over a decade, helping his team achieve one of the highest winning percentages in Division 3 baseball from 2018 to 2023. His insights into recruiting, player development, and the mental game are invaluable for any aspiring college athlete.Need help in the college recruiting process?Would you like to work with me to help you find the right college baseball program?Click this link for a free 15 minute recruiting consultation:My service includes:* Full evaluation and personalized recruiting plan.* Direct connections and recommendations to college coaches.* Access to honest feedback from coaches.* Player development support throughout the recruiting process.* Ongoing communication and guidance for both recruitment and player improvement.Free 15 minute college recruiting consultation

In this episode, we welcome back Jacksonville State University Hitting Coach Ari Adut to dive deep into hitting IQ, game planning, and player development. Ari shares insights from his experience in professional baseball, his transition into the college game, and how he builds individualized player plans that blend analytics with practical application.We discuss:The importance of swing decisions, pitch recognition, and approach development.How to simplify game plans for college hitters without overloading them.The balance between analytics and feel in developing elite hitters.Free PJB Recruiting Consultation: For families trying to navigate the high school baseball recruiting process.

In this episode, I sit down with Cam Johnson, the Hitting Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Valparaiso University. Cam shares his insights on developing hitters, understanding the biomechanics of a swing, and tailoring coaching methods to individual players. We also dive into the recruiting process, strategies for building a successful roster, and advice for players navigating the modern college baseball landscape. Whether you’re a coach, player, or parent, this conversation has actionable tips to elevate your game.Timestamps2:01-6:30 – Journey into coaching and early influences.6:31-10:45 – Using biomechanics to enhance hitting development.10:46-15:00 – Timing: The key to a great swing.15:01-22:00 – Drills that work: Eliminating inefficiencies.22:01-28:00 – Recruiting strategies and balancing the roster.28:01-35:00 – Advice for players navigating the recruiting process.35:01-40:00 – Why Valparaiso is a great place for athletes.Connect with Cam Johnson:Email: cam.johnson@valpo.eduValparaiso University Baseball: Visit the WebsiteContact with Patrick Jones:Website: patrickjonesbaseball.comTwitter: @pjonesbaseball

In this episode of the Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast, we’re joined by Matt Wollenzin, the Hitting Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Evansville. Matt takes us behind the scenes of one of college baseball’s most exciting mid-major programs, sharing how Evansville has built a championship-caliber team that competes with the nation’s best.From their incredible Super Regional run to their unique approach to player development and recruiting, Matt dives into the secrets of their success. Learn about the culture of collaboration, how they develop hitters with individualized training, and the program’s commitment to long-term growth. Plus, get insights into how Evansville’s team believes in each other, adapts to adversity, and continues to rise above expectations year after year.If you're interested in what it takes to build a winning program from the ground up and how a mid-major can compete with the top-tier teams in college baseball, this episode is a must-listen!Follow Evansville Baseball on Twitter: @UEBaseballCheck out Patrick's new course: Swing Decisions: How To Master The Strike Zone

In this episode, I sit down with Danny-David Linahan, the new hitting coach at Texas State University. Danny shares his journey from playing college baseball to coaching in the major leagues with the Minnesota Twins. He offers valuable insights on hitting, player development, and transitioning between professional and college baseball.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and Danny's background2:11 - Transition from playing to coaching5:17 - Experience with the Minnesota Twins10:24 - Moving to Texas State University15:19 - Approach to player development21:39 - Key indicators for hitters26:00 - Importance of marginal gains30:33 - Differences between pro and college baseball35:45 - Advice for aspiring players and coachesCollege Baseball Recruiting Consultationpatrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

In this episode, we welcome back Andy Barkett, former MLB hitting coach, and current private hitting instructor. Andy shares insights from his nearly 30 years of coaching experience, focusing on the mechanical aspects of hitting. He discusses his transition from professional baseball to private coaching, the development of his remote training business, and his new product, the Power Pivot. Andy also delves into common issues he sees in college hitters and provides valuable tips for improving swing mechanics and mental approach.0:00 - Introduction and Andy's background5:30 - Transition to private coaching and remote training10:15 - Evaluating hitters and addressing mechanical flaws15:45 - The Power Pivot tool and proper hip rotation22:30 - Common issues in college baseball hitting28:00 - Comparing MLB hitters to amateurs33:45 - The role of technology in hitting development38:00 - Closing thoughts and contact informationContact Information:Andy BarkettPower Pivot product