Brad Hill, Head Coach, Emporia State University Baseball (NCAA Division II) joins us for this episode. Topics include typical recruiting activities this time of year, his thoughts on the transfer portal, how grades impact the recruiting process, his advice to parents and much more.

Follow Brad Hill and the Emporia State Hornets baseball team on X @ESUBaseball.

Podcast Highlights:

• 01:40 Video Starts.
• 03:40 How Coach Hill found his way to Emporia State.
• 10:00 Why Emporia State.
• 14:00 What recruits should expect this time of year?
• 15:35 How the transfer portal is impacting recruiting.
• 21:50 What will make a student-athlete happy.
• 24:55 Coach Hill discusses his coaching tree.
• 33:35 Red flags in recruiting.
• 38:30 How a recruit can get your attention.
• 43:05 Advice for parents.

Benny Castillo, owner of Cool Breeze Baseball Academy, joins us on this episode. His fire for life is unmatched and his impact on the game of baseball has been enormous. From growing up in the Bronx, to his playing and coaching days, the story of Benny’s life is a must listen. Follow Benny Castillo on Facebook and look him up if you’re ever in Lakeland, FL. Benny is a friend to everyone!

Podcast Highlights:

• 01:30 Video Starts
• 04:15 Benny and I reminisce.
• 06:45 You’re not that good.
• 09:15 Benny talks about his upbringing. My life is like a good movie.
• 13:30 Officer Joe introduces Benny to organized baseball.
• 19:30 Benny talks about his college experience.
• 29:45 Why Benny fell in love with baseball.
• 34:00 Benny talks about his fire and passion. Growing up in the Bronx.
• 37:55 Benny talks about his first meeting with the legendary Gary Ward of Oklahoma State.
• 46:00 The impact Benny has as a coach.
• 54:00 Playing the game the right way. The process.
• 57:40 As long as you’re playing, you have a chance.
• 1:03:51 Entitlement is a career killer.

CJ Beatty, The Baseball Motivator, joins us on this episode. Owner of The Motivator Brands & Beatty Enterprises, CJ is one of the most sought after motivational speakers around. In this episode, CJ and I discuss his baseball background, what motivates him, advice for players and much more. Follow CJ Beatty on Instagram @cjbeatty44 and Change Your Life!

Podcast Highlights:

• 01:25 Video Starts
• 05:10 CJ discusses his baseball background and upbringing.
• 11:02 The importance of mental toughness.
• 13:45 Advice CJ would have given to his younger self.
• 17:18 What motivates CJ.
• 21:40 The role faith plays in CJ’s life.
• 24:30 CJ talks about advice he received from Willie McGee and Mike Shildt.
• 30:45 What happens in life when your ego goes away?
• 35:50 CJ’s advice for aspiring college players.
• 39:00 Advice for parents of aspiring college players.
• 42:15 CJ’s final thoughts for the audience.