We’re back with a full solo episode this week, no interview, after a much-needed winter break. I kick things off by talking about the reset: time to rest, recharge, visit family, get organized, and officially upgrade the podcast setup with new gear. Let me know how the new mic sounds.

From there, we dive into the main event: my Top 5 MLB players at every position from 2000–2025, with honorable mentions included for each group. This list is unapologetically shaped by my childhood, my experiences watching the game, and my own baseball opinions. It’s not just rankings, but I break down accolades, statistical dominance, longevity, postseason impact, and what made these players special during their era.

The episode moves position by position:

• Catcher

• First Base

• Second Base

• Shortstop

• Third Base

• Outfield

• Designated Hitter

• Starting Pitching

• Bullpen Arms

Each section includes an honorable mention and context for why players landed where they did. From Joe Mauer and Albert Pujols, to Chipper Jones and Barry Bonds, to legends on the mound like Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux, Pedro Martínez, and Mariano Rivera, this episode is a full walk-through of 25 years of MLB greatness.

Whether you agree or disagree with the rankings, this episode is meant to spark debate, nostalgia, and appreciation for an incredible era of baseball.

Sit back, enjoy the breakdown, and let me know where you think I got it right... or completely wrong.

In this episode, we sit down with Hadara Katarski to explore the silent battles college athletes face. The challenges that often go unseen but heavily impact performance, confidence, and well-being. Drawing from her firsthand work with athletes during the Fall 2025 semester, Hadara breaks down the three most common issues she observed: coach–athlete communication breakdowns, injury recovery struggles, and declining confidence.

We begin with the complexities of coach–athlete communication, unpacking how misinterpretation, tone, timing, and feedback style can quietly erode trust and confidence. Hadara explains how well-intentioned coaching messages can land differently than expected, creating a cycle of frustration, anxiety, and performance decline. Additionally, she provides listeners with what both coaches and athletes can do to prevent these issues from escalating.

Next, we dive into injury recovery, focusing on the psychological toll injuries take beyond physical rehab. From identity loss and isolation to pressure to return too soon, Hadara sheds light on the emotional timeline athletes experience and offers strategies to rebuild trust in the body, maintain confidence, and stay connected to the team during recovery.

Finally, we address confidence, pressure, and motivation, examining how high expectations—especially self-imposed ones—can lead athletes into negative thought patterns and burnout. Hadara shares practical tools to rebuild confidence, reframe internal dialogue, and shift from fear-based performance to competitive freedom.

This episode provides valuable insight and actionable takeaways for athletes, coaches, and parents, offering a deeper understanding of the mental and emotional challenges athletes face, and how intentional communication, support, and mindset work can make a lasting difference.

In this episode, we sit down with Trey Daly, General Manager of the Dirtbags and one of the most respected voices in player development across the Carolinas. A New Bern, North Carolina native, Trey has spent nearly two decades in the game as a coach, leader, and evaluator, helping shape one of the premier travel baseball organizations in the country.

Trey takes us through his baseball journey, from playing under legendary coach Gary Smith to beginning his coaching career at a young age, working across the high school ranks, and running tournaments for the Dirtbags as a coach. We explore his path into the Dirtbags organization, how the program’s culture was built, and what it takes to develop players capable of competing at the national level.

The conversation dives into Trey’s transition into the General Manager role, his day-to-day responsibilities, and the leadership lessons he’s learned while helping guide the organization’s long-term vision. We also discuss his work as an Associate Scout for the Miami Marlins, including how professional evaluation has shaped the way he identifies talent and prepares players for the next level.

We close with practical insight for players and parents navigating the recruiting and development process. What truly separates athletes who stand out, what families often overlook, and how to approach growth with intention and perspective.

This episode offers an inside look at player development, scouting, and leadership from someone who has lived every level of the game.