Recruiting in 2025 isn’t what it used to be. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, we sit down with Coach Jorge Pérez (St. Thomas University) and Coach Rudy Garbalosa (Lynn University) to break down the truth behind today’s college baseball recruiting process.

We explore how the game has evolved, from the impact of technology, the transfer portal, and social media, to how academics, strength training, and patience play a bigger role than ever before. Coaches now rely on data, platforms, and performance, not just potential.

🎯 In this episode, we:

• Break down how coaches evaluate talent today,
• Talk about what stats, video, and platforms matter,
• Explain the importance of academics for scholarships,
• Discuss why strength training gives players a competitive edge,
• Offer real advice for families investing in recruiting opportunities,
• Emphasize what players must do to truly stand out.

Whether you're a parent, player, or coach, this is the clarity you’ve been looking for.

🎧 Part 2 drops soon. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss it.

#SweetSpotPodcast #BaseballRecruiting #CollegeBaseball #YouthBaseball #PlayerDevelopment #StrengthTraining #Scholarships #CollegeRecruiting

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What makes a great coach? And how do you build a legacy that lasts beyond the scoreboard?

In this episode, Coach Jorge Perez—Assistant Athletic Director and longtime Head Baseball Coach at St. Thomas University—shares the mindset, mistakes, and milestones that have shaped his 17+ year journey at STU.

From taking over a struggling team to building a nationally respected program, Coach Perez opens up about the power of culture, the lessons learned from mentors like Paul Mainieri, and what it takes to grow young players into great men—on and off the field.

🎯 What we talk about:

• How to build a real program—not just a team

• Team chemistry and player-led leadership

• Lessons from 17 seasons, two World Series runs, and near-misses

• The impact of mentors like Manny Mantrana and Paul Mainieri

• Why structure, patience, and resilience are more important than stats

• The role of family, faith, and fit in building lasting success

Whether you're a coach, parent, athlete, or anyone who believes in youth development through sports, this episode will resonate with your heart.

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*Who are we?*

📌Daylan Gil: https://www.instagram.com/coach_daylan/

📌Albert Carmenates: https://www.instagram.com/coach__albert/

Guest:

STU Baseball: https://www.instagram.com/stubaseball_/

Follow us on our Instagram

📌 Sweet Spot Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/the_sweetspot_pod/

#sweetspotpodcast #BaseballPodcast #YouthBaseball #CoachingTips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s the real goal of youth sports?. In this episode, we take a step back to reflect on what really matters—building confidence, character, and connection in young athletes.

We talk about the wins, the losses, the team chemistry, and the mindset that drives it all. This episode is full of real stories and honest lessons from our own journey as coaches, parents, and leaders in youth sports.

Whether you're on the field, in the stands, or in the dugout, we break down how to support kids the right way—on and off the field.

🎯 Here’s what we cover:

• How we build confidence in young athletes

• What The Sweet Spot Mindset really means

• How to handle a loss—or even a win—with purpose

• Why staying composed as a coach or parent makes all the difference

• Teaching teamwork, gratitude, and real resilience

This one’s a reminder: youth sports isn’t about the scoreboard—it’s about life.

#SweetSpotPodcast #BaseballPodcast #YouthBaseball #CoachingTips #ParentingInSports

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Who are we?

📌Daylan Gil: / coach_daylan

📌 Albert Carmenates: / coach__albert

Follow us on our Instagram

📌 Sweet Spot Podcast: / the_sweetspot_pod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to lead a successful college athletics program?

In this episode, we sit down with *Scott Carr, Athletic Director at Florida International University* (FIU), to get an inside look into the world of college athletics.

Scott opens up about the *real life of an athletic director* , the growing influence of NIL and the transfer portal, and why *culture and relationships* are everything when it comes to building a winning program. He also shares candid thoughts on *balancing family and career* , and what young professionals need to know if they want to work in college athletics.

🎯 Key Topics:

The evolving role of an Athletic Director

NIL, transfer portal & recruiting challenges

How to build a strong culture in college sports

Career advice for future athletic directors

The importance of family, leadership & legacy

Whether you’re a coach, parent, student-athlete, or sports industry pro, this episode offers powerful insight from the top of the game.

#SweetSpotPodcast #BaseballPodcast #YouthBaseball #CoachingTips #ParentingInSports

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X guest *Scott Carr*

📌 https://x.com/scottcarrad

Instagram FIU Athletic:

📌 https://www.instagram.com/fiuathletics/

Who are we?

📌Daylan Gil: https://www.instagram.com/coach_daylan/

📌 Albert Carmenates: https://www.instagram.com/coach__albert/

Follow us on our Instagram

📌 Sweet Spot Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/the_sweetspot_pod/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to raise a Major League Baseball player? In this powerful and emotional episode of the SweetSpot Podcast, we’re joined by Joaquin Neto—father of Angels infielder Zach Neto—for a heartfelt conversation that goes far beyond the field.

Joaquin opens up about the sacrifices, discipline, and mindset it took to guide his son from Little League to the big leagues. From his military upbringing to setting household standards like “make your bed every morning,” Joaquin’s story is one of intentional parenting, tough love, and unwavering belief.

You’ll hear about:

The exact moment Joaquin knew Zach had what it takes to play pro ball

How they dealt with two major surgeries before Zach was even a teenager

The call-up to the MLB—and how Joaquin hung up thinking it was a joke

The emotional rollercoaster of coaching your own child

The often-overlooked importance of patience, timing, and character in youth sports

Whether you’re a parent trying to do right by your kid, a coach looking to make a real impact, or a young player chasing your dream, this episode delivers real wisdom, relatable struggles, and a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination.

Stick around till the end for a full-circle story about impact, legacy, and what it means to truly "make it."

If this story inspired you, share it with a fellow parent, coach, or player who needs to hear it. Drop a comment, and follow us on Instagram for more powerful episodes that bring heart to the game.

#SweetSpotPodcast #BaseballDad #MLBJourney #YouthSports #BaseballLife #RaisingChampions #CoachLife #BaseballFamily #MakeYourBed #FatherhoodGoals #MentalGame #BaseballMotivation #FromTheDugout #MLBProspect #SportsParenting #BaseballDevelopment #InspireAthletes #ParentingWins #ZachNetto #BaseballStories

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Sweet Spot Podcast, we sit down with Zach Neto, an MLB shortstop whose journey to the big leagues was anything but ordinary. From suffering two major elbow surgeries at a young age to proving doubters wrong and earning his spot in the majors, Zach shares the highs and lows of his career. He opens up about resilience, handling failure, the toughest pitchers he’s faced, and what it was like to coach youth baseball for the first time.

This is a must-watch for players, coaches, and parents who want to understand what it truly takes to succeed in baseball and in life. Don’t miss out!

Plus, we’re giving away two signed Zach Neto batting gloves! Like, subscribe, and comment below for a chance to win. The winner will be announced in 30 days!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After months of planning, we’re finally bringing you the Sweetspot Podcast, a show dedicated to helping players, parents, and coaches navigate the world of youth baseball! Whether you're stepping up to the plate, coaching from the dugout, or supporting from the stands, this podcast is for you.

In this first episode, Daylan Gil and Albert Carmenates dive into:

⚾️ Why they started this podcast

⚾️ The struggles and joys of coaching youth baseball

⚾️ The role of parents in player development

⚾️ The challenges of balancing sports, academics, and life

⚾️ How baseball teaches life lessons beyond the game

⚾️ This isn’t just another baseball podcast. We’re bringing real stories, real failures, and real experiences—because youth sports are about more than just wins and losses.

Subscribe now, and let’s make this game even sweeter!

📩 Have questions or topic suggestions? Drop them in the comments below!

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!

Follow us at

https://www.instagram.com/the_sweetspot_pod/

#SweetspotPodcast #BaseballPodcast #YouthBaseball #CoachingTips #ParentingInSports #BaseballDevelopment #LittleLeague #MLBProspects #AthleteMindset #BaseballLife #SportsParenting #BaseballTraining #CoachLife #FutureStars #BaseballParents #EliteAthletes #BaseballSkills #GameChanger #NextGenAthletes #BaseballCommunity

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Lewis Brinson, former MLB and NPB outfielder, to talk about *life after the game*—and what it really takes to transition with purpose.

Lewis opens up about the emotional and mental side of leaving professional baseball, the lessons he’s learned from both MLB and Japanese baseball, and how he’s now using his story to guide the next generation of athletes.

From mental health and daily habits to cultural differences in sports, team dynamics, and the mindset shift after retirement, this is a real and refreshing look at what it means to be more than just an athlete.

⚾️ Topics in this Episode:

· Life after pro baseball: Identity & transition

· The mental health practices Lewis uses daily

· Lessons from Japanese fan culture & training

· Trusting yourself under pressure

· Golf & baseball: discipline, rhythm & control

· Youth sports, legacy, and inspiring future players

Whether you’re a parent, coach, athlete, or fan—this one will hit home.

#SweetSpotPodcast #BaseballPodcast #YouthBaseball #CoachingTips #ParentingInSports

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Guest Instagram:

📌 Lewis Brinson: @lewisbrins25

Who are we?

📌Daylan Gil: https://www.instagram.com/coach_daylan/

📌 Albert Carmenates: https://www.instagram.com/coach__albert/

Follow us on our Instagram

📌 Sweet Spot Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/the_sweetspot_pod/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.