Explore every episode of the podcast The Baseball Forward Podcast

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

On today's episode (#101) of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross and guest host, Aaron Cunningham break down the college baseball recruiting process and what every player should know. Their focus is 1) When the recruiting process starts for a baseball player, 2)Understanding college options and being realistic with the process, 3)Knowing what college recruiting really looks like.

00:35 Introduction and talking about first live episode

04:01 The start to the recruiting process

13:01 Know your options, be realistic

24:01 What real recruiting interactions look like

36:15 Aaron gives himself advice

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

On today's episode of The Baseball Forward Podcast #100, Jim and Ross reflect on 100 episodes of the podcast and what a long, strange trip it's been! They dig on the importance of learning, self-coaching and they give some sound advice for baseball players, coaches and parents. 

01:13 Reflecting on 100 episodes

04:30 The importance of continuous learning

11:58 Being your own best coach

19:51 Adversity built into the game

33:01 Evaluating players for the next level

40:25 Lighthearted reflection

45:35 Baseball advice to parents

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the Dallas College North Lake Blazers, Mr. Jimmy Martin. Here’s Episode 99 of The Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the Owner & Director of TCS Post Grad in Melissa, TX, Mr. Logan Harrington. Here’s Episode 98 of The Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with one of the most highly regarded Right-Handed Pitching Prospects in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, Mr. Hayden Durke. Here’s Episode 97 of The Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Baseball Coach for the Cisco College Wranglers in Cisco, TX, Mr. Cam Vega. Here’s Episode 96 of The Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Aaron Cunningham as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

The focus of today’s episode of Recruiting 101: High School Tryouts & College Camps. This is Episode 95 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with a sophomore LHP for McLennan Community College in Waco, TX, Mr. Carson Bailey. Here’s Episode 94 of The Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the Head Baseball Coach at Brookhaven College in Dallas, TX, Mr. Shaquille Thomas. Here’s Episode 93 of The Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Baseball Coach for the Dallas Baptist University Patriots, Mr. Tyler Johnson. Here’s Episode 92 of The Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the widely popular, vintage ballplayer of Banana Ball's newest team, The Indianapolis Clowns, Mr. Fisher Polydoroff. Here’s Episode 91 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Episode Chapter Markers:

03:15 The spirit and heart of Fisher

06:45 Banana Ball over traditional route of baseball

17:30 Ole Knuckles key to a knuckleball

23:05 Fisher's style

35:00 The intentionality of Fisher's day-to-day

40:30 Training for baseball

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with a LHP for The Texas Tailgaters of Banana Ball, Mr. Christian Davis. Here’s Episode 90 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Episode Chapter Markers:

02:30 How Christian got into Banana Ball

07:15 Is there competition between Banana Ball and MLB

12:50 Expectations and the business of Banana Ball

20:30 How this experience has helped Christian

29:00 Being on the road

32:35 MLB and Banana Ball mixed

42:20 Elevating the next generation advice

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s episode is dedicated solely to the college recruiting process. This is Recruiting: 101 with Aaron Cunningham and Ross Hawley on Episode 89 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Episode Chapter Markers:

03:45 Player exposure to college programs

11:50 Late bloomers

15:25 Traveling for travel ball

25:00 Regional recruiting

39:10 Transfer portal conversation

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with World Series Champion and former MLB RHP, Mr. Chad Durbin. Here’s Episode 88 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Episode Chapter Markers:

00:01:15 Intro and breakfast talk

00:05:40 Chad's optimistic outlook on life

00:11:05 Maturing and smiling at adversity

00:18:20 Winston Churchill mindset

00:22:30 Mentality on the mound for developing pitchers

00:28:45 Chad talks about his wife finding out he was a big leaguer

00:36:00 What pitchers should be doing in December

00:40:45 Learning to throw breaking pitches

00:47:30 Understanding what pitches you should throw

1:00:05 How to learn about baseball analytics

1:05:00 Chad's thoughts on Tommy John and his son's experience

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with Assistant Coach & Recruiting Coordinator for Weatherford College, Mr. Tanner Rockwell. Here’s Episode 87 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Episode Chapter Markers:

03:00 Reasons for Weatherford success

07:05 Premium JuCo's destination schools now?

13:50 Specific steps to get noticed by Weatherford

16:10 Pro mindset in recruits

21:45 Methods of recruiting

25:00 How Tanner Rockwell became a coach

31:20 Transitioning from a player to a coach

35:10 Advice for baseball players - elevating the next generation

42:03 Why do you coach?

46:15 Advice for youth coaches

50:45 Common denominator in successful players

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s episode features a new monthly segment we’ve added to the show, dedicated solely to the college recruiting process. This is Recruiting: 101 with Aaron Cunningham and Ross Hawley on Episode 86 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Episode Chapter Markers:

04:10 The start to the recruiting process

08:08 Getting a coach to notice you

11:10 Best way to communicate with college coaches

16:45 Choosing the best program

23:15 NCSA talk, other recruiting services, who to trust

28:50 College levels breakdown

35:50 Including your coach in the recruiting process

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with an Assistant Coach for Ranger College, Mr. Pat Day. Here’s Episode 85 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the Head Coach of the Saint John’s University Johnnies, in Minnesota Mr. Scott Lieser. Here’s Episode 84 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with a former OF/1B for the Texas Rangers, Mr. Jason Botts. Here’s Episode 83 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the Head Coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers, Mr. Steve Sabins. Here’s Episode 82 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s episode features a new monthly segment we’ve added to the show, dedicated solely to the college recruiting process. This is Recruiting: 101 with Aaron Cunningham and Ross Hawley on Episode 81 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with longtime Miami Marlins Scout, Mr. Scott Stanley. Here’s Episode 80 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the head baseball coach of the Augustana University Vikings in majestic Sioux Falls, SD, Mr. Tim Huber. Here’s Episode 79 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the winningest baseball coach in Baylor University history, Mr. Steve Smith. Here’s Episode 78 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

Learn more about Coach Smith's Does God Care About Baseball?

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with one of the best Mental Performance Coaches in North America, my good buddy, Mr. Curtis Pelletier. Here’s Episode 77 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the Head Baseball Coach at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC, Mr. Jim Chester. Here’s Episode 76 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode of the Baseball Forward Podcast is brought to you by The Bertrand Team. Experience. Service. Excellence. Serving Dallas-Ft. Worth and North Texas, visit https://bertrandteamrealestate.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the High School Director for The Hunter Pence Baseball Academy, in Houston, TX. He’s also the creator and administrator for the very popular Texas High School & Travel Baseball Facebook Group. He’s Mr. Aaron Cunningham. Here’s Episode 75 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode of the Baseball Forward Podcast is brought to you by The Bertrand Team. Experience. Service. Excellence. Serving Dallas-Ft. Worth and North Texas, visit https://bertrandteamrealestate.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with Prep Baseball Report’s #7 ranked incoming freshman for the 2026 season, a RHP for the LSU Tigers, Mr. Marcos Paz. Here’s Episode 74 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode of the Baseball Forward Podcast is brought to you by The Bertrand Team. Experience. Service. Excellence. Serving Dallas-Ft. Worth and North Texas, visit https://bertrandteamrealestate.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with one of the most recognizable baseball figures on social media, @CoachRayAllDay himself, Mr. Ray Navarrete. Here’s Episode 73 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode of the Baseball Forward Podcast is brought to you by The Bertrand Team. Experience. Service. Excellence. Serving Dallas-Ft. Worth and North Texas, visit https://bertrandteamrealestate.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the Head Men’s Basketball Coach for Northern State University in amazing Aberdeen, SD, Mr. Matt Wilber. Here’s Episode 72 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode of the Baseball Forward Podcast is brought to you by The Bertrand Team. Experience. Service. Excellence. Serving Dallas-Ft. Worth and North Texas, visit https://bertrandteamrealestate.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with Mr. Ross Steedley, an Assistant Coach for the Appalachian State Mountaineers, in beautiful Boone, NC. Here’s Episode 71 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode of the Baseball Forward Podcast is brought to you by The Bertrand Team. Experience. Service. Excellence. Serving Dallas-Ft. Worth and North Texas, visit https://bertrandteamrealestate.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with Mr. James Leverton, Head Coach of the McLennan Community College Highlanders in Waco, TX. Here’s Episode 70 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode of the Baseball Forward Podcast is brought to you by The Bertrand Team. Experience. Service. Excellence. Serving Dallas-Ft. Worth and North Texas, visit https://bertrandteamrealestate.com.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the Head Baseball Coach at Sacramento City College in Sacramento, CA, Mr. Derek Sullivan. Here’s Episode 69 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode is presented by Southpaw Hat Co. For more information and to shop their latest, visit https://southpawhatco.com. Enter code BALLFWD at checkout for 10% off your order.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with “The King of Baseball & Softball Music”… The Baseball & Softball Motivator himself, Mr. CJ Beatty.  Here’s Episode 68 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode is presented by Southpaw Hat Co. For more information and to shop their latest, visit https://southpawhatco.com. Enter code BALLFWD at checkout for 10% off your order.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the Owner & Operator of The Field General Academy in Elkhorn, NE. He’s widely considered one of the premier catching coaches in all of baseball. You can find him on social media @goodrocatching. Here’s Mr. Tyler Goodro on Episode 67 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode is presented by Southpaw Hat Co. For more information and to shop their latest, visit https://southpawhatco.com. Enter code BALLFWD at checkout for 10% off your order.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with a World Series Champion, a RHP who spent 14 seasons in the big leagues and now owns and operates Pitching Performance Academy in Baton Rouge, LA, Mr. Chad Durbin. Here’s Episode 66 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode is presented by Southpaw Hat Co. For more information and to shop their latest, visit https://southpawhatco.com. Enter code BALLFWD at checkout for 10% off your order.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the Founder & Owner of Jaeger Sports, Mr. Alan Jaeger. Here’s Episode 65 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode is presented by Southpaw Hat Co. For more information and to shop their latest, visit https://southpawhatco.com. Enter code BALLFWD at checkout for 10% off your order.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the Founder, CEO and Design Director for Warstic, Mr. Ben Jenkins. Here’s Episode 64 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode is presented by Southpaw Hat Co. For more information and to shop their latest, visit https://southpawhatco.com. Enter code BALLFWD at checkout for 10% off your order.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the Pitching Coach for Tarleton State University, Mr. RD Spiehs. Here’s Episode 63 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode is presented by Southpaw Hat Co. For more information and to shop their latest, visit https://southpawhatco.com. Enter code BALLFWD at checkout for 10% off your order.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the the winningest pitching coach in NCAA D1 history, Mr. Brent Kemnitz, of Wichita State University. Here’s Episode 62 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode is presented by Southpaw Hat Co. For more information and to shop their latest, visit https://southpawhatco.com. Enter code BALLFWD at checkout for 10% off your order.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the Pitching Coach for The Air Force Academy, Mr. Kyle Winkler. Here’s Episode 61 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode is presented by Southpaw Hat Co. For more information and to shop their latest, visit https://southpawhatco.com. Enter code BALLFWD at checkout for 10% off your order.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the Head Coach of The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Mr. Chris Morris. Here’s Episode 60 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode is presented by Southpaw Hat Co. For more information and to shop their latest, visit https://southpawhatco.com. Enter code BALLFWD at checkout for 10% off your order.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with former Wichita State RHP, the son of Jim and Stephanie, Mr. Willie Schwanke. Here’s Episode 59 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode is presented by Southpaw Hat Co. For more information and to shop their latest, visit https://southpawhatco.com. Enter code BALLFWD at checkout for 10% off your order.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with my former teammate, best friend and twin brother, Mr. Ryan Hawley (Part 2). Here’s Episode 58 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode is presented by Southpaw Hat Co. For more information and to shop their latest, visit https://southpawhatco.com. Enter code BALLFWD at checkout for 10% off your order.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the Head Coach of Odessa College, Mr. David Wood. Here’s Episode 57 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode is presented by Southpaw Hat Co. For more information and to shop their latest, visit https://southpawhatco.com. Enter code BALLFWD at checkout for 10% off your order.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

On today's episode, Ross and Jim discuss the evolution of Baseball Forward. They discuss the 5 Pillars of Baseball, Baseball Forward's Mind Map Series and what they're wanting to accomplish with Baseball Forward, as a company. Here’s Episode 56 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode is presented by Southpaw Hat Co. For more information and to shop their latest, visit https://southpawhatco.com. Enter code BALLFWD at checkout for 10% off your order.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with a former OF/1B for the Texas Rangers, Mr. Jason Botts. Here’s Episode 55 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode is presented by Southpaw Hat Co. For more information and to shop their latest, visit https://southpawhatco.com. Enter code BALLFWD at checkout for 10% off your order.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with Sean McKinney, Associate Head Coach for NCAA Division II power Colorado Mesa University. Here’s Episode 54 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode is presented by Southpaw Hat Co. For more information and to shop their latest, visit https://southpawhatco.com. Enter code BALLFWD at checkout for 10% off your order.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with a former World Series Champion and RHP who spent 14 seasons in the big leagues, Mr. Chad Durbin. Here’s Episode 53 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode is presented by Southpaw Hat Co. For more information and to shop their latest, visit https://southpawhatco.com. Enter code BALLFWD at checkout for 10% off your order.

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

Today’s guest conversation is with the South Texas/Louisiana Area Scout for the Arizona Diamondbacks AND the Chief Operating Officer of the Texas Twelve, Mr. Justin Seely. Here’s Episode 52 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.

For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.

This episode is presented by Southpaw Hat Co. For more information and to shop their latest, visit https://southpawhatco.com. Enter code BALLFWD at checkout for 10% off your order.