D3P: A DIII Baseball Podcast

In this D3P Short, we dive into three of the more controversial issues surrounding Division III baseball right now—massive fall tryouts, inflated roster sizes, and the practice of delaying roster cuts until spring semester. With some programs attracting more than 100 players to tryouts every season, we explore what's driving these numbers, and why parents and players are increasingly questioning the process.

We also examine the impact on athletes and their parents, the role of college administrations and whether the current system is serving the best interests of DIII baseball players. Along the way, we share some surprising statistics, challenge a few assumptions, and offer our thoughts on exactly what needs to change.

00:00:00-Introduction

00:03:40-How Cuts Typically Work

00:05:35-The Timing of Cuts

00:07:44-Understanding Enrollment Quotas

00:08:58-DIII Sports as a Revenue Generator

00:11:51-Why Spring Cuts Exist

00:16:29-Consequences for Players and Parents

00:18:49-The JV and Varsity Reserve Experience

00:20:49-Suggestions for Fixing the Problem

00:23:06-Mandatory Tryout Visibility

00:23:52-Elimination of Spring Cuts

00:24:54-JV and Varsity Reserve Upgrades

00:26:22-Improved Conference Support

00:27:48-Better Parent and Player Communication

In this episode of the D3P Division III Baseball Podcast we preview NCAA Region 3 for the 2027 baseball season, covering the Skyline Conference, Empire 8, SUNYAC and Liberty League. During this episode we recap the 2026 season, review conference and NCAA Tournament results, discuss our Region 3 Under-Achiever, identify teams to watch in 2027, predict conference champions and Automatic Qualifiers, evaluate potential At-Large bids and wildcard teams, and revisit our Way Too Early 2027 Preseason Top 10 rankings.

Teams discussed in this episode include Russell Sage, Cortland, Hobart, St. John Fisher, RIT, Farmingdale State, Oswego State, RPI, SUNY Brockport, St. Joseph's Long Island, SUNY Maritime and more.

00:00:00-Introduction

00:09:30-2026 Rewind by Conference

00:16:58-Region 3 Trivia

00:21:30-Teams Who Made Noise in 2026

00:36:30-Region 3 Underachievers

00:42:05-Teams to Watch Skyline

00:46:52-Teams to Watch Empire 8

00:49:58-Teams to Watch SUNYAC

00:53:31-Teams to Watch Liberty League

00:59:39-Conference Champ Predictions

01:31:58-At Large Predictions

01:37:32-Preseason Top 10 Reshuffling

In this episode of the D3P Division III Baseball Podcast we preview NCAA Region 2 for the 2027 baseball season, covering the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC), Conference of New England (CNE) and Little East Conference. During this episode we recap the 2026 season, review conference and NCAA Tournament results, discuss our Region 2 Under-Achiever, identify teams to watch in 2027, predict conference champions and Automatic Qualifiers, evaluate potential At-Large bids and wildcard teams, and revisit our Way Too Early 2027 Preseason Top 10 rankings.

Teams discussed in this episode include Endicott, Southern Maine, Bridgewater State, Eastern Connecticut State, Keene State, Hartford, Nichols, Western New England, UMass Dartmouth, UMass Boston, Salem State, Anna Maria, Worcester State and more.

00:00:00-Introduction

00:09:29-2026 Rewind by Conference

00:14:32-Region 2 Trivia

00:19:00-Teams Who Made Noise in 2026

00:28:43-Region 2 Underachievers

00:37:50-Teams to Watch MASCAC

00:41:28-Teams to Watch CNE

00:45:05-Teams to Watch Little East

00:50:00-Conference Champ Predictions Segment

01:10:13-At Large Predictions Segment

01:14:30-Preseason Top 10 Reshuffling

In this episode of the D3P Division III Baseball Podcast we preview Region 8 for the 2027 season. During this episode we start by looking back at 2026—reviewing conference results, postseason performances, under-achievers and teams who made runs. Then we move on to 2027, breaking down the NACC, SLIAC, HCAC and CCIW in terms of teams to watch, potential favorites, bubble teams, wild cards, auto bids and at large bids. And we finish our discussion by revisiting our Way Too Early 2027 Top 10 and talking about which Region 8 teams could factor into the national picture.

The NCAA DIII baseball teams in Region 8 that we cover in this episode include Aurora, MSOE, Concordia Chicago, Illinois Tech, Concordia Wisconsin, Rockford, Edgewood, Benedictine, St. Norbert, Marian, Dominican, Lakeland, Wisconsin Lutheran, Webster, Spalding, Lyon, MUW, Westminster, Greenville, Eureka, Blackburn, Principia, Transylvania, Earlham, Rose-Hulman, Franklin, Hanover, Anderson, Manchester, Mount St. Joseph, Bluffton, Berea, Millikin, Illinois Wesleyan, North Park, Carthage, Augustana, Wheaton, North Central, Carroll and Elmhurst.

00:00:00-Introduction

00:04:12-High Finishers from 2026

00:08:59-2026 Rewind by Conference

00:14:43-Region 8 Trivia

00:18:15-Teams Who Made Noise in 2026

00:27:22-Region 8 Underachievers

00:32:37-Teams to Watch NACC

00:37:07-Teams to Watch SLIAC

00:39:19-Teams to Watch HCAC

00:42:07-Teams to Watch CCIW

00:47:10-Conference Champ Predictions Segment

01:09:04-At Large Predictions Segment

01:11:46-Preseason Top 10 Reshuffling

In this episode of the D3P Division III Baseball Podcast we preview Region 6 for the 2027 season. During this episode we start by looking back at 2026—reviewing conference results, postseason performances, under-achievers and teams who made runs. Then we move on to 2027, breaking down the USA South, SAA, CCS and ODAC in terms of teams to watch, potential favorites, bubble teams, wild cards, auto bids and at large bids. And we finish our discussion by revisiting our Way Too Early 2027 Top 10 and talking about which Region 6 teams could factor into the national picture.

The NCAA DIII baseball teams in Region 6 include Lynchburg, Shenandoah, Bridgewater, Randolph-Macon, Washington & Lee, Belhaven, Piedmont, Maryville, Huntingdon, LaGrange, Trinity (TX), Rhodes, Centre, Berry, Greensboro, Pfeiffer, Methodist, North Carolina Wesleyan, Southern Virginia, William Peace, Hampden-Sydney, Virginia Wesleyan, Roanoke, Guilford, Eastern Mennonite, Averett, Oglethorpe, Sewanee, Millsaps, Southwestern (TX), Covenant, Asbury, Brevard and Mary Baldwin.

00:00:00-Introduction

00:02:49-High Finishers from 2026

00:10:31-2026 Rewind by Conference

00:15:27-Region 6 Trivia

00:20:54-Teams Who Made Noise in 2026

00:28:41-Region 6 Underachievers

00:33:17-Teams to Watch USA South

00:35:48-Teams to Watch SAA

00:38:25-Teams to Watch CCS

00:40:29-Teams to Watch ODAC

00:45:41-Conference Champ Predictions Segment

01:03:41-At Large Predictions Segment

01:07:26-Preseason Top 10 Reshuffling

In this episode of the D3P Division III Baseball Podcast we talk with Colin McAtee, founder of ProductiveRecruit, about how technology can help high school athletes and college transfers run a smarter and more effective college baseball recruiting process. During this interview we discuss Colin’s path as an athlete, how his own recruiting experience helped lead to the creation of ProductiveRecruit, how the recruiting process has changed, and how athletes can leverage technology to streamline the search for a program.

We also talk about personalizing outreach without making it feel automated, where technology can help and where it can hurt, what good engagement looks like, the growing role of AI in recruiting communication, the importance of followup and organization, knowing when a program is showing legitimate interest, and some of the most common recruiting mistakes that have nothing to do with talent.

00:00:00-Introduction

00:05:54-About Colin McAtee

00:12:18-Founding ProductiveRecruit

00:16:07-Recent Changes in Recruiting

00:20:27-Finding the Right Program Fit

00:23:45-Making Your Initial Outreach Stand Out

00:25:19-Providing What Coaches Want to See

00:27:28-Personalization Versus Volume

00:28:49-When to Use Tech —and When Not To

00:30:42-Tracking Coach Engagement

00:34:37-Using AI in the Recruiting Process

00:38:41-Being Proactive / Using Multiple Outreaches

00:41:07-Deciding When to Move On

00:42:27-Tech for High School and Club Programs

00:47:59-Final Tips for Maximizing Recruiting

In this episode of the D3P Division III Baseball Podcast we welcome back Keith Bateman. Keith is a 23-year DIII baseball head coach and administrator, as well as the father of Toronto Blue Jays starting center fielder Brett Bateman—who was called up to the MLB from AAA just six weeks ago.

During our conversation with Coach Bateman we walk through Brett's entire baseball journey from Keith's perspective—including youth baseball, the balance between being a dad and a coach, the mental side of the game, adversity and failure, college recruiting, knowing when to stop coaching your own kid, and the challenges of watching a son work his way through professional baseball.

We also discuss Brett's path through the Cubs organization, being blocked at the Major League level by Pete Crow-Armstrong, his trade to the Toronto Blue Jays, his MLB call-up and debut, and what it feels like as a parent to suddenly see your son's baseball cards, autographs and likeness become part of the public baseball world. We finish by asking Keith what advice he would give parents who believe their child may have a future in professional baseball.

00:00:00-Introduction

00:04:49-Update on Coach Bateman

00:06:34-The Path to Coaching

00:09:23-Brett's Baseball Background

00:18:04-Managing Brett's Development

00:21:56-Training the Mental Side

00:29:01-Love of the Game

00:30:45-Failures and Roadblocks

00:36:02-When the MLB Dream Became Real

00:39:13-The College Recruiting Process

00:44:21-Separating Dad from Coach

00:47:32-Know When to Step Back

00:50:15-Watching Your Son Struggle

00:54:29-The Trade from the Cubs to the Blue Jays

00:57:29-The Callup, MLB Debut and First At Bat

01:04:03-Handling the Public Side of MLB Fame

01:10:08-Advice for Parents with High Potential Kids

In this episode of the D3P Division III Baseball Podcast we review our SECOND ANNUAL Way Too Early Preseason Top 10 rankings, this time for the 2027 season. During our conversation we discuss the accuracy of past preseason ranking processes, key evaluation factors, and our 2027 Way Too Early Top 10—in addition to bubble teams, wildcards and potential snubs.

00:00:00-Introduction

00:06:08- Last Year's Wildcard Predictions

00:09:30-Previous Season Prediction Accuracy

00:13:52-Factors Considered in Ranking

00:20:14-Wyatt's Top 10 for 2027

00:39:13-Eric's Top 10 for 2027

00:58:43-Wyatt's Bubble for 2027

01:01:10-Eric's Bubble for 2027

01:05:31-Wyatt's Wildcard for 2027

01:06:59-Eric's Wildcard for 2027

01:09:00-Other Teams Considered

01:14:15-The Big Recap

In this episode of the D3P Division III Baseball Podcast we talk with Head Baseball Coach Kevin Anderson from Shenandoah University. During this interview we cover Coach Anderson’s playing and coaching career, his time as the Head Coach at DI James Madison, his transition to Shenandoah, and his 40+ years of sustained coaching success—including 856 career wins, two College World Series appearances, four Regional titles and 10 Coach of the Year awards.

We also recap Shenandoah’s 2026 season, including a 37-12 record, the ODAC Tournament championship, a #6 NPI finish, and the team’s NCAA Regional run. Looking ahead to 2027, we discuss roster losses and additions, impact players to watch, team strengths, pitching philosophy and staff usage, scheduling in one of the toughest conferences in the country, the pursuit of 1,000 career wins, how coaching has changed over the last several decades, recruiting, the Shenandoah brand of baseball, and why potential recruits should consider the program.

00:00:00-Introduction

00:04:39-About Coach Anderson

00:11:05-The Path to Coaching

00:14:30-Recapping the 2026 Season

00:23:58-Key Losses and Holes to Fill

00:28:16-Approach to Transfers

00:32:06-Non Conference Scheduling

00:34:09-Pitching by Committee

00:38:19-The 1000 Career Wins Mark

00:40:09-Good Seasons vs. Great Seasons

00:45:55-Coaching Then and Now

00:51:29-The Shenandoah Brand of Baseball

00:53:34-The Shenandoah Recruiting Pitch

00:54:51-Lightning Round

In this episode of the D3P Division III Baseball Podcast we check in with Head Baseball Coach Rob Schrier from Rhodes College. During this interview we cover Coach Schrier's DIII baseball playing career, his path into coaching, his time in Travel and Club baseball, and his 21 years as an assistant on the Rhodes staff before being named Head Coach just one season ago.

We also recap Rhodes' 2026 season including the team's 30-17 overall record, 13-8 conference record and #35 National Ranking. Looking ahead to 2027 we discuss roster losses and additions, impact players to watch, team strengths, Rhodes' rise into the national conversation, recruiting, the Rhodes brand of baseball, and why potential recruits should consider the program.

00:00:00-Introduction

00:03:49-About Coach Griffiths

00:05:51-Off-Season Activities

00:07:05-The Path to Coaching

00:09:35-2026 Season Recap

00:14:42-Holes to Fill Going into 2027

00:23:13-Key Transfers and New Faces

00:20:02-Strengths as a Team

00:21:13-Non-Conference Scheduling

00:23:07-Waiting 21 Years for a Head Coach Role

00:26:34-Learning as an Assistant

00:27:31-The Changing Travel Ball Landscape

00:29:57-Building a Winning Culture Over Time

00:33:57-The Rhodes Brand of Baseball

00:34:39-The Rhodes Recruiting Pitch

00:36:31-Lightning Round

In this episode of the D3P Division III Baseball Podcast we break down the NCAA’s proposed baseball rule changes for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, including changes that could affect field dimensions, player safety, pace of play, technology, electronic communication and officiating.

Over the course of this episode we review the NCAA rules-making process, then translate each proposed rule into plain English—discussing why the NCAA may be considering it, how it could affect the game, and whether we believe it would improve college baseball. We cover proposed changes including 18-inch bases, the double first base, bat sensors, offensive conferences, limited pitcher disengagements, the three-batter minimum, expanded video review, and ball-and-strike challenges—then finish the episode with our own list of NCAA rules we would like to see changed or added in the future.

00:00:00-Introduction

00:03:16-Why This Show is Important

00:10:31-Overview of the Rules Making Process

00:14:56-Use of Oversized Bases

00:18:50-The Double First Base

00:22:46-Bat Sensor Technology

00:27:13-Offensive Timeouts

00:30:16-Limited Pitcher Disengagements

00:33:12-Limits on Relief Pitchers

00:35:41-Use of Timers Between At Bats

00:37:48-Expanded Use of Replay Challenges

00:41:41-Challenging Ball and Strike Calls

00:45:04-Limits to Electronic Communication

00:48:41-Our Rule Change Wish List

In this episode of the D3P Division III Baseball Podcast we check in with Head Baseball Coach Mitchell Griffiths from Wittenberg. During this interview we cover Coach Griffiths' DII baseball playing career, his path into coaching, and his last-minute promotion from Interim Head Coach to Head Coach two seasons ago.

We also recap Wittenberg's 2026 season including the team's 31-13 overall record, 12-4 conference record and NCAA-leading offense. Looking ahead to 2027 we discuss roster losses and additions, impact players to watch, team strengths, Wittenberg's rise into the national conversation, the team's NPI Top 15 ranking, recruiting, the Wittenberg brand of baseball, and why potential recruits should consider the program.

00:00:00-Introduction

00:06:58-About Coach Griffiths

00:10:52-Off-Season Activities

00:12:00-The Path to Coaching

00:16:22-2026 Season Recap

00:21:05-Holes to Fill Going into 2027

00:23:13-Key Transfers and New Faces

00:27:44-Strengths as a Team

00:30:05-Non-Conference Scheduling

00:33:25-Competing in Conference with Denison

00:36:30-Comparing DII and DIII Baseball

00:39:55-The Wittenberg Program Turnaround

00:46:03-The Wittenberg Brand of Baseball

00:46:38-The Wittenberg Recruiting Pitch

00:48:47-Lightning Round

In this episode of the D3P Division III Baseball Podcast we talk with Head Baseball Coach Travis Beazley from the University of Lynchburg. During this interview we cover Coach Beazley's college and MiLB playing career, his path into coaching, his time at Lynchburg as an Assistant Coach, his transition into the Head Coach role, and his program's 2023 National Title run.

We also recap Lynchburg's 2026 season, including the ODAC regular-season championship, the ODAC conference tournament, the team's run to the Super Regional, and the season-ending matchup with eventual CWS participant ETBU. Looking ahead to 2027, we discuss roster losses and additions, impact players to watch, team strengths, scheduling in the NPI era, recruiting, the Lynchburg brand of baseball, and why potential recruits should consider the program.

00:00:00-Introduction

00:06:28-About Coach Beazley

00:10:44-The Path to Coaching

00:18:04-Recapping the 2026 Season

00:23:13-Key Losses and Holes to Fill

00:25:50-New Faces and Transfers In

00:28:31-Strengths and Potential in 2027

00:31:15-The Jump in Offensive Production

00:36:09-Scheduling Strategy

00:39:34-Playing in the MiLB vs. Coaching

00:43:27-Inheriting a National Champion

00:47:47-Learning from Pro Ball

00:50:55-Why Players Should Consider Lynchburg

00:54:08-Lightning Round

In this episode of the D3P Division III Baseball Podcast we check in with Head Baseball Coach Justin Scali from Piedmont University. During this interview we cover Coach Scali’s DIII baseball playing career, his path into coaching, his 12 years as an assistant at Piedmont, and his transition into the Head Coach role.

We also recap Piedmont’s 2026 season, including the CCS regular-season and tournament championships, an undefeated Regional run, the program’s first Super Regional appearance, and the season-ending matchup with eventual National Champion Denison. Looking ahead to 2027, we discuss roster losses and additions, impact players to watch, team strengths, scheduling in the NPI era, Piedmont’s rise into the national conversation, recruiting, the Piedmont brand of baseball, and why potential recruits should consider the program.

00:00:00-Introduction

00:04:59-About Coach Scali

00:07:46-Off-Season Activities

00:08:59-The Path to Coaching

00:12:10-2026 Season Recap

00:18:08-Holes to Fill Going into 2027

00:19:35-Key Transfers and New Faces

00:20:42-Strengths as a Team

00:22:48-Non-Conference Scheduling

00:25:35-Opening the NPI at #14

00:32:16-Transitioning from Player to Coach

00:35:27-The Piedmont Brand of Baseball

00:36:44-The Piedmont Recruiting Pitch

00:39:40-Lightning Round

In this episode of the D3P Division III Baseball Podcast we interview the newly hired Head Baseball Coach of UW Platteville Aidan Wojciehowski. During this interview we cover Coach Woj's experience as a player, his path to coaching, his experience as an assistant at Loras College, and his road to the WIAC. We also discuss the UW Platteville opportunity, what made the job the right fit, what Coach Woj has learned in his first few days as a Head Coach, and how he plans to build the Platteville program moving forward.

This interview concludes with a discussion about competing in the WIAC, the type of players he wants to recruit, the identity he hopes to establish at UW Platteville, and what a successful first year would look like for the Pioneers.

00:00:00-Introduction

00:05:07-About Coach Woj

00:09:37-The UW Platteville Opportunity

00:10:54-The Interview Process

00:12:40-Excitement About the Job

00:13:30-About Platteville as a School

00:15:35-Opportunities in the Baseball Program

00:16:45-Coaching Staff Plans

00:19:43-Challenges of the HC Role

00:23:28-Leaving Loras

00:25:25-Message to Current Players

00:31:06-The Platteville Recruiting Profile

00:32:43-Defining Year 1 Success

00:34:48-Lightning Round

In this episode of the D3P Division III Baseball Podcast we wrap up the 2026 season with our biggest show of the year—our End of Season Awards Show—and, completely by accident, our historic 100th episode.

Over the course of this episode we hand out 60 Division III baseball awards across 12 different categories, recognizing players, units, and programs from across Division III in a way that goes well beyond the standard postseason awards. Some categories are stat-driven, some are storyline-driven, some are serious, and a few are just for fun—but the goal of this episode is to spread the spotlight, celebrate how deep DIII baseball truly is, and give recognition to as many deserving teams and players as possible.

In this episode of the D3P Division III Baseball Podcast, we break down all three days of opening weekend for the 2026 DIII Baseball College World Series with special guest Will Miner—including game scores and breakdowns for the opening round, the winner's bracket, and the loser's bracket

Teams discussed in this episode include Adrian, Baldwin Wallace, Denison, East Texas Baptist, Endicott, Johns Hopkins, Rowan and Salisbury.

In this episode of the D3P Division III Baseball Podcast, we break down the 2026 NCAA Division III Baseball Super Regional Round—one matchup at a time. We start by walking through the final 16 teams in the national tournament, looking at which teams came up one series short of the College World Series, and which eight teams punched their tickets to Eastlake, Ohio. We also talk through the biggest Super Regional storylines—including dominant sweeps, season-ending upsets and standout individual performances. To wrap it up, we unveil the College World Series matchups and brackets, and provide unofficial money lines and betting odds for the eight teams still competing for a National Championship.

Teams discussed in this episode include Adrian, Baldwin Wallace, Bethany Lutheran, Claremont Mudd Scripps, Denison, East Texas Baptist, Endicott, Johns Hopkins, Lynchburg, Messiah, Piedmont, Randolph-Macon, Rowan, Salisbury, Salve Regina and UChicago.

In this episode of the D3P Division III Baseball Podcast, we break down the 2026 NCAA Division III Baseball Regional Round. Instead of our normal weekly scoreboard format, this episode goes regional-by-regional through the full 64-team field, looking at which teams went 0-2, which teams were eliminated second, which teams finished one series short of a Super Regional, and which 16 teams advanced. We also talk through the biggest regional storylines—including top NPI teams that survived, favorites that fell short, lower-NPI teams that broke through, and upcoming Super Regional matchups.

Teams discussed in this episode include Adrian, Aurora, Babson, Baldwin Wallace, Belhaven, Bethany Lutheran, Bridgewater (VA), Bridgewater St., Centre, Christopher Newport, Claremont Mudd Scripps, Concordia (TX), Cortland, Denison, DePauw, DeSales, East Tex. Baptist, Endicott, Farmingdale St., Grinnell, Hobart, Husson, Johns Hopkins, Kalamazoo, Kean, Luther, Lynchburg, Macalester, Mary Washington, Marymount (VA), Maryville (TN), Messiah, Millikin, Mitchell, Montclair St., Mount Union, Penn St.-Behrend, Penn St. Harrisburg, Pfeiffer, Piedmont, Pomona-Pitzer, Ramapo, Randolph-Macon, Rhodes, RIT, Rowan, Russell Sage, Salisbury, Salve Regina, Scranton, Shenandoah, Southern Maine, Transylvania, Trinity (CT), Tufts, UChicago, Washington & Jefferson, WashU, Wartburg, Webster, Whitworth, UW La Crosse, UW Whitewater and Wittenberg.

In this episode of the D3P Division III Baseball Podcast we speak with Ben Cooprider, Chair of the National DIII Baseball Committee, on the eve of the 2026 National Tournament. During our conversation Ben breaks down his own path through DIII athletics and explains the role of the National Committee—and also walks us through how Regional and Super Regional host sites are selected, what the committee actually controls during playoff season, and how the NCAA handles the road from Conference Tournament week to the final 8.

We also use this interview to dig into several of the most common concerns DIII baseball fans and coaches raise about the College World Series, including host-site selection, weather-related flexibility, and whether the event itself feels as community-driven and well-supported as DIII baseball deserves. We close by asking Ben about the future of the CWS, possible event upgrades, and whether the NCAA sees the same massive opportunity in front of DIII baseball that so many people around the sport now believe is real.